‘70 D25

[donnylang]

Got this one from Tom Jacobs, and my first impression is I like it a lot. It has a sweet and thumpy sound. I’ll get a video together soon. I’m also a fan of good chipboard cases (light and compact), and this appears to be the original Guild case, and these are about the best chipboards I’ve encountered w/ the padding, good handle, etc.



Early Westerly model with some ‘60s/Hoboken features:





Serial # OG-1050 w/ no “Hoboken” on label:

 

[twocorgis]

Got this one from Tom Jacobs, and my first impression is I like it a lot. It has a sweet and thumpy sound. I’ll get a video together soon. I’m also a fan of good chipboard cases (light and compact), and this appears to be the original Guild case, and these are about the best chipboards I’ve encountered w/ the padding, good handle, etc.

Congrats! Do you have a photo of the case? Not sure I've ever seen an OEM Guild chipboard case.

 

[donnylang]

Congrats! Do you have a photo of the case? Not sure I've ever seen an OEM Guild chipboard case.

Sorry I was editing the photos when you quoted that. Here are a couple more.

I think it’s original because this was the same case that came with the ‘72 D25 I had awhile back. I’ve also seen another 1970 online with this same case too.

 

[donnylang]

… also seen a lot of Mark guitars with a similar case. Not sure who made them, maybe Ess & Ess? They’re solid quality IMO.

 

[wileypickett]

Congrats!

I have OG 844. (Hoboken label.) Came in exactly the same yellow interior chipboard case as yours.

Mine sat on a guitar stand untouched for a LONG time. The rubber parts melted the finish clean down to the wood on the center of the back and on both sides of the strap button, where the guitar body had been cradled.

I've SLOWLY been repairing it; lacquer drop-fills where the finish was missing; wait a few weeks for it to off-gas; fine sand; more lacquer, etc. It's just about ready for the final sanding and then it gets polished up; new tuners; a bone saddle; fresh strings and a set-up.

The original owner, now in his '70s, said he bought the guitar new in NYC. As a young man he taped a little scrap of paper to the side (where folkies typically tape their set lists) that says, "A DRAGON LIVES FOREVER."

That sentiment will be preserved for as long as I have the guitar.

 

[twocorgis]

… also seen a lot of Mark guitars with a similar case. Not sure who made them, maybe Ess & Ess? They’re solid quality IMO.

Thanks Donny. Looks like much better quality that the chipboard case I just gave away!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Got this one from Tom Jacobs, and my first impression is I like it a lot. It has a sweet and thumpy sound. I’ll get a video together soon. I’m also a fan of good chipboard cases (light and compact), and this appears to be the original Guild case, and these are about the best chipboards I’ve encountered w/ the padding, good handle, etc.



Early Westerly model with some ‘60s/Hoboken features:





Serial # OG-1050 w/ no “Hoboken” on label:

Looks like mine mine was made one year later. Congrats Donny. These are fantastic song writing guitars. I had this dude from Nashville try to buy mine just for song writing. Zane Wilson of the Texas circuit also really liked my Br. These early all hog flats are just so warm and soulful. Btw, PB strings go awesome with them. Like your DRs lights will be perfect.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Oh. And they love dropped D.

 

[wileypickett]

I typically tune my guitars down to A or B. Haven't played in standard in 45 years.

 

[donnylang]

Looks like mine mine was made one year later. Congrats Donny. These are fantastic song writing guitars. I had this dude from Nashville try to buy mine just for song writing. Zane Wilson of the Texas circuit also really liked my Br. These early all hog flats are just so warm and soulful. Btw, PB strings go awesome with them. Like your DRs lights will be perfect.

Yeh I just gave it a run through after changing the strings to my go-to (DR Hi-beams 80/20 12-54) and I’m liking it even more. My songs all sound right on it so far. I also like the sort of “humble” nature of the guitar, which is just a very direct sound.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Yeh I just gave it a run through after changing the strings to my go-to (DR Hi-beams 80/20 12-54) and I’m liking it even more. My songs all sound right on it so far. I also like the sort of “humble” nature of the guitar, which is just a very direct sound.

It cost $225 in 1971. It was their bargain dread. It’s humble.

 

[donnylang]

It cost $225 in 1971. It was their bargain dread. It’s humble.

True but that’s $1650 equivalent today … I think a Gibson J45 was about $250.

 

[Westerly Wood]

True but that’s $1650 equivalent today … I think a Gibson J45 was about $250.

Regardless, you got a great dread man. Is yours like feather light too? Mine is really light weight wise.

 

[donnylang]

Regardless, you got a great dread man. Is yours like feather light too? Mine is really light weight wise.

It’s pretty light, about the same as most ‘60s era D40s etc I’ve had. The ‘68 D35 was by far the lightest. I would bet it wasn’t even 4 lbs.

 

[donnylang]

Quick demo video:

 

[Norrissey]

Quick demo video:

That sounds awesome!! Nice!

 

[steve488]

That case is a dead ringer for the one that has wrapped my Yamaha FG230 since 1970. It is showing signs of wear but still does the trick. Also a plus 1 for the KLH speakers.... got a pair of Model 17's from the same era (1970) that are still working fine. The D25 looks excellent. Someday one of its 12 string siblings needs added to my small herd..... Enjoy it!!

 

[Nuuska]

Hello

You talk about chipboard case - but I always thought they were heavy cardboad - naturally w vinyl covering - and in this case also w lining.

I always thought "chipboard" meant a product that was pressed together of a mixture of wood chips and glue.

Are there other definitions for the word "chipboard"

Just trying to learn english for some unlikely possible future use.

Thank you.

 

[Guildedagain]

Chipboard means it's cardboard that will melt in the rain, but these vintage Guild cases really are the dandies of the "chipboard" cases that contain no chips.

Chipboard has no chip.

Pork & Beans have no pork.

Hot dogs, what dogs, where, what would a dog be doing in a bun?

Hamburgers are beef and a big deal if there is slice of ham, in a "hamburger".

This a trend, called "truth in advertising", it's all around us.

 

[Shakeylee]

1970 D-25 is a GOAT .
Mine booms . It’s loud but not harsh