D-60 vs D-0R3

[dleahy]

I have a D-0R3E that I purchased new less than a year ago. I love it but I am starting to fall for the looks of the D-60. Has anyone compared them side-by-side? I know the 60 is gonna be louder but thats not really what I'm after. Maybe I should just try to trtick out my D-3 with bone saddle and nut. I already went for Tusq pins. Man, those engraved tuners are nice though.... Any thoughts?

[prof_stack]

Yeah, the GrAsS is always greener on the other side.   :GRN>

You oughta get out and play the D-60 and hear for yourself.  That's a big chunk of change difference in price.  You might be surprised how good your D-03R is after months of play. 

[BillnhisD-03RE]

Hi dleahy,
I think if you have the extra money falling outta your pockets, you should buy what you want. I will say this though, STACK has some good advice about keeping your D-03RE. You may end up being sorry you let it get away, try the bone LARRIVEE saddle and med strings. Those two minor things made my D-03RE a cannon, I suggest you try those two improvements first before doing anything trade wise...just my .02 worth. :GRN>

good luck, Bill D.

flashy looks are not everything. :WNK>

[jimmyd]

The D60 is a very attractive traditional looking guitar. I've done an A/B comparison between the D03R and D60 more than once. I didn't hear much difference between them either in tone or volume. I may be in a minority in that opinion. It sounds like you want something different in tone but I can only guess as to what you are after. I think experimenting with strings is a cheap and effective way to get a different sound. A bone saddle may or may not make any difference but they are easy to install and you can always put the Tusq saddle back in if you don't like the change. A bone nut will only make a difference when playing open strings and will cost some shop labor unless you feel comfortable trying that on your own. An often overlooked way to change your tone is to experiment with the type of picks you use.  I'd be reluctant to go w/ a D60 in hopes of a change in tone unless you really want the appointments it offers.   

[dleahy]

I appreciate the replys so far. Some good sound advice. I think I myself want to stay with my D-03RE. One reason I bought it is because of its looks. No flash is what I like. I call it "Plain & Fancy". I wanted to put my money into the woods and workmanship,  not the appointments. I think my only real attraction to the D-60 was the tuners. I am a sucker for retro and vintage but thats not worth the $$