D35 Advice

[KCGuildPicker]

Guilds are increasingly rare birds in my part of world, so when a 1982 D35 popped up on my radar, I took notice. I was hoping to get some advice from the wise folks here about this model/situation.

Here's the deal . . . the D35 is at pawn shop (ugh . . . rather it be a guitar store . . . but it is what it is) and they list it as being in "acceptable" condition. I have never heard that term before, but according to the online description, the "acceptable" rating is due solely to cosmetic issues which to their credit, they are pretty clear about in the description and pics. So, the price and rating reflect the cosmetic issues not the playability. The price they have seems based on similar cosmetically challenged D35 and other dreads listed on reverb. That said, has anyone heard/seen that term?

As the guitar is at a pawn show 45 minutes and because of work and life, I have not had a chance to play it yet. I am going to do that tomorrow. I have no issue negotiating prices with guitar shops and have won some negotiations, lost some, and walked away from some, but I have never negotiated with or even attempted to negotiate with a pawn shop on a guitar. So, I was wondering if the playability is truly good and not impacted by the cosmetic and/or other issues, is $850 a fair price? The cosmetic issues are significant, (beyond the pick scratches and belt rashes) but at the same time I don't want to low-ball and be asked to leave! Is there a consensus or rule of thumb to follow when negotiating over cosmetic issues?

Any thoughts would be appreciated . . .
Slainte

 

[richardp69]

IMHO, $850 is a very fair ptice if there are no significant structural/neck angle etc. issues. I have one for sale right now and I know I would never accept $850 for it.

I wouldn't worry a bit about how much you want to offer the Pawn Shop. That's the business they are in and I'm sure dealing/negotiating price is just part of the process for them. All they can say is no.

Cosmetic challenges on base mosel guitars don't worry me much. I just bought a Spruce/Mahogany F 30 with loads of nicks, dents, scratches, rash, repaired cracks etc.. I haven't received it yet but I'm pretty sure it's going to be a sweet player. In that case, I know the guitar has had a neck reset and a refret which is a plus in my book.

 

[Stagefright]

Acceptable doesn't inspire confidence that the guitar will be anything better than low grade player condition (bumps, bruises, playable with minor set up). $850 is high for a D-35 in that category. If it plays perfectly and has the sound you are looking for, $850 is in the ball park. If the action is high and the saddle low (or cracks), walk away. There are too many great D-35's out there to take on a project.

As with any pawn shop, I expect to be able to negotiate.

Richard69's D-35 is a really good one. I owned it for 20+ years before he bought it and had it freshened up by the best Guild luthier available. If it were me, I would save my time/gas and strike up a conversation with Richard69.

 

[KCGuildPicker]

Thanks for the replies! My first reaction to the acceptable rating was also kind of like "that's a less than ringing endorsement." The cosmetic issues aside, I also agree that a set up would be in order and if I get the guitar, my first stop on the way home would be at the shop where all my guitars go for TLC.

I'm really going out of curiosity and the rarity of Guild acoustics in my area, but like richardp69 noted above, I expect there to be actual playability issues which will render the cosmetic issues potentially moot - which is too bad because the cosmetic issues increase the guitar's coolness factor - not that any Guild is lacking in the coolness department!

 

[Stuball48]

You will have a "gut" feeling tomorrow and I would go with my "gut."
A other plug for Richard69. Have dealt with him numerous times and always been a straight shooter and guitars better than he described.

 

[fronobulax]

My first reaction to the acceptable rating was also kind of like "that's a less than ringing endorsement."

I agree but it could also be code for "I have neither the time nor patience to deal with a picky buyer who is going to ask a lot of questions and then complain that it is not in "as new' condition. I'm lowering expectations because I am not in a big hurry to sell and someone who is more interested in playing it than looking at it will eventually be along"

 

[crank]

You will only know if you play it.

 

[Br1ck]

Neck angle and fret condition would be primary concern. Also see if the bridge has been shaved. If you want to deep dive, a working truss rod is nice. Rap on the back with your knuckles and then say hummm, do you hear that? LOL

Buy it and you'll have a take anywehere guitar that will sound good.

 

[davismanLV]

Take a 24" straight edge with you. Follow the advice given HERE!!

 

[adorshki]

Acceptable doesn't inspire confidence that the guitar will be anything better than low grade player condition (bumps, bruises, playable with minor set up). $850 is high for a D-35 in that category. If it plays perfectly and has the sound you are looking for, $850 is in the ball park. If the action is high and the saddle low (or cracks), walk away. There are too many great D-35's out there to take on a project.

As with any pawn shop, I expect to be able to negotiate.

Richard69's D-35 is a really good one. I owned it for 20+ years before he bought it and had it freshened up by the best Guild luthier available. If it were me, I would save my time/gas and strike up a conversation with Richard69.

"I agree".