Info on vintage D-25

[suave eddie]

One of the guitars that I have always regretted letting get away from me was an all-mahogany D-25 from the very early '70s. This was the model with the mahogany top and flat back. I know that shortly after I got mine, they started making them with the arched back. As I've never played one of the arched ones, what is the general consensus regarding which sounded better?
What year did they discontinue the flat back all mahogany model?

 

[dreadnut]

Hi Eddie, boy, you're itchin' for a fight, arent you? :lol:

Of course, MINE is the best one ever made, a '76 archback

You'll find lots of opinions on that around here. I can honestly say I've never had the pleasure of playing an all Mahogany D-25, but I loved the D-15 I played that was a 'hog-top.

Lots of love around here for all manner of D-25's, seems to me they're one of the most sought-after Guild dreads, not bad for their "entry-level" guitar from the 70's.

At least one LTG'er has a more rare all 'hog archback D-25, some were made during the transition period, about '74.

 

[suave eddie]

So '76 was the transition year, eh? I'd still like to get some feedback from those who have played both models--flat back and arched, as to what difference there actually is.
I bought mine new probably 1970-71. Sold it around '78 due to financial situation--regretted it ever since.

I've always been partial to Guild guitars, and I did manage to get back into the Guild fold about 4 years ago with a purchase of a Westerly '92 D-55 in what I consider almost mint condition. The only evidence of use is the gold finish on the tuners is worn of a bit.
Great guitar, but I still miss that D-25.

Don't get me started on the Thunderbird I sold off in '74.

 

[dapmdave]

A friend recently bought a D-25M, all 'hog with the arched back. I did get to play it after it was cleaned up and ready to go. It sounded darker and woodier than my spruce-topped '87. I liked it!

Dave

 

[billy budapest]

At least one LTG'er has a more rare all 'hog archback D-25, some were made during the transition period, about '74.

I'm just no good at identifying woods. I have a '74 D-25 archback and I always wondered if the top was mahogany as well. Here it is (on the left) along with a '76 version. Clearly the tops are different. What's a quick and easy way to tell what wood is used?

 

[suave eddie]

It's hard to tell from those photos.
Spruce and mahogany have very different looking grain. A spruce top will have very close straight, parrallel lines going lengthwise.
A mahogany top would have the same grain as your neck and the back and sides.

Looking at your photos without closeups, they may both be mahogany.

 

[hansmoust]

Looking at your photos without closeups, they may both be mahogany.

Hello suave eddie,

Welcome! Both the guitars in the photo look like they have tinted spruce tops.
More detailed close-ups would help!

There's a bit of info on the early '70s history of the D-25 in this thread:
http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9240&p=96622&hilit=D25+tops#p96622

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Dubbaround]

Hi Ed.

I have not played or even heard a flat-back all Mahogany D-25, but I suspect the arched back will be a bit louder, meaning it will project the sound across the room better.
My 77 arch with spruce D-25 really booms if ya wanna play it like ya don't own it.

 

[suave eddie]

Thanks for that link, Hans. That's the info I was looking for.

 

[lcjones]

......which leads me to ask another question of the Guru's of Guild.

As well, when I purchased my '74 D25, one owner--> me :wink: , I was told it was mahogany. Aside from the "hog factor", mine was decked out with solid black pick guard with black bridge and end pins. But almost every D25 I see has the tortoise shell pick guard.

Ruby is #101416.

Anyone have history or comments about the black trim on D25's?

Chap

 

[West R Lee]

I have #100146.....tortoise pickguard, arched back, spruce top, black rosette. Bought her new in '79.

West

 

[geoguy]

And I have an all-mahogany/arch-back D25, s/n 1056XX, that also has a tortoise pickguard.

Maybe others have examples closer to lcjones' s/n?