Where do you think the market price for Guilds will go now?

[tjmangum]

In light of the recent news of both production stopping in New Hartford and the sale of the brand, do you think it will affect the secondary market value of Guilds? Will it make a difference or to non LTG'sters will it just be a blip on the radar?

 

[guildman63]

Based on history a few models may get a bump, but most probably won't. It's not a concern for me as my Guilds are all so nice that their market value is unimportant. I have a mint pre-Fender X-500 that I am looking to sell for what I paid for it, but my AP X-500 isn't going anywhere at any price, and the only way I would consider selling my GSR Starfire is if I got more than I paid for it as it is just way too nice.

 

[dapmdave]

I'd go with "blip on the radar". Most guitar people don't follow the trials and tribulations of Guild.

 

[bluesypicky]

Not even a blip probably.
The public at large might never even know about Guild's latest transfer of ownership, just as they are clueless about the past moves from one plant to the other.

 

[Default]

I pointed out the selloff to a southpaw guitarist I know. Her response?

"Oh, that's one of those "Fender Guilds". I'll look for a nice OLD Guild."

Good luck with that, sister! If it's too expensive for you, just say so.

 

[geoguy]

I don't think this ownership change will have any effect on older Guilds (e.g. Tacoma & earlier). And I doubt it'll have much effect on NH-built guitars, assuming that the future Oxnard-or-wherever-built guitars are good quality, with a similar range of models.

If the Newark Street electrics are discontinued, I could see them retaining their value quite nicely. It appears they've been well-received.

 

[6L6]

No effect.

 

[NEONMOONY]

None.

 

[Yoko Oh No]

South for new guilds
North for the used market

But what do I know?

 

[chazmo]

I'll probably eat my words on this, but I'm going to guess that there'll be a rise in the used prices. I think the transition to Cordoba is going to starve the acoustic market for a while and I think demand will drive up the prices.

I also think the price of used New Hartford guitars will rise sharply over the next few years as their quality and durability proves out over the long term.

 

[guildman63]

South for new guilds
North for the used market

But what do I know?

I am not convinced of that for the new guitars. Cordoba has not been around for long, but all of the reviews and sound clips I have read and heard so far have been quite positive. The combination of the Spanish influences of Cordoba with the rich history of Guild guitars makes me confident that Cordoba will continue to produce a very high quality Guild acoustic line. Being primarily an electric player myself leaves me less confident in that line as Cordoba has no experience with making electrics. However, if they truly value the knowledge and experience of Guilds excellent team of craftsmen, electrics should also do well. I think that Cordoba and Guild is a great combination because each can provide something significant to the other, and in the end both should be better off.

 

[shot put]

Hi- Went through ebay guild inventory yesterday; Westerly guilds are scarce-new guilds plentiful at this point. Both will become even more difficult to find-prices should rise especially for Westerlys. IMHO I have a bunch and will hang on to them. I was talking with guild distribution store owner last week- he thinks guild will go south of the border.

 

[Robbob]

I'll probably eat my words on this, but I'm going to guess that there'll be a rise in the used prices. I think the transition to Cordoba is going to starve the acoustic market for a while and I think demand will drive up the prices.

I also think the price of used New Hartford guitars will rise sharply over the next few years as their quality and durability proves out over the long term.

I think that the New Hartford guitars are the best they have made in years. I have owned three previous Guilds from the 70s and 80's and the news ones I have from CT are the best of the lot.

 

[PhilD]

I have a collection of Westerly, Corona, Tacoma and New Hartford Guilds. All kept because each produces a great and different sound. I will enjoy them and hand them down to my kids and they will make a bunch of money on them. I think Guild cannibalized themselves with their Chinese offerings. Although there are many great post Westerly guitars, it will be a while before they gain traction as collectibles for their sound. There is a definite dumping of collectibles in many fields as the economy takes its toll on baby boomers. I see it everywhere. Buy your great American Guilds, enjoy them and hang on. There is no chance Chinese or Mexican guitars can match the quality of American Made Guilds. Not ever ! The biggest mistake I ever made (in this field of collecting) was not buying a '62 Vette for 23K 30 years ago. I would have driven it and have a car worth 55K. Have patience. Look forward.

Phil D

 

[Scratch]

The few NH Guilds I've played have been outstanding instruments. Sound and quality were easily on par with their Martin/Gibson/Taylor competitors. I believe they are beautiful guitars, but they will never be in demand as collectables.

On occasion I run into some darn good Texas musicians and when I mention my Guilds, the first question usually asked is if they were crafted in Westerly. Nostalgia associated with NYC/Hoboken and Westerly Guilds (especially 12 string guitars) will continue to influence their value as sought-after collectables.

A 2007 Chevy is a better crafted vehicle than a 1957 Chevy. The 1957 model, even in poor condition, is worth much more than the later model and always will be.

 

[jcwu]

A 2007 Chevy is a better crafted vehicle than a 1957 Chevy. The 1957 model, even in poor condition, is worth much more than the later model and always will be.

The desire to relive yesterday does a funny thing to our minds.

 

[guildman63]

The problem with collecting anything is that there is no way to know what will appreciate and what won't. To buy something one would not ordinarily buy in the hope that it appreciates in the future may leave you with things that are nice, but not what you need or want, and then buyers remorse sets in if they don't appreciate as hoped. Buy what you love and can afford, and if it appreciates one day then good for you. If it doesn't you still have what you love.

 

[bluesypicky]

The biggest mistake I ever made (in this field of collecting) was not buying a '62 Vette for 23K 30 years ago. I would have driven it and have a car worth 55K. Have patience. Look forward.
Phil D

But then again, what is 23k of 1984, worth today?
If it's investment we're looking for, I would advise against cars or guitars.
I buy both for fun however.

 

[adorshki]

The desire to relive yesterday does a funny thing to our minds.

I don't want to relive yesterday.
I want to re-live the glory days of my hell-raising youth, less all the collateral damage.
:laughing:

 

[adorshki]

But then again, what is 23k of 1984, worth today?

First think that popped into my mind, too.
About 55k.

If it's investment we're looking for, I would advise against cars or guitars.
I buy both for fun however.

BUT...he woulda had a cool car for 30 years, basically for free.
IF he sold it.
Got any plans for your 'Vette?
:excitement: