1972 Guild Acoustic - Model #?

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GoatMan08

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I purchased this guitar in the mid-1970's used from a guitar store in Detroit. The model number inside the guitar was scratched off so I don't know what model number it is. It now needs a neck reset, etc. with an estimated cost of $1K to 1.5K. Without knowing the model number I am not sure what it's financial worth is. It played well until suddenly this past week I noticed the action near the body was way higher than near the headstock. It has sentimental value, but I am not sure it is worth spending more on it than it's financial worth.
Does anyone know how to find out the model number? It seems like Guild didn't keep records of serial numbers to model numbers for that period.
I should mention that in an online search the body style and hardware seems like a D35.
 
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GoatMan08 said:
I purchased this guitar in the mid-1970's used from a guitar store in Detroit. The model number inside the guitar was scratched off so I don't know what model number it is. It now needs a neck reset, etc. with an estimated cost of $1K to 1.5K. Without knowing the model number I am not sure what it's financial worth is. It played well until suddenly this past week I noticed the action near the body was way higher than near the headstock. It has sentimental value, but I am not sure it is worth spending more on it than it's financial worth.
Does anyone know how to find out the model number? It seems like Guild didn't keep records of serial numbers to model numbers for that period.
I should mention that in an online search the body style and hardware seems like a D35.
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Post pics of the front and back, and back of the headstock (to show the tuners). Do you play it? Do you want to continue playing it for the next 10 years? Right now it may be worth $500 (not knowing what it is, and in need of a reset). A reset and getting it back to being a great guitar will make it worth $1250-$2,500 depending on what it is. If so, then even $500-$1,000 in work on it will be a bargain, even if you end up losing $200-$300 on it.
 
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GoatMan08

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Here are some images, hopefully it will help.
 

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GoatMan08

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Heath said:
Also, who is charging over 1K for a neck reset? I’ve not paid over $500 typically for any reset, including Guild.
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The Luthier said neck reset of ~$500 but without seeing it in person yet was thinking it might need more work. Things like frets, nut, etc. Does this not sound reasonable?
 
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It's a '72 G37 and yes it'd be worth saving. Spruce top, arched laminated maple back and sides.

Excellent shape examples can go for 1500-2000. I have one just like it I wouldn't trade for anything.

If you don't want to fix it I'll give you $500 for it.
 
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Wilmywood said:
It's a '72 G37 and yes it'd be worth saving. Excellent shape examples can go for 1500-2000. I have one just like it I wouldn't trade for anything.

If you don't want to fix it I'll give you $500 for it.
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I agree that it is a fine guitar. I really have always felt it sounded as good, or better, than my 1998 Taylor 810.
 
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I would ask myself one question. What could I buy with $1500? It is not like you are paying $800-1000 then spending another $1000 on fixing it. To me the answer is a no brainer.

I had bought my D 35 ten years before I got it fixed, then I spent $1100 on it nine years ago. When faced with the decision, I knew at the time I could buy a playable guitar under a thousand. Of course nine years later it would be neck reset time. So when I got my guitar back having spent $1100 on a new bridge, saddle, nut, frets and the neck sprayed (it had been bare wood) I was at least three hundred underwater. I played a lot of brand new $1200 guitars, none that I liked better.

I have never regretted it, and would not take less than $1500 for it today. I also would not do a reset without fretwork and anything else the guitar needed. Hopefully no one shaved the bridge.
 
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The thing that struck me was, "It played well until suddenly this past week I noticed the action near the body was way higher than near the headstock". That sounds like a sudden breakage, not a neck needing a reset after years of tension gradually lifting it, It could be both, but I'd have it looked at by a pro that I trust. If you don't know the repairman and he gives you a lot of expensive doom and gloom I'd get a second opinion or at least get advice here on the forum.
I really hope this works out for you, they are great guitars.
 
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Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. I spoke to someone local who seems much more reasonable in terms of what work is needed and what work is nice to have, depending on my budget. I will take it in next week to see.
 
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There is a '72 on Reverb right now and the asking is $2,000. Now, it needs a reset and they have priced it like it just had one. I bet yours would go in the $1,800-$2,000 range if it was fixed up good as new.
 
Heath

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GoatMan08 said:
The Luthier said neck reset of ~$500 but without seeing it in person yet was thinking it might need more work. Things like frets, nut, etc. Does this not sound reasonable?
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The $500 I’ve paid included most of the extra work that could be involved. I’m not saying not to go with this person, but definitely get some other quotes.

(Which it now seems like you’re doing)
 
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