D-55 70th Anniversary VS D-55 regular

[LeoKik]

Hi guys!
I just bought an AMAZING D-55 which I am in love with her no doubt about that!
I was wondering if the 70th anniversary is a noticeable upgrade in sound and playability or in the general experience..
Definitely, on paper based on specs she is!
But in reality is there any friend who has tried them side by side and he can share his experience?

The reason I am asking is because the store I bought mine, will have pretty soon a 70th Anniversary!
And I was thinking if it worth to send back my D-55 within the window of the. 30 days return policy and pay the price difference for the 70th Anniversary!

Does it worth to do this whole thing?
According to the specs on paper I think that yes…. It does… but in reality??

Many thanks!!

 

[AoxoA]

I'd go for the 70th based on nothing more than the specs on paper, the collector part of it and the extra visual touches. But you gotta listen to both and decide. You could return yours regular D55. When you go in to get the 70th, play them both side by side (assuming they still have a regular D55 at that time).

 

[davenumber2]

If you already have an amazing D55 I’d stick with it. No guarantee the 70th will be as good. May not float your boat like this one. A bird in the hand…

 

[Stuball48]

Keep the D55 and if you get a 40 day window, get the 70th Anniversary and you will know which one you like best. Take the other one back.

 

[GGJaguar]

If the D-55 is amazing and inspiring to play, keep it. Some people spend a lifetime chasing just the right instrument and it seems you've found yours.

 

[twocorgis]

If you'll have the opportunity to play the 70th, and it's the same store you bought your D55 from, the process should be pretty simple. May the best guitar win.

 

[deejayen]

I'm interested in the 70th Anniversary D-55. As you say, its specs are quite a bit different from those of the standard D-55, so in theory it should sound better. However, there are always many variables, including how individual guitars sound, and the player's playing style etc.

I bought a used Gibson acoustic last year, and have grown to really like it. When I saw a new 'custom shop' version of the same model for sale I bought it mail order. The custom shop instrument had a lot going for it, with torrified top, adirondack bracing, thinner finish, etc. However, when I received it I discovered I didn't really like its tone. The neck was wonderful, and I liked the look of it when I glanced down while playing it. There were some negatives, though; the quality of the finish was poor, but the main thing was that the tone wasn't what I'd hoped it would be. I had expected it to be like my standard model only 'better'. However, it had lost the essence of what I liked about my standard model, and introduced some elements which were less appealing to me.

I suppose that's a long way of saying that an expensive guitar doesn't always mean better for an individual player, and that it's best to try a guitar. As soemone else said, it might be worth speaking to the shop to see if you can reserve the 70th and agree that they'll accept a return on your current D-55 if you decide to go for the 70th.

 

[chazmo]

"Better" is a completely subjective description. The anniversary editions are made from more expensive woods / parts, and they are made to be "Presentation" guitars (to steal a Taylor term)... The 60th anniversary F-30 has a small diamond in it, for goodness sake.

There are of course any number of people who like the sound of one wood more than another. Those of us here appreciate, in general, the Guild construction and consistency.

 

[WaltW]

Welcome to LTG LeoKik! I'm glad to see that there is another High end Martin player that has seen the light about the quality of Guild guitars. I went about it in the opposite direction than you. I bought a Guild first and then later purchased a Martin D-42 which was 6 years old but looked like it was never played. Side by side with a Guild D-66, built the same year, the Martin seemed shallow. It sound really nice but played in comparison to the D-66, there was less volume and much less sustain. That was in 2002 and nothing has changed . The Guild opened up over the years and so did the Martin but, never becoming equal.
I hope that your admiration for your new D-55 will only increase as you play it. It will most likely open up as you play it over the coming years which is what I have experienced and others here have shared similar experiences.
Best of luck with your new "Queen" and may your playing be enlightened with your new Guild.

 

[jeffcoop]

I'm inclined to agree with @playernumber2. If you already have an amazing D55, stick with it, unless you have a chance to A/B it against the 70th Anniversary model. I was lucky enough to have a chance to play two 70th Anniversary D55s back in February. One was a truly remarkable guitar; the other was a very nice rosewood dread. I'd hate to see you give up a guitar hat speaks to you in exchange for the latter.

 

[Wellington]

Are you lying to yourself that it's an amazing D-55? It's a lot of money, are you trying to convince yourself you love it, but in fact you're underwhelmed and that is why you relish the thought of the 70th having what you're looking for?
If not, then I'd probably just keep the 55, but do what makes you happier!

 

[LeoKik]

Thank you very much all for your comments guys!
Finally, I will stick with mine! I don’t see to be honest any reason for this kind of change, after a deep research I made!

 

[jeffcoop]

A reasonable decision, I think.

 

[Br1ck]

Fear not, they will have a 75th anniversary. Save now for that day. See quote below.