Similarity of the D-50 and D-55?

[jmm55]

How similar are these guitars in build? I would like to open my local field of selection if possible (I am after a D-55). I had read somewhere that a d-55 is essentially a d-50 with extra appointments, but I would like to hear from the experts.

Are the d-50 and the d-55 going to sound similar? Or is there another model that is essentially the same as a D-55 in build? I can live without the fancy stuff, and tone is paramount.

 

[6L6]

My '06 D-55 and '77 D-50 sound very different from each other. Both sound great, but definitely different.

Of course, you can make several of the same model from the same tree and odds are they will sound different.

As always, play before you buy if at all possible.

6

'06 D-55
'06 F-412
'77 D-50
'74 D-40

 

[twocorgis]

How similar are these guitars in build? I would like to open my local field of selection if possible (I am after a D-55). I had read somewhere that a d-55 is essentially a d-50 with extra appointments, but I would like to hear from the experts.

Are the d-50 and the d-55 going to sound similar? Or is there another model that is essentially the same as a D-55 in build? I can live without the fancy stuff, and tone is paramount.

I've always thought the same thing; that the D50 is just a D55 without the added bling. That suits me just fine because I tend to like simple looking instruments myself. I'm sure there can be quite a variance between instruments, but all the materials are the same in the two models, save the gold hardware and extra inlays on the '55.

 

[davenumber2]

The newer D50s (Tacoma and later) have Adi tops as opposed to Sitka for the D55.

 

[Bing k]

The newer D50s (Tacoma and later) have Adi tops as opposed to Sitka for the D55.

Definitely different guitars when it comes to tone. The sitka of the 55 is way more mellow when compared to the Adi of the 50. Then consider the bracing material difference on the Tacomas which is now the same on the New Hartfords. The strings sizes as produced from the factory were also different the 55 having L350 and the 50 having L450 which in it's self makes the 50 top work harder. On both New Hartford models the top radius was changed from 40 to 30 ft. which makes them both work harder. This coupled with the string change really did things for the new D-55

 

[Dadaist]

How similar are these guitars in build? I would like to open my local field of selection if possible (I am after a D-55). I had read somewhere that a d-55 is essentially a d-50 with extra appointments, but I would like to hear from the experts.

Are the d-50 and the d-55 going to sound similar? Or is there another model that is essentially the same as a D-55 in build? I can live without the fancy stuff, and tone is paramount.

I own an '81 D55 SB and an '89 D50 SB....regardless of the fancy stuff (but you gotta admit...it sets the guitar apart from most other production Dreadnoughts...you're not going to mistake it for a Gibson or Martin?) on the D55, because they've been making both models for quite a few years, I think it would depend on which era you set your sights on.

I play fingerstyle without picks of any kind. That said, it seems (and this is so subjective) that the D50 works better for that style of playing. But, I've had Fred/valleyguy play the D55 with a pick across from me at a jam...and it has an incredible, mellow, full sound.

Another consideration is that no two D55s or D50s are going to be the same. The older Westerly guitars besides being built like proverbial tanks, are a bit heavier than their younger siblings; don't know if that might be an issue. Good luck...in your quest...this is half the fun of owning Guilds.

David

 

[dreadnut]

Then theres the "tweener" dread, the DV-52. Insofar as vintage Guilds go, it's closer to the D-55 in construction without all of the deluxe appointments.

In Tacoma, they started building the D-50's more like the DV-52's - scalloped bracing, ebony bridge and fingerboard, etc. - excellent sounding instruments.

I can't speak for New Hartford D-50's because I haven't played one, but I understand they are also exceptional.

If you're looking for vintage, try to find a DV-52. You'll likely get one for a better price than a vintage D-50, don't ask me why.

 

[cjd-player]

One of the surprising things that we learned during our Guild factory tour in New Hartford was that the old Guild body molds were not all the same height, and varied by as much as 1/8 inch. Thus, two guitars made in those molds could vary in body depth by 1/8 of an inch. Thus, two D-55's could vary by 1/8 inch, two D-50's could vary by 1/8 inch, etc., etc. So naturally, the tone of two of the same model will vary if for no other reason than the body depths being different.

So that just really confirms the issue that if you are searching for tone, it all comes down to the individual guitar. You should look past the model number, and just play until you find one that you like. One person's D-50 could sound very similar to another person's DV-52 or D-55.

 

[valleyguy]

I'll reiterate what's been posted. The Tacoma (and newer) D50s have an adirondack top versus the sitka for the D55. The adi top is perfect for flatpicking and fingerpicking as it accentuates individual strings and is louder than the D55. The D55 is certainly mellower in comparison, I loved strumming Dadaist's Westerly D55, which is not to say you can't flat/finger pick it effectively. For pre Tacoma 2006(?) individual years will vary, but the differences will be less pronounced. My limited comparisons always led me to believe the only difference was the bling on the D55 (not a bad thing), but YMMV and that's my 1.5 cents worth of knowledge.

 

[valleyguy]

I'll add one more note. I have played a new New Hartford D50 and D40 side by side. Both have adirondack tops. They sound VERY similar. There is not the difference you expect to hear between a mahogany and rosewood guitar. Both loud and crisp, the D50 with only slightly more of the overtones you'd expect from a rosewood.