First Guild Acoustic -- Best Bang for the buck

[CajunBlues]

I would like to buy a Westerly made (used of course) acoustic. What is the best bang for the buck. How much will I spend ? I am not looking to spend more than $800.

Anything out there for less than $500 ?

I would actually prefer a laminated top.. I know that sounds weird... but arizona is not very forgiving on acoustics...

 

[adorshki]

I would like to buy a Westerly made (used of course) acoustic. What is the best bang for the buck. How much will I spend ? I am not looking to spend more than $800.
Anything out there for less than $500 ?
I would actually prefer a laminated top.. I know that sounds weird... but arizona is not very forgiving on acoustics...

I'm no expert but have been seeing a lot of decent looking D25's in this range recently, those are generally agreed to be a VERY good bang for the buck. Recently here on the forum lots of guys are looking to sell instruments in that range for various reasons. I'd keep a close watch here because most of the owners here have taken great care of their instruments and know what to explain about condition, and aren't out to "maxzimize profit" like a typical ebay offering.
I don't think Westerly ever made any laminated acoustic tops, in fact I don't think ANY acoustic Guilds had laminated tops, even the imported GADS. I think that would be one of the critical elements of the "Guild sound".
The recent stuff I've read about under $500.oo seemed to have lots of issues. Cosmetic issues should be expected in this territory at the very least but major ones like necks needing resets or fret replacement needed are fairly costly and not even always realized by the sellers.
Read this thread for some valuable insights:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18876

 

[cuthbert]

I got my sunburst D-25 for...560 dollars if I recall correctly. Great guitar!I spent more than 150 $ for bone nut, bridge and pins and I don't regret that.

 

[southernGuild]

I agree with all of the above, and would add that perhaps just get a humidity guage for the guitar case or room, these are cheap, and will allow you to properly store the guitars for your given conditions. Once you know how to work with the conditions....its EASY. THAT way you dont have to go laminate top at all. :wink:

 

[Ridgemont]

if 800 is your tops, then the almighty D25!

 

[evenkeel]

You should also be able to fine a pretty nice D-35 for under $800, maybe a D-40. I know the D-25 has a lot of fans around here but the D-35 is a wonderful spruce mahogany dread.

 

[MojoTooth]

I agree with the D25 or if you look you could probably find a DV52 which everyone says is a nice guitar. I personally dig the Corona made D25's and you can usually find one of those for less than $500. D4's also seem to go for around $350-500 and they are the same as a D25 for the most part.

 

[West R Lee]

Same guitar I bought new in '79, a D25.....pretty unanimous . And if you like, we'll help you find one.

West

 

[Jeff]

I've been scared to call on this D35. Scared cuz it might be too good to pass.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/msg/1737416132.html

 

[TonyT]

I'll post this before I read any responses. There is no better bang for your guitar buck in the universe than a 70's D25. That's it period.

 

[MojoTooth]

I've been scared to call on this D35. Scared cuz it might be too good to pass.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/msg/1737416132.html

man you better jump on that! looks like a nice pickup!

 

[West R Lee]

I've been scared to call on this D35. Scared cuz it might be too good to pass.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/msg/1737416132.html

Ah Jeff, just give him a call..................what could it hurt? :twisted:

West

 

[Guild Dawg]

The D25 is a great guitar that can be had economically ($400-$600 if you don't mind a few dings). Do make sure you have a good case and a case humidifier, especially considering the dry air in Arizona. I see lots of Guild acoustics for sale with hairline cracks in their tops, probably due to HVAC abuse or extended stays in dry mountain/desert regions.

I have a 1979 D25M archback that has a few top cracks, but none of them significant. It also has a finish divot on the top below the bridge that looks like someone hit a table corner with it (mojo mark). I paid $550 for it. Love it.

 

[chicagowineguy]

Man I would jump on that D35 if I were with you. It looks very clean and well-cared for.

 

[coastie99]

I've been scared to call on this D35. Scared cuz it might be too good to pass.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/msg/1737416132.html

Aw, Jeff !

Don't be a big girl's blouse ......... you KNOW you should !! :lol: :lol:

 

[6L6]

A brand new (2006) Richie Havens D-40 sold on eBay today for $800 with it's original case. That was an INCREDIBLE deal for someone!

 

[Jeff]

A brand new (2006) Richie Havens D-40 sold on eBay today for $800 with it's original case. That was an INCREDIBLE deal for someone!

Screaming deal.

With patience $800 will get you a darn nice Guild guitar,

Problem is, after a while a fella just runs out of room. If that $500 D35 would make me play any better I'd a had it here days ago.

G37's are the same generic idea as D25's, with laminated maple back, Great guitars, rugged & regularly traded under $800.

 

[fungusyoung]

Westerly era DV6... not to be confused with the Tacoma or Mexican versions of the same model #. Totally different guitars. They were only made a few years in Westerly, but I think they normally sell for $600 or less. D25's are the obvious choice here because they are so plentiful, but I've honestly never played a D25 that's as good as my DV6.

 

[Qvart]

I got my '83 D35 for $500 and love it. D25's are about the same price. G37 if you want maple. A D40 would probably be possible too. The good thing is you can always find a great Guild for less than $800. Just depends on what kind of wood you prefer.

(Sorry if I'm restating what's already been said. I'm using my phone and didn't take time to look at all the responses.)

 

[bluesypicky]

Cajun,

I suppose you saw this....?

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=18758