When to walk away I Not buying a 1979 Guild D-25M

#Guild #Guitar #jeremytheguitarhunter
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[@briancapdevila3155]

I've had mine since new in '76. Never had a problem, a great guitar.

[@steveg.3022]

I’ve had my D-25M new since ‘79 and it looks pristine compared to that one.

[@jackquentin1950]

This is very helpful. I tend to see everything in rose-colored glasses when I'm looking at a beautiful instrument that I'm planning to buy. I'm slowly learning to inspect everything with an objective eye.

[@scottphillips5859]

Great video !! I have a mint 1976 Guild D-25M saved and played in my youth. It's my go to when I'm learning a new song. I use my Martin (HD-28) for the finished version of the song. I did choke seeing this one in horrible condition, you made the right decision.

[@joekyleboston]

Thanks Jeremy. Very helpful.

[@JazzStrat781]

Love those guitars too, probably good you followed your intuition on this guitar. Too often I followed my heart than head on a purchase and regretted it later. Best to you!

[@darringodden7225]

In the south of England old petrol stations are like gold dust . Thank you Jeremy good video

[@michaelhudson1524]

yup! love mine. 30 years or so together

[@garrettchristopher3462]

My dad gave me my 1st nice guitar when I was about 13. He owned a 1977 Guild D-40c. I loved that guitar. People would borrow it to record because it sounded to good and distinctive. Miss the old guild.

[@slpc30]

This is great advice!

[@jesterofnocourt]

Inherited mine from my dad. Beautiful sound. So deep and rich and loud. Doesn't come with the neck strap peg and the bottom peg matches the nut/bridge/string pegs.

[@jedailprod]

I owned a 76 d25m in very good shape. And being as well a photographer in Europe, i'd love do make a trip to US to capture those old gas stations. ❤️

[@texhaines9957]

Watch out for ground contamination with those old gas stations. There's also the possibility of asbestos and lead contamination. Each state has a different approach to meeting federal & state rules. Not as easy to diagnose as older guitars.

[@haroldyeager6124]

Most of those old gas stations need the tanks removed or replaced. That within itself is major $$$$.

[@capohd28]

New nuts from a bone blank only takes about 20-30 minutes once you have done a few. They are easier than you think or just do a preshaped nut.

[@hotwireman49]

I have the Takamine version of that guitar, only it's a 12 string, 1981 Takamine lawsuit 12. I have checked the grain of the mahogany inside and out and the patterns match. In my expert opinion, my Takamine is solid hog. LOL I got it for from some kids on Craigslist for two hundred bucks, send it to my luthier. The bridge was lifting so he put a bridge doctor in it but it has been Sublime ever since. Wow, 40 year old would sure sounds sweet!

[@snuffyballparks6501]

I have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT in terrific condition. Sounds fantastic. Found it in a pawn shop in Aberdeen, WA back in the early 80's. I'd never part with it.

[@tomhampton4595]

I am trying to recover from GAS: Guitar acquisition syndrome. When you just love buying and rescuing an old guitars. Needless to say, I’ve lost a lot of money until I realized the wisdom you shared today. Thanks Jeremy!

[@JeremySheppard]

It's a real problem and affects lots of us.

[@gam1471]

View the money you've lost on a guitar as just being the hiring fee for using it - that's how I look at it. Yes, that's man mathematics in action!

[@SiggyMe]

I was wondering if the strings were too high a neck reset was in the making beside the top crack. Now I owned one a 1964 that Bonnie Raitt had brought originally new in Rockville, MD. My friend's played with her on occasion in VA. She used that guitar for play out guitar and gave it to him as gift which his wife gave to me. I had it for some years and its a heavy guitar, very nice and in excellent shape. I end up selling it for $650.00 because I was moving. The one you looked at was on the very very distressed end of the spectrum. It showed signs of neglect and that could mean drying out the woods. Was the frets ends sticking out because of the neck woods being dried out? I agree with you at best that was a restore project and maybe $300-350 then the time for the whole thing would have eaten up any profits at a $700 sell, not sure you could get much more than that for it. As usual interesting Thanks!

[@Jeff-D]

Thanks for sharing! Just got one (1979 D25) a few weeks ago. I learned the hard way that the truss rod can fail as well. My luthier is going to reattach the truss rod, refret, and re-saddle. It will be a bit of work but I’ll be into it for 1200 when it’s all said and done. Modern guitars don’t touch a 70’s Guild tone for me.

[@averyfullerton9117]

I live in Reston, VA. I use John Warden Custom Guitars in Woodstock MD. He has Bluegrass guitar customers coming up from Richmond. I am guessing it is too far for you, but letting you know.

[@Gratefulman1965]

That was a fair call on your part Jeremy.

[@brucefrye2292]

I'm sentimental about Guilds as well. Bought an old Mark one classic, has a sound I just can't explain.

[@paulboden7850]

I walked away on a J45. It had a huge crack in the back and the owner didn't think it was an issue. lol

[@alfsmith4936]

It isn't. For the right price..

[@theelectrodefunhouse4651]

The heartbreaking deal about many old Guilds is many need neck resets and many people will not spend the cash to do it properly. Also for some reason some techs will not take in a Guild for a neck reset and the ones that do charge more than if it was a Martin. Keep searching man, I paid south of $600 for my D-25. D-4 is pretty much the same guitar with a hand rubbed finish.

[@theelectrodefunhouse4651]

I gotta 74’ D-35 and a 86’ D-25 that are killer sounding dreads. Also I don’t know if it applies to all D-25’s but mine has solid mahogany sides. When I went searching for an old Guild to replace my 72’ Yamaha FG-150 I had visited a dude who had a D-25 and it was kind of the same story with the one you looked at, needed a neck reset as the strings were a little over 1/8” at the 12th fret with the saddle as low as it could go and it had a rather crude neck repair that wasn’t disclosed. The seller got quite irate with me when I pointed out the issues and decided to walk away but I wasn’t gonna pay $600 for something that needs another $600+ in work when one in nicer shape can be had for $600-$1000. The D-35 was a reverb score for cheap because someone plastered some Grateful Dead stickers all over the damn thing and the seller claimed it had a headstock repair. Couldn’t see it in the pics so I figured it was a well touched up repair. When it arrived and I tested it out and I peeled the stickers off I couldn’t find any evidence of the headstock ever being broken off. Finish and the wood grain looked like it was always in once piece since day one.

[@filipragusa5344]

I owned one last year , a 1979. I got rid of it because I was downsizing and really didn’t play it that much , it was in mint condition. I really blew it in this one. I made a profit but I would buy it back right now for more than I sold it if I could today. So if you find one in good shape get at it. So warm and and such a big sound.

[@scottrill17]

In the video, did I hear you say that it has a laminated top? I think that the back and sides are laminated and the top is solid, hence the crack. D-25's all had the bowed back which gave it a little more volume to project a bigger sound.

[@JeremySheppard]

No, laminate back and sides, but solid top.

[@kellyc2425]

Hey - you live in Harrisonburg... You're an hour and a half south from Fairbuilt Guitars. Marty Fair is an amazing luthier and also a certified Martin warranty repair guy.

[@floridasurffishingjcaprice3077]

Funny! I've been researching Guild guitars these past few weeks. Yep! Folk Icons from the 60's. (Just like me!) Another great video, strike out videos are fine facts of life. We need those old abandoned buildings for future episodes of "The Walking Dead". They come in real handy for short overnight hideouts. Thanks Again. Oh! I'm looking for an F-130R of an F-30R. Just another fantasy to fulfill before the apocalypse!

[@victorgazal]

I have a left handed D25 I think 1979 Pretty good condition needs a good set up action a little high I’m looking to trade and get something else .

[@chillpillology]

good vid, really enjoyed. I'm thinking if you are hunting for guitars, things like simple new nut and /or action beyond a neck reset is something you can and should do yourself. while your time with worth money, its not the same as paying someone else cash to do something that is fairly remedial. the crack on this an issue, but hey, just watch some twoodfrd videos! this would have been a great way to practice on a vintage guitar at $600.

[@scottrill17]

My wife and I bought a red D-25 in 1982. It was only 3-4 years old but it had really high action and eventually needed a neck reset. My luthier told me that it was the last Guild neck reset he was ever going to do. Apparently, the glue Guild used made it very difficult to get the neck off. Anyway, he did it and it played very well but I've always felt that vintage Guild necks were like playing telephone poles--their necks were so chunky. Eventually I got a Taylor and I gave the guitar back to the girl who we bought it from. She had forever felt sad that she sold the guitar but needed the money. Later, I started looking for another one because you just could not beat the tone of those old D-25's. I went into Elderly Music in Lansing, MI and they had several--all for under $400. This was in the late 1980's. They couldn't give them away then. Now must be different.

[@pmscalisi]

The neck heel is wide and glued in the dovetail joint and to the sides. It’s a lot of glue to remove and takes time. That’s why most people won’t fool with it and as a result overprice the repair to scare you away. You can look on the letstalkguild.com forum there are several luthiers that will do it and don’t charge any more than any other guitar.

[@Nooneknows74]

I got quoted $125 plus tax to get a nut put into a CS stratocaster in Denver, CO.

[@douglasbright134]

Have you ever been to Wayne Henderson's shop?I would love to have a guitar from his shop🤠

[@samtenney9638]

I have a (good-great) condition 1996 DV52 HG/NT if you are interested.

[@jmdbb]

Too bad. My dad has a late 70's D25M and it's a great instrument. He said if the house was on fire he'd grab that one on the way out instead of the D18 because of sentimental value!

[@jboughtin7522]

One thing you want to watch out for on older acoustics is a maxed out truss rod. It's something that can be fixed but will set you back about $300.

[@alfsmith4936]

$300 sounds a little excessive for a couple of washers.

[@kathyrams]

I’ve got 3 Guilds 1.D25 SB. 2. G37 3. F212 (12 string). I live in RI and my setups are done by the son of one of the owners. He used yo work in the factory. Awesome setups. G37 is my favorite

[@JeremySheppard]

The G37 is such a great guitar!

[@kathyrams]

@@JeremySheppard Thanks

[@ebs777]

Wow thats amazing. Those westerly guilds are just magic

[@Flightofphenomena]

Cool.

[@fischman26-China]

Wow. That is one beat up guitar. My 1988 Guild D50 is in excellent condition. I really want to sell it but listing for local pickup is difficult as most people don't offer money and the trades rarely work. I really don't want to get involved with shipping.

[@silver-hammer]

a totally 'hammered ' guitar ! "walk away renee ", indeed...

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Run Forest, run!!!

[@bobaldo2339]

Some D-25M Guilds are great, and some are dogs. And I love Guilds usually. I have 3 Guild acoustics that I love at present.

[@OctoberOhio]

I own a Harmony Opus. The last guitar Harmony produced. It's like the world forgets this company, because they "mass" produced. That "mass" production put guitars into more hands than any other company in this country. Toward the end, they were so overwhelmed they could not keep up with orders. The decided not to expand (more space more people). Asia took their market. My Opus was only produced in 74/75. Not a lot. Sold for around $400 back then. Lot of money today. Wish you could hear it.

[@garyheaton4791]

That guitar looked like it had even MORE problems than you pointed out! It was beat! I wouldn't touch if even for $300..by the time you were done with it, even with an old pro working on it..it's still going to look like it was in a bus wreck. Plus, I doubt highly that the sound that your looking for would have still been there as well. Good job! Keep walking! 😁👌✌

[@kurtdahle]

laminate sides?

[@Aceroxx02]

You're mistaken. Laminate back, yes. Sides are solid like the top. I own an 80 D-25, and I am a born and raised Rhode Islander so Guilds are sort of my thing. The D25 was introduced in 1968. Guild D25s initially had a mahogany top and a flat back. The D25 was changed in 1976 to have a solid spruce top, solid mahogany sides and arched mahogany back. Also, that one she had was not a 1979. The tuners are wrong. They originally had 3 on a plate per side. You would see the footprint from the plate as well as the screw holes. The one she showed you is a mid-80's model.

[@izzybuholzer]

The D-25 M has solid mahogany back and sides (not laminate).

[@soulvaccination8679]

I have a 2017 Seagull Entourage Acustic Electric Cutaway..Selling for 400.00.Mint condition..

[@tp5776]

My 1980 D-25 is in my Will.

[@chrisherbolsheimer4573]

This isn’t necessarily meant as a dig towards you specifically, more of a comment on guitar culture of today. Nearly everyone I deal with in recent years have become much more concerned with having “meat on the bone.” At some point, everyone became a dealer. I’ve been doing this for about 2 decades, and in the last 5 years I would say 7/10 buyers hit me with “well I know that’s what it’s technically worth, but I’ve got to have some room to make a little.” If an item is worth what someone will pay for it, and everyone is looking to profit at every point, that has to negatively impact the real world value. Anyway, rant over. You’ve got a great channel and I thoroughly enjoy it.

[@JeremySheppard]

You've got a solid point.

[@costa5140]

I couldn't agree more with this sentiment! Unless you do something actively to raise the value of a guitar - restoring, repairing or modifying etc - you shouldn't expect to get more than you paid for it yourself; better to expect less. If a person wants to own and 'try out' a whole bunch of guitars, the most honest way to do so is to shop for guitars that hold their value and try to resell them for what you paid yourself at best; that way you've had the pleasure of owning and playing it for free. To expect more than that is just hybris and false speculation.

[@tp5776]

I'd give her 600 bucks for it. My 84 D 25 made in RI (I bought new, and only 539 were made) are becoming very rare. I think more were made in 79 but still. Its true something is only worth what you can get for it. But I'm always looking for my exact guild for sale. And since the 90s I've found 2. You watch, these guitars are only going to up up up.

[@lkj974]

I can see that the extra top crack was just a bridge too far. But cutting and fitting new nuts is something you could easily learn to do yourself. You need a set of files, maybe a nut cutting saw and a disc sander is nice to have, tho not essential. After that it is just time and patience. The nut material is not horribly expensive and you can make friends with a butcher and make your own. Smells bad, and you should wear a mask when cutting and sanding but you can get it for free.

[@williamcarson1669]

I've played those things they are all mahogany? They might be good for recording but they are too quiet and dull around the campfire.D-40 another matter.

[@TheBlamalam]

Jeremy, check out Jerry Ray Guitar Repair in Richmond. He refretted my Guild D4 and did a phenomenal job. There's also Tommy Rodriguez, if he's still taking in repair work. He makes excellent classicals and is right off the interstate. The Guild in the video is a basket case, unfortunately.

[@goplad1]

I just walked away from a Guild D-25M last week. The price was great. The big issue was the neck. The strings went above the fretboard at 1/8" at the nut and 1/4" above at the saddle! The guy said all it need was some saddle work or a simple truss rod adjustment. No. I told him a neck reset was needed so he scolded me for attempting to talk him down on the price! Unbelievable.

[@JeremySheppard]

Sheeesh. Most all of them need a reset but few luthiers will do them. Sorry, cool guitars but not if they're unplayable.

[@MrDunosan]

That d28 i wish you could have walked away :)

[@JeremySheppard]

Got em.

[@646oleg]

i bought California made mint sunburst m40 with case for 800

[@JeremySheppard]

Ooooooo ....I just got an M-20E and love it.

[@646oleg]

@@JeremySheppard Ren Furguson did to guild the same thing he was doing in gibson custom shop . did you ever play guild orpheum model ?

[@randykirby2866]

That guitar was junk. I have had a few of those and they hold up pretty well for the most part. They are easily found but maybe it's because I live in Rhode Island. Good job walking away though, I know it's hard to do. I swear sometimes they call your name.

[@CT-ho6si]

Jeremy: "I don't currently have a good, reliable repair person." His current repair person: =(

[@JeremySheppard]

This was years ago before I knew Danny Dolinger. He's a wizard.

[@rjlong89]

Guilds are my favorite. They make the best 12 strings on the planet

[@JeremySheppard]

I dream of an F512

[@rjlong89]

@@JeremySheppard you and me both, man

[@BradleyMcTaggart]

Yikes! Good call dude.

[@pickersgrip]

I know a good repair guy fairly close to you.

[@JeremySheppard]

Just dm'd you.

[@markcummings2344]

Terry is one of those names that can go either way, and given the tendency for more men to be into guitars than women (still), I would have assumed the same and said he/him. I don't think every word that comes out of our mouths needs to be explained away to avoid stepping on someone's toes.

[@christopherspearrin5250]

Yeah that would be a pass for me too...even at 350 I'd have A hard time paying it for that needing all that N worse...what can you not see that might be sketchy.....n btw...that EXACT MODEL...WAS N STILL IS my all time fav acoustic I've ever owned...buy mine was in better shape n slightly older ...I paid 125 for mine but had to reattach the bridge...and fix the finish on the top...anyways awesome guitar...but she asking to much..

[@trentc7329]

I'm surprised you'd look at a laminate guitar unless it was a Silvertone or something people like for being cheap but nostalgic. Are there actual good laminate guitars that hold their valuable and are desirable?

[@michaelhudson1524]

yeah.. Guilds ! ;)

[@michaelhudson1524]

yeah! Guilds ! ;).

[@rstuartcpa]

No meat on the bone

[@scottschmittmusic]

Ya.. totally.. woulda ran

[@rickallen6378]

That thing was beat.

[@brooklynboy1000]

Someone did not take care of that Guild. I’d never buy that.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

6:04...ITS NOT

[@ernestschultz5065]

that's a $400 guitar. $450 tops.

[@gatormcklusky5850]

nut is the easiest of fixes Can't believe your even bringing a nut up.

[@capohd28]

If you’re going to buy and sell guitars, best to learn some of the more common repairs and do it yourself. A lot of the things you mentioned like the nut, small cracks, saddles, action adjustments, frets are easy fixes, and can turn what would normally be a non-profitable, unplayable instrument into a playable, profitable one. I would stay away from neck resets and removing tops and backs though if you don’t plan to be a luthier. But this guitar could have been easily made much better. Also, that finish chipped on the neck? Would just remove it and then oil it. A neck without a hard varnish is much nicer to play. Also, would get much better evaluating an instrument.

[@Beatles123ful]

D 25s are solid mahogany not laminate

[@JeremySheppard]

This one had no braces on the back and an arched back, it's laminate. There were some with flat backs and braces that were solid.

[@frankdiscussion2069]

I'd of offered $100. People try to sell crap.

[@joemamma4324]

Some one is going to buy that guitar for 400. I would just install a Tusq nut and glue a cleat under the crack and sell it for 750. I am a retired mechanic that has always pointed my nose towards used guitars And bought and sold muscle cars since I was 13 years old...I have a 67 Camaro drag car I am building,A 62 Falcon gasser build 5.3 turbo..I have a 2019 J45 That I just removed the fretboard so That i can weld the tab back on the end of the truss rod.Cars and guitars are Mechanical art...I will never stop...I tried,I'm 52 years old 16 at heart.

[@JazzStrat781]

A man after my own heart that loves old cars and guitars!

[@capohd28]

Totally agree. I just finished a post about being able to do simple repairs being important for someone buying and selling instruments. This guitar didn’t need any major repairs, and many like myself, like well worn instruments.

[@markcummings2344]

That thing was thrashed. I bet someone who wore a lot of jewelry on their fretting hand must have marred the neck up like that, that was not natural well worn wear.

[@mrosenow21]

I'll take it for $600

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojob]

don't really get the vintage thing.. specially close to garbage guitars like this one. if im given one, i would sell it and get a brand new one..

[@fbmooers]

Dude - Please, please, please use a seat belt when you're driving. I hope you never need it, but it won't help you if you dont wear it.

[@JeremySheppard]

I'm shocked at myself. This was in the parking lot of a car dealership and I remember putting on the buckle right after the shot, I promise!

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Yup. A real train wreck mate.

[@steverok67]

Looks like crap. Not worth your offer price.

[@dannymccoy1783]

In reality. That guitar is worth 150.00 NOOO MORE then that.

[@RBEmerson]

Um... cringe-worthy guitar.

[@RjBenjamin353]

Junk Junk Junk!!!