Here's the situation...
I currently have a '71 D-35 and a '65 F-30. The D-35 was my dad's and was given to me about 18 years ago. It was the first time I had ever heard of Guild guitars. I played that one a lot when I was just starting out in my early 20's. Along the way, I purchased a Taylor 312-CE (which I later sold) and then the F-30. The F-30 is absolutely beautiful, all original as far as anyone can tell (which includes Hans himself). However, as many of you know all too well, the action was pretty high as you moved down the neck, so I finally brought it to a luthier. I knew the bridge had to be reglued. I did not know it needed a full neck reset. The luthier also suggested redressing the frets. I was expecting to spend $500 +/-. I was off by about $1,400! Ugh. I could take it for another opinion, but I don't disagree with his assesment. I suppose I could find slightly cheaper prices, but I don't know if it's possible to get it under $1,200.
I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do and finally came to this conclusion. I am not going to do the work now because I just don't have the money at this time. I am not going to sell it though because I can't stand the thought of letting it go. Maybe in a year or so, I'll put the money into it and get it back to its former glory. I can't wait.
Until that time, I'm looking into getting a smaller body guitar (concert or auditorium) that I can use around the house, for traveling, etc. I'm only about 5'8" and don't have the biggest hands, which is why I'd like to get something with a smaller body. Because I have a beauty in the wings and am looking to spend around $600, I'm fine with something made in China. I'd obviously prefer an American-made Guild, but I don't think I'll find an M-20 or an F-20 in that price range.
I think I am leaning towards getting something new or new-ish and have narrowed it down to an M-120, M-140, or M-240. I'd be curious to hear some thoughts and opinions if anyone has any that is. I know the majority of posters here prefer the American-made models, as do I, but don't have the budget for it right now. I would say my playing style is about 50/50 fingerpicking and flatpicking.
Thanks!
I currently have a '71 D-35 and a '65 F-30. The D-35 was my dad's and was given to me about 18 years ago. It was the first time I had ever heard of Guild guitars. I played that one a lot when I was just starting out in my early 20's. Along the way, I purchased a Taylor 312-CE (which I later sold) and then the F-30. The F-30 is absolutely beautiful, all original as far as anyone can tell (which includes Hans himself). However, as many of you know all too well, the action was pretty high as you moved down the neck, so I finally brought it to a luthier. I knew the bridge had to be reglued. I did not know it needed a full neck reset. The luthier also suggested redressing the frets. I was expecting to spend $500 +/-. I was off by about $1,400! Ugh. I could take it for another opinion, but I don't disagree with his assesment. I suppose I could find slightly cheaper prices, but I don't know if it's possible to get it under $1,200.
I spent a lot of time thinking about what I wanted to do and finally came to this conclusion. I am not going to do the work now because I just don't have the money at this time. I am not going to sell it though because I can't stand the thought of letting it go. Maybe in a year or so, I'll put the money into it and get it back to its former glory. I can't wait.
Until that time, I'm looking into getting a smaller body guitar (concert or auditorium) that I can use around the house, for traveling, etc. I'm only about 5'8" and don't have the biggest hands, which is why I'd like to get something with a smaller body. Because I have a beauty in the wings and am looking to spend around $600, I'm fine with something made in China. I'd obviously prefer an American-made Guild, but I don't think I'll find an M-20 or an F-20 in that price range.
I think I am leaning towards getting something new or new-ish and have narrowed it down to an M-120, M-140, or M-240. I'd be curious to hear some thoughts and opinions if anyone has any that is. I know the majority of posters here prefer the American-made models, as do I, but don't have the budget for it right now. I would say my playing style is about 50/50 fingerpicking and flatpicking.
Thanks!