Guild model advice please!

[Old Blue]

Hi, I am new here and looking into buying a Guild.

I have an HD-28 that I love, but would like a spruce/mahogany dreadnought that is built a bit sturdier to take out and enjoy without fear. It will be an all-purpose guitar but I'm looking for something that will be good for bluegrass flatpicking. I played a few Guilds in the 70's and 80's and remember liking them quite a bit. I have played a recent Tacoma D-40BJ that was fantastic, but way out of my price range.

Which models should I be looking for? I'm thinking possibly something from the 70's, though any age will do, dreadnought, spruce/hog, non-cutaway with a gloss finish. Arched or flat back, I don't mind. I also would really like one with a dark sunburst, but would be okay with natural. My budget is going to be around $500-600 tops. I don't mind cosmetic issues but will be looking for a solid guitar with a lot of saddle left and a good neck angle.

Will I be able to find something suitable? I don't actually have the cash at the moment, but I am slowly saving up and am prepared to wait for the right guitar. I also live in the boondocks, with no luthier or guitar shop within easy reach so will most likely have to buy online.

Am I right in thinking that the GAD series does not come in a spruce/mahogany dreanought without a cutaway?
~Blue

 

[Old Blue]

PS - can the new DV4's be buffed to a glosslike finish, and are they as 'sturdy' as the older Guild?

 

[kitniyatran]

D25's came in Mahogany or Cherry stains, & can be found for under $700.
Gotta love a D25!
D4 or DV4 probably a good'n, too; most of the vintage or used Guilds are going to be a far better price than new or any equivalent Martin.

 

[Qvart]

Hi, I am new here and looking into buying a Guild.
...
Am I right in thinking that the GAD series does not come in a spruce/mahogany dreanought without a cutaway?
~Blue

I did a little bit of looking at acoustics lately because a GAD25NAT came up for sale in my local classifieds. From what I can tell this is a very nice guitar for the price, all mahogany, with great tone and sustain. I decided not to check it out because I'm holding out for a '70's model S-100.

I know nothing about Guild acoustics compared to others here. However, when I do decide to buy an acoustic I will definitely look at this model because it would suit my needs and wallet nicely.

Nutmegger1957 posted a video review of that model complete with barking dog accompaniment.

Looks like you could snag one for less than $500 on Ebay.

Here's one for example.

Good luck!

 

[fungusyoung]

Two recommendations:

1- D25: This board's favorite guitar (Westerly era, try any you find built from the 70's - late 90's)
2- DV6: Most underrated flat top with those specs. (spruce top/hog sides) Guild ever made (Westerly era, made in the 90's only... not to be confused with the newer Tacoma DV6's which are entirely different specs./construction)

If you look hard enough, you should be able to find either of these options in your range.... or maybe just a little bit more depending on condition, etc.

 

[GardMan]

Both the D-25 and D-35 from the '70s-'80s might fit into your price range. Both are spruce-topped mahogany bodied dreads.... D-25s from most of that period have the arched backs, D-35s flat backs. From my experience, the D-25s would be a bit louder, and project a bit more bass the the D-35s. From the mid-70s on, both are solidly built (my '72 D-35 is built a little more lightly... tho' still pretty solid). Both are available in burst... tho' the D-35 is more often seen in natural and the D-25 in one of its stained versions (CH=cherry, M=mahogany-stainied spruce). D-35s from that period (the "higher" model) tend to sell for a little less than D-25s. Both can often be found/won on eBay for under $600.

Here's an '82 'burst D-25.

 

[Old Blue]

Thanks for the replies!

That 82 D-25 looks perfect - and if the D25's have a bit more bass and projection then I'll keep an eye out for one once I have some money saved up.

Are the 70's D25's better than the 80's or does it matter?

I have decided I really do want the sunburst.

 

[kitniyatran]

I don't think I'd worry too much about whether a D25 was from a good year, unless it was obviously a lemon, maybe, if there could be such a thing! I'm thrilled with my D25 NT, which is probably a 1995. I used to be thrilled with my 1974 Martin D18, but since I got the Guild, I don't miss the D18 so much.

 

[killdeer43]

OB,

I cast my vote for a D25, as well. Mine is great for flatpicking and fingerpicking and the sustain sometimes seems like it will last until next Tuesday! The arched back projects the sound really well and I like it so much that I'm in the market for another. They're out there.

Good luck,
Joe