First Quality Acoustic. Help plz?

[The_Nowhereman]

Hello all I am new here and I was planning on buying a good acoustic guitar this summer. I was really looking at getting a Guild and after a friend recommended this site I thought asking here would be appropriate.

Well my price range is anywhere from 800-1000 USD and I was either looking to buy a new Guild DV-4, DV-6, or a used D25. The good about the DV-4 & 6 is that they would be new and I could always take them back if I don't like them (there are no dealers around me that have those in stock), but I haven't heard much about these guitars and I don't know much about them. For the D25 however, I have heard very good things about these guitars BUT I would have to buy off ebay and while I may get lucky, I may also get very unlucky.

So if anyone could give any insight, advice, or suggestions that would be appreciated very much. Thanks!!

 

[bluesypicky]

Welcome and good luck with your first Guild.
Ebay can be scary because of the "sight unseen" factor, however, if you establish a good communication with the seller (after checking his feedback) and get as much details as you can, it can be a winner, (as it was for me and DV-52) and would certainly widen the horizon of possibilities in your price range.
That said, NOTHING will beat a hands on purchase as it has been said many times here before.
Whatever route you choose, keep us updated!

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Welcome to the group.
Where are you from?

When buying a used Guild, keep a close eye right here.
Some of the best guitars are sold by members of the forum to other members of the forum.
You will have a lot better chance of getting a good guitar here than from ebay.

Best of luck in your search,
TMG.

 

[GardMan]

NWM,
First, welcome to LTG!

I have no experience with current DV models (DV-4 and 6)... but my understanding is that they are now made in Mexico. Nothing wrong with that, necessarily... but you should know. On the otherhand, with patience and searching, you may be able to find new old stock DVs made in the Tacoma plant before it closed, and I have heard very positive things about these.

OTOH $1000 could put you into some really nice USED American-made Guilds, from eBay, Craig's list, a dealer, or fellow LTGer. I have only exceeded your upper limit on one of my Guild dreads... and five of mine have been found on eBay (one of these was local, so I was able to checki it out, first). (admittedly, adjusted for inflation, my original D-35 bought in '73 cost more than any of the others).

Problem is, there are so many choices... you'll need to really consider what sound you are after. D-25s, with their arched mahogany back, are known for the volume, projection, and booming bass. D-35s and D-40s are great spruce-topped mahogany dreads, with that bright mahogany sound. The G-37 and D-30 with their arched maple back are bright and smooth. Ash D-46s can be found for under $1K... and have a rich, balanced sound and unique look. Finally, you can find rosewood dreads, like the DV-52 or D-50, for under around $1K. DV-52s have quite a following here, and are considered by many the best "bang for your buck" in any rosewood dread.

My advice... ask a lot of questions... members here love to talk about their Guilds. If you see something that tweaks your interest, post a link or pics, and we'll all be happy to give you our impressions, and point out any problems we might see.

Good hunting!
Dave

 

[adorshki]

HI, Welcome aboard!
Keep watching the F/S F/T and LTG bay sections here. The good stuff gets offered here first before it goes to the outside world.
$800.00-$1000.00 can buy a LOT of guitar around here, even when you throw in shipping and insurance.
Just confirming what those previous posts say.
Here's a thread that covers many issues very well, with good tips an what to look for at least in case you do want to consider stuff on "Eek"bay:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18876&start=0
Good luck!

 

[Brad Little]

For $800-1000, you might be able to find a D-40 or D-50. I got my D-50 from Elderly a little over a year ago for $1200, a bit higher than your limit. But, Elderly is often at the higher end of pricing, at least in part because of their reputation. In addition to the obvious eBay and Craigs List, you might look at some of the commercial used deals. Daddy's Junkie Music and Guitar Center both have on line used listings. New Hope Traders (http://www.gbase.com/powered/gearlist.a ... chBar=True) has a couple of D-35s in your range. I can't recall ever playing one, but a lot of people on the list can probably chime in here.
Good Luck and Welcome to LTG,
Brad

 

[Ridgemont]

yo jimmy!

If your budget tops at $1K, then you have plenty of options as far as a Guild. While I have not played the new DV4 or DV6, I would be careful since several people have reported those guitars not being what they once were. Besides, you can probably get a better used DV4/6 for about $400.

The question I always ask someone looking for a good guitar is what do you want out of it? To expand on this, what type of music do you play? Singer/Songwriter? Cowboy Chords? Fingerstyle? Bluegrass? Country Blues? Heavy metal thrasher destroy the guitar at the end of the set and vomit on stage? The reason I ask is that some guitars are better suited for different styles of music. For example, I mostly play fingerstyle blues stuff so I prefer a smaller guitar with mahogany back/sides. That doesn't mean you can't play that on a rosewood dread, but it is something I prefer. You have expressed interest in 3 different dreads, so I will assume you are a dread person. In your budget, you could probably get the hog dread D40 or the rosewood dread D50 or better yet.....

why don't you tell us of your ideal guitar and we can figure out what would be suitable to you in your budget.

Oh and as far as places to look for buying used, check here in the FS/FT section. If you go through ebay, let us know, and the very very experienced can help you decide if the guitar is a deal in addition to important questions. The folks here hover around ebay like a bunch of vultures lookin' for a meal. :lol:

 

[twocorgis]

Hello all I am new here and I was planning on buying a good acoustic guitar this summer. I was really looking at getting a Guild and after a friend recommended this site I thought asking here would be appropriate.

Well my price range is anywhere from 800-1000 USD and I was either looking to buy a new Guild DV-4, DV-6, or a used D25. The good about the DV-4 & 6 is that they would be new and I could always take them back if I don't like them (there are no dealers around me that have those in stock), but I haven't heard much about these guitars and I don't know much about them. For the D25 however, I have heard very good things about these guitars BUT I would have to buy off ebay and while I may get lucky, I may also get very unlucky.

So if anyone could give any insight, advice, or suggestions that would be appreciated very much. Thanks!!

Welcome aboard Jimmy!

Before I would buy a new DV (which I think are hecho en Mexico these days) I would look for a D40 or D50. I found this Tacoma D40 on eBay and have been in contact with the seller. He's in brooklyn not too far from me, and might even be persuaded to sell it for less than the starting price listed. I could check it out for you if you like.

 

[6L6]

You can find a good used D-40 for $1000. Go for it!

6

 

[killdeer43]

Welcome Jimmy (who cracked the corn),

This is the place to look for leads and actual good deals on Guilds....I speak from experience since I sold 3 to fellow members and bought 1 from another member, just to keep it all in the Guilded family.
You'll like it here for any number of reasons so stay tuned and stay IN tune! :wink:

Oh, to have $1K to play with,
Joe
8)

 

[coastie99]

Hello from Newsyland, NWM, and a warm welcome.

I don't have any experience of the models on your shortlist, but I can assure you that you'll receive a profusion of good advice here from some very knowledgeable and outgoing people.

Best of luck with your search, but ...... a warning !

Guilds have an intoxicating effect; your first may well not be your last !

 

[adorshki]

Guilds have an intoxicating effect; your first may well not be your last !

Take it from a man who knows his sheep! :lol:

 

[JimbowF212]

Hey Jimmy;
I am a Jimmie, too. I would say from what I have seen you can do some better then a DV-4 or 6 with that budget. I would recommend a D-35, D-40 or 50 as the guys above have stated. Put a WTB in the FS/FT section or in the LTG Bay. you might also contact Elderly's about this one:

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/gu ... -12810.htm

It says some finish checking but, it might be worth the call they might even come down off the 1050 price tag. Worth a try.
Or try Guitar Center they have some D-25s, a DV-6 and a couple of DV-4s. Here is there link:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/

Click on the Used Gear link at the top of the page.

BTW I love that signature it is GREAT!!!!!!

 

[the super8]

Hello all I am new here and I was planning on buying a good acoustic guitar this summer. I was really looking at getting a Guild and after a friend recommended this site I thought asking here would be appropriate.

Well my price range is anywhere from 800-1000 USD and I was either looking to buy a new Guild DV-4, DV-6, or a used D25. The good about the DV-4 & 6 is that they would be new and I could always take them back if I don't like them (there are no dealers around me that have those in stock), but I haven't heard much about these guitars and I don't know much about them. For the D25 however, I have heard very good things about these guitars BUT I would have to buy off ebay and while I may get lucky, I may also get very unlucky.

So if anyone could give any insight, advice, or suggestions that would be appreciated very much. Thanks!!

Welcome to LTG!
Nothing to add, really, to the wisdom already offered, but you've obviously come to the right place. Guild guitars have an indescribable element of goodness to them; I recommend patience, (this from one who has none,) and the killer guitar/deal WILL come. My 1991 Westerly D25 was found on Craigslist 6 or 7 years ago for the ridiculous price of $350, with the original case, and Evenkeel of this board helped me buy my 1988 D40 from Florida for a paltry $800...
Please take note that the members of this board are a brother/sisterhood, and when you ask, help is forthcoming and kind.
Best of luck to you in the land of Guild!

 

[coastie99]

Guilds have an intoxicating effect; your first may well not be your last !

Take it from a man who knows his sheep! :lol:

My Shakespeare's getting rusty now, but it goes something like this ..............

"Beauty of itself, doth of its self persuade the eyes of men without an orator".

 

[dreadnut]

Welcome, Jimmy! You ever play "Row, Jimmy, Row?"

I'd look for a nice vintage Guild, there are lots out there. You could get a mint vintage D-25 for that kind of money, or many other models as everyone else suggested.

Some vintage models that I've seen outstanding deals on, especially right here on LTG, are the DV-52 and the DC-5E, both very nice rosewood dreadnaughts with spruce tops. I have an arch back D-25 that I bought new in '76 and it's a cannon, especially on the bottom end. The DV-52 has a slight edge over the D-25 in the tone category, it rings real clear and even across all the strings.

The DV-52 and DC-5E also have a fair amount of "bling", i.e., gold plated tuners, ebony fretboard, ebony bridge, Chesterfield headstock inlay, and the DC-5E has the dual mic/under saddle pickup, on board electronics, etc. I think you could get either of these for $1,000 or less. Happy hunting!

 

[adorshki]

oops. double post.

 

[adorshki]

Take it from a man who knows his sheep! :lol:

My Shakespeare's getting rusty now, but it goes something like this ..............
"Beauty of itself, doth of its self persuade the eyes of men without an orator".

My daughter's mother used to give me that same look.... :lol:

By the way Nowhereman, In case you were wondering, Coastie and I are demonstrating the time-honored LTG tradition of "thread veering". With a little time and practice you too will be able to sling razor-edged barbs at yourself and other accomodating members with surgical precision. Just make sure you don't start a battle of wits with an armed opponent! :lol:

 

[guildzilla]

You could get a D-25 for under $800.

FWIW and IMO, the best value used Guild acoustic between $800-$1,000 is a 1990's DV-52.

Check completed listings for Guilds on e-Bay. Three or four pretty nice ones have sold for just under $900 recently.

Solid rosewood back and sides, scalloped bracing under the top, ebony fingerboard and bridge, nice ornamentation, helleva sound. Ridiculous bang for the buck and fairly easy to find.

No ulterior motive. Mine isn't for sale.

 

[southernGuild]

Welcome.........and I too support Guildzillas pick of the DV-52., but really, the others suggested are mighty fine as well..........so its all up to you. Lots of good advice already given............So, I Look foreward to seeing what you choose. your "FIRST" Guild! :lol: