Guild D55 ..... where?

[saintjb]

I have played many Guilds through the years, my favorites being and old M20 and a Tacoma D25. As much as I love them, however, I have to admit, my goal has always been to get D55. Up until now $$ has always been holding factor. Now that I am retired things are going pretty well. My wife tells me to just go do it. The only concern I have at this point is the status of Guild itself as a company. I know they make their GAD's in China, but what about the D55. Where is that being made and by who? It seems like Fender doesn't really have a plan for what to do with Guild. Does any one have clue? I don't want to sink my money into something that will loose value. Any input would be appreciated.

Best
JB

 

[Guildmark]

The D-55 has only ever been made in the USA. Most recently in Tacoma, WA. Before that in Corona, CA, and before that in Westerly, RI. I don't think any have been produced in Connecticut, yet. Production is being shifted there as you may have heard. Being the flagship of Guild's acoustics, you probably won't be disappointed in any D-55 from any of those plants. The conventional wisdom (certainly from this forum) is to try it out first, particularly if it was made in Corona, but don't be too worried about it, wherever it was made. If it's a used one, how it was cared for will be more important.

Good luck with the shopping. We will gladly welcome you among the D-55'ers!

 

[GardMan]

It' my guess that, just like when you buy a car, when you walk out the shop with your newly purchased production guitar, its monetary or resale value will drop... because now it is "used." Don't know if the same is true of boutique guitars or those custom made by independent luthiers.

One way to get around this is to buy used... I purchased a '92 D-55 off eBay for ~$1100, very playable with a few cosmetic issues, but my ear doesn't see those. Unless I mis-treat it in some way, I don't expect that the value of my D-55 will drop much thru the years. .. it may even begin to appreciate at some point. I may have to put some maintenance $$$ into it at some point... but that's true of any guitar. Of course, there is some risk to buying a used guitar sight-unseen (so far, I have come out OK on 4 of 5 eBay purchases, and was able to return the one "dud" for a full refund)... and LTGers are usually happy to help you "check out" a guitar for sale in the neighborhoods.

D-55s have been made in Westerly, RI; Corona, CA; and Tacoma, WA. I don't know if any were made in Hoboken, NJ. Some view the Westerly era as the peak in Guild quality (other die-hards swear by Hoboken or NewYork made Guilds)... But Tacoma-made Guilds have gotten excellent reviews from die-hard Guild fans... with the current move in progress interrupting production, Tacoma-made Guilds may be in demand (and prices may rise). Production in Corona is viewed as suffering from some quality-control issues... but among the problems some excellent guitars were made that can still be found at bargain prices.

On the other hand... I don't think many of us at LTG focus much on re-sale value nor buy with the idea of guitars as an investment. We buy for aesthetics... tone, appearance, history, feel, "soul"... or other intangibles. If I found the guitar of my dreams, I'm not sure I'd worry to much about it's re-sale value... because I'd never sell it.
Dave

 

[Bikerdoc]

I have played many Guilds through the years, my favorites being and old M20 and a Tacoma D25. As much as I love them, however, I have to admit, my goal has always been to get D55. Up until now $$ has always been holding factor. Now that I am retired things are going pretty well. My wife tells me to just go do it. The only concern I have at this point is the status of Guild itself as a company. I know they make their GAD's in China, but what about the D55. Where is that being made and by who? It seems like Fender doesn't really have a plan for what to do with Guild. Does any one have clue? I don't want to sink my money into something that will loose value. Any input would be appreciated.

Best
JB

My wife always says, "So how long do you have to work and want before you feel you deserve it. Just go get the darn thing."

Sounds your wife feels the same. Good for you JB.
Peace

 

[6L6]

I don't want to sink my money into something that will loose value.

As noted above, buy a used D-55 if this is an important goal.

Your wait will be well worth it. Any D-55 will put a big smile on your face! My own D-55 is equipped with a Fishman Matrix pickup and it has been my #1 gigging axe for over 2 yrs now. Just LOVE IT TO DEATH!

6

'06 D-55

 

[Bubby]

I bought my '79 D-55 off e-bay for $ 1400 bacause it was advertised as Brazillian Rosewood and in Excellent condition. It turned out that the sides were Brazillian but the back is most likely Indian. It also had a slight belly buldge which caused the action to be a bit high, not unplayable though. By the time I had it refretted and rebraced I had over $ 2000 in it. Still a good deal for a great guitar, roughly what a new one costs. I've played some new ones and they seem fine. Takes time and playing to break in a new acoustic. Only 6 weeks after the rebrace mine came alive and sounds and plays better than any guitar I've ever played. You could tell your wife about the coveted McPhersons or Goodalls that start around $ 5000 but Guilds are just as good at less than half the cost. Olsons and benedettos start at $ 10,000. Bass boats and vintage cars are also a good reminder of the value of a D-55

 

[chazmo]

By the way, Harry, why do you think the sides of your guitar are Brazilian rosewood? By 1979, I think that's unlikely.

Not that it matters, by the way, but never trust the information in an eBay advertisement.

 

[Bubby]

You'rs right not to trust e-bay info, The sides have that creamy wavey look of brazillian. The back is hard edged grain. It may not be brazillian, however my luthier and others in the shop say it could be or probably is. Not that it matters much except braggin rights I guess. I was thinking maybe they had the material for sides laying around and used it, but you're right, by then the value of brazillian would have been aparrent.

 

[dreadnut]

You got your wife's blessing and you don't have a D-55 yet? :shock:

My personal preference would be a vintage Westerly one, even those made in the late 90's - early 2000's just prior to the move to Corona (if those years can rightly be called vintage)

 

[guitarslinger]

I hope this dosen't offend anyone, but, maybe you could tell me if your wife has a sister. I seldom hear those 3 little words from my wife anymore that are so important to us all.
...buy it dear...

 

[Graham]

:lol: :lol:

 

[Firebird]

I have had the pleasurable company of a D55 for more than 20 years now. I like it so much that I had it completely rebuilt earlier this year. Investment? I don't care 'cause no one but me will ever own it!

The D55 is truly a remarkable instrument and can compare favorably with other more expensive instruments. Balance and sustain are the two best words I have to describe the tone. It has a piano-like quality. It is not a bluegrass banjo killer nor was it designed to be one. A 30 year old Martin D28 will probably drown me out.

After nearly 30 years of existance with medium gage strings, the bridge is still tight to the top, the top is not bellied or has no cracks. Recently, I had the neck reset and refinished, all new frets, braces scalloped and shaved, bone everything, and a new pick guard installed. Two years ago, I had a K&k pickup put in. The guitar right now, is very playable and sounds incredible. The money I spent was worth every penny. I'll do it again in another 28 years.

If your looking for an investment guitar, try an old Martin but not a Guild. Even those nice old Jazz semi-hollow body Guilds aren't commanding the huge bucks like they really should. Just find one you like and buy it. The Tacoma built instruments are really nice but will still sound new for a while yet. Don't buy a Westerly without playing it first. Some have gorgeous tone while others are dead. I can't explain why. Westerly and Tacoma built guitars are usually darn nice.

One last thing: Enjoy the buying experience and take your time.

 

[dreadnut]

I didn't want to be a wet blanket, but Firebird is right, I've played a couple of D-55's that were absolutely lifeless. Maybe they had old strings, I don't know. Both were Tacomas. I was really surprised. But I never played a Tacoma D-50 that I didn't fall in love with! Can't explain it. Never heard of a lemon DV-52 either.