Has the price of low end Guilds gone up recently?

[GeoffHW]

On the search for a good deal again. The one that got away has come up again D-25C NT (cutaway, not Cherry) but for $1800!

Sad I didn't pull the trigger when it came up for $500. Not saying $1800 is a normal price because it's not. But even the other D-25 seems to be around $1000. This seems really steep to me.

I could maybe understand $1000 for a D-25 that's already had a neck reset. Is it just me or does it seem like asking price is going up?

Even the few around $700-$800 seem to have problems or need work or have been repaired. But not sure I'd ever want to own a guitar that has had a broken neck, headstock, or body.

 

[GAD]

Since Covid prices have gone up for all guitars.

 

[GeoffHW]

Since Covid prices have gone up for all guitars.

I thought they were rebounding. I see fender strats and teles go for less than they have all day but seems like some of the more niche guitars are shooting up.

But I also am seeing a crash. Lots of people bought martins over covid and now can't get rid of them unless they are charging 2/3's retail.

 

[GAD]

I thought they were rebounding. I see fender strats and teles go for less than they have all day but seems like some of the more niche guitars are shooting up.

But I also am seeing a crash. Lots of people bought martins over covid and now can't get rid of them unless they are charging 2/3's retail.

The vintage guitar world is a bit different than new, but anything bought new and trying to be sold a year or three later will take a significant hit.

 

[Rayk]

It’s greed !

 

[Br1ck]

It’s greed !

Other than the object of business is to make as much money as you can, there is nothing but market forces at play. Take China for example. They import all the raw materials that go into making a guitar and those costs are rising. Fuel to power a factory is on the rise. The real estate implosion is causing domestic consumption to fall and they are headed for deflation. Demogragraphics are causing a smaller workforce, so wages go up as companies compete for labor. Then shipping rates are up. So Chinese manufacturers are getting squeezed. They have had to hold prices because demand is slack.

Domestic producers are having the same issues with cost of materials and labor. If you have followed the used D 25 market over the last ten years, you know the days of a clean needs nothing Westerly for $700-800 are pretty much gone. It is market forces at work. Are you going to charge $800 so someone can flip it for $1000? Inflation is what used to be the norm historically. Not particularly high. Could big oil sell us gas cheaper? Sure, but their shareholders would sue. $1800 for a domestically made D 20 is in this marketplace, a steal. It won't be cheaper until economics are such that they have to cut prices. If that happens, you'll be very unhappy. I don't think bad times are good for anyone.

Be thankful we in the US have it so good. We have oil, reasonable demographics, are working on US manufacturing (guess what, things will cost more) and outlook is good enough foreign investments will be made. Our big problem as I see it is the same old people with money control things. Loosing our balance between haves and have nots. If you live in a capitalistic society, isn't greed the point?

 

[HeyMikey]

Oh, the deals are still out there, but are fewer and farther between than pre-Covid. The web and FB forums are still the best place as members often price things fairly for other members, and there is no forced sales tax.

However, the proliferation of “flippers” on the boards doesn’t help. Often the best deals go fast and may end up relisted on eBay or Reverb for much more. Meaning, you are competing with others always looking for the good deals.

Bottom line is to know what you want, know what to look for, know what a good fair price is, and act decisively.

CL is also a good source. For example if you are in the Seattle area this might be worth a look for $800 asking price.

Vintage Guild Acoustic Guitar - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Vintage Guild acoustic guitar. Model number D25. Very nice condition. New strings. Plays great and sounds lovely. Soft gig bag.

seattle.craigslist.org

 

[GAD]

Warning to all: this thread is on thin ice.

 

[Curlington]

IMHO, If you are a buyer, the way around problems is to call up the seller and talk to them. Look for a win-win deal. Impart your knowledge to the seller. Don't be pushy or in a hurry. Maybe meet up. Maybe make a friend. It is usually worth it to the the seller to get less but have an easy transaction.

I hope this is informative: the genius and essence of capitalism is to reward those who work to deserve it, and their work thus grows the pie so everybody's slice of the pie gets bigger.

If that is controversial or offensive in any way to anyone, I'm happy to delete it.

 

[HeyMikey]

I agree with Curlington that it is always best to meet with or talk to the seller first. You can usually get a good sense as to how the guitar was cared for. As he said that usually results in a good transaction for both.

Learning about unexplained things sometimes only comes out through dialog. Such as for example what it means when something is described as a “safe queen”. Did it sit for 20 years under tension resulting in neck problems? Did it sit in the attic that was subject temperature extremes resulting in rattling loose joints?

However, when the deal is really good you may not get the opportunity to have a discussion and you have to move quickly, while understanding the risks. In those situations you really need to know what you are looking at.

Educate yourself on what kinds of problems are common so you can try to eliminate concerns and factor in unforeseen repairs into your purchase price. Reference: Frets.com

If the guitar is highly sought after, appears to have minimal problems, is priced well even with repairs factored in… it isn’t going to last long.

Instead of trying to find a great deal, look for a fair deal. No one should ever be disappointed with a fair deal. Know the market for what you are after, ask questions, factor in repairs, know if its returnable. When it all seems right then try to negotiate a fair deal.

Persistence and patience is often the key to success. However, being able to make a quick decision gives you another tool to acquire what you want.

 

[GuildyAsHell]

Everything is up it seems. I was happy to jump on my black D-25 with repaired side cracks for $600 plus tax. It’s years from a neck reset and the repairs don’t bother me, plus it’s not going anywhere.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I know the D25 BRs, Guilds bottom rung dread model has gone up markedly. I bought it for $500, but I see them on Reverb north of 1200, which is absurd, and I would know, as I own one lol. However, I am looking at it all wrong, as no way can I find a nicer sounding dread for 1200 today. Not easily...

 

[GeoffHW]

I know the D25 BRs, Guilds bottom rung dread model has gone up markedly. I bought it for $500, but I see them on Reverb north of 1200, which is absurd, and I would know, as I own one lol. However, I am looking at it all wrong, as no way can I find a nicer sounding dread for 1200 today. Not easily...

Yeah, I am really looking to spend $600 on a great condition D-25. Finish issues I don't mind at all. But seems out of the realm of possibility. Closer to $800 would be realistic.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Yeah, I am really looking to spend $600 on a great condition D-25. Finish issues I don't mind at all. But seems out of the realm of possibility. Closer to $800 would be realistic.

the D25 arch backs are more affordable than the flatbacks, from what I have seen. You should definitely be able to get on on Reverb for $800.

 

[rbrcbr]

Re: vintage stuff

Unfortunately, all it is is the market catching up - Guilds have always been underpriced and therefore easy to find a good deal...with the skyrocketing of everything else vintage, we're starting to see that change. A '59 M-20 occasionally can be had for $1,000-1,500 in need of a neck set, but even at market prices like $2,500-3,000, you're still walking away spending considerably less than an equivalent '59 0-15 that you might pay $5,000 for. An 80's D-25 for $600 has always been a hell of a deal compared to buying a new Martin for $1,500, it was only a matter of time these would get more expensive.

 

[Br1ck]

I’m not thankful . I don’t think a lot of us are . Personally I don’t care about how much I can get for something personally but within the business frame I asked for enough make a small profit yet at the same time not trying to extort more then what’s the item is actually worth .

Screw the market and demand BS the demand is over exaggerated there’s always someone wanting things . The demand is those who want to buy and their Bots to flip things for even more money ! It’s purely greed that one demands more then an items worth and others sellers follow suite !

capitalism is running amok it will never end for the working class and poor who’s caught in the middle .

With all due respect the concept of capitalism has run out of control as I think you touched on without so many words . The pressure is building for a better way and things can’t keep going as they are .

I actually feel guilty because a member asking about a guitar I had and he ask how much I wanted for it . I asked rather high price but not deliberately just because idiots where asking crazy high prices to begin with every where else , for that I apologize ! But I guess deep down I wasn’t ready to sell but that , as an excuse to over ask a legitimate price was indeed greed !

I’ve always asked fair pricing my guitars screw those who would ask 2,3 times that .

all I feel is shame .

Ok so Mods I’m sorry and I will not post another response on the subject , thank you very much .

The market it what it is. Within the system a company has a fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders. If they are not shareholder owned, they still need to take care of employees.

It reminds me of the story about weather forecasting. The US government has the best weather forecasters, right? Wrong, the Koch brothers hired them away at twice their government salaries. They bought tankers of oil based on how cold the next winter would be in the midwest. They don't share for the greater good. Another guy bought Rolls Royces in Florida and drove them to California for a $10,000 profit until the market balanced out. It is just commerce at whatever level you chose to play the game. Guitars are no different.

My son in law designs high end computer chips.He has a doctorate and twenty years experience and can get a job at any company that needs cutting edge AI designers. His company gets a sniff someone is recruiting him, he has an unannounced performance evaluation and a raise. Same supply and demand.

Now there is a vast middle ground we could be looking at, but we don't vote to go that route. I like a lot about Europe, but Europeans have chosen to have less material goods so more live a decent life. I think it does affect productivity.

As an addendum, I have a friend who has lived in a van for thirty years. He is the happiest person I know. He found an old AlvarezYairi he's played happily for decades.

 

[GeoffHW]

The market it what it is. Within the system a company has a fiduciary responsibility to its shareholders. If they are not shareholder owned, they still need to take care of employees.

It reminds me of the story about weather forecasting. The US government has the best weather forecasters, right? Wrong, the Koch brothers hired them away at twice their government salaries. They bought tankers of oil based on how cold the next winter would be in the midwest. They don't share for the greater good. Another guy bought Rolls Royces in Florida and drove them to California for a $10,000 profit until the market balanced out. It is just commerce at whatever level you chose to play the game. Guitars are no different.

My son in law designs high end computer chips.He has a doctorate and twenty years experience and can get a job at any company that needs cutting edge AI designers. His company gets a sniff someone is recruiting him, he has an unannounced performance evaluation and a raise. Same supply and demand.

Now there is a vast middle ground we could be looking at, but we don't vote to go that route. I like a lot about Europe, but Europeans have chosen to have less material goods so more live a decent life. I think it does affect productivity.

As an addendum, I have a friend who has lived in a van for thirty years. He is the happiest person I know. He found an old AlvarezYairi he's played happily for decades.

I think this is a lesson in what said item is worth to the individual. For me personally, a D-25 isn't worth more than what I saw it listed for when I initially started looking (around $600 for a good condition example).

Now that's just me. I have no issue buying a Martin for $2000+ but for some reason I cannot see myself spending more than $1000 on a guild, and certainly not more than $800 for an 'entry model'. It's dumb, I know. Brand loyalty and market demand are at play even within myself. I know if I don't like a Martin Ill only lose a small bit on it. Not sure how that works with Guilds as they are not as familiar to me.

So my inability to take a risk combined with my lack of knowledge/experience with guilds has set my bar below the market standard for myself price wise. If I had unlimited money I may be more inclined to go ahead and spend just above market value.

After all, I wanted a Martin bad enough that I opted to buy new for $2800 rather than accept a used mint condition example for $2200.

 

[GAD]

Last warning. Any more mention of corporate greed, Europe being better than the US, or how capitalism is dead (etc.) and the thread gets locked.

 

[Rayk]

Last warning. Any more mention of corporate greed, Europe being better than the US, or how capitalism is dead (etc.) and the thread gets locked.

I’m so sorry , delete my post !

 

[Jared macneill]

I think it’s weird that you can get USA made guilds cheaper than you can get the Korean and Chinese made guilds .

That’s my rant about guild prices