Somewhere there is a thread...
IIRC, the idea was to make a dreadnaught (and eventually, also a jumbo) that had a "vintage" sound from the get go, thus the "V" in the model designation... The DV-52/62 first appear in the SN lists in 1993, but in
my list, I note 1992 intro date for the 52, and 93 for the 62, probably info from Hans' posts on the forum. IIRC, this was AFTER George Gruhn left Guild, but BEFORE Fender bought Guild...
Some of the earliest DV-52s were mis-labeled as D-52s (a model from the mid-80s). Compunding the confusion, the two models shared the EK serial number prefix. The two models can be distinguished by their headstock, with the 1980's
D-52 having the older domed or center raised heastock, and 90s and later
DV-52s having snakehead headstock.nIIRC, the earliest DV-52s had a satin finish, with the DV-62 having the "High Gloss." Later, the 62 was dropped, and the 52s got "High Gloss (HG) finish."
The DV-52 was the "base" for the DV-7X/8X series with the fancy turquoise, malachite, pearl, etc inlays introduced in 1993 with the DV-72.
Hope I got all that correct...