Corona D-50

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There's a Corona made D-50 hanging in a pawn shop near me. It has normal wear and tear with a good sized scratch on the back. It plays like it should, problem being that the strings are old and nasty and they have music playing all the time so it's hard to evaluate what it sounds like. Realistically, I probably won't be able to tell if it's a good sounding guitar until I get it home if I decide to buy it. I know this era isn't well regarded, but I won't count out a guitar based on reputation. Is there anything I should be looking for? Any known problems? I'm not sure what they would take, it's marked down to $1,250, is that decent/what is fair?
 

GGJaguar

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Welcome to LTG! There are many LTGers (me included) who have been very happy with Corona-built acoustic models. There were some spotty finish issues early on, but you probably would have noticed that. I wouldn't hesitate if you like the guitar. Good luck!
 

Cougar

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Hey Sloppy, welcome to LTG. I have a Corona Guild that is spectacular, so you're wise not to count out a guitar based on this questionable reputation.

There are at least three things I would watch out for on any used guitar. Action, saddle height, and neck angle. Also, the top should be pretty flat and not, uh, wavy.

I looked on reverb.com for prices on a D50 and was surprised that almost every one for sale was up around $2,000. Nearly half of the sold listings, though, were around that $1,250 mark, but the other half were higher, topping out at almost $2,800 for one built in 1975 in excellent condition. But you always ask for a lower price in a pawn shop, right? If the saddle isn't shaved down flat to the bridge and the neck angle is decent, sounds like it could be a good buy. Here's a quick video on how to check the neck angle. Good luck!
 

davismanLV

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Corona Guilds get a bad rap for the wrong reason. After 2 years there, Guild relocated to Tacoma, WA. To expedite the move, they took their inventory and they either went to MIRC to be resold or price was reduced and sold with no warranty. This was to expedite the move, but people assumed it was because they were of lower quality. Not the case at all. So while I've heard of an occasional Corona Guild reported as less than stellar, no more so than Guilds from any other factory. Most folks I know love their Corona built Guilds. If everything checks out (action height, neck angle, saddle height as @Cougar mentions above) that's a very good price. (y)(y)
 
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Hey Sloppy, welcome to LTG. I have a Corona Guild that is spectacular, so you're wise not to count out a guitar based on this questionable reputation.

There are at least three things I would watch out for on any used guitar. Action, saddle height, and neck angle. Also, the top should be pretty flat and not, uh, wavy.

I looked on reverb.com for prices on a D50 and was surprised that almost every one for sale was up around $2,000. Nearly half of the sold listings, though, were around that $1,250 mark, but the other half were higher, topping out at almost $2,800 for one built in 1975 in excellent condition. But you always ask for a lower price in a pawn shop, right? If the saddle isn't shaved down flat to the bridge and the neck angle is decent, sounds like it could be a good buy. Here's a quick video on how to check the neck angle. Good luck!
I'm not new to guitars, but I don't know much about Guild acoustics (my first good electric was a brand new black sparkle x-79 around 1983 or so). The action is a good medium all the way up and down the neck (which I like). It feels right but I can't say I looked at it visually. I definitely would have to look at the bridge saddle to make sure it's good but I wouldn't be surprised if this is how it came from the factory. Except for a little minor buckle rash and a good long scratch on the back the finish looks good and the top isn't wavy.

Pricing for used guitars now seems to be a combination of inflation and high hopes. I've been watching this one for a while, it came in 6 or 8 months ago with a couple Martin's that have already sold. It was marked at $2,500 which did not get me interested at all. At the current price I am considering it, I don't know how much they will move based on the original asking price but I've gotten good deals before when they want something gone.
 

SFIV1967

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Welcome to LTG!
From the 1993 (Corona era) catalog:

1675013611175.png

Ralf
 

jeffcoop

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I have a Corona D50 from 2003. It's very well built nd plays beautifully. It is an absolute overtone machine, which can happen (but doesn't happen inevitably) with rosewood. I'm sure some would prefer a more focused sound. For me, given my general lack of skill, the overtones make the guitar more forgiving. I certainly wouldn't be put off by the fact that a particular Guild was made in Corona. You'll just want to do the usual stuff for a used guitar that's been described here.
 
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Ask the shop to turn off or at least turn down the music while you're playing the D-50.
Definitely. I'm pretty sure they will, it would have to be when they aren't busy. Strings are nasty too though and I am not going to try to change them (and I don't think anyone working there knows how so I can't call and say I'm interested, restring it).
 
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There's a Corona made D-50 hanging in a pawn shop near me. It has normal wear and tear with a good sized scratch on the back. It plays like it should, problem being that the strings are old and nasty and they have music playing all the time so it's hard to evaluate what it sounds like. Realistically, I probably won't be able to tell if it's a good sounding guitar until I get it home if I decide to buy it. I know this era isn't well regarded, but I won't count out a guitar based on reputation. Is there anything I should be looking for? Any known problems? I'm not sure what they would take, it's marked down to $1,250, is that decent/what is fair?
Got it for $900 (plus tax).
20230131_125130.jpg
 
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New strings are on. Phosphor bronze earthwood 12's. The new strings seem a bit metallic, should settle down within a couple days. Sounds good, way different than my all sapele Martin for sure (as expected). Bright, loud, kind of sounds like I expect an acoustic to sound (yet many don't).
 
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