frettedstrings said:
I'm no expert, but I understand that the 1973 - 1974 D25's were all Mahogany, instead of Mahogany back and sides with a spruce top.
The complete evolution of D25's starts in '68. They STARTED as all-hog
flatbacks. Sometime around '74 they started being made with
arched backs and spruce tops, HOWEVER, an unknown number of the arched back bodies received 'hog tops. Those appear to have all been shipped by the end of '76. I believe one of our members has what appears to be a '76 all-hog archback from the s/n.
Probably the single most common points of confusion in id'ing D25's from this period is to call a "D25M" a hog-top guitar. 99% of the time it will actually be a spruce top stained 'hog color. The model number is intended to convey that. In fairness there are some incorrectly labelled guitars known to be out there, labelled "D25M" but in fact having a true 'hog top.
Also, the arched backs are ALWAYS laminted, not solid or carved.
After the close of Westerly, 2001, Corona actually reintroduced the all-hog flatback formula for a couple of years.
There ARE discernible differrences in the sound of the various constructions. An early '90's Westerly might be considered as having small improvements introduced luthier Kim Walker during the late '80's. What sound you like best, Zelja, as always, will be up to you.
Former Westerly employees have said that the period from '95-2001, under Fender ownership, was Guild's high-water mark for quality control, contrary to what gets said in many eekBay listings.
GO forth and seek ye yer Guild!