Rosewood dread question

[F-412Spec]

Nearly every Martin D (18, 21, 28, 35, 45) up to about 1985 is 1 11/16"

I know that usually a 1 3/4” Martin for example, will always be too large, something to do with the hard edge feel of the neck "shoulder" in my hand, you know?

This is why many players do custom mods on their guitars once they get comfortable enough with the guitar to know what mod they want or need. Nearly all the guitars I've owned and playd over 60 years have gotten the fretboard edges very slightly rounded for increased comfort & playability. The the mods are very minor, nearly invisible, yet make a big difference to me.

 

[Br1ck]

Would you consider $25 and I'll pay shipping?

 

[Wilmywood]

Would you consider $25 and I'll pay shipping?

If you're talking to me I have considered that offer and it's a bit light ...

 

[nixsbee]

Nearly every Martin D (18, 21, 28, 35, 45) up to about 1985 is 1 11/16"



This is why many players do custom mods on their guitars once they get comfortable enough with the guitar to know what mod they want or need. Nearly all the guitars I've owned and playd over 60 years have gotten the fretboard edges very slightly rounded for increased comfort & playability. The the mods are very minor, nearly invisible, yet make a big difference to me.

You make a good point... I guess that apart from my GV-70, I've never had a single guitar that I ever felt I'd keep for life, or long enough to justify that kind of modification. But it does make sense!

 

[jeffcoop]

Going back to the original question, if a D55 is too pricey and the used market is viable, I'd suggest looking for a New Hartford D50 Standard. Mine is not my best guitar, but it is very comfortable to play and does everything well.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Thank you for this list!
I loved the sound of my D50 BS, but found it sooo heavy... Love my GV-70, but also heavy.
My ideal would be a sort of compact lighter weight US made dread, but I've heard the more modern D55s are lighter? ..
Hmmmm....

Santa Cruz Pre War dread.

 

[davismanLV]

Santa Cruz Pre War dread.

Santa Cruz wasn't alive before the war.... you're just screwing with us aren't you??? DAMN!!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Santa Cruz wasn't alive before the war.... you're just screwing with us aren't you??? DAMN!!

It’s their series they did. Dreads and OMs. Designed based on prewar Martins. No truss rods. Very lightly built.

 

[ReevesRd]

Nicky, @richardp69 has an '87 D-50 NT for sale https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/1987-guild-d-50-nt.217238/

 

[F-412Spec]

Santa Cruz wasn't alive before the war....

Neither was Pre-War

Neither was the Martin 1937 Authentic or any other "name-a-year" model.

 

[nixsbee]

Nicky, @richardp69 has an '87 D-50 NT for sale https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/1987-guild-d-50-nt.217238/

Thank you! Whilst I'd love this, being in the UK would make it too difficult. Hope it goes to a good home.

 

[chazmo]

What 1 11/16 solid rosewood dreads are there? Apart from the 150 and the Orpheum both being 1 3/4, that only leaves me a D-55...that I'd love to afford one day...but are also rare-ish here in the UK.
Thanks!

Good luck in the hunt, Nicky! Patience is a virtue.

 

[Wellington]

I think most Guild dreads are 1-11/16, but there can be a little variation as the necks were often hand finished. It is always wise to ask the seller to measure if it matters to you. Often the seller will just pull specs off the ol’ interweb without measuring.

I have just the opposite issue in that I need 1-3/4, so always ask in the hope of finding that unicorn made wider than the spec.

My Oxnard Guild is labeled as 1 11/16 but is a true 1.72 like a Gibson or Godin.

 

[davenumber2]

My Oxnard Guild is labeled as 1 11/16 but is a true 1.72 like a Gibson or Godin.

My New Hartford D50 is also 1.72 on the dot.