1977 D25M "IN THE HOUSE" Should Have Never "Strung Her Up"!!

[dadthrash]

Well, I received my 1977 D25M. She is a BEAUT! But...when I opened the case I immediately was drawn to the low saddle (1/16"), with high action (1/8"E and 3/32"e @12th), and the neck angle is 3/32" low at the bridge. It aslo has a cracked nut. So I immediately took pictures and sent this big long REFUND/RETURN email to the seller.

WELL....I SHOULD HAVE NEVER "STRUNG HER UP"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
While I was waiting for a response from the seller, I figured I would throw a set of JP PB Meds on her and at least hear how she sounded. BIG MISTAKE, OR MAYBE A BETTER DESCRIPTION IS " THANK GOD I DID"!!!!! SHE IS THE SWEETEST SOUNDING GUITAR I HAVE PLAYED IN A LONG. LONG TIME...I MEAN IT...I had forgotten how GREAT THESE D-25'S ARE (Been almost 25 yrs since I owned one). This Guitar has to be in the top 3 Singer/Songwriter Guitars I have ever played. Somewhere between a really good D-18V and a really good Pre-War Vintage D-18!!!!!!!!!!!! But with it's own distinctive GUILD VOICE, and absolutely it has the TONE......you can only find in a 32 year old Guitar. Did I say it is "Loud"...Well it is!!!!!!!

Sooooo......CANCEL THAT....SHE IS HOME TO STAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll get her fixed as necessary. Right now I am busy playing her about 4 to 5 hours a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a look. YEEHAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Link to many more Pictures: http://s261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43 ... ld%20D25M/?

Best,
Michael

 

[Graham]

Congrats Michael.

 

[dadthrash]

Here are the structural issues that will need to be attended to in the future:

Piece of cake....MRT

 

[killdeer43]

She's a keeper....and then some.

Rejoice,
Joe

 

[Dr. Spivey]

Congrats, dadthrash. D25's are indeed special. Enjoy.

 

[Scratch]

There's a song in there somewhere. Congrats, Michael. Looking forward to hearing a few tunes.

 

[jgmaute]

funny how sound/tone trumps repair...take care of her and she'll sing even purtier for ya good get!

 

[dreadnut]

Judging by the thread title, I was cringing thinking you were going to tell us the bridge popped off or something worse when you strung it up!

Nice pics. Didn't they use pretty mahogany on these backs? Beautiful grain and finish.

 

[dadthrash]

Thanks Guys. Exept for a few dings....THIS GUITAR LOOKS BRAND NEW....I AM AMAZED EVERYTIME I OPEN THE CASE.

It is a Great "Return to my Roots". I started my career on this very same Guild.....same year and Model! Feels like HOME!!!!! Only, Sounds better than I remember it!!!

There really is a Depth and a Mellow Warmth that is totally PURE VINTAGE TONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best,
Michael

 

[12stringer]

It's threads like this that cause dangerous amounts of GAS attacks round here!
Keep them coming! :wink:

 

[dadthrash]

Well Guys...Here is the Sound Clip I just sent the Seller. Remember, I am 60, and a Stage 4 Throat Cancer Survivor....so I know I shouldn't sing...but I just can't help myself with this Guitar!!!!
There are MANY, MANY new songs in this Guitar for me!!!!

Included in the soundclip is my message to the seller, (Deal is Done!!!!) with a short portion of my first D25M Guild song.....60's Hippie song for sure. Enjoy (the Guitar...not me...eh, eh):

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8129763

SOUNDCLIP NOTE: I had just put a set of Elixir PB Meds on the D25M (I always like to try and see if a Guitar will work with Elixirs...no string noise) But it definitely took away a good portion of the Chime, Overtones, Sustain and dynamics of the Guitar that were present when I had John Pearse PB Mediums on it. Soundclip was made using Elixir Strings which made the Guitar sound much more Fundemental in the individual notes.....ie, D25M sounds better (more Lush) with JP PB Meds.

Best,
Michael

 

[chicagowineguy]

Good song and your voice sounds just fine to me! As for that D25, well it sounds gorgeous! Good score...god knows I love my mine, which is I think just a few months older...enjoy yourself chipping away at the repairs...I love taking mine to the shop...so far a setup, a new bone nut and saddle and pins. Next up is a PUP...any suggestions welcome.

 

[dadthrash]

chicagowineguy,
Thanks...

I will be putting a K&K Dual Source Trinity System W/Pure Western Mini in my D25M. They are completely awesome....but remember..I do not perform anymore...just to the walls in my Front room.

I went to the K&K a couple of years ago...had them in all my Collings and Martins. Truly sounds just like your Guitar...eventually I went to the Dual Source K&K Trinity System...I just love the added airy/woody blend of internal condensor mic.

I only add about 5-10% mic...but what a difference it makes. Completely "Tops Off" and Completes the sound that I want.

Best,
Michael

 

[dreadnut]

Nice song Michael! Sure glad you're a survivor!

And played like a true Guild-o-phile, I might add

 

[coastie99]

It's threads like this that cause dangerous amounts of GAS attacks round here!
Keep them coming! :wink:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[GardMan]

Very nice! Wish I could make my D-25 sing like that (not the fault of the Guild, just the player)! Dave

Hey MIke, whereabouts in Portland do you live? I grew up in the SW hills a stone's throw from Wilson High... my folks are still living there, and I have a sister in happy Valley. D

 

[Graham]

Great playing and singin' Michael and a good guitar story as well! :mrgreen:

 

[chazmo]

Michael,

I too thought you were going to have another shipping story about how the neck broke off when you put the strings on, but lo and behold -- a story wtih a happy ending.

Congrats.

I recommend the following: First slack the strings and truss the neck so it's good and straight, then put it in the case and humidify the crap out of it with soundhole and other case humidification for a couple weeks and see if the neck angle doesn't change a tad to get that straightedge right to the saddle. You'll know within a few days whether you're going to need a reset on the thing or not (eventually). If the guitar is dry, it'll swell back into it's Westerly-given shape quickly and you'll know what you're dealing with.

 

[Scratch]

Man, I wish I could pick like that! Great tune, Michael and thanks much for posting. Looking forward to many more.

 

[dogberry]

Congrats on that guitar -- I'm glad you decided to keep it. But you're giving me D25 GAS!