silverfox103
Senior Member
As Many of you know, I recently bought a 1968 Mark VI Hoboken in pristine condition. I don’t know what it has been doing for the last 40 years, but it hasn’t been played much as there is not a scratch on it.
I also have a 1982 Mark V Westerly, in equally in good shape. I have had a few emails and PM’s asking me to compare the two. I have only had the VI for a week, but I’ll give it a go!
My originals intention was to buy the VI and sell the V. I have had the V since new and actually visited the plant and saw it being built. I lived 40 miles from Westerly back then. I have a very strong bond with it and it would be hard to sell it; but I might.
The physical characteristics are almost identical. The shape, construction and bracing seem to be the same. Both guitars were the top of the line for their year. From what I know the VII was custom made.
Both guitars have rosewood sides and backs. The V has Indian rosewood while the VI has Brazilian rosewood. The top of the V is Sitka spruce, the VI, I am not sure but I would guess spruce also. I’m guessing both necks are made of mahogany. Both heads are slightly different from each other, but obviously Guilds. The tuners are both high quality but different.
Now for the sound, both have nice projection and resonance with warm full tones. I would say the VI has deeper base projection. That is not to say the VI is better than the V, it is just different. Both the Guilds have a lower profile neck, which makes it easier to play.
Well for having it just a week, that is about the best I can do. Comments or questions welcomed!
Tom C.
V is on the left, VI is on the right
I also have a 1982 Mark V Westerly, in equally in good shape. I have had a few emails and PM’s asking me to compare the two. I have only had the VI for a week, but I’ll give it a go!
My originals intention was to buy the VI and sell the V. I have had the V since new and actually visited the plant and saw it being built. I lived 40 miles from Westerly back then. I have a very strong bond with it and it would be hard to sell it; but I might.
The physical characteristics are almost identical. The shape, construction and bracing seem to be the same. Both guitars were the top of the line for their year. From what I know the VII was custom made.
Both guitars have rosewood sides and backs. The V has Indian rosewood while the VI has Brazilian rosewood. The top of the V is Sitka spruce, the VI, I am not sure but I would guess spruce also. I’m guessing both necks are made of mahogany. Both heads are slightly different from each other, but obviously Guilds. The tuners are both high quality but different.
Now for the sound, both have nice projection and resonance with warm full tones. I would say the VI has deeper base projection. That is not to say the VI is better than the V, it is just different. Both the Guilds have a lower profile neck, which makes it easier to play.
Well for having it just a week, that is about the best I can do. Comments or questions welcomed!
Tom C.
V is on the left, VI is on the right