Just got a Refurbished GAD-40

[squashman]

Ok, so I know there is controversy both on the "refurbished" models from Guild and the GAD models coming out of China. I double dipped and got a "refurbished" GAD-40 off of EBAY sight unseen. I just got the guitar a few days again, and I'm completely blown away by the guitar especially for the price (about $300 including shipping). The quality and finish looks very good to me. And the guitar is a cannon already. I can't imagine what it is going to sound like in 5 to 10 years after a lot of playing.

So for anyone looking for a sub-$500 guitar, I'd definitely recommend looking for one of these. I'm sure their are some lemons out there, but I sure didn't get one. I took it too my local independent shop that does the best luthier work around Atlanta (big plug for Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta--the guys are the best), and he didn't even recommend a set-up.

Loving having a Guild, even if it isn't made in the U.S.A. Ok, I'm ducking now... :lol:

 

[chazmo]

Welcome to LTG, squashman, and congrats on your GAD.

 

[dane]

Welcome to the LTG forum squashman. If your Guild looks good, plays good, and sounds good…who cares where it was made! 8) Congratulation on a great find. Now go play something!

Dane

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome.

I had no idea there were refurbished GADs. Live and learn. Depending upon where the refurbishing was done, your GAD may even be in better shape than a new one from the factory.

 

[beinhard]

Hi, squashman, and welcome!

Controversy? Depends who you ask, I guess.
I'm mainly interested in Westerly Guilds, but my experience with GADs match yours.
Those few I have tried have been great sounding and very well made.
(Much like the Seagulls, another bang-for-the-buck favourite of mine)

beinhard

 

[squashman]

Welcome.

I had no idea there were refurbished GADs. Live and learn. Depending upon where the refurbishing was done, your GAD may even be in better shape than a new one from the factory.

I don't know who did the refurb, but the guy I bought it from said he only gets the ones that had cosmetic issues that needed to be fixed. I have know way of knowing if this is true or not, but I sure don't see any structural or cosmetic issues. And I felt a lot better after I took it Maple St. Guitars and they gave it thumbs up. So the only thing on there is the "used" stamp on the back side of the head stock. But I can live with that considering how much (or should say how little) I paid for it. Will try to post some pictures later on.

 

[chazmo]

Welcome.

I had no idea there were refurbished GADs. Live and learn. Depending upon where the refurbishing was done, your GAD may even be in better shape than a new one from the factory.

I don't know who did the refurb, but the guy I bought it from said he only gets the ones that had cosmetic issues that needed to be fixed. I have know way of knowing if this is true or not, but I sure don't see any structural or cosmetic issues. And I felt a lot better after I took it Maple St. Guitars and they gave it thumbs up. So the only thing on there is the "used" stamp on the back side of the head stock. But I can live with that considering how much (or should say how little) I paid for it. Will try to post some pictures later on.

I think the "USED" stamp on the back is a strong clue that the guitar went through MIRC. Those guys are good, and have done a lot of excellent work on Guilds over the years. Anyway, the point is that you got a screamin' deal on a guitar that speaks to you. That's a good place to be.

Again, welcome aboard, and beware of GAS.

 

[evenkeel]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like a very sweet deal.

Good price on a guitar you're excited about, what's not to like about that :!: :!:

 

[GardMan]

Welcome, Squashman! Enjoy oyu new Guild! D

 

[SkippyX]

Heya, Squashman - welcome to LTG!

I'm the proud owner of two GADs - a GAD-50 (six string rosewood/spruce dred) and a GAD G-212 (12 string hog/spruce Dred). Great guitars both, IMO.

I also have a refurb - the 12 string. The back of the headstock is stamped used. If it went through MIRC (Musical Instrument Reclamation Corporation) it should also have a small serial number sticker placed atop the original Guild sticker inside the body. Mine does anyways.

I picked up my refurb GAD for $350 - no case though. I bought it used @ GC. I figure I got a killer deal on it. If you paid right @ 3 bills and got the case as well you practically stole the darned thing.

Nicely done!

 

[JDevenger]

Love my GAD-F20 so far. Chinese made as well.

Got it for like 30% off and ended up paying 495, plus got a beautiful guild hardshell case for free with the purchase.

 

[squashman]

Heya, Squashman - welcome to LTG!

I'm the proud owner of two GADs - a GAD-50 (six string rosewood/spruce dred) and a GAD G-212 (12 string hog/spruce Dred). Great guitars both, IMO.

I also have a refurb - the 12 string. The back of the headstock is stamped used. If it went through MIRC (Musical Instrument Reclamation Corporation) it should also have a small serial number sticker placed atop the original Guild sticker inside the body. Mine does anyways.

I picked up my refurb GAD for $350 - no case though. I bought it used @ GC. I figure I got a killer deal on it. If you paid right @ 3 bills and got the case as well you practically stole the darned thing.

Nicely done!

Yep, must be an MIRC job. I also have a serial number sticker on top of the original Guild serial number. Have you ever tried to remove that sticker to see if you can find out what the original serial number is just for fun?

I got the guitar for $255, could have gotten a Guild case for another $69 but didn't. Shipping was $40 but no tax. I bought a nice Access Stage 3 gig bag (which to me is a nice hybrid between the hard shell and a wimpy gig base) for $55. So all in, I'm just under $350 for a sweet guitar with a really nice case. I couldn't be happier.

Up until now, I've spent most of my board time over at the Tacoma Guitar Forum, but I guess I'll be splitting my time between the two sites now!

Thanks everyone for the welcome.