Guild weak points - what to look out for when bying used

[sitka_spruce]

Sorry for nuking this forum with threads, but a purchase is imminent and I need some feedback from you fellow Guildians.

Is there any weaknesses with Guilds to their construction I should be aware of? I've seen some Guilds, not isolated to 12-strings, with a top seam separation for instance. Are there any other flaws of more serious nature?

I'm so amazed about the arched back of my D-212 for it's projection and elimination of booming (internally inducing feedback to the top). I wish Guild made more current models with this feature. If I would make that to a requirement for my forthcoming purchase I'd have to buy pre-owned. Do you know about any model with this feature that somehow didn't turn out so good in other aspects (bad sustain, balance...)?

Cheers!

 

[Frosty]

...
Is there any weaknesses with Guilds to their construction I should be aware of? I've seen some Guilds, not isolated to 12-strings, with a top seam separation for instance. Are there any other flaws of more serious nature?

That's not a weakness, per se, but a symptom of abuse which can affect an solid top guitar. The guitar existed too long in a dry environment, the wood shrank and a seam opened up. I've live in the Northeast U.S. all my life and have seen this many, many times where the winter air is 20% humidity for months.

If you are considering buying a used guitar (of some value), I suggest that you negotiate an approval period during which you can have the guitar examined by a repairperson you trust. A good one will look inside the box with a mirror, check neck angle, fret wear, etc. Like having a used car check out before sealing the deal - good to do on a guitar, especially if it costs as much as a used car.

Here is something else I have seen. I have picked up 25+ year old Guild guitars which were never touched by a repairperson and which played flawlessly. There is something to be said for that "heavy duty" construction done by Westerly. :wink:

 

[GardMan]

Lifting bridges, to various degrees, is another common problem with Guilds. It is not uncommon to see the back of the bridge separating from the top of the guitar. Three local luthiers have all told me basically the same story... Guild glues the bridge to a masked or cleaned spot on the already finished top, but that the bridge overlaps the finish slightly, and thus tends to separate a bit. According to all three, a little separation (being able to slide typing paper 1/8" to even 1/4" in spots) isn't really anything to worry about... specially if its near the ends of the bridge. More than that, and it might be a candidate for regluing... (apparently, a relatively inexpensive fix).

 

[Timski]

I have a 1983 G-37, it's a maple humpback with no back bracing and spruce top. I've owned it since new. I't's a tank I would be shocked if anything came loose. Only needed normal maintenance and adjustments. The nut cracked a few years ago and was replaced, no big deal.

Based on this guitar I would have too say they older ones are pretty tough. I also have a new CV-1 which is really nice.

 

[sitka_spruce]

Thanx guys. That pretty much wraps up the state my D-212 is in. Bridge is lifting slightly and partly thanx to that and partly due to the Scandinavian climate it got a seam separation thing going.

On my Guild the glue appears rather elastic - something of a chewing gum effect. No danger on the roof at a state similar to that?

 

[Firebird]

I noticed a long time ago that the clear finish on my 1980s vintage instruments was a LOT more susceptible to damage from sweat than on other years. The clearcoat on my 67and 73 is still flawless and appears to be much harder than on my later model guitars.

I would also scutinize the acoustic tone qualities of any instrument with an after-market under saddle pickup. If the pickup doesn't seat just right in the bridge slot, the volume and tone can be negatively affected.

Although many on this forum love the D25, I've never thought of this guitar as one of Guilds best efforts.

 

[earbleedz]

Watch for cracks in the bridge between the pin holes

 

[West R Lee]

You know, it's funny you've mentioned cracks between the pin holes. I've noticed some of the new Guilds pin holes are shaped in a slight radius, eleviating some of the weakness in the bridge due to their being lined up in a straight line. I would assume that's the objective.

West

 

[sitka_spruce]

You know, it's funny you've mentioned cracks between the pin holes. I've noticed some of the new Guilds pin holes are shaped in a slight radiuseleviating some of the weakness in the bridge due to their being lined up in a straight line. I would assume that's the objective.

West

I will look out for that. Could it be the rosewood with it's grain growing straight down was being stressed into cleaving the bridge in twain?

 

[The General]

Everything I've ever heard about Guilds construction of guitars has been phrased as "Built like a Tank"
You might here that term allot when discussion of guild's are had.
I personally feel the guitars are a little heavy when compared to another manufacture of similar make. As far as quality goes I don't think they would be so popular if they were made like junk.

Martin

 

[Scratch]

Must agree with the general... I have Taylors, Martins etc. and although they sound wonderful, each in their own way, of course, my Guilds, with similar quality materials (woods), are much stronger & sturdier . My much trusted luthier says it takes him twice as long on a Guild reset (thus more expensive) because of the quality & quantity of Guild glue (Westerly builds). My opinion...Nuclear blast? Guild wins...

 

[Graham]

My opinion...Nuclear blast? Guild wins...

And Keef!

 

[Scratch]

Can't wait to meet you Graham!