Mahogany top, flat back D25, brief review

[Jeff]

Drove North into the big city this morning & talked the wife into dropping me off at Affordable Guitars in Sumner while she did some woman things. . Kevin there, normally has more vintage Guild acoustics than any shop I've seen.

Today was no different, he had half a dozen Guilds hanging, two mahogany topped, flatbacked D25s & I played one, a very playworn model with some repair work. Not necessarily abused but someone played the crap out if this guitar, back of the neck in spots was bare wood from play, the seam in the top had been repaired & I suspect the top refinished, top was clear gloss, natural mahogany, other stuff I'm sure, aftermarket pickup. Body in general looked like a D25 that's been out & about more'n it's fair share, it ain't seen much pampering.

What a sweetheart to play, nice neck, articulate & bright, expecting a more somber, muted tone I was pleasantly surprised. Nice guitar, I was impressed.

Shop's only asking $825 for it. :shock:

 

[West R Lee]

Goodness gracious Jeff, you bought both right? Sounds a tad pricey, doesn't it. Maybe he's leaving himself some wiggle room.

West

 

[Tony Burns]

That does sound high -( Im not one of your experts- hope one can chime in) I know the bluebook i have from a few years ago puts that model in decent shape at 350-500 - which i think is a steal - but one thing i know about the bluebook is that it is not a hard and fast rule on price .Guitars that dont sound as good as that Guild go for alot more money than that guitar- my main concern is that most buyers look at the blue book when they buy and pass over anything higher ( when you sell ) Just my opinion . Im in your tent about them being the upper end for sound .

 

[Metalman]

A guitar like that would generally go for a bit less from a private owner/seller. The store has to make money on the sale of it's guitars, otherwise they wouldn't be there. That is pretty much the case, however there are a few exceptions.

Check out the asking prices for D-25s on Ebay. There are a lot of them.

One of the things you pay for in a store is the opportunity to play before you buy - you don't get that on Ebay. And a backing by the store, in case you have any problems with the instrument down the road. Most cases, the store will take care of you.
Hence the higher price . . .

 

[danerectal]

A guitar like that would generally go for a bit less from a private owner/seller. The store has to make money on the sale of it's guitars, otherwise they wouldn't be there. That is pretty much the case, however there are a few exceptions.

That's usually why they give you a rapist price when you sell things to them. Trimming overhead is a way better way to make money than inflating prices.

 

[Metalman]

A guitar like that would generally go for a bit less from a private owner/seller. The store has to make money on the sale of it's guitars, otherwise they wouldn't be there. That is pretty much the case, however there are a few exceptions.

That's usually why they give you a rapist price when you sell things to them. Trimming overhead is a way better way to make money than inflating prices.

Precisly why I wouldn't take something to them to trade in, or to outright sell. YOu can get much more selling privately, and vice versa, pay much less buying privately.

The only time that works out is when you have a junker car, just want to get rid of it, and the dealer takes it in for parts. Even then it doesn't work out.

 

[marcellis]

$825 may be a starting point. It might drop off from there, considering
the condition. But if it has the sound mine had* - it's worth it.

(*It's my son's now.)

I bought a (1972 model) new in 1973. Gave it to my son in 2003.
Had it restored for him in 2006.

That guitar will never leave the family. It's a magnificent instrument.
Today, it's the only D-25 in the world with a G-Shield.

I had that shield inlaid on the headstock because she had earned it
over the decades.

Here is a recording I made in 2007 of it.

"A WOMAN FROM CUBA"

Even after 35 years, that sound still makes me proud.

After & Before:

 

[Tony Burns]

Marcellis , 825 is a very high price for that guitar IMO ( in the US ) average condition stock D-25's typically go for around 350-500 ( US ) I know what you mean about the sound thou - My D-25CH is a wonderful guitar ( lucky i have it ) mine has a few dents here and their as well as a pirspiration mark in the top ( That i rubbed out about 95 percent of it with toothpaste - believe it or not ) I personnaly think their a way under-rated guitar and are better than most 825 dollar guitars. Back in the seventies I honestly think my guild D-55 was twice the guitar of any 70's Martin. i also think this D-25CH is in the same boat -even thou its not of the same build quality- it is of the same sound quality - we both are lucky to own one !

 

[marcellis]

You're right TB. I'm not saying I'd pay $825 for one. But I know the one I bought in 1973 is worth
a lot more. The recordings it has played on, the joints around the country where I lugged it,
there are memories, family history & heritage embedded that little red dread. But most of all, it's
the sound. It's just got a killer tone. Great neck too.

I wish the luthier could have restored the original red color. But he told me he couldn't.
So I told him to do it in burst.

It's 36 years old now. It's had one neck reset. I think it'll be good for another 36 years.

 

[Mingus]

I'm not ashamed to say that I paid that much for my flat-backed '72 D-25. It's completely different than my spruce topped, arched back '77 D-25. I went to the place to "check it out" and couldn't allow myself to leave without it. I tried talking the store owner down but he wouldn't budge. . .even came with a beautiful CARDBOARD CASE! I got a new case for it and sent the cardboard one to Iraq (accompanying a cheap-o Jasmine that I sent to my buddy stationed there) and it's probably my favorite acoustic. I'm in the middle of moving and sent it to live with my buddy for a few months so it doesn't get hurt in the move.

-J