Thinking of adding a dv-52 to an already-large Guild stable

[kittyboy]

Hi

Great forum, first-time poster here.

I've been a lover of Guilds for several years and currently own the following:

'81 D-70 natural
'95 D-55 burst with factory fishman electronics
'03 D-50 with aftermarket fishman undersaddle
'65 M-20
'67 F-20 burst
'66 Starfire V (red)
'65 Starfire Bass (stripped and refinned natural)
'90s 12-string (the lower-end model)

Anyway, my question really concerns my larger acoustics. It's a bit complicated, so please bear with me.

I'm on the west coast with the d-50. On the east coast the d-70 is in storage and the d-55 is in the possession of a friend. He was going to buy it, but now says he probably won't.

In my area there's a dv-52 I could drive a ways to go check out, and I'm considering it. I really don't need and can't afford to keep 4 large guilds but I've heard such great things about the DV-52. I'm wondering how it compares to the three Ds I've mentioned, and which you would keep if you were going to pare it down to 2, one for each coast.

I'm kind of in love with the 70, but it doesn't have any electronics and the 55 is sweet too.

Anyway, I'd love to hear a comparison of the 4 guitars mentioned. What's the same about them and what's different? Because they're on different coasts I haven't had the chance to play them all side-by-side. I like them all--I'd guess the 50 has a a bit less bass than the 55 and 70.

Any input on this (technical and emotional/personal) is much appreciated. Lastly, what's a fair price for a DV-52?

Thanks!

 

[GardMan]

Having never played a DV-52, I can't really compare its sonically to your other rosewood dreads. I have heard wonderful things about them, and many consider them and mid-'70s-'80s D-25s to be the best values in Guild guitars... at least in the dreadnaught style.

Personally, I enjoy the differences in tone I get from my dreads... I actually was inspired to acquire my current stable because of the differences in their sound. After comparing my D-35, D-25, and G-37, I wanted to hear ALL of the different tonewoods (just about have them covered). While I would expect that your D-55, D-70, D-50, and a DV-52 will have their own tonal nuances and personalities... I would expect that they all have that "majestic" rosewood sound. So, I think it must be a personal decision... which sounds and feels "right" to you.

That said... I would probably hold on to the D-70... it's a D-55 with more bling... even tho' I am not that in to bling. In fact, if I had to part with one guitar, I think the first one I would let go would be my '92 D-55 (and the only reason I would part with it willingly would be to replace it with another rosewood dread... a D-70, or a nice 'burst D-5X).

Oh, and welcome to LTG!
Dave

 

[6L6]

I just played this linked DV-52 a couple days ago. Very nice indeed!

6


http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/30841/30841.html

 

[dreadnut]

It's a nicely underrated Guild that remains affordable. Lighter than the D-55 but still has most of the deluxe appointments: ebony bridge, ebony fingerboard and headstock overlay, MOP Chesterfield headstock, scalloped bracing, gold plated hardware, full body binding, soundhole rosette. (think D-50 on steroids.) Great tone and sustain, it has that good old rosewood sound- loud and clear. Nice piece of AA spruce on top, too. Never played a DV-52 I didn't like

 

[kittyboy]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I'd love to hear some more tonal/vibe comparisons between the different dreads mentioned...


Is a D70 just a D55 with finer appointments (wood binding etc)? And is a D50 the same as a D55 but with less finery?

And what's different about the DV-52? What makes it different, construction/sound wise?

 

[GardMan]

Is a D70 just a D55 with finer appointments (wood binding etc)? And is a D50 the same as a D55 but with less finery?

Of course, specs are just part of the story, but the limited info in Beesely's Guitar History list differences between D-55 and D-70 in the binding (multi-layer ivoroid vs maple) and fretboard inlay (pearl and ab blocks vs pearl "crowns").

When I was looking into rosewood dreads, another forum member commented on tonal differences between D-50 and D-55 he had owned... it was the first time I heard someone refer to the D-55 sound as majestic and regal. He thought the D-50 was a bit more twangy and in-your-face (which he preferred). He also commented on differences int the frets... wide and low on the D-55, and taller/thinner on the D-50, which affected the "feel" of the guitar. He kept the D-50 and sold the D-55. It's that characterization that still has me GASsing for a vintage D-50 someday.

I would hate to have to make a decision on which to keep/which to sell without playing/hearing them all side-by-side... or at least within a short period of time. Good luck!
D

 

[kittyboy]

When I was looking into rosewood dreads, another forum member commented on tonal differences between D-50 and D-55 he had owned... it was the first time I heard someone refer to the D-55 sound as majestic and regal. He thought the D-50 was a bit more twangy and in-your-face (which he preferred).

Wow, that's very interesting. I guess I too notice something almost intimidating about the "majesty" of the D55 and the D70--amazing when you're feeling it, but sometimes a bit daunting, especially when I first pick it up after I haven't played it for a while. The 50 has it too, but maybe less, I could see that.

What's the vibe of the 52 supposed to be like?

 

[Andy Hiwatt]

I just played this linked DV-52 a couple days ago. Very nice indeed!

6


http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/30841/30841.html

beautiful guitar....I always read wonderful reviews of DV 52s....from the moment that you actually played this one I'd like to ask you about the neck of that guitar that you played...is it narrow with quite a small fretboard or meaty with normal-large fretboard???comfortable to play for your hands???
I'm under the impression that early 90s Guilds with the small headstock were built with slim necks ,different from the 70s or new Tacoma Guild...can you confirm this opinion for that particular DV-52???