Guild D-35 vs D-50 vs G -37 (which to buy & why)

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Hey LTG I’m about the pull the trigger on one of these vintage guilds, that by my own research seem to all be uniquely great, but
could we discuss the differences between the three and which I should buy ?
 

Westerly Wood

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If money was not the issue here, as a D35 will be quite more affordable than a D50 or even a G37 for that matter, I would start with the D50. It is your quintessential bluegrass dreadnaught. Super loud and can carry many a songwriter/singer at a solo gig. LIke the Martin D-28 but louder and more evenness of the volume across all strings. Don't get me wrong, I love me a good D-28. But a Guild D50 is just grittier. Meaner...

I have owned 4 D35s, they are rather standard ho-hum spruce/hog all solid wood dreads. Real clear and a good all around workhorse but will not have the sustain of a D50 or power.

G37 is spruce top and maple b/s but an arched back so should be some good volume output and be brighter in sound vs the D50 and D35. I think the G37 is the most unique of the 3 old Guild dreads, as the D35 and D50 are not really "unique" but IMHO, just great all around standard dreads that most other old guitar mfgs make. Guild just does something better with their builds re volume output vs other mfgs.

So all 3 solid wood dreads, but the back of the G37 would be laminate

D50--Spruce/Rosewood cannon
D35--Spruce/Mahogany workhorse
G37--Spruce/Maple brighter, more clarity, probably better dread for fingerstyle.

My first buy would be the D50.

The order of the other 2 would not matter...:)

Nice collection either way!
 

stormin1155

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I have no experience with a G-37. I used to have a '72 D-35, and I've had several D-50s through my shop, so I've worked on them and played them a bit. My D-35 was very unimpressive. I didn't keep it long. It also had a very skinny neck that I just couldn't connect with. The D-50s I've played were all outstanding, and I would love to have owned any of them. I currently have a G-312, which is essentially a 12-string D-50, and it sounds like a choir of angels.
 

wileypickett

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So many variables! Are they all in good condition? Do any need work? Have any had work done? When were they built? (Guild varied their build styles over the years.) Does the seller allow returns if you don't dig the guitar?

Without being able to test drive them before you plunk your money down, you're kind of buying a pig in a poke.

I own (or have owned) all three models. My Hoboken-made D-50 is my favorite of the three. I prefer both my Westerly D-35 and my Westerly G-37 to my Westerly D-50.

In terms of why, that's just personal preference based on what I've come to most look for in a guitar: that it be punchy, not too resonant, that there be good string separation.

Then there are all the other variables; is the body size comfortable, the string spacing, the feel of fingerboard and neck, the action?

A lot of this stuff we can't really answer for you.

"Does the seller allow returns if you don't dig the guitar?" might be the most critical of all those questions.

(Guitar Center has inexpensive shipping and an excellent returns policy BTW. You might want to check there first.)

Let us know what you decide!
 

Rebosbro

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I am the proud owner of a 76 D-50. Have owned several Martins but ended up selling(trading for other guitars) all of them because I only played the Guild because it just plays and sounds amazing!
We are expecting pictures once the you decide.
Paul
 

gjmalcyon

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Welcome - stick around. Nice bunch of folks around here.

I currently own two of the three (D-35 and G-37) and two other Guild rosewood dreadnoughts. These are all very different guitars, and the only suggestion I can offer is you'll have to try all three (or buy all three - if you stick around here you might end up like that).

Every one of those guitars has both unbelievably great examples as well as "meh" examples. I would think a great D-35 would make you happier than a meh D-50.
 

bobouz

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Well, you couldn’t ask for three more different dreads in terms of body wood. Additionally there will be build variables from era to era, and then there’s the question of your musical style & the type of tonal response you’re looking for. Do you want an instrument with ringing sustain, or are you after a more percussive sound with quick decay?

If forced to generalize:
- Mahogany (D-35) for covering a variety of styles.
- Rosewood (D-50) for a deeper resonance.
- Maple (G-37) for punch & separation of notes.

LTG approved solution > Buy all three!
 
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Stuball48

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Stay Lucky:
Yep, as has been pointed out and explained so beautifully - three different guitars.
You are aware that it is very difficult to own just one Guild so my suggestion is to buy all three if money not an issue (would be for me). And you have the basic tonewoods covered.
Plus, welcome to a great and knowledgeable guitar folks.
 

Br1ck

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As far as a D 35 goes, for me it is entirely dependent on vintage. My '70 is very light. I've played mid to late '70s D 35 and D 40s that did nothing for me. My 70 gets played a lot and I own a Martin D 35 and a 65 Epiphone Texan among others. My Guild gets played as much if not more. But you need to like what it does. Someone before complained about the neck, which is a major reason I like mine. It is not a bluegrass monster if that is what you are looking for, but it is balanced and articulate. It's a fine guitar to sing with and will reward fast clean picking and punish sloppy technique. It is mahogany and won't have the resonant bloom of a rosewood guitar.

I've never cared for maple for a guitar, but it will certainly cut through in a group setting. Rosewood certainly has it's charms. If it's a matter of buying one sight unseen, the D 50 might be the way to go. There are far too many variables and we would at least need to know what you play and the age of the guitars. But I really like my D 35, but it took me a while to learn it's strengths.

80 D 35 vs New Hartford D 50 would be easy choice, 70 D 35 vs 85 D 50 would be much harder. Neither if what you really want is a Martin and you are trying to save a few bucks.
 

HeyMikey

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It would be helpful to first understand a little bit about your style of play and what you expect from the guitar?

What type of music do you expect to play with it - blues, folk, rock, pop, other?

Do you play solo , duo, band?

Instrumental or with vocals?

Acoustic or through amplification?

What other guitars do you have?

What do you expect it to do for you?
 

Antney

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I have only one good acoustic...d50. I have never looked back or have ever considered a replacement or another guitar. My sons band mates have commented that it’s the nicest acoustic they have ever played, and their stable includes all Martin and Taylor’s.
 

crank

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Similar to Antney, I have 1 good acoustic 6 string - a G37. Everyone who plays it comments on how easy it is to play and how great it sounds. Would I trade it for a Martin? Yes, but only one that really knocked my socks off. A Taylor? I played one that yes I would switch but I have played plenty of Martins and Taylors and most don't = my Guild in tone or playability.

I could never choose my 1 guitar by ordering online though. You gotta play it to know.
 
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