A simple DV52 question

[archiestone]

Which do you generally consider more desirable on the DV52: satin or gloss finish? Any reason?

 

[dapmdave]

Which do you generally consider more desirable on the DV52: satin or gloss finish? Any reason?

I like gloss. No particular reason, other than just personal preference.

Dave

 

[killdeer43]

Slight veer...but it's nice to see your avatar again, archiestone. :wink:

I've had more experience with gloss finishes but some guitars seem to handle satin better than others, and I like it just fine.
I can't say with any certainty how if might or might not affect the tone, but maybe someone else can cover that angle.

Joe

 

[markus]

I love the herringbone on mine and I'm not sure if that was available with high gloss finish …
Markus

 

[SouthernSounds]

My DV52 has a satin finish, which I really like. Why? Just a matter of personal taste. Nonetheless I can't make any comparison between both finishes, because I've never owned a guitar with a gloss finish...

If I can ask: Why the question, Archiestone? Are you looking for a DV52?

All the best,
B.

 

[jcwu]

All personal preference, but I prefer the hand-rubbed finish, which is neither satin nor gloss. I do like satin as well. For me, gloss is my least favorite finish.

 

[bluesypicky]

I'm a sucker for gloss. Particularly on a rosewood guitar.

I can't say with any certainty how if might or might not affect the tone, but maybe someone else can cover that angle. Joe

I hope not. :lol:
It's been covered for miles worth of pages, (on this and other forums) with chemists and physicists (no disrespect to my highly esteemed scientist friends) expressing their opinion relative to the impact of a particular finishing coumpound on acoustics, without ever proving anything to most ears, mine in particular.
All I can say (without also proving anything), is that the best sounding acoustics I've ever had a chance to hear/play, had a gloss finish. <end yawn here> :lol:

 

[archiestone]

Now that I've had a few responses (thank you) I'll fess up as to why I ask:
Four years ago I bought a super-clean satin (actually hand rubbed - HR) DV52 locally. I love it.
This past weekend, an equally clean DV52 HG popped up not too far from me on craigslist. Yesterday I went over to play it -- and bought it on the spot.
An embarrassment of riches!
Both are lovely, toneful, and certainly of "keeper" quality. I'll enjoy having them both for a short while but I'll only keep one.
I checked my old (2004) Bluebook of Guitars disk and was surprised to find the HG model valued $50 less than the Satin in ($1225 vs $1275 in 100% cond.) Hand Rubbed finish is not mentioned at all.
Hence my question and interest. I can make solid arguments for keeping either, so I thought I'd see how the prevailing winds were blowing.

 

[killdeer43]

What a delightful dilemma you have, or seem to have.
Which way are you leaning?

Curious Joe

 

[bluesypicky]

I thought I'd see how the prevailing winds were blowing.

Hope mine wasn't too stinky. :shock: :lol:

I, too, am surprised to hear that the glossy is valued les than the satin. Strange indeedy!

 

[jcwu]

Now that I've had a few responses (thank you) I'll fess up as to why I ask:
Four years ago I bought a super-clean satin (actually hand rubbed - HR) DV52 locally. I love it.
This past weekend, an equally clean DV52 HG popped up not too far from me on craigslist. Yesterday I went over to play it -- and bought it on the spot.
An embarrassment of riches!
Both are lovely, toneful, and certainly of "keeper" quality. I'll enjoy having them both for a short while but I'll only keep one.
I checked my old (2004) Bluebook of Guitars disk and was surprised to find the HG model valued $50 less than the Satin in ($1225 vs $1275 in 100% cond.) Hand Rubbed finish is not mentioned at all.
Hence my question and interest. I can make solid arguments for keeping either, so I thought I'd see how the prevailing winds were blowing.

The HR finish is considered a "lesser" finish in terms of value. But I developed my preference for HR before I knew anything about the different finishes, and in a way, I'm glad, because now I know my preference is not based on perceived value, but on how I like the feel.

Had I know all those years ago that HR is a cost-effective finish, I might have mentally guarded myself against it. Such is the weakness of my mind.

 

[archiestone]

"Which way are you leaning?"
-At this pt I can make a cogent argument for either... or both!

BTW, both have the same herringbone seam down the back & bottom.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Congrats on your purchase . No need to feel embarrassed, we work hard for our money and what better way to spend it

 

[6L6]

Gloss.

 

[dreadnut]

I prefer the high gloss, I've never really cared for satin finished guitars, simply my personal preference.

Does the newer one have an abalone soundhole rosette?

Can you post photos of both?

 

[archiestone]

As you can see, they are virtually identical except for the finish. L = Hand Rubbed, R = High Gloss
(I tried to capture the HG without reflection.)

 

[Curlington]

Hand rubbed nitrocellulose is way less common. It's what I have on a '93, and I like it. Plus the herringbone rosette. But the abalone is nice too.

 

[Curlington]

I listed mine for sale on this board exclusively in August. I was surprised at the lack of interst shown. Maybe it was the time of year. Anyway, had some modest work done on it locally and just got it back. I have changed my mind and am keeping it. Just edited the for sale post. These are so sweet!

 

[archiestone]

That IS surprising, Curlington.
Considering the avg used D28 (HD28, etc) goes for $1500+, I think a used DV52 w/ HSC is a *steal* at $1k or so. Worth double, and probably more.

 

[glawton]

I just scored a DV 52 from the bay. It has the
following on the label - "DV 52 NTS".
So now I'm assuming this means
"DV 52 Natural Top Satin"?
Never knew there were 3 top finishes.
Thanks
Geoff
PS - Nice '52, btw!