Martin D45 versus Guild D55 - Page 2

jpricewood · #16 03-10-2021, 07:33 PM

The D-55 bling is closer to a D-41, but the D-55 specs are closer to the HD-35. The D-55 has 1/4” braces, which give it great depth. I play my D-55 more than I play my D-41. It has a tone that is right between Martin and Gibson, at least in my opinion.

If you want D-45 level bling, you need to find a D-100, which are rare.

jsanfilippo5 · #17 03-10-2021, 07:42 PM

I don't really have experience with a d45. But my guild d55 is the only guitar that I regret selling and really miss.

fedexnman · #18 03-10-2021, 08:30 PM

The D-55 is an awesome looking guitar . Never played or owned one . I've had a Guild D25ch 1973 once but sold it . It was a spectacular sounding guitar and loud . It's was a real beater that needed a neck reset bit was still playable . I'd love to own a D-55 maybe one day . I like the looks of the Guild over the Martin's .

scotchnspeed · #19 03-10-2021, 09:23 PM

Wouldn't the D55 be much closer to a Martin D40? Comparing to a D45 would be as close to apples and oranges as high end dreads with sitka/EIR could get.

Goodallboy · #20 03-11-2021, 09:14 AM

A couple of things have been mentioned and bear repeating.

Most people buying a D-45 are buying it as an acquisition they’ve sought after for some years. It’s a prize akin to obtaining a painting by an artist you revere. It’s not subject to debate as to it’s sound, or bling, or price with those people. It’s also not up for a judgement call by people that don’t understand that motivation, IMO.

D-45’s are like ALL wooden guitars, some sound great, some sound ok, and some disappoint. It all depends on the players’ opinion. A comparison of the tone of the D-45 to any other is yet another dead end.

THe fact that I may think a D-45 is overpriced and I could have 10-12 Zagers for the price of one D-45 has little to do with the D-45 and speaks more to my taste in guitars.

6L6 · #21 03-11-2021, 09:21 AM

I own a D-45V and have owned a D-45 and a Guild D-55NT.

I gigged with the Guild for many years and loved everything about it. Mine was a 2006 built in Tacoma, WA and I am partial to the Guilds built there.

If you're thinking about a D-45, I would sure go the extra mile and get a D-45V. The forward shifted bracing in the D-45V really stands out in the tone dept.

Can't miss with either!

hamburg325 · #22 03-11-2021, 09:25 AM

If you like the Martin tone, look, and history, the D-45 is the top of the mountain.

Simple as that.

$ongWriter · #23 03-11-2021, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egordon99

I think people buy a Martin D-45 because they WANT a D-45. And there is nothing wrong with that.

I agree....I've wanted a D-42 for 20 years...never owned one...If I bought one it wouldn't change my life...I have some guitars as good, almost as good or even better...BUT....I still want one..just something about the clarity of that model and the snowflakes....I've also "wanted" a Guild d-55 too...I used to have a guitar teacher who was a professional touring musician and that's what she played...great guitar!!....those 2 guitars are similar...but not the same...to me it just boils down to what you "want"

Peter Z · #24 03-11-2021, 11:29 AM

I appreciate that D41Fan compares the D55 to the Martin 40 series instead of the D-28 as most do. The D55 is a wonderful sounding and looking guitar. As are the Martins.

Wellington · #25 03-11-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egordon99

Well 55 is 10 more than 45 so.....

Lol

I think the Guild D55 is a friggin Cadillac if the spacing floats your boat, it would be my choice, but a D45 is very nice, overpriced in my opinion, but to each their own!

D41Fan · #26 03-11-2021, 01:36 PM

I love all these comments, they are great.. It shows there is some love for the D55 here. I just feel (personal opinion) that Martin has priced themselves out of the ballpark for a lot of people. In Canada, a standard D18 is $3500.00, a D45 is $13,000... Not many people will spend that cash here for a 45.
When looking at what you get from Boucher (Canadian), Larrivee (used to be Canadian), Godin, (Canadian) there are a lot of options.
Now, if I can only find a reputable Guild dealer in Canada I would be happy.

jbeecham · #27 03-11-2021, 03:02 PM

If the Guild D-55 is a SUBSTITUTE for a Martin D-45, in the long run, you won't be happy with the Guild. If you like both equally, go with the Guild.

Jerry

Brucebubs · #28 03-11-2021, 03:06 PM

A Martin D-45 makes my Gibson SJ-200 look like a bargain.

Br1ck · #29 03-11-2021, 03:55 PM

It is unfortunate that Guild has such a poor dealer network. Most of us have never played one. The last D 55 I played was better, to me, than any of the Martins in the shop that day. Martin has sold many guitars with an unbalanced approach. People like bass, and I have a great time with my D 35 custom palm muting the bass so as not to overpower the rest of the guitar. But there is a lot to be said for balance. Guilds usually have that. It doesn't have the immediate impact slammin' bass does. Give it a couple of months and Guilds grow on you.

I'd love to have a D 55 or both. I'd get the D 45 out instead of watching TV. Just look at it.

k_russell · #30 03-11-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Similar on paper ... until you get to price.

Sweetwater,

Guild D-55 - $3599.00 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...d-d-55-natural
Martin D-45 - $9499.00 - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...n-d-45-natural

That's a $5900.00 difference ... you could buy 2 Guild D-55's and still have $2301.00 change.

Before I paid $9499 for an "off the rack" guitar, I'd be talking to a luthier about a custom build. Paying that much money would cause me to become extremely particular.

I would have to play both guitars and compare. Twice in the past, I went guitar shopping, intending to buy a Martin, and came home with a Guild.