My D 25-BR 25 and GF 25

[richardp69]

I've spent some time with these gems today because I hadn't in quite some time. Both the D 25 and D 25 BR are 1970 models. They both have the Hoboken label but were actually made in Westerly. What strikes me on both these guitars is how lightweight they are and they both sound superb. The GF 25 is a 1987 and more typical in terms of weight (not a lightweight)

I was thinking three 25 series guitar was overkill and I actually have the GF 25 available for sale but I may change that. The D 25 BR is a Mahogany/Spruce top flat back, the D 25 is an all Hog flat back, and the GF 25 is a Mahogany body. Spruce top with an arched back.

So, now I'm thinking I have 3 different 25 series guitars so maybe I need to find a way to keep them all. We'll see.

 

[Norrissey]

I also really like the 1970-1971 Guild acoustics. I have four and each one is wonderful. Like you say Richard, very lightweight and resonant and they sound great. I also think they are are great value on the used market because they are not as expensive as the 1960s acoustics but very similar build and quality.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Here, here, re 1971.

 

[Guildedagain]

I'm still looking for a flat back natural hog top D25, sorta.

 

[GGJaguar]

I actually have the GF 25 available for sale but I may change that. The D 25 BR is a Mahogany/Spruce top flat back, the D 25 is an all Hog flat back, and the GF 25 is a Mahogany body.

I definitely see those as three different guitars without any overlap. You may keep them all.

 

[adorshki]

The D 25 BR is a Mahogany/Spruce top flat back, the D 25 is an all Hog flat back,

Shouldn't that be the other way 'round, sir? (for the sake of those new to the brand. They never put a BRown finish on a spruce top D25. (Not as a standard offering, anyway.)

 

[Westerly Wood]

Shouldn't that be the other way 'round, sir? (for the sake of those new to the brand. They never put a BRown finish on a spruce top D25. (Not as a standard offering, anyway.)

BR is all hog flatback.

 

[richardp69]

Shouldn't that be the other way 'round, sir? (for the sake of those new to the brand. They never put a BRown finish on a spruce top D25. (Not as a standard offering, anyway.)

hmmm. The D 25 BR looks like a Spruce top to me but maybe I'm wrong. I'll need to take a closer look I guess. Maybe I can still rationalize letting one of them go. We'll see.

 

[adorshki]

hmmm. The D 25 BR looks like a Spruce top to me but maybe I'm wrong. I'll need to take a closer look I guess. Maybe I can still rationalize letting one of them go. We'll see.

First spruce tops came in after archback had already been introduced, so if it's a flatback it "should" (lol!) have a 'hog top.

 

[richardp69]

Shouldn't that be the other way 'round, sir? (for the sake of those new to the brand. They never put a BRown finish on a spruce top D25. (Not as a standard offering, anyway.)

Right you are Mr. Al. I took a closer look last night and clearly the top on the D 25 BR is Mahogany. Just to be certain I asked Hans and he verified that as well. Thanks for straightening me out.

Now, I have two flat back, all Hog guitars, the 1970 D 25 Cherry and the 1970 D 25 BR. I think I'll likely sell the D 25 Cherry and keep the BR. The D 25 Cherry is much better cosmetically, but there's just something about that BR that I really, really like.

Thanks again!!

 

[Westerly Wood]

I still hope one day to get an old D25 arched in my stable.

 

[Br1ck]

1970 is certainly a sweet spot year for me, and those are three very different guitars that I'd keep unless you never play them. 70 was a light built year. Was the transition year 73? Anyway, my 70 D 35 isn't going anywhere.

 

[adorshki]

1970 is certainly a sweet spot year for me, and those are three very different guitars that I'd keep unless you never play them. 70 was a light built year. Was the transition year 73? Anyway, my 70 D 35 isn't going anywhere.

'73 was when archback was introduced to all-hog D25, and spruce tops arrived in '74. I assume there was mixed production for a while as we see samples of each from both years.

 

[adorshki]

1970 is certainly a sweet spot year for me, and those are three very different guitars that I'd keep unless you never play them. 70 was a light built year. Was the transition year 73? Anyway, my 70 D 35 isn't going anywhere.

Forgot to mention, you may have been asking about the weight shift? I get the impression it started around '74 and was in full effect across the line by '80. I think Gruhn coming in in '84 started a lightening-up era up through close of Westerly. My Corona D40 is built like tank, but that's a sample of one. Many initial Tacoma and New Hartford member reviews were that they were lighter and more resonant than ever.