What is the general consensus on a 1983 Guild D-70 NT

[HoofnHorn]

Welcome to LTG!
According to SN charts, there were about 280 D-70s made between 1981 and 1985. For a few years, I have been keeping a spreadsheet that includes D-70s that are owned on LTG or have shown up for sale. The highest SN in my list ends with 282, and I have a date for it listed as 1986 (tho' I don't recall if that was just concluded from its SN being higher than the last listed for 1985, or if it came from a neckblock or other date stamped inside). If you don't mind, I'd love to have you PM your SN to update my list (if I don't already have it).

I have an '82 D-70 NT, w/o the carved heel... along with three DV-7X models from the mid-90s. I have previously owned a '76 D-50 and a '92 D-55. Based on my recollections of how my D-50 compared with my D-55 and the three DV-7Xs I currently own, I would say that my D-70 is most similar in tone to my '76 D-50... a bit brighter and brasher than my Guild rosewood dreads built in the '90s. My DV-7Xs (and my D-55, which I sold after acquiring my second DV-7X) all are/were a bit warmer sounding. My D-70 works well for many of the "cowboy" tunes I play (in "cowboy chords," of course!). I did have to readjust a bit to its 1-11/16" nut width and closer string spacing... my DV-7Xs are all nearer to 1-3/4" nuts.

Do you know how many of the D70 made were carved?

 

[GardMan]

Do you know how many of the D70 made were carved?

No, I don't have an absolute number... it's possible that Hans Moust has that info, and you might contact him.

However, I can try and come up with a statistical best guess, based on info from price lists and my spreadsheets...

I checked our leader's (GAD's) on-line collection of Guild price lists, and the "carved heel" option is NOT listed in the Mar 1982 price list, but IS listed in the price list for Mar 1983 (GAD does not appear to have the fall '82 price list). The earliest SN I have in my list with a carved heel is EF100179 (which is 2 numbers higher than mine, mine has a neck block date in Mar 1982). Based on the price list info and my observations, we might conclude that SNs 177 (mine) and lower DO NOT have carved heels.

This would leave about ~105 D-70s, made from 1982 - 1985, that MIGHT have carved heels. Of those ~105, I have 10 in my spreadsheet (four owned by LTGers). Of those 10, I have noted 4 with carved heels. Based on this sampling, then, there might be ~42 D-70s built from mid-1982 on that have carved heels. Allowing for sampling error and uncertainty in the total number of D-70s made in that period, I'd guess maybe 30-50 had carved heels.

 

[HoofnHorn]

You’re amazing! Thank you for the analysis. I’m really torn in two on what to do with my guitar. I have just started learning since I bought the D70. It is way too fine of an instrument for me at this stage I’m in. I found a Yamaha FG 345 to learn on.

The beginning stages of my passion for guitar are growing stronger everyday. In my short time on LTG I’ve been exposed to a family community with a depth of knowledge and a willingness for sharing.

The Readers Digest of what I’m trying to say is”it’s Transformational to be here. Ltg has made me wonder if I should sell this D70 or not.

 

[FNG]

If you sell it, good luck finding another one in that condition!

 

[fronobulax]

Ltg has made me wonder if I should sell this D70 or not.

Do not believe the urban myth that your playing ability needs to be worthy of the instrument. You have it, you like it and you will never be able to replace it when you decide your playing is worthy. So keep it, learn on it and have a personal goal to become a better player.

 

[chazmo]

^^^ Just to add to frono's comment... I am a firm believer that quality instruments help make you a better, more sensitive player. It's not a question of striving to be worthy; it's that you get more out of playing them. It's a motivational cycle that's fed by both you, the player, and the instrument.

When I learned piano as a youth, my father's beautiful Baldwin baby grand factored strongly into my enjoyment and progress over the five years that I took lessons. Later, as a teenager, my parents sprung for a professional grade trumpet (after learning the basics on a beginner horn). That turned into a life-long avocation for me.

Guitar was a different path for me, but as a college student I spent an entire summer visiting music stores and found an Ibanez 12-string that moved me. It was head and shoulders above anything else I could afford or even find. Many, many years later, playing 12 strings has also been a life-long joy for me. Later in life, I have really enjoyed collecting (on a small scale) and being part of the various guitar communities (especially Guilds).

 

[HeyMikey]

Do not believe the urban myth that your playing ability needs to be worthy of the instrument. You have it, you like it and you will never be able to replace it when you decide your playing is worthy. So keep it, learn on it and have a personal goal to become a better player.

Well said Frono, and I am the perfect poster child. I am not worthy of the guitars I have. However, I found that my length of time playing, my enjoyment level, ability to do certain things and experiment past my ability increased once I moved up to better quality guitars.

Having something that makes it easier to play and sounds great when you get it right is a real high. It simply makes you want to play and push your limits more... IMHO.

 

[GardMan]

...and, you don't have to be a great player to appreciate and enjoy the beauty, visually and sonically, of a great instrument. In no way is my ability worthy of the Guilds I own, but I enjoy them every day!

 

[Boneman]

That is a gorgeous D70, I love that carved heel, don't sell it, keep it and learn on it and enjoy the heck out of it. My two cents is that I think anyone is worthy of playing any instrument, thats what they are for. This notion tht only expensive or highly appointed guitars are only or great players is hogwash. As stated already, better guitars set up properly will make the novice a better player than if they stick with cheap guitars from the big box retailers that are not set up well for playing and the novice doesn't know any better. Play in good health and let that baby ring out like it was meant to!

 

[HoofnHorn]

Didn’t mean to post yet. My dilemma is this guitar is so perfect that it deserves to have an owner that can make it sing it’s song. Not only do I not know how to price this pristine instrument but I can’t enjoy it’s beautiful tone.

If I’ve bored you with my confession please forgive me. This group has given me a new perspective on the relationship between a musician and instrument.

Thank you all

Do not believe the urban myth that your playing ability needs to be worthy of the instrument. You have it, you like it and you will never be able to replace it when you decide your playing is worthy. So keep it, learn on it and have a personal goal to become a better player.

If you sell it, good luck finding another one in that condition!

You're right, thank you!

 

[HoofnHorn]

That is a gorgeous D70, I love that carved heel, don't sell it, keep it and learn on it and enjoy the heck out of it. My two cents is that I think anyone is worthy of playing any instrument, thats what they are for. This notion tht only expensive or highly appointed guitars are only or great players is hogwash. As stated already, better guitars set up properly will make the novice a better player than if they stick with cheap guitars from the big box retailers that are not set up well for playing and the novice doesn't know any better. Play in good health and let that baby ring out like it was meant to!

Thank you Boneman, you and the rest of the the orchestra have struck a chord of reason in my soul that can't be denied. I'm pulling my listing on Reverb in the morning. My Guild is coming out to teach me the rhythms in my mind. thanks again!

 

[HoofnHorn]

^^^ Just to add to frono's comment... I am a firm believer that quality instruments help make you a better, more sensitive player. It's not a question of striving to be worthy; it's that you get more out of playing them. It's a motivational cycle that's fed by both you, the player, and the instrument.

When I learned piano as a youth, my father's beautiful Baldwin baby grand factored strongly into my enjoyment and progress over the five years that I took lessons. Later, as a teenager, my parents sprung for a professional grade trumpet (after learning the basics on a beginner horn). That turned into a life-long avocation for me.

Guitar was a different path for me, but as a college student I spent an entire summer visiting music stores and found an Ibanez 12-string that moved me. It was head and shoulders above anything else I could afford or even find. Many, many years later, playing 12 strings has also been a life-long joy for me. Later in life, I have really enjoyed collecting (on a small scale) and being part of the various guitar communities (especially Guilds).

I have learned so much from each and everyone here. I'm 66 but fell like a child again with a youthful exuberance and a hunger for learning. This forum has been a revelation to me about how much I need music in my life. Thank you very much!

 

[HoofnHorn]

Do not believe the urban myth that your playing ability needs to be worthy of the instrument. You have it, you like it and you will never be able to replace it when you decide your playing is worthy. So keep it, learn on it and have a personal goal to become a better player.

I can't say enough to express my gratitude, This is an amazing group of musicians dedicated to sharing, thoughts, feelings and knowledge. My I one day inspire someone to to choose music over profit. Thanks for making a difference for me.

 

[D30Man]

Do not believe the urban myth that your playing ability needs to be worthy of the instrument. You have it, you like it and you will never be able to replace it when you decide your playing is worthy. So keep it, learn on it and have a personal goal to become a better player.

Plus one here. Hold on to it.

 

[wileypickett]

Nothing kills the enthusiasm of a beginner than learning on a guitar that sounds lousy or is hard to play.

However, a guitar that sounds great and plays well will draw you to it -- you can't help but become a better player.

 

[HoofnHorn]

Plus one here. Hold on to it.

like your Neon Light. Thanks for your vote and suggestion