Newbie wants input on Booming Dreadnaught

[bluepen]

Hi Guilders-

This is my first post. I'm SERIOUSLY considering joining the guild of Guild. I have and love two Larrivees and am a regular on that forum.

So here's my deal: I'm an intermediate player that has historically been an acoustic strummer/ electric wailer. Getting a few Larrivees has prompted me to try to learn a more subtle approach. I do however participate in a "basement" bluegrass jam and am looking for a booming dread to compete with banjos, etc.

I've played a few brand new D-50s and must say I'm very impressed with volume and tone. They are atop my list. However, being new, very few used ones are available. In order to save $$$ I'd prefer used. I'm also a sucker for older guitars, never had one--always wanted one.

So here's my questions:
1) Are the "old" D-50s with Sitka as boomy as the new Red Spruce models?
2) How does a D-55 compare to the new D-50?
3) Are there any other models I should consider? (I think I can't go the Jumbo route because of recent shoulder surgeries)
4) There's lots of D-25s and D-35s available (I think they're maghogany). I'm partial to rsoewood, but I do like mahog, but will probably be giving up some volume, true?

I've done some searching on this forum and don't want to rehash something that has been summarized previously (so if you can direct me to an appropriate thread, please do so).

I look forward to your input now, and in the future.

Thanks a lot, Penner

 

[West R Lee]

I've got but one thing to say Blue.......and there would be some ticked off puppies here :twisted:

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-1977-78-GUI ... 240%3A1318

And welcome to the site......oops, that's two things.

West

 

[Graham]

Hey Penner, welcome to LTG.

You will get many opinions here and take them for what you paid for them. :wink:

I think the main differences between the D50 and the D55 are the trim level, more bling on the 55. I also think the 55 has a higher grade top and I believe the 55 has scalloped braces whereas the 50 does not.

I have not heard a 55 that doesn't sound fantastic.

I would put a DV52 next in line though, IMHO. If you want a rosewood dread without all of the bling, but a gorgeous sound and the scalloped bracing, a Westerly DV52 is for you. And they're priced very well coming in around or just under $1000. D55 will run you $1500 and up most likely.

I shall be corrected.

 

[West R Lee]

Nah, good advice there Graham. Blue, you need to listen to Grammy, there's a story about him in Vintage Guitar magazine!

West

 

[Default]

Play as many as you can, and the one will buy you.

 

[steverok]

Play as many as you can, and the one will buy you.

I guess that means you would be "sold", as it were.

 

[GardMan]

Wlecome to LTG...
I've never heard an A/B/C of a D-55/DV-52/D-50... but from listening (reading?) a lot of discussions here, I might expect the D-50 to have a bit more of the "in your face" sound that a bluegrass player might want.

On the other hand, there are a couple '70s D-25s on eBay right now that might go for <$500 (one has a BIN of $500):
1979... (like to see the bridge on this one up close... looks like a line that might be a crack)
1977...

I'd bet my D-25 could give a rosewood dread a run for the money in terms of volume, and that arched back really booms out the bass end like rosewood, but with some of the brightness of 'hog.
Dave

 

[Metalman]

Bluepen,

First of all, welcome to the forum. This is a great place to collect info about Guilds.

The new D-50 has that red spruce top you mentioned, is a really great guitar, and if you can afford it, go for it.

I have a '82 D-50 that is topped off with a sitka spruce top. I love it, but like I mentioned on another post, if I lost it, I would have no qualms about going out and picking up a new model.

But, the older D-50s have a certain charm to them. No, that is not the right word . . . they are small cannons! I love mine, it is almost the perfect guitar.

And they can be found on Ebay, Craigslist, or even sometimes on the LTG forum. A used one will cost you much less, and they are a better deal than any Martin or Taylor.

If you want to try mahogany, then the runner-up is the D-40. That is probably the most popular Guild acoustic ever made. For good reason. It's loud, lightweight, and affordable. Either a new one (with red spruce top), or a used model.

The D-40 is a little more boomy, a tighter sound, and not quite as bright or has as much upper mids as a rosewood guitar will deliver.
But you've got to play them for yourself; only then can you find the guitar that is right for you.

My suggestion: If you can play one of these, either at at store, or at someone's home, play the guitar, then play it with another musician playing with you. Either a guitar, bass, or piano. It is at that point we tend to play a little bit harder, and also to see how the guitar cuts through the mix of other musicians.

After all, that is how you will be using this new guitar, isn't it?

 

[Firebird]

Welcome to this great forum, you'll love it here. I too am a basement bluegrasser.

My love affair with Guild guitars has lasted over 30 years and have been lucky to have played many nice Guilds over the years. I can brag all day long about the tone and construction of their guitars but never will I brag about the volume. I have never heard an acoustic Guild that can over-power a Martin D28 or any banjo. Tone quality-yes, volume-no.

Now, the only exception to this may be a Tacoma built D40BJ or a D50BS but I think it depends on the individual instrument.

I will say this: When I walk into a bluegrass jam with my D55, I get all kinds of special attention for the way my guitar looks and sounds. I just wish all Guilds were louder next to other popular bluegrass instruments.

 

[plaidseason]

I don't necessarily agree or disagree when it comes to flat-back Guild dreads vs. Martin D-28. But, I've always found the arched-back D-25s to be pretty friggin' loud.

Welcome to this great forum, you'll love it here. I too am a basement bluegrasser.

My love affair with Guild guitars has lasted over 30 years and have been lucky to have played many nice Guilds over the years. I can brag all day long about the tone and construction of their guitars but never will I brag about the volume. I have never heard an acoustic Guild that can over-power a Martin D28 or any banjo. Tone quality-yes, volume-no.

Now, the only exception to this may be a Tacoma built D40BJ or a D50BS but I think it depends on the individual instrument.

I will say this: When I walk into a bluegrass jam with my D55, I get all kinds of special attention for the way my guitar looks and sounds. I just wish all Guilds were louder next to other popular bluegrass instruments.

 

[chazmo]

Welcome to the LTG forum, and good info in this thread! There are some GF models out there that are smaller jumbos which might be good for you, but they're not as common. Boy, if I were in your shoes, I'd be walking home with the 2008 D-50 I played last week at the music store, but the search for the right guitar is a ton of fun. Enjoy it.

Be patient. Keep trying.

Indeed, wait for one you like to come up for sale here. I've bought 3 of my herd from the good folks of LTG, though it was a surprising store purchase that set me on the path.

 

[bluepen]

Thanks for all the input so far, I really appreciate it.

I just spent over an hour alphabetizing my albums (yes I STILL have them) on a new shelf that I made for them. Strangest mix of music that ended up next to one another? The Monkees and Ministry. I also saw for the first time in a while that I have probably 20 Elvis Costello LPs and EPs, he ruled my music universe for quite a while.

Anyway, I do love the "hunt" for the "right" guitar. I've really only come to appreciate this in the last year. The bad news is I have a limited selection here in rural WI. Dave's Guitars in LaCrosse is phenomenal, but 2 hours away, so I can only get up there every so often. Madison has an unbelievable Larrivee shop with a handful of Guilds.

At another shop I did play a new D-50 (mentioned in original post), the problem was it was a manufacturer's rep model and while it sounded great, it had several finish flaws, and even at a discounted price I couldn't justify buying such an imperfect new guitar. Used...fine, I expect buckle rash, etc. They had a new Richie Havens D-40 at a phenomenal price, and it was a fine guiar, but not "the one" for my current niche. If I had extra money lying around, I would be playing it right now.

So the search continues. I'd be comfortable buying from a forum (from an established poster), but still have the heebee-geebees about eBay. Elderly Music in Lansing MI has lots of nice used gits move through their shop and I'd be totally comfy buying from them.

Can you recommend any other on-line stores for used Guild's?

Thanks folks.

 

[fungusyoung]

You really cannot go wrong with a Tacoma or Westerly built D50 or D55, but the DV52 is a cannon.... and an undervalued one at that. Try one if you can find one.

 

[Graham]

Here's a DV52 that may go for a good price. Worth the watch and a few questions.

 

[dreadnut]

I'll echo the DV-52 recommendations

But I played my D-25M for many years with my bluegrass friends, and you're right Dave, this guitar doesn't lose any volume contests - it stands right in there with the banjo and mandolin.

I'd give the DV-52 the edge for a couple reasons: 1. Value, 2. Clarity and evenness of sound across all 6 strings.

The reason I also like the D-25 for bluegrass though is that it has a great bottom end, you can almost play the bass line with the darn thing.

I'm also a big fan of the new Tacoma D-50's. Cannons, they are.

You wouldn't go wrong with any of these three.

 

[Steelpickin']

I would have to go along with the DV-52 as well.
Here are a couple of clips of how they sound....keep in mind of course that it it youtube and not a really good rep. :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxStixbFHpQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HezcY7o_MIQ

these guitars rip!!!!

 

[GardMan]

Can you recommend any other on-line stores for used Guild's?

For new Guilds, a lot of folks have dealt with Guitars of Montana. Bing is a member here...

For used Guilds in shops, you just have to watch around... I have bookmarks to about 20 different stores I check every couple weeks (more often, if I actually have the money to spend). Top on my list is New Hope Guitar Traders. They often have a good assortment of Guild dreads, and Jay is also a member here. Bought my D-44 from him a month ago. Gruhns has Guilds occasionally. Probably the best handle is just to watch GBase... many of the shops use GBase as their on-line shop front. I have searches stored for all Guild acoustics and specifically for D-50s, and I check them most every day (even when I don't have the $$$). Even Elderly sells the occasional used Guild (I think they have some 80s D-50s now... at least they did a week ago). Heck, I even watch Goodwill (learned that from Don)... might see a D-25 at GW every couple weeks.

Be aware, that you will pay a premium (to varying degrees... but might be a couple hundred bucks) buying from a shop (as compared to eBay). But, the presumption is that buying from a shop is a little safer/more secure. Both in terms of your money, and what you actually receive. Although I have been pretty lucky buying from eBay... there have also been some horror stories on the forum.

So, good luck in your quest... Don't think you can go wrong with any of the three that are being mentioned. D-50s are reputed to be cannons... I want one myself; DV-52s are said to be the best value in rosewood dreads around; and D-25s (rightly so) have a cult following as one of the best values in guitars, bar none.

Have fun! Dave

 

[JerryR]

In old dreads, D25 and D35 are a good deal

 

[killdeer43]

I'm always impressed with the volume that comes from both my D50 and D25. The D6, not so much. The D25 is deeper and the arched back certainly contributes, but that D50 is just so sweet and easy on the ears. Either of these would hold their own in a bluegrass band, and they really sound good in my bathroom studio!

Call me Guilded,
Joe

 

[bluepen]

Thanks again everyone...I tried to get that DV52 on eBay but got outbid while I was at the Packers game (awesome day at Lambeau though...7 degrees!)

I'll keep my eyes open.

Thanks Dave for the guitar shop suggestions.

Now I've GOT to get some sleep...I left for the football game at 6am.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
Penner