Help me sort out what to do…

[E-Type]

I’ve been looking for a lightly-built early ‘70s dreadnaught. My ‘74 D-25 is great, but at 5lbs-4oz, my back really feels it after a 3 hour practice. I bought what I thought was a 1972 D-35 from a shop in Oregon. It was listed as 4.9lbs but had a sound hole pickup installed. I figured maybe the pickup was 7-8 oz, which I could remove and get down to 4lbs-8oz.

It arrived and is in pretty great shape, but the guitar is 5lbs even and pickup only weighs 3 oz. Looking at the serial number, it’s actually a late ‘73 and not a ‘72 (they misread the 8 as a 6).

I am within the return period, but would have to pay for shipping both ways … unless I can argue getting the year wrong justifies them covering some of the shipping.

I don’t think it sounds as good as either of my D-25s (‘70 and ‘74), but it’s really close (different strings might change that).

I just spent several months looking for a lightly built ‘69-‘72 (d-35 or d-40) dread, so I can’t help but be a little disappointed. But it might not be worth starting over.

Did the builds get incrementally heavier over time? It isn’t like this thing weighs 5lb-9oz.
Is getting the year wrong in the listing something I should even bring up?

I have a few days to decide, so any input is appreciated!

 

[jedzep]

What if you play strapped sitting for part practice, and trade off positions alternately. If you're that delicate, you'll feel the strain at almost any weight. Go for tone!

 

[Wilmywood]

My '72 G37 is extremely light, much lighter than even a '78 G37. May be because the '72 has a mahogany neck and the '78 is 3 piece maple.

 

[E-Type]

What if you play strapped sitting for part practice, and trade off positions alternately. If you're that delicate, you'll feel the strain at almost any weight. Go for tone!

Not a bad idea. It’s weird that I don’t have an issue with a 7.5 lb telecaster. I think the way a dread forces you to hold your arms is part of it. Also, I have a back condition that won’t be getting better as I get older (56 now).

 

[E-Type]

My '72 G37 is extremely light, much lighter than even a '78 G37. May be because the '72 has a mahogany neck and the '78 is 3 piece maple.

I think they started getting heavier in ‘73. It was a beefier structure and bracing.

 

[jedzep]

I'm 71. Hell, I give you credit for a 3 hr practice session either way.

 

[walrus]

Not a bad idea. It’s weird that I don’t have an issue with a 7.5 lb telecaster. I think the way a dread forces you to hold your arms is part of it. Also, I have a back condition that won’t be getting better as I get older (56 now).

This makes me wonder if it's not the weight of the guitar but the body size. Moving from a dread to an F-30 solved all my shoulder and back problems with acoustic playing. For an electric I need to stay at 7 lbs. or under and I'm fine.

 

[jedzep]

Me 2. Dreads and J's all gone here.

 

[adorshki]

Did the builds get incrementally heavier over time?

My perception from feedback over the years is absolutely yes, in a fluctuation.

Hoboken represented very light resonant builds through '68.

Westerly was started up in '67 and reportedly early Westerly builds were light like Hoboken, with the bulking-up commencing around '73-'74. Coincidental with the evolution of D25's from all-hog flatbacks to all-hog archbacks to spruce-topped archbacks and the first appearances of Arnold Schwarzenegger in body-building competitions. ( Some people think there's a connection)

In '84 George Gruhn was asked to revamp the dreadnoughts and F-bodies and those guitars began a progressive lightening again, through end of Westerly in '01, though I've read of heavy guitars being built in early '90's. But my '96 D25 is the lightest of the bunch, and my Corona ('04) D40's the heaviest.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Absolutely did they increase build heaviness, starting in line 1974 or ‘76 or something like that. I had a 1973 D35, which was light. I had an ‘83 that was a tank. I liked them both. Honestly, you should look for a D25 BR, flatback. Made between 68-73* and light as a feather. I know cause I have one. Sometimes I have to look down to make sure it’s still strapped to my body.

 

[adorshki]

Sometimes I have to look down to make sure it’s still strapped to my body.

I don't. I'm afraid I might not like the answer.

 

[E-Type]

Absolutely did they increase build heaviness, starting in line 1974 or ‘76 or something like that. I had a 1973 D35, which was light. I had an ‘83 that was a tank. I liked them both. Honestly, you should look for a D25 BR, flatback. Made between 68-73* and light as a feather. I know cause I have one. Sometimes I have to look down to make sure it’s still strapped to my body.

I have a ‘70 d25 that weighs 4lbs-5oz. Right now it’s set for an alternate tuning used for just a couple of songs. I could make it my #1, but then it needs some work (reset/refret).

 

[Westerly Wood]

I have a ‘70 d25 that weighs 4lbs-5oz. Right now it’s set for an alternate timing used for just a couple of songs. I could make it my #1, but then it needs some work (reset/refret).

So it’s an all hog then? I think they work well in a mix, and depending on pickup, can really pack a punch or be real mellow. Nice!

 

[E-Type]

So it’s an all hog then? I think they work well in a mix, and depending on pickup, can really pack a punch or be real mellow. Nice!

It has a K&K, which requires a good preamp to tame its resonance.

 

[Westerly Wood]

It has a K&K, which requires a good preamp to tame its resonance.

I had same, and always just played thru PA. I assumed the sound guy touched it up or down depending. Always was a strong presence in the mix.

 

[Rayk]

Sounds like you need a Orpheum . I seen an ad for a strap that is supposed to help with support . There’s a stand option or the much harder workout option for core Strength.

 

[E-Type]

Sounds like you need a Orpheum . I seen an ad for a strap that is supposed to help with support . There’s a stand option or the much harder workout option for core Strength.

I know exercise is the answer, but easier to buy an additional guitar!!!

 

[Christopher Cozad]

I know exercise is the answer, but easier to buy an additional guitar!!!

That's funny.

 

[adorshki]

I have a ‘70 d25 that weighs 4lbs-5oz. Right now it’s set for an alternate timing used for just a couple of songs. I could make it my #1, but then it needs some work (reset/refret).

Couldn't you just re-set the clock?

Sounds like you need a Orpheum . I seen an ad for a strap that is supposed to help with support . There’s a stand option or the much harder workout option for core Strength.

The last time I commented about straps it didn't go well.

I know exercise is the answer, but easier to buy an additional guitar!!!

I get mine lifting the cases out of the closet (edge-on at an angle against the back wall, necks up, handles out for easy grab).
My GF was surprised once to discover the cases were heavier than the guitars.

 

[adorshki]

Sounds like you need a Orpheum . I seen an ad for a strap that is supposed to help with support . There’s a stand option or the much harder workout option for core Strength.

The last time I commented about straps it didn't go well.