Parting with D-28 for Guild

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CajunJ

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Hey folks,

A couple years ago I was between a Martin D-28 and a Guild D-55. I had a great deal on the Guild back then too. But I was into more bluegrass at the time and the Martin lore also got the best of me and I went with the D-28. I wish I would have gone with the Guild. Don’t get me wrong, the Martin is great sounding guitar. Very straightforward sounding. But the 16” radius and 1 3/4” string spacing is hard for me to play. I have a beater Mitchell guitar with a 12” radius and 1 11/16” spacing and it’s so much more comfortable that I find myself picking up the $200 guitar more than the $3K guitar.

So I’m back looking for a Guild because I think the neck and string spacing should be more comfortable.

I’m looking at the new builds in Oxnard. I’m looking at the D20, D50, and D55.

I’m an intermediate player and I like to play some singer songwriter stuff while my wife sings. Was thinking D20 for that purpose. But, I like a little grass too, so was thinking D50. Then there’s the ultimate with the D55…

Just wondering opinions on these Oxnard made models.

Thanks for your help!
 
chazmo said:
To my ear, the D-50 and D-55 are rather different sounding. Good luck in the hunt.
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Could you describe the difference?

From what I read people say the D50 is more like a HD28, and the D55 is its own thing that sounds like “a chorus of angels.” Haha. I’m assuming the D55 will have more overtones and less punch.

It’s just hard to get hands on these.
 
Don't discount the D20. Mine sounds more like a Martin D-18 than a Martin D-15. I wouldn't have any qualms using it for bluegrass. It's loud and proud, which you don't usually expect for all-mahogany. I actually bought and returned a 2022 D-18 after it couldn't stack up to my D20. Being the cheapest of your options is just a bonus.

Honestly though, you can't go wrong with any of them. Happy hunting.
 
davenumber2 said:
Don't discount the D20. Mine sounds more like a Martin D-18 than a Martin D-15. I wouldn't have any qualms using it for bluegrass. It's loud and proud, which you don't usually expect for all-mahogany. I actually bought and returned a 2022 D-18 after it couldn't stack up to my D20. Being the cheapest of your options is just a bonus.

Honestly though, you can't go wrong with any of them. Happy hunting.
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Good to hear. Strongly considering the D20. Love the burst mahogany.
 

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Man, the D40 standards sound pretty amazing in online demos. This will be a tough decision.
 
CajunJ said:
Man, the D40 standards sound pretty amazing in online demos. This will be a tough decision.
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My '22 D40 Traditional is a terrific guitar; super light and resonant. Highly recommended, if you can find one for a good price. I put a LR Baggs Anthem SL in mine, in case my girl gets the nerve up to do an open mic or two.
 
steveintampa said:
Don't let The Bluegrass Police influence you too much! I've even seen Gibsons in bluegrass jams, but the BGP only gave the nod to the pre war models.
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Haha. The BGP definitely swayed me last time. Going w/ the Guild now for sure. May even do the D20.
 
I've showed up a few times with my 2005 J-45 and a Weber mandolin.

I like to watch the looks on faces as the sound projects. I'm no fancy picker, but I can be deliberate.
 
CajunJ said:
I’m looking at the D20, D50, and D55.
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No brainer of the day. You need all three, just do it. They'll only cost more later. The dollar is shrinking in value, Ross Perot's giant sucking sound comes to mind. I can give you ten other reasons.
CajunJ said:
How’s the fit and finish on the Guilds?
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All my Guilds are Westerly, save for two Hoboken tokens, and fit and finish are unbeatable. I was just admiring the fit and finish on my 51 year old D35 after playing a few notes at daybreak, amazing, just simply amazing. Glad I was able to share this today, it really worthy of mention.
CajunJ said:
Man, the D40 standards sound pretty amazing in online demos.
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So do the others. When I sold my '72 D28, I was able to go on a Guild buying frenzy.

P1150727.JPG

I never really gelled with the D28, but would pull it out once in a while to impress people. I also had to be really paranoid about it at rowdy jams, kids always looked like they wanted to/were going to destroy or deface it because it was stealing some of the attention away from their screaming.
steveintampa said:
Don't let The Bluegrass Police influence you too much!
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I've taken my D35 and D5CE to Bluegrass jams and I could be the loudest player in the room if I wanted to be, and I often wanted to be ;[]

D5CE warhorse. Been rode hard, put away wet, always ready for more.

P1150292.JPG

She's not that innocent.
P1150309.JPG



steveintampa said:
I like to watch the looks on faces as the sound projects. I'm no fancy picker, but I can be deliberate.
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You know you're onto something when they want to play your guitar after a couple songs. I always refuse, just say no.
 
Guildedagain said:
No brainer of the day. You need all three, just do it. They'll only cost more later. The dollar is shrinking in value, Ross Perot's giant sucking sound comes to mind. I can give you ten other reasons.

All my Guilds are Westerly, save for two Hoboken tokens, and fit and finish are unbeatable. I was just admiring the fit and finish on my 51 year old D35 after playing a few notes at daybreak, amazing, just simply amazing. Glad I was able to share this today, it really worthy of mention.

So do the others. When I sold my '72 D28, I was able to go on a Guild buying frenzy.

P1150727.JPG

I never really gelled with the D28, but would pull it out once in a while to impress people. I also had to be really paranoid about it at rowdy jams, kids always looked like they wanted to/were going to destroy or deface it because it was stealing some of the attention away from their screaming.

I've taken my D35 and D5CE to Bluegrass jams and I could be the loudest player in the room if I wanted to be, and I often wanted to be ;[]

D5CE warhorse. Been rode hard, put away wet, always ready for more.

P1150292.JPG

She's not that innocent.
P1150309.JPG




You know you're onto something when they want to play your guitar after a couple songs. I always refuse, just say no.
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Great response. Thanks!
 
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