A Guild may come my way

[brazil66]

I've just recently heard about a 1953 (my birth year) M-20 Guild. The current owner does not know what it is worth to set a fair price...and neither do I. Any thoughts / experience / comments relating to this , that may help. Appears to be a 00 body similiar to the Martin 00-15, but I'm guessing. All in all it looks to be in great shape (photo) for it's year. May need a neck reset.... Thank you for any wisdom you may impart.

Michael

 

[hansmoust]

I've just recently heard about a 1953 (my birth year) M-20 Guild.

Hello Michael,

Don't want to disappoint you but there's no such thing as a 1953 Guild M-20. All the M-20s with 4 digit serial numbers that look like they're from the early '50s, are from 1959.

See this thread: http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11688

I hope this doesn't spoil it for you cause it might be a great guitar!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[jgmaute]

You can track the one that is on ebay that Hans referenced. The starting bid is $900 and there aren't any bids yet. You can also compare what you've seen in the pictures to what you can see on the ebay listing.

Good luck, that model has been calling to me but other things (non guitar) are in front of it in line.

jgm

 

[brazil66]

Thank you jg, and Hans. I will dig further...some conflict here. But it is a guitar none the less and will prevail on it's own true merit. Great forum you have here...Thank you. I'll let you know what turns up.

Michael (Vermont USA.)

 

[brazil66]

This is a shot of the maker label. Ser No. looks like 1095 to me.

 

[BluesDan]

"Ghost Label" introduced in 1959 and used until the end of 1960. Straight from "the bible"

 

[brazil66]

Now we're getting somwhere. Thanks Dan. Anyone up for a value opinion. Ballpark for negotiating purposes?

 

[taabru45]

He has, or had (maybe) the same guitar in craigslisst for $800. its in one of my posts. Steffan
http://albany.craigslist.org/msg/1042905211.html

 

[BluesDan]

I have watched pretty much every M20 that has come up on the bay for the past 8-10 years. I have seen them go for anywhere from the ridiculously cheap (around 400.00) to the ridiculously expensive (around 1600.00). Of course conditions varied and the market for any one particular Guild seems to be a roller coaster ride. But you get the idea. In good to excellent condition they can easily fetch 800 to 1200. Get one for 600 and you are doing great. Just my opinion of course. If you are a "hog" guy, these are great 000 size guitars, loud relative to their size. And for whatever reason, cracks in the top from the bridge back towards the end pin are very common with this model. Mine has it, doesn't affect sound or playability at all. Mine has a replacement bridge, has been re-finned, top crack, lots of character marks, but I wouldn't trade her for an Artist Award. Really.

 

[brazil66]

Thanks Dan; That scopes it out in fine measure. I very much appreciate all the help.


Michael

www.rakeandsplay.com