Recently obtained a very minty 1977 D-50. Guilds are pretty rare in these parts. Tryn to learn more about this particular model. Plays and sounds wonderful. Is this year considered vintage. What about the bracing-its built like a tank but sings like bird how can this be?
1977 D 50
- Thread starter Edavis
- Start date
GardMan
Enlightened Member
Hey EDavis,
Welcome to LTG! I picked up a '76 D-50 last fall, and have been enjoying it ever since. The definition of "vintage" is pretty variable... but your D-50 hails from the "fabled" Westerly, RI factory.
As you noted, D-50s are "built like tanks." Mine is nearly 6 lbs (compared to 4.25 for my '72 D-35). Sings like a bird, but the volume of a cannon! Interestingly, my D-50 has shaved braces... tho' I don't know if that was done after it left the factory. Here's a pic of the insides of my D-50:
Compared to my '81 D-46:
If you have a mirror and flashlight, I'd love to know if the tone bars and X-braces on your '77 D-50 are shaved like those in my '76 D-50 (as opposed to the "unshaved" braces in my D-46).
Dave
Welcome to LTG! I picked up a '76 D-50 last fall, and have been enjoying it ever since. The definition of "vintage" is pretty variable... but your D-50 hails from the "fabled" Westerly, RI factory.
As you noted, D-50s are "built like tanks." Mine is nearly 6 lbs (compared to 4.25 for my '72 D-35). Sings like a bird, but the volume of a cannon! Interestingly, my D-50 has shaved braces... tho' I don't know if that was done after it left the factory. Here's a pic of the insides of my D-50:
Compared to my '81 D-46:
If you have a mirror and flashlight, I'd love to know if the tone bars and X-braces on your '77 D-50 are shaved like those in my '76 D-50 (as opposed to the "unshaved" braces in my D-46).
Dave
GardMan
Enlightened Member
Forgot to mention... the BEST source of info on Guilds from that era is Hans Moust's "The Guild Guitar Book." They're getting a bit hard to come by, these days, but definitely a wealth of info. Hans is a member and active participant on the forum... and graciously answer all our questions. D
6L6
Senior Member
Congrats on your D-50! I too own a '77 D-50 and I just love it to death. Mine's braces are shaved too.
6
6
Edavis said:
Welcome, and congratulations on your find!
I've owned my '73 D50 since 1976 and I'd say it's one of the very best acoustic guitars on the planet, if not the best. Mine's in Nashville right now getting a warranty neck reset (after 37 years, not bad!) and I miss it terribly. It's been such a huge part of my life for so long that it's really weird not having it around.
Luckily I have a few others around now to keep me occupied, and most of them have been acquired since joining the group.
Stick around, you'll like the folks here.And yeah, this place can be hard on your wallet! :lol:
southernGuild
Senior Member
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Congrats and welcome to LTG .........according to my D-25, 1977 was a fine year for guitars at Westerly! Not sure if they're really "Vintage" yet at all...but they are well on their way!! There are theories out there about how much each particular wood can improve over a given point of time, and then, once reaching that, they are as good as they'll get. at 33+ years old.......she has to be pretty darn good!
Enjoy! may she be the first Guild of many!I'll check for the shaved braces tonight and report back. What about the saddle? A rather thin one compared to the many others I've encountered. Thinkn of gettn a new Colosi vintage bone perhaps. Any thoughts on saddle replacement. By the way I've owned and own several other respectable American Made Acoustics and the D-50 is sure nice.
GardMan
Enlightened Member
AFAIK, Guild used thin (3/32") saddles on acoustics throughout the Westerly years... switching to 1/8" either in Corona or Tacoma. The 3/32" don't leave much room for compensating... but the only one of my Guilds where that has proven an issue is with my D-44.
I don't know what saddle is in my D-50... haven't had it into the shop yet. Plays and sounds great the way it is! Dave
I don't know what saddle is in my D-50... haven't had it into the shop yet. Plays and sounds great the way it is! Dave
taabru45
Enlightened Member
GardMan said:
My Corona D25 has a very narrow saddle, a little less than 3.32 even....Steffan
adorshki
Reverential Member
Now THAT'S interesting. MY '25 & F65 have the narrow saddle but my D40 has the thick saddle and a VERY beefy bridge. Is your D25 a flatback or an archback? I thought they discontinued 'em at Corona and revived 'em as GAD25's?taabru45 said:
taabru45
Enlightened Member
Mine is all mahogany and has a flat back....white in color, and a rainbow of tones in its personality....really nice tones.... I checked out the slot with a 3/32 saddle and the slot was too narrow...surprised me.... Steffan
I checked out the slot with a 3/32 saddle and the slot was too narrow...surprised me.... SteffanWest R Lee
Venerated Member
Just incredible pictures of the inside of your guitars Dave.
West
West
adorshki
Reverential Member
Thx Steffan...I remember reading about it before I joined up, now...wasn't that the one with the possible finish contamination from a hanger? Wonder if they were using up old Westerly bridge stock when they made it....taabru45 said:Mine is all mahogany and has a flat back....white in color, and a rainbow of tones in its personality....really nice tones....
taabru45
Enlightened Member
It had a couple of areas on the headstock where the finish was damaged by the hanger, so we generally agree it was a nitro finish...white, nice looking and sounding guitar that plays sooo easily...couldn't ask for too much more..iNn the back of my mind I'm considering selling it, as I still have a few very nice guitars, Larrivee 09, and Guild F 50....what to do, what to do.... :? :? .Steffan
adorshki
Reverential Member
I always say "If someone gave me a Mercedes I'd sell it and buy something I really like." Sell the Larrivee. :lol:taabru45 said:
I bet nobody else here could tell us where to find ANY white Guild acoustic. That's just RARE as far as I know. (And pretty). And those blems are almost invisble in the pics.
taabru45
Enlightened Member
.....plus its a flat back all mahogany ....I know there are a few red ones, and blue ones around too.......give you any ideas????...man youse guys are just the bestest of enablers ......gotta say 'guilty' of that myself........still.....I'm thinking of being persuaded for about $650 ......and it really doesn't need anything....and it is rare....and I like it a lot, and maybe I should/shouldn't....but maybe I will... :? :? :? Steffan
taabru45 said:
What is that Steffan, a D25? I'm not a big fan of "colored" guitars, but that one's cool.
Yeah, I really need another guitar right now! :lol:
taabru45
Enlightened Member
It is a D25, and it is cool...I also wasn't a fan of color, not used to anything other than natural or sunburst...old school I guess, but I've grown to love this one, I mean just because its white....when I first played it, it said GUILD...and that was unmistakable..So now its just my white guild...horn pins and tusq saddle don't hurt either... If it goes, it will have to be someone in the 'family'... :wink: Steffan
If it goes, it will have to be someone in the 'family'... :wink: Steffan