Different Guild cases from the '90s

[jcwu]

I have a '95 Guild DV52 that I've owned since new, and the case is flat on top, with red interior, and on the outside it just says "Guild". The lining inside the case is in great condition, nothing peeling away, etc.

I recently acquired a '94 JV52, and the case is arched on top, with black interior, and on the outside it has the Guild shield. The lining is coming off in several spots. One of the latches, the one that's lockable, is huge.

So I'm wondering - what determines which kind of case you'd get when you got your Guild? I prefer the flat-top one, and I slightly prefer the red lining. I'm not particular about the differences that I'd replace the case (nor do I have the funds for that, ha!), but I'm just curious why they have different cases for two such similar class guitars.

And I guess a related question - what kind of glue should I use to reglue the lining inside the case?

 

[GardMan]

Without knowing anything for certain, I would guess that, just like there were different "trim" levels for guitars, there were different levels of cases. In general, I think a case with an arched top would be considered a step up from a flat topped case... the arched top adds strength to the case and protects the guitar's top better. Perhaps shops or individuals could order different grades of cases when they ordered/purchased?

I also can't provide much advice on glue for re-attaching the lining... but I probably would not use a solvent-based glue for fear of volatiles affecting the finish of my guitar (my D-35 actually lost a half-dollar sized patch of finish on the neck from storage in its original Guild case... it's right where the neck support was... I think it was outgassing from the padding that softened the finish to the point I eventually scraped it off). If I did use a solvent based cement, like a contact cement, I would let it cure/air out a considerable amount of time before storing an instrument in it.

I'm not a stickler for having original Guild cases for my dreads... For my seven dreads, I only have six cases... four in good shape, and two not so good. I only have one marked "Guild" case (and it's not original) from the early 80s. It's felt-lined with little padding, and has seen many air miles. All my others are aftermarket.

 

[Dr. Spivey]

My D40 (which is actually a '99, I'll correct the sig someday) has a flat topped case with burgundy lining, Guild silkscreened on the top. I bought it from the original owner. I would imagine as with all things Guild, there are variances and irregularities through the years.

 

[spiderman]

Interesting topic here. I have an archtop TKL case that came with the JF55, dark red interior, no Guild lettering or metal plaque (or any indication there was a missing plaque). Luthier thinks its OHSC but I am not certain because of the lack of Guild markings, person I bought it from is the second owner :?: :?:

Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired)
Alvarez AC60S
Eastman AC320ce BOOKMATCHING BOOKMATCHING WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING BOOKMATCHING!
http://www.massstreetmusic.com/store/sh ... id-Cutaway
GAD-JF30E(blonde)
JF55 1997

 

[jcwu]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

Any particular aftermarket brands stand out as a good replacement, if the day comes that I want to replace my case(s)?

 

[GardMan]

My D-50 came to me with an unlabeled arch top case with red plush lining. Supposedly original, but no Guild marking (I haven't found any markings at all).

TKLs are nice... but tend to be on the expensive side. I bought one of their basic flat-topped 6/12 dread cases new for ~$95 locally. For my D-55, I got a used/exc condition top-of the line arched top TKL w velveteen lining and double neck support from my guitar tech for $60 (a steal!). My D-46 came to me with one of the newer SKB molded cases... which is very nice (tho' I prefer the more traditional look of tolex covered wood cases).

I have done a lot of case browsing here..., tho' I have never ordered from them. I have heard good things about Guardian and Canadian cases. One thing to be aware of... the Guild headstock makes for a somewhat longer length than your typical guitar. In many cases, you need to go to a 6/12 case.

 

[jte]

I don't know about the '90s, but when I was a dealer (1977-1988) we had the choice of two different hard-shell cases for all the acoustic guitars. One had a plush lining, one had a more plain flannel lining. I don't recall what the exterior was, and the details (color of the lining, type of latches, etc.) seemed to change at random.

My A-50 (from December 1995, just before the FMIC purchase) came with a brown exterior case wth plush lining and the sheild logo.

John

 

[Qvart]

TKLs are nice... but tend to be on the expensive side. I bought one of their basic flat-topped 6/12 dread cases new for ~$95 locally. For my D-55, I got a used/exc condition top-of the line arched top TKL w velveteen lining and double neck support from my guitar tech for $60 (a steal!).

If anybody is looking for a TKL Guild case one just appeared on Ebay.

By the way, that's identical to the case that came with my '01 DCE1.

 

[JerryR]

My D35 is in a flat top case, with red plush lining and guild in gold script. Interestingly at Arlington, it seemed to be the same as many other cases belonging to my LTG Bros as a fairly standard dred issue.

 

[jcwu]

If anybody is looking for a TKL Guild case one just appeared on Ebay.

By the way, that's identical to the case that came with my '01 DCE1.

That case is exactly the one I have for the DV52, and I wish I could find one just like it, except for a jumbo!

 

[kydave]

I prefer the flat-top one

Bad choice!

Flat top hard cases give the illusion of protection, but are way too suspectible to pressure on that flat top. Any guitar I got in one of those of any brand would have a replacement case immediately.

Fortunately, there is an excellent deal to be had! On Musician's Friend, sold under the house brand of Silver Creek, is a 6 latch, arch top Geib style case for $69.95. I own one, and have also owned the TKL case like it that came with some of my Martins. It is a very good copy and an outstanding deal!

http://accessories.musiciansfriend....r-Vintage-Dreadnought-Archtop-Case?sku=541694

 

[GardMan]

Hey kydave,
Does you D-50 fit in that case? I have looked at those at MF, and thought they looked like a good deal, but have been leery of buying a case w/o a test fit (by me, or someone else)...
Dave

 

[kydave]

Gardman,

That D-50 fit in there great!

Dave

 

[GardMan]

Dave, Thx! Dave

 

[fungusyoung]

FYI: You may want to check out this thread. I posted a handful of photo examples (mostly from 90's era Guilds) towards the end of it: http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8956

 

[jcwu]

The Silver Creek case looks good, but unfortunately they don't carry it for jumbo sized guitars. I looked into the TKL cases, and they're a bit pricey, but I found a decently-priced source for them (and free shipping, to boot!):

1) TKL Prestige arched jumbo case, $112.95
http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/p_TKL- ... Black.aspx

2) TKL Professional arched jumbo case, $150.95
http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/p_TKL- ... -Case.aspx

3) TKL Elite arched front/back jumbo case, $181.95
http://www.firstqualitymusic.com/p_TKL- ... -Case.aspx

These are the best prices I've found for this line of cases, roughly $40-50 less than other retailers are asking (after shipping is considered). More than the Silver Creek cases, but at least these come in jumbo.

 

[plaidseason]

I've been using a TKL Professional case for my F44 for about 6 years now and I've been very, very happy with it.

-Chris

 

[jcwu]

The differences I could see between the Prestige and the Professional line is the simulated leather, velour interior, and ... eyehooks for the carrying strap? Who in their right mind would wear a case like this on a shoulder strap? Ouch!!!

I guess it depends on taste, whether you like tolex vs. leather, velour vs. regular plush stuff. $40 difference in price.

 

[plaidseason]

Actually I use the shoulder strap all the time. Often it saves me a trip when I can't find a parking spot close to the gig. Mandolin case and guitar case on one hand, gig bag/case in the other, and my other guitar case slung over my shoulder using the strap. Believe it or not, it works quite well.

The handle is (much) better on the Professional and I believe the padding is better.

-Chris