Opinions and advice Guild DCE1/DC5NT
Jim Colletti
version. The DCE5 has rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony
fretboard and bridge. The DCE1 has mahogany back (with rosewood sides - an
unusual combo) and rosewood fretboard and bridge. Both, of course have
spruce tops. Guild, like a lot of manufacturers, adds letters to the model
number to indicate body style and finishes. In fact, DCE means Dreadnought
Cutaway Electric. Your DC5NT (actually I think you mean DCE5NT, as I think
these models come only with pickups) has a natural finish top (that's the
NT) as opposed to a sunburst. Often you'll also see HG added for high gloss
finish as opposed to satin. Only the DCE1 is offered in satin, and I
believe that the $750 price you give is for the satin version. The
high-gloss finish adds about $150 to $200, I think.
I just got a DCE1. Mine is a sunburst (Guild calls it antique burst) high
gloss. I got it because I am fond of Guild guitars, and I think the DCE1
has about the finest playing neck of any guitar I've played. The sound is
good - and I think it will get better when I replace the Guild strings on it
(they make fine guitars, but I don't like their strings - I also have a
Guild A50 which sounds much better with Martin Marquis strings than the
original Guilds it came with). One thing about Guilds, and the DCE1 is a
perfect example . . . they are heavy. Another thing, the body is rather
deep, so it is a large guitar even for a dreadnought. But as I said, it
plays like a dream.
I think you'll find that the DCE5's higher cost provides mostly decorative
improvements over the DCE1. But the satin versus gloss finish might be
something to give some thought to.
You can check out the Guild website at www.guildguitars.com for more info.
David Mindel wrote:
> Greetings,
> I am not experienced with guitar models. I'd like an acoustic with
> cutaway and electric pickup (who knows if it'll be used) and like the
> sound of Guilds. Can someone give me some advice regarding differences
> between the DCE1 and DC5NT? I think the DCE1 sells for about $750
> street price new. I'd also be grateful for new/used pricing advice. NG
> Appends or email OK.
> Thank you,
> David Mindel
Jim Colletti
rosewood sides is in error. It has mahogany sides. The specs provided at
Guild's website say rosewood sides, but I found a catalog that says mahogany
sides and back. I believe the catalog. Thus, the key difference between the
DCE1 and the DCE5 is mahogany with rosewood fretboard versus rosewood with ebony
fretboard.