New Guy 1974 D44

[clamson7]

It's good to see the Guild family is still alive and well. I am the new guy on the block, but have been a Guild owner since 1996. I am an Air Force member with 17 years of service behind me. I was stationed in Dover Delaware from 1994-1997. There was a mom and pop music store that was a dealer for Guild acoustics. I would go in a play them for hours, but was never able to afford one with a young family until my luck changed. One Saturday I went in for my Guild binge and saw a sign from the heavons. There hung a 1974 D44 well aged and stood out among all the new Guilds on the wall. I played it and fell in love. It even had the smell of a smoke filled bar everytime I took if out of the case. They cut me a deal for $475 (probably just to get me off the other Guilds). I put about $50 down on it for lay-a-way that day and went home smiling ear to ear; the wife knew I was up to no good. The next weekend I went by to visit my D44 and the sales guy said that right after I left, someone else had returned to pay cash for it, but it had already been put on layaway. It was meant to be mine. I have had it for about 13 years now and it plays better than ever. My next addition to the family will be a Starfire or S300 (one day both). Thanks for having me.

 

[hansmoust]

Hello Christopher,

Welcome! I'm curious. Do you have the pearwood or the maple version?
Would love to see a photo.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[clamson7]

Thanks for the welcome! I have the flamed maple sides and back. I would like to play a pearwood to hear the difference. Mine has been a workhorse and only gotten better with age.

 

[krysh]

welcome and good choice!

 

[dane]

Welcome to LTG. Nice intro too. You’ll find that there are many very knowledgeable folks here, and not just on our beloved Guild’s. I’ve been playing for over forty years and I still learn something new every time I come here. It’s a good group here that is willing to share information, personal experiences, and ideas. All while having a good time, and at times a good laugh. Your D-44 sounds like a real keeper. Congrats! But I have to admit that I never played a Guild that I didn’t like. Like the logo says, “Made to be Played”, and they seem to get better with time. Again welcome aboard.

 

[GardMan]

Hey Christopher...
Welcome to LTG! I'd love to hear your maple D-44 to do the comparison from the other side... I've got a '71 pearwood D-44. I'd also like to compare the flat-backed maple D-44 with my arched-back maple G-37 from '74. In comparison with my G-37, the pearwood offers a bit richer bass and more sustain. Perhaps just a bit more "sparkle" or openness to the trebles, as well. But it's all pretty subjective... I like 'em both, for different songs.
Dave

 

[Tunes]

Hey Chris,

Welcome aboard. They are few things that get better with age, but luckily guitars is one of them. Hey - there's a fun new thread ... don't fear the veer as they say.

Post well - post often, and don't forget the pictures.

 

[Graham]

Hey Christopher, welcome to LTG.

Please make yourself at home.

 

[Guildmark]

D-44's are well respected here.

Welcome aboard.
Post well. Post often.

 

[clamson7]

Thanks for all the welcomes!!! I will be out of town until next month, so I will post pics when I get back. Dave, we will have to work out that comparison. I have seen several pearwood 44's come across ebay over the years and was tempted each time. I would love to take one for a run. It is about time to increase the family. Thanks again guys!

 

[JerryR]

Hi Christopher and welcome, Jeremy - or is it hi Chris and welcome, Jerry :mrgreen:

 

[Scratch]

Welcome aboard, Christopher, and thanks for serving... Looking forward to seeing the pics!

 

[chazmo]

Welcome aboard, Christopher.