1972 Guild Acoustic - Model #?

[adorshki]

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.

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)

A long time ago we realized there are definite geographic issues involved in the cost of a reset. Higher local costs of living and doing business definitely affect the local markets.

San Jose in 2008: $1200 for reset including complete fretboard planing if needed, refret, strings, set-up, finish touch-up (and in CA that's a big deal), and follow-up adjustment where needed.

When your guitar comes back feeling brand new you justify it real quick.

Rent out here btw is topping 3k for a 1-bedroom in a "decent" neighborhood. No clue what's going on with retail lease costs.

 

[GoatMan08]

Ralf

Thanks for posting this. It is definitely my guitar.

 

[chazmo]

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. . . .

First of all, welcome aboard!!

My advice is just sell it as-is if that's your intent. Let the person who wants to buy it handle the repair costs and you take the money and it's out of mind. I know in my on case I'd be better off (peace of mind). Of course, that's my own personal feeling.

Having said that, good luck if you choose to get the work done.

 

[wileypickett]

Given the price of a reset (in some places) it may be cheaper to ship it to Fixit and have him do the work. (Not only possibly cheaper, but since he's had plenty of experience doing resets you may get a better repair than if someone does it who has less familiarity with Guilds.)

 

[F30]

That is a beautiful guitar. I would get it in its' best working order. You can't get old wood like that anymore.
It will pay you back sonically in spades.

 

[Cougar]

There is something about the sound of these Guild maple arch backs that you don't get with any other guitar....

....especially when it's a jumbo... and a 12-string.

 

[GoatMan08]

....especially when it's a jumbo... and a 12-string.

Wow, that is beautiful. I really would like to find a 12 string like that to add to my collection. I used to have an old Yamaha 12 string and I know it sounds strange, but I can't remember what happened to it. I just don't have it anymore.

 

[gjmalcyon]

....especially when it's a jumbo... and a 12-string.

The 6-strings ain't bad either:

 

[GGJaguar]

The 6-strings ain't bad either:

I'm swooning over that one. Wow!

 

[Cougar]

Wow, that is beautiful. I really would like to find a 12 string like that to add to my collection.

Well, here's one similar to mine, which was also built in Corona -- it even has an ebony fretboard. The ad's title and date are wrong (imagine that!), and it's priced rather high, but it's been on reverb for 3 months and has a "make offer" button, so who knows.....

Guild USA JF-30-12 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[Cougar]

Well, here's one similar to mine....

I just noticed -- that serial number on a strip of tape over the original serial number usually means the guitar is a "second," so it should have a reduced price as a result.....

 

[GoatMan08]

I just noticed -- that serial number on a strip of tape over the original serial number usually means the guitar is a "second," so it should have a reduced price as a result.....

Hmm, what does that mean, "second"? Like a blemished guitar when originally manufactured so sold at a lesser price? I assume that is the case? Or is it some other issue?
I think I might have mentioned earlier that my 1972 G-37 was purchased by me second hand from a guitar shop in Detroit in the mid 1970's. It didn't have the original case and the "sticker" on the inside of the cavity with model and serial number was scratched off. I assumed later after thinking about it that someone probably stole it and then sold it to the shop. Not sure on that but it seems strange to have been so obviously intentionally scratched off so there was no record of the model or serial number.

 

[SFIV1967]

I just noticed -- that serial number on a strip of tape over the original serial number usually means the guitar is a "second," so it should have a reduced price as a result.....

Well, that is an extremely unusual thing with such a handwritten strip of paper glued over the original serial number. Normaly it is a printed number. Hence this is not a MIRC refurbished one. Also that number is unusual to me.



Ralf

 

[Wilmywood]

Hmm, what does that mean, "second"? Like a blemished guitar when originally manufactured so sold at a lesser price? I assume that is the case? Or is it some other issue?
I think I might have mentioned earlier that my 1972 G-37 was purchased by me second hand from a guitar shop in Detroit in the mid 1970's. It didn't have the original case and the "sticker" on the inside of the cavity with model and serial number was scratched off. I assumed later after thinking about it that someone probably stole it and then sold it to the shop. Not sure on that but it seems strange to have been so obviously intentionally scratched off so there was no record of the model or serial number.

There's no serial number stamped on the back of the headstock?

 

[GoatMan08]

There's no serial number stamped on the back of the headstock?

Ah, sorry, I was unclear. There is a serial number on the back of the headstock which I looked up to see that it was made in 1972. But there is no model number or serial number on the inside "sticker". I believe there should be.

 

[Wilmywood]

Ah, sorry, I was unclear. There is a serial number on the back of the headstock which I looked up to see that it was made in 1972. But there is no model number or serial number on the inside "sticker". I believe there should be.

yes there should be but that number in the wood is the thing With that number Hans can tell us what year, model and what the builder had for lunch that day (j/k)

 

[Curlington]

I have the same. Irrationally love mine but confess it does not get played much. My smaller short scales get all the attention from my old hands.

I love the mahogany neck and silk screen logo, the unique sound from the Maple bowl back, and rather unusual neck shape, skinny but thick feeling (I've never measured it).The founder of Guild died tragically in 72 so I favor 72 and before, but that's just me.

After all these years, it being a second is not a practical issue. It probably devalues it somewhat.

My suggestion is, if you want it fixed get a Guild specialist. I had bad luck using a local guy with a stellar rep who was inexperienced with Guilds.

 

[chazmo]

Well, as Ralf said, that obscured serial number is a red flag, but I don't see anything suspicious or wrong with the actual guitar. The paper over the serial number probably means that it was not sold as new by Guild. However, it's not clear that's the case since this is not likely a label from MIRC (the typical outlet for non-factory-warranted Guilds).

 

[Cougar]

Hmm, what does that mean, "second"? Like a blemished guitar when originally manufactured so sold at a lesser price?

That is usually the case, but as Ralf said, that sticker over the serial number is not "usual," so I don't know what the story is. If I was serious about acquiring that guitar, I'd message the seller and ask a lot of questions... and make an offer for considerably less than the asking price.

 

[GoatMan08]

That is usually the case, but as Ralf said, that sticker over the serial number is not "usual," so I don't know what the story is. If I was serious about acquiring that guitar, I'd message the seller and ask a lot of questions... and make an offer for considerably less than the asking price.

I am not interested in the guitar. For now my focus is on getting mine fixed.