A decision at last!
In my search, I hit my local GC and tried about eight different guitars, including two more Guilds. They had a D4-NT from 1996 that looked brand new. Comparing it to guitars that were twice the price, it easily matched or exceeded both sound and playability. Of course, I wanted to try a few more before pulling the trigger.
Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to put it on layaway, just to be sure not to lose it. After two more shops and another hour at GC today playing a few more, I took out my cash and brought it home.
There will be a new NGD thread coming soon with pictures, just to share in my super find. Oh, by the way, it cost me $400, including the OHSC and all the tags and stuff too! My lucky day.
Thanks for the posts.
TC