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So I recently purchased a Guild guitar without knowing much about them. When I got the guitar I was amazed at how it played ( the cosmetic condition was subpar but I didn't care that much). After owning the guitar for a while I noticed it didn't play as well. Being a Novice player I just figured it was my own lack of practice. After some frustrating sessions I started to notice the guitar was beginning to show some fatigue I hadn't noticed before. I need of some direction on what to do.
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SFIV1967

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Welcome to LTG! I don't know where you are based, but it could be your guitar is extremely dry and hence the crack opened up, winter weather with low humidity can be hard on guitars! So try to humidify her or the room where you store her. That crack would close again I think but need to be glued by a luthier after the guitar is back to 40-50% humidity.



Ralf
 

davismanLV

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If you HUMIDIFY THE HELL out of it for quite a little bit, that gap will close up when the wood isn't so dry. THEN you can get that crack repaired. But humidify first. A LOT!!
 
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Thanks for the quick responses! Based in Syracuse NY (weather is awful). Do you guys suggest Guitar Center for repairs? Thats who I originally bought the guitar through (online).I put new strings on it when I added the Baggs pickup. Its a JF55 NT I have no idea what year though. Is it possible that crack alters the performance of the guitar?
 
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SFIV1967

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Do you guys suggest Guitar Center for repairs?
I wouldn't trust their repair people with such a nice guitar. I'm sure some local members in your area have better ideas. And wait with the repair for better spring weather.
We can find out the year for you based on the serial number.
Ralf
 

davismanLV

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There are multiple people here who can help you with the build date if you provide the serial number. I'd imagine in Syracuse you're using a lot of heat right now and that'll dry it out super bad. You can humidify it in the case, or if it's out you're going to have to humidify the environment where it sits. To close that gap, I think you're best with SEVERAL in case humidifiers and keep it sealed up and check the progress regularly and add more moisture constantly. You'll be surprised how much that crack will close up.

Here's a couple of vids to help you get started:

 
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I wouldn't trust their repair people with such a nice guitar. I'm sure some local members in your area have better ideas. And wait with the repair for better spring weather.
We can find out the year for you based on the serial number.
Ralf
Serial #- AJ550276
 

Cougar

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Thanks for the quick responses! Based in Syracuse NY (weather is awful). Do you guys suggest Guitar Center for repairs? Thats who I originally bought the guitar through (online).I put new strings on it when I added the Baggs pickup. Its a JF55 NT I have no idea what year though. Is it possible that crack alters the performance of the guitar?
Welcome to LTG! I'd search around for a different repair shop or luthier. That's a great guitar, and the good news is it's got plenty of saddle. How is the action (string height at 12th fret)? It might need a setup, which will make it play nice and easy. Setups are relatively inexpensive. That crack will likely need to be cleated (after it's well humidified) to keep it from separating again. Find a good tech and you're in business!
 
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I'm not sure how to measure the string height but I noticed it started to have a string "buzz" lately especially with a capo on. Maybe that has something to do with the backwards saddle (oops). Glad to get the reassurance she has some life left in her. Is this one of Guild's higher end guitars?
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walrus

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That action looks high to me, but that would affect playability more than the sound. I think you have some good advice already!

And I almost hesitate to bring this up, but the photo of the headstock strap "ties" - I'm assuming you know those headstock strap ties go under the strings, not over? That would really dampen the sound!

walrus
 
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That action looks high to me, but that would affect playability more than the sound. I think you have some good advice already!

And I almost hesitate to bring this up, but the photo of the headstock strap "ties" - I'm assuming you know those headstock strap ties go under the strings, not over? That would really dampen the sound!

walrus
Hahaha. I was waiting for someone to say something! Yes noticed after I posted the picture it appeared the strap to be tied over the strings but I can assure you its not it was just twisted around them. I'm a worse photographer then I am guitar player.
 

dreadnut

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Welcome! I'm guessing Mandolin Bros. has a great repair shop. they could repair/glue and cleat that top crack if necessary.

And +1 on the humidification.
 

SFIV1967

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I'm not sure how to measure the string height but I noticed it started to have a string "buzz" lately especially with a capo on.
The buzz for sure comes from the dry condition the guitar is in! Humidity and temperature change the wood.

For string height measurement see here:

Ralf
 
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Thanks for the information. I'll be doing some research on repair shops!
 
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