Consultation on D55 (RI)

[Itamar4256]

I found a nice guitar on Reverb, the GF30, the "Grand", not the Jumbo, check here.

I offered him 825$ but he refused. I really liked the JF30.

 

[chazmo]

Well, I still think you should try a D-55 if you haven't yet, Itamar, but you certainly won't go wrong getting a JF-30. Good luck.

 

[davismanLV]

Where, in the world, are you Itamar? Anywhere but the USA is going to be more expensive, but we have people all over the world. Let us know. We're really good at hooking people up with Guilds to buy!!

 

[Itamar4256]

Israel. Thanks Davis.

But for a good find a 250$ shipping cost may be not so bad.

 

[Boneman]

If you tried the JF30 and liked it, and still have the opportunity to grab it, you should just do that, trust me. Otherwise what tone is in your head when you think acoustic? If you didn’t like the D35, maybe you want less low end, and as pointed out, maybe mahogany back and sides might not be for you, so a brighter tonewood like maple might be the tone you are after. However a D55 is on another level compared to any of the others you listed. If you can afford it, and you can’t get the JF30, and you want the best, I’d go try that out before you do anything at the moment. If that doesn’t work out, you might no go wrong with the D50ce, get similar rosewood tone as the D55 but you save money and you can access the upper frets easier.

Good luck in the hunt!

 

[Cougar]

I really liked the JF30.

Man, I think you should wait around for a good JF30. Being a jumbo, it's a very different guitar than the D-xx dreadnoughts. I believe some JF30s have ebony fretboards, which are preferable in my book, but a JF30 with a rosewood fretboard can be very nice, too. Inexplicably, JF30s are often less expensive -- certainly less than the $2900 for the D55 you initially mentioned, so maybe that can counteract the expected high shipping cost to Israel. Take your time -- the hunt is half the fun! Best of luck!

 

[karlo]

Ask the seller for a FaceTime or Teams call… he can addition the guitars for you and you decide which one you think sounds the best. I think there is a way to record the calls so you can take your time to review. I’d ask him to play every note and listen for buzzing and such. Lol I’m serious. Old guitars man - and for that kind of money.

 

[adorshki]

Man, I think you should wait around for a good JF30. Being a jumbo, it's a very different guitar than the D-xx dreadnoughts. I believe some JF30s have ebony fretboards, which are preferable in my book, but a JF30 with a rosewood fretboard can be very nice, too. Inexplicably, JF30s are often less expensive -- certainly less than the $2900 for the D55 you initially mentioned, so maybe that can counteract the expected high shipping cost to Israel. Take your time -- the hunt is half the fun! Best of luck!

On a straight materials appraisal basis, ignoring model desirability, suspect it's due to value of rosewood vs maple plus the "bling" of the '55.

I found a nice guitar on Reverb, the GF30, the "Grand", not the Jumbo, check here.

I offered him 825$ but he refused. I really liked the JF30.

That body (16" lower bout width) is my personal favorite of all Guild flattops. It was George Gruhn's version of the original Guild F40 and all the "GF" models are highly sought after by "those in the know". I don't blame 'em for not accepting your bid. I think it's fairly priced at the $1240.00 I just saw it at, although I'd expect a case at that price. Just to help you understand what it is you were bidding on.

Also don't think the "tear" below the bridge is a problem, ad says it's been reinforced but I think the bridge plate may actually be underneath it, so I don't think that crack's really going anywhere. Might even only be finish deep. Finish shrinks into the center seam of the top and can even separate with age.

 

[chazmo]

. . .
Also don't think the "tear" below the bridge is a problem, ad says it's been reinforced but I think the bridge plate may actually be underneath it, so I don't think that crack's really going anywhere. Might even only be finish deep. Finish shrinks into the center seam of the top and can even separate with age.

I'm going to disagree with Al on this one because I'm a bit concerned... That's not a "tear" that is a seam separation due to bad humidification, and there is a strong possibility that there is more damage to the bridge that has to be dealt with. I also note that the saddle in this bridge is not wide enough and should be replaced.

However, I do agree this is an otherwise very nice example of the breed, and it is a fair price.

 

[Itamar4256]

That's not a "tear" that is a seam separation due to bad humidification, and there is a strong possibility that there is more damage to the bridge that has to be dealt with.

I also sense bad humidification, look at the pic added.

They asked 900 euro.

I'll say no to that and will be patient on the hunt.

 

[chazmo]

Actually, it's a common occurrence, Itamar. You just need to be careful if you decide to proceed. If you can get your hands on that GF-30 with the possibility of returning it, then you might want to consider it. But, forewarned is forearmed.

 

[Itamar4256]

In my opinion there's no damage to the bridge.

My only concern is, if a long-time humid condition leaving me no way back?

 

[HeyMikey]

Patience is a virtue. Unless the guitar is super rare, which these models being discussed are not, then another one will come along.

 

[Itamar4256]

What do you think about that one? 740$.

According to Hans, these were made in 2002.

 

[PreacherBob]

What do you think about that one? 740$.

According to Hans, these were made in 2002.

looks good. Saddle has good height. Hard to really tell without more photos, but appears in good health. The average for these in the US is $1500-$1700. I had a Corona built 2001 JF30 for a good while, great guitar.

 

[Boneman]

Someone has GAS! Looking forward to the NGD report whenever you make the final purchase.

 

[Itamar4256]

What's GAS and NGD?

 

[Boneman]

GAS = Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. (Can also be Gear or even Guild in this case lol)
NGD = New Guitar Day

 

[Itamar4256]

You're right, what a shame that I have a GAS.

 

[chazmo]

What's GAS and NGD?

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