Newbie Introduction

[Ridgemont]

Hi Everybody,
Newbie here, and thought I would introduce myself. I have been stalking this site for quite a while and thought it was unfair that I had not joined. I originally found this site when I was doing some research on a GAD 30. I wanted an OM/OOO mahogany model for $500-600 with a 1 ¾ inch nut for fingerstyle blues. It came down to the GAD and the Epiphone Masterbilt EF500. The Epi was definitely louder (my guess due to the slightly deeper body and minimal satin finish), and Killdeer43 really does vouch for this guitar. However, I went with the GAD mainly because I thought it had a drier darker tone (something I was looking for). I started putting John Pearse strings on it and it sounds even better (I will never put Elixers on this guitar again). Thanks for that advice everybody. I do know that GADs don’t have the greatest reputation, but I will defend mine (for that price range of course). I will admit though that I did choose mine over several others due to significant tone differences.
I just sold my starter guitar (Seagull S6) for a handful of shekels and am in the market for my first American made Guild. I would like to get a dreadnaught replacement, but budget limitations are going to be an issue ($300-500). What Guilds fall within this price range? I know a DV4 and DV6 are accessible but else? I heard Dadthrash’s song with his new D25M (awesome song) and I was blown away. That sure is a beautiful sounding guitar, but could I get one in decent condition in my price range? How about the D25NT (ebay link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 500wt_1182). Although I would prefer to buy locally here in Austin Texas and surrounding areas (hello Scratch and WestRLee) just because I want to play the instrument first. I would definitely buy from another forum member due to the camaraderie that is so heavily felt here.
Anyway, I could keep going on and on because I really do enjoy talking about guitars. Any help or advice would be gratefully appreciated, and I am pretty open to suggestions. I am mainly looking for an affordable big guitar that has a true vintage Guild tone.

-Ridgemont (Newbie)

 

[fab467]

Hi Ridgemont. Sorry I can't help with your quest but I'm sure someone who can will be along shortly. These guys and gals do know their stuff...

So...Welcome. I believe you will enjoy it here!

 

[Scratch]

Welcome aboard Ridgemont. Great having another Texan aboard. LTGer 'Russ D' is an Austin area guy with great talent, and 'Gilded' (Dallas/Fort Wroth) area is one heckuva picker (for a lawyer) :lol: :lol:

In that price range a D25 is very hard to beat and is most-likely your best bet. We've seen 'em go in pretty fair shap in the $450.00 range and up. I played a nice Tacoma-built D4 in New Braunfels Music a couple of months ago; it sold for $600.00. You can also find the occasional D4 in that price range. Glad to keep an eye out for you.

North or South of Austin?

Best... Ken

 

[cjd-player]

Welcome to the nuthouse, Ridgemont.

Appears you are already familiar with some of the inmates. :wink:

Looks like you've got your sights set on the guitars you may find in that price range.
Buying locally to play it first, with which I fully agree, may limit you but won't make it impossible.

 

[Graham]

Hey Ridge, welcome to LTG.

You might be lucky enough to snag a D-25 in your price range, you just need to be on the ball and let the others here know that that is what you're looking for. We'll help.

Don't let the GAD thing distract you here, it's just some of the harder core Guilophiles that resent the name on the headstock, not necessarily the build quality.

There are also a few other Texans here, RussD is right in your backyard pretty much, Jim Betts is in the San Antonio area and gilded is in the Fort Worth vicinity.

If you're able try and make it up to Arlington next month for the Guitar Show and introduce yourself, in person, to a few more of us "temporary Texans" for the weekend! :mrgreen:

 

[killdeer43]

Welcome to the other Magic Kingdom, Ridge.
While it is true that I vouch for the Masterbilt, I still go into my local Guild dealer to give the GAD 30 another run, to no avail. I'll hang on to the little Epi until I hear a better-sounding small guitar. I'd like it to be a Guild, but it won't be an A25. Had one...sold it.
I also have 2 Seagull S6s which are OK to have around the house, but nothing spectacular. One belongs to my wife and she doesn't know it but I keep it tuned to an open G. I guess when she decides to play it, there will be a few questions. :wink:
Many here, including yours truly, will vouch for a good, older D25 and even offer a variety of other good options, so stay tuned and in tune.
Just keep feeding the GAS gods and you'll be fine.

Later,
Joe

 

[RussD]

Welcome to the asylum, Ridgemont.
I'm north of you, just barely in Round Rock. If you're wondering about the sound of a particular model and see it on my signature, you'll have to come over and play one.

 

[krysh]

moin moin!

 

[Ridgemont]

Hi again everybody,

Thanks for the posts so far. I knew this would be a great community. Scratch, my wife and I just moved closer to the center of town. We got hit so hard last March with that hail storm in northwest Austin that we decided to move. I did not realize there were so many forum members in this neck of the woods. They had a decent D4 on consignment at Guitar Resurrection (gone now) and a new Tacoma built DV6 for too much $$$. I have seen some D25M/NTs on the local craigslist. To highlight what Killdeer43 just said, I recently played my uncle's old beat up D25 and was voted the best of his lot by others (it beat out a '56 Gibson J50, an old Epi Texan and another maple body Guild). It was a dark cherry color but I wasn't sure if it had a mahogany or spruce top. Either way the arched back (I assume all D25s have the archback?) is pretty intriguing. Thanks a bunch RussD, I will take you up on that offer.

thanks again for the posts,
Ridgemont

 

[12stringer]

Hi Ridgemont
Just so you are aware...the d25 also comes in a flat back version as well...it has bracing on the back while the laminated curved backs don't have any bracing at all.
Welcome aboard! :wink:

 

[Tunes]

Ridge,

Welcome to LTG - as they say "for richer or poorer", but mostly poorer when GAS kicks in -and it will if you hang around here long enough ... believe me.

Once you zero in on a particular model, you can post something in FS/FT, or criuse LTG Bay for that elusive deal.

Good to have ya aboard.

 

[JerryR]

Hi Ridge

 

[Ian]

We are a fair way from Texas, but gidday anyway mate !! Wasn't Tunes thinking of parting with his D6 ?

 

[Tunes]

We are a fair way from Texas, but gidday anyway mate !! Wasn't Tunes thinking of parting with his D6 ?

I still have not decided - firmly on the fence ... :roll: :roll:

 

[Ian]

Hey Tunes, you want to watch that, can get sore after a while !!

 

[Bikerdoc]

Welcome aboard Ridge. Great bunch here.

Peace

 

[EddieZ]

Another (North) Austinite here! Recently pick up a Westerly D4 locally. Like RussD said, if you want to try it let me know.

EddieZ
Austin, Tx

 

[adorshki]

HI Ridgemont, welcome aboard!
I have a '96 D-25 and it's without a doubt the best axe I've ever owned in terms of playability and tone, and it's an arched back. I think there's something special about that for tone, for one thing the guitar's lighter due to no bracing on back, I think that translates to less "damping mass". Also I think the back curvature helps projection through soundhole, but admittedly I'm no engineer. I see there's another thread running, "Should I keep this D6?", I think that might be the guitar for you. When I got my D25 I think the D6 was just a step down in trim, you might want to see if it's got an arched back.....
Al

 

[southernGuild]

Hello there, Im new here as well and read your posting.....WELCOME. I too have a GAD30 (re). I think its an excellent fingerpicker, and beautiful to behold! It is certainly ABOVE my playability.and if there be better guitars out there ( which no doubt there ARE...but at a cost!) then so be it , THIS one is sure up with the best......and yes."for the price", i dont think we're sacreficing very much at all. Thats my thoughts on it. bottom line.YES, Im happy. But I want MORE GUILD! Indeed , seems as I am doing, You're putting that 'extra' saved cash toward a different, Westerly Guild. Sounds to me that you are on the right track for sure!!!
Isnt this a GREAT place? SO much helpful info.and nice genuine folks? We are lucky indeed! All the very best in you guitar journeys.......and yea, enjot that GAD30. All said...it is a fine little guitar! but you already KNOW THAT ONE!
Ive got a craving for a good mahogony D25..........TIME will tell. Cheers mate!
Nice to have another NEW person on the line.
southernGuild

 

[killdeer43]

And a hearty welcome to you, as well, southernGuild!

I'd have to say that the GAD 30 that I had must have been a fluke, since it didn't impress me that much. It felt good and looked great but the sound just didn't compare to the other guitar that arrived here just hours after it did (one UPS, the other FedX). I had the luxury of comparing the two for a week or so before I made the big decision. And yes, it was painful. :wink:
So, I'm still shopping!

Cheers,
Joe