D-55 purchase and not delivered

[fronobulax]

Ralf,
Thanks a million for this info. So I am reading that "run-out" is considered to be inferior for the wood. I recently saw an expensive guitar for sale where the top looked stranger than I had ever previously seen. I then found out it was caused by run out. It was presented as though this was a good feature and desireable. Was that right?

Thank you,
Craig

If I recall prior discussions of "run out" the answer depends. Run out clearly has a cosmetic impact. Like bear claw, there are folks who will say it does, or does not, effect tone, sustain or other features that effect the utility of a guitar. Serious run out can result in structural problems and the finest and most expensive wood will be cut to minimize run out. Frank Ford says "The matter of grain runout is largely a cosmetic one, and most builders try to avoid runout if possible."

Edit: I gotta say - when I started my post. Ralf's answer was not there.

 

[SFIV1967]

Edit: I gotta say - when I started my post. Ralf's answer was not there.

That was an advantage in the old forum software, we were able to see what other messages were typed in the meantime. Here it is a gamble who types faster!
Ralf

 

[adorshki]

that was an advantage in the old forum software, we were able to see what other messages were typed in the meantime. Here it is a gamble who types faster!
Ralf

new forum sport!!! Olympic posting races!!!!

 

[SFIV1967]

new forum sport!!! Olympic posting races!!!!

That's nothing new Al! We had this before, many times! :highly_amused:

 

[idealassets]

I balked at buying a new F412 some time ago on account of runout. The 2 halves of the guitar were yellow and then gold in color. When you rotated the guitar in the light, it would reverse. No one in the sales group seemed to notice it when I asked, and then I decided to find out here on LTG.

Now that I know what it is, I would have to base my judgments about a guitar mostly on sound.

Craig

 

[guildman63]

Shouldn't all guitars be bought based on sound? Wait, I buy mine on EBay, Gbase and Craigslist. :biggrin-new:

 

[SFIV1967]

Now that I know what it is, I would have to base my judgments about a guitar mostly on sound.

Craig, but I think nevertheless we also like good looking guitars, so it should be both that is taken into account.
Ralf

 

[chazmo]

It might be worth noting that I've seen pre-war Martins with non quarter-sawn soundboards and soundboards that have tremendous runout... These are still some of the most prized guitars around.

I agree with you guys, though, of course... it's a matter of taste. Don't believe anyone who thinks they can hear these differences, by the way. It's all cosmetic.

 

[charliea]

It's pretty obvious that Guild has never been overly concerned about runout. You see it in pics of Guilds from all eras. I personally think it's kinda neat, on the right guitar anyway.

 

[6L6]

Gotta say, runout is a deal killer for me.

 

[rachelsdad]

Yeah they only put those block inlays and a G-shield on guitars that are worthy.
Y'ain't just payin' fer bling, you can be assured the guitar was built with the extra care and selected materials to justify wearin' the bling.
They're putting their reputation on the line with those details.
It says "You can't buy any more Guild than this, this is the ultimate, baby, so bring it...."
That ain't no fake plastic in those inlays and abalone rosette.


So my F47M is something "special"...(even w/the Adi top )