D25-12 Advice?

[Disco Lemonade]

Hey y’all, looking to purchase my first Guild (1990 D25-12) in the next couple days (private seller) and looking for advice on common faults and defects to watch for. From photos, it looks pretty clean for its age, beyond one of the Grover tuners missing a knob. They’re asking $500, so it seems that any amount I’m able to talk them down is gravy. I’ve wanted a Guild 12-string ever since hearing Buddy Guy flog one on ‘Alone and Acoustic,’ but just never had the right opportunity before now. Thanks, in advance, for any guidance or advice.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Is it a US made 12? That would be an outstanding price.

look at neck angle. Watch for high action at 12th fret, stuff like that.

congrats on the Guild 12er.

your LTG call name. From that 90s tune?

welcome to LTG!

 

[Disco Lemonade]

‘Tis indeed from Marcy Playground; the song is fun, but I always particularly liked the phrase. Yes, ‘Merican made. Happy to be here.

 

[Westerly Wood]

That tune has such a great groove. Just brilliant.

 

[fronobulax]

Is it a US made 12?

1990 D25-12

You really didn't need to ask, did you?

 

[davismanLV]

Marcy Playground is the BEST!! As has been said, check the neck angle. See below....

NECK ANGLE HERE!!

 

[davismanLV]

"In platform double suede
Yeah there she was
Like disco lemonade"

Love that song so much!! Welcome DL!!

 

[Disco Lemonade]

"In platform double suede
Yeah there she was
Like disco lemonade"

Love that song so much!! Welcome DL!!

You know, it’s funny, I use that same handle on multiple sites and I don’t believe anyone has ever caught the reference. Reckon I’m among my people now.

 

[davismanLV]

But seriously, take a 24" straight edge with you and check the neck angle like the link above shows, okay??

 

[Disco Lemonade]

But seriously, take a 24" straight edge with you and check the neck angle like the link above shows, okay??

Will do. Greatly appreciated.

 

[walrus]

Welcome, Disco! Good luck with your quest!

No veer intended, just so those who don't know the song can appreciate it's quirkiness:



walrus

 

[davismanLV]

Thanks Jeff!! After you posted it I think well over a year ago, it's been in rotation in the playlist every couple or three weeks. It's just a really GOOD song. Great video, too. "Downtown by myself, and I've had TOO MUCH caffeine..... "

 

[Disco Lemonade]

No veer intended, just so those who don't know the song can appreciate it's quirkiness:

Veer away! The groove is inescapable.

 

[Br1ck]

Thirty years is plenty old to need a neck reset. Pay special attention to the thinness of the bridge. It could very well have been shaved, adding significantly to the cost of the neck reset. Straightedge resting close to the top of the bridge is meaningless if the bridge has been shaved. But if it plays well now, it could remain stable for a long time, or not. I'd buy it counting on the or not scenario. Other expenses are possible fret work or interior bracing loose. Rap on the top with your knuckles and listen for a rattle or any noise that isn't solid.

 

[Disco Lemonade]

So, I just checked it out and it’s difficult to imagine a 30-yr-old guitar being in better cosmetic condition. Only problem is, the top is bulging and the bridge is also pulling away along the back edge. The action and playability are otherwise fine. Is it best to walk away from this one or is that just par for the course?

 

[chazmo]

DL, at that price, it's pretty much par for the course. Both of those problems might need addressing, or might not, depending on how serious they are. Take it to a luthier/tech when you get it to have a close look.

 

[Westerly Wood]

So, I just checked it out and it’s difficult to imagine a 30-yr-old guitar being in better cosmetic condition. Only problem is, the top is bulging and the bridge is also pulling away along the back edge. The action and playability are otherwise fine. Is it best to walk away from this one or is that just par for the course?

Still a good price considering it’s issues. Maybe offer $400. And it’s playable.

 

[DeArmond Hammer]

So, I just checked it out and it’s difficult to imagine a 30-yr-old guitar being in better cosmetic condition. Only problem is, the top is bulging and the bridge is also pulling away along the back edge. The action and playability are otherwise fine. Is it best to walk away from this one or is that just par for the course?

My first 12-string was an old Simon & Patrick cedar-top with a belly bulge. I put a JLD Bridge Doctor in it, which did wonders to flatten the belly. I recommend the one that replaces the bridge pins, even though it's a little more expensive than the one that requires you to drill a new hole through the bridge.

 

[davismanLV]

Here's the dealy-o..... it's common for a guitar of this age and especially a 12 string. So lowball your offer based upon how much you like the sound. Could be a setup or maybe need a JLD Bridge Doctor, which some dismiss but others acknowledge as a good fix for this bellying condition. How's the neck angle?? You didn't say..... with the top bellying like that you may need some help, but negotiate a good price and ..... how does it sound?? Could be a fixer!!

 

[Cougar]

You know, it’s funny, I use that same handle on multiple sites and I don’t believe anyone has ever caught the reference. Reckon I’m among my people now.

Haha! Welcome to LTG!

The height of the saddle is also important. If it's way low, it flattens out the break angle of the strings going over it, and that robs some of the sound being imparted to the soundboard. Unless you're ready to shell out for repairs, that's one reason I kind of prefer newer 12-strings, although my 2002 jumbo JF30-12 is in pristine condition and plays like a dream. After a thorough investigation, either pick up that dread 12er or stay on the hunt. There are great Guild 12ers out there for great prices if you're patient. Best of luck!