Help me choose! I know, this is what many of us live for here at LTG.

[E-Type]

It might be a weak excuse for GAS, but my group is playing songs that require me to play in D-std tuning. Going back and forth is a pain and my D-25 seems to be more stable if I pick one tuning and stay there. I have my eye on a GF-25 and a all mahogany, flat back D-25. Playing with a keyboardist and bass player, I don't want a big, full sounding guitar with lots of complex overtones. It has to sit well in the mix. I have some extra light PB Elixirs on the D-25. I'll put heavier strings on the D-std guitar to tighten it up a bit.

Other than some single note runs, I'm mainly strumming. Sometimes hard, but not usually.

The guitar will either be miked up or I'll use a K&K Pure Mini.

Yes, if I were totally rational, I'd go with one of the new D-20s, but I'm a big fan of older stuff. I don't want another arch-back D-25 as I'd like to have some sonic variety, although that wouldn't be the worst idea either.

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

 

[GGJaguar]

Mahogany body would be good, but I think a maple body could do the trick, too (F-47M, JF-30).

 

[HeyMikey]

I haven’t played either so can’t comment on the sound but I think the GF25 is also an arch back.

 

[jedzep]

D, as in open D? Are you using a slide?

 

[E-Type]

Mahogany body would be good, but I think a maple body could do the trick, too (F-47M, JF-30).

I was interested in a maple gf-30, but the seller didn’t want to deal with shipping. I love the idea of a jumbo, but I worry they’d be too rumbly.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I think a D50 shake things up nice for you.

 

[E-Type]

D, as in open D? Are you using a slide?

D std, just tuned down a full step.

 

[E-Type]

I think a D50 shake things up nice for you.

I have a Martin DSR (solid rosewood) that really doesn’t sit well in the mix. Don’t you have a flat back D-25? What are your thoughts on strumming it with a bass player ?

 

[Br1ck]

Flat back D 25. Martin (horrors) 15 series is great for this.

 

[E-Type]

Flat back D 25. Martin (horrors) 15 series is great for this.

I have a 000-15M that I use when I play fingerstyle with the band. It works great for that. That is one reason the GF-25 appeals to me, it is kind of a 000 shape and the youtube clips make it sound like a louder 000-15m. Oh, and is your post a vote for the flat back D-25?

 

[jedzep]

D std, just tuned down a full step.

Aha! In that case, bump up to medium strings and any guitar will be great. Mediums tuned down a step, while still having the torque to drive a top, runs 30 some pounds less pull than 12's at concert pitch. I only play this combination, and won't be changing back. Even my 0-18 handles it beautifully, using Curt Mangan 80/20s, with the low E swapped out for a D'Addario nickel bronze string. Obviously, a capo at 2 brings it all back to E-E.

 

[E-Type]

Haha, the Internet seems to think mahogany tops are bad when there are vocals as mahogany enhances midrange frequencies -- therefor competing with the vocals. Can anyone dispute that?

 

[jedzep]

Overthink BS.

 

[adorshki]

Haha, the Internet seems to think mahogany tops are bad when there are vocals as mahogany enhances midrange frequencies -- therefor competing with the vocals. Can anyone dispute that?

If it was on the internet it must be true. In fact I only just now found out Bassmans make lousy guitar amps.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I have a Martin DSR (solid rosewood) that really doesn’t sit well in the mix. Don’t you have a flat back D-25? What are your thoughts on strumming it with a bass player ?

It’s pretty crisp and clear and worked well with full band. I have a k&k straight into PA. Just crank volume.

 

[davenumber2]

Haha, the Internet seems to think mahogany tops are bad when there are vocals as mahogany enhances midrange frequencies -- therefor competing with the vocals. Can anyone dispute that?

That’s just about the opposite of the truth in my experience. I’d throw a Guild (or Martin) D15 into the mix.

 

[Rayk]

Haha, the Internet seems to think mahogany tops are bad when there are vocals as mahogany enhances midrange frequencies -- therefor competing with the vocals. Can anyone dispute that?

In a solo situation that may be possible along with any other guitar that’s why you need try them out first odds are matching the guitars exact frequency might be in low side .
In a mix proper Eq’n can handle any issues but instruments or vocals taking up
the same sonic space can be a pain .

 

[E-Type]

In a solo situation that may be possible along with any other guitar that’s why you need try them out first odds are matching the guitars exact frequency might be in low side .
In a mix proper Eq’n can handle any issues but instruments or vocals taking up
the same sonic space can be a pain .

I know I can adjust by EQing it, so maybe I should worry less. Trying first would be ideal. There is a local shop that has a '68 Gibson J-50 that sounds great ($5,200) a '72 martin D-18 that sounds great ($3,200), and a '68 Guild D-25 ($1,795, needs a reset for sure). While the tone is nice, it's remarkably not loud for a dread -- the tech there thought the low saddle and high action was part of the issue. Looking for something older locally is just so hit or miss.

 

[Westerly Wood]

A D25 flatback for $1800 and it needs a reset? That’s crazy!

 

[E-Type]

A D25 flatback for $1800 and it needs a reset? That’s crazy!

Agreed! I actually think the J-50 for $5,200 is even crazier. Then again, I see such a range on Reverb for similar guitars. I'm sure we have all seen the Reverb ads asking double what the market is at and they sit for years. I was looking at one where the guitar had been listed for 3 years. Perhaps that seller is just hoping for a big payday with some ignorant buyer, but you'd think a guitar shop would need to move stuff out to make room for newer stuff.