Consistency of D25s throughout the years

[Ridgemont]

Hi everybody,

As most of you know, I am in the hunt for a D25. I found one in town which is a 1994 D25NT "True American." I played it for a while and sounded great to my ears. It is in pretty good condition, but does need a setup (action way too high for me). The bridge and nut will have to be filed down a bit along with some truss rod adjustment. Does anybody have any experience with D25s from the '90s? I do know that the ones from the 70's and 80's are pretty desirable. I am tempted to bite the bullet on this one because I wanted a guitar I could play first and not risk any UPS or Fedex cracks.

any thoughts?
-Ridgemont

 

[jazzmang]

From my understanding (which may not be 100% correct of course), most Westerly Guilds tended to be very well built in the 70s and 80s... almost overbuilt to some folks, but thats why they've lasted so long.

As far as I know, the quality of the D25's didn't drop off or anything in the 90s, but people tend to look for older D25s b/c they've had sufficient time to break in, etc... and they're built like tanks.

Now as for the Corona-built D25s, I can't say.

BTW I don't know why it would have a "True American" insignia on it. I thought that designation was only used for the DCE-series guitars. Maybe I'm mistaken though.

Hope some of this helps!

 

[dreadnut]

I've got a '76 D-25 and a '98 DV52 that speak well of both decades of Guild production

 

[adorshki]

oops duplicate post

 

[adorshki]

Hi Ridgemont: I have '96 D-25, tone ages magnificently, Bought it new, has about 1300 hours of playing on it (how I track "mileage"). Just got a GOOD (second) complete refret and sounds/feels better than new! Got a small amount of finish checking probably from too-rapid temperature changes before I knew that was a problem. Has been played outdoors for about 1000 of those hours. Got a small impact of about a 1 foot drop inside the case when case opened while carrying due to not latched completely. I managed to get the case down to the ground before it fully opened when I saw what was happening but top still rolled onto tang of the latch. NO damage other than cosmetic. After first refret only needed to tweak truss rod very slightly maybe 3 times over the next 8 years. All of mine were a little high from the factory (so to speak) :lol: . You see where I'm going with this? I am sure you'll be VERY happy! And oh yes, mine has the "True American" truss rod cover. I have the catalog for '96 and it features on the D-4 at that time also. I will NEVER sell that guitar!
Al

 

[kitniyatran]

My D25NT is probably a 1995, and a wonderful guitar. Just had a truss rod tweak, & is perhaps almost ready for touching up the frets, but plays & sounds great for me.

I keep referring back to the Martin D18 I had for a couple of decades prior to about 14 years ago; since the D25, I no longer miss the D18, & get more bottom & boom. 8)

 

[Ridgemont]

Thanks for the personal stories everybody. It seems they are as sturdy as I had hoped. I am going to go check it out again tomorrow. I will let you all know what ends up happening. Hopefully add a dreadnaught to the house.

 

[southernGuild]

Just an after remark.Thanks Ridgemont. Your posting of this, and the info from those who replied have added to my overall learning and appreciation of the d25's. Next to the DV52. which is coming my way as we speak. the D25 was my choice.for sentimental reasons ( I knew a man who had one in the early 70's. I held it and smelled it.thats about it.....HE loved it!) as well as for their excellent reputation over time and overall. I've got to admit.........I still crave one, but THAT will HAVE TO WAIT............But could be ...in the span of TIME!
Like you, I also have a GAD30, mine a 2006 're".......I love that' little Rosie'. she has treated me well, and continues to appease me! I'm sure you are happy with yours.......but there are times indeed when the call in the mind is for DREADNAUGHTS only. You have made a good choice........Sounds like you are going to be veryy happy with her. all the best.
The "True American". on the headstock, funny enough ........almost led me to buying a lovely D-4g here in Australia, A 1998, D4g, perfect condition, almost local. I thought that as a TRUE AMERICAN myself, a long way from my other home, I could take her ,with pride to the local pubs.....just to see how see fares. I uumed and ahhed too long ( thinking that I really wanted the DV52..or a D25m) that little d4g sold for approximately $400 us dollars. here, not bad at all .......Maybe I should have grabbed her.selling off all my bottem end bashers to cover costs.......D4g could replace them all! ..and I'd solidify under the flag of Guild. Oh well.shes gone, but as it stands.....Ive got a fine dread coming. no loss. But yea, the D25m.almost mythical in my mind. 'reckon in time , Ill have to buy one too! Your learning was My learning. glad you are getting yours.........let us know how ye go! Southern :wink:

 

[killdeer43]

Ebay seems to be D25-heavy these days. I wouldn't mind adopting another one, myself. I'm sure their popularity/appreciation is affecting the going prices, too. Check 'em out.

Joe