D64 or D66?

[WaltW]

Hello, I'm new to this forum on 08/14/2023. I have a conflict of information on a Guild Dreadnaught purchased from Gruhn Guitar shop around 2002. The serial #KD100170 stamped on the headstock. The serial search shows that it's a D66 but the Guild label inside has D64 written on it; the serial # on the label matches the headstock. I appears to be East Indian Rosewood with the narrower headstock width, as with Gruhn designed D's, natural sound board finish and antique style binding throughout with Tortoise pick guard.
I've just started playing again after a long hiatus and got curious about the model designation conflict. Also, I'm interested in finding out the approximate value. It is in excellent condition. No noticeable scratches or dings just a few dull marks on the soundboard.
It's nice to be here among so people that have the same interests.

 

[walrus]

Welcome! Beautiful guitar!

All I can say for sure is that is not a D64. D64's have maple sides and back.







walrus

 

[WaltW]

Thank You! I'm going to restring it today, only started playing again two days ago and strings are 10 years old. i'll be using Martin phosphor/bronze custom.0115.

 

[HeyMikey]

Thats a beauty! Looks like a D66. Value depends on cosmetic and structural condition. $1500-2500 my wild guess. It could have developed issues if it has sat for a long period under tension, humidified too little or too much, subjected to temperature swings, etc. Best to take it to a luthier for an inspection. If no issues then have a good setup done, which will make it more enjoyable to play.

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG and thanks for sharing your cool D-66! I'll bet it sounds great!

 

[Stuball48]

Let me add my welcome and lots of good folks. Beautiful guitar!! And I am with above opinions - D66

 

[adorshki]

Hello, I'm new to this forum on 08/14/2023. I have a conflict of information on a Guild Dreadnaught purchased from Gruhn Guitar shop around 2002. The serial #KD100170 stamped on the headstock. The serial search shows that it's a D66 but the Guild label inside has D64 written on it; the serial # on the label matches the headstock. I appears to be East Indian Rosewood with the narrower headstock width, as with Gruhn designed D's, natural sound board finish and antique style binding throughout with Tortoise pick guard.
I've just started playing again after a long hiatus and got curious about the model designation conflict. Also, I'm interested in finding out the approximate value. It is in excellent condition. No noticeable scratches or dings just a few dull marks on the soundboard.
It's nice to be here among so people that have the same interests.

Hi Walt, Welcome.

Gruhn ID'd it correctly even though label is incorrect. It's a known issue, but it seems to be most commonly seen in the mi-80's to early 90's and seems to be related to these Gruhn-inspired instruments and his plan to introduce a new model number system.

The marketing department wasn't always fully in synch with production so we've seen things like internal "production control" model numbers used as serial numbers and flat out errors like this one but if anybody should know what it really is, Gruhn should, he was there.

 

[crank]

Hey Walt.

If you call Gruhn's Guitars or send an email he is likely to return your call. At least he did with me a few years ago. The guy likes to talk guitars.

 

[WaltW]

Thanks crank for the suggestion....I just finished an email to gruhn@gruhn.com with the information of SN, label and the results of a search by sn also the information here. My thanks to all that answered and those who may in the future. If I hear back from Gruhn Guitar shop I will post their reply.

 

[HeyMikey]

Walt I forgot so say welcome earlier so will say that now. You are far from alone in having stepped away from guitar only to come back to it now. I gave it up for decades and started up again as well. Take it slowly and don’t be discouraged. There are a lot of great, free Youtube lessons out there to get you going again. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Most of us have been there.

I’m any case, what you have is a truly superb guitar to get you going. Play the heck out of it and have some fun!

 

[WaltW]

Thanks Mikey! I'm currently just trying to get the old left fingers to go where I want them. I'm considering getting my Guild 312SB from my son. There may be more strings but the neck is wider at the nut and it may toughen the fingers sooner. Restringing the D66 will also be a big help too! Again, Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[HeyMikey]

FYI, If finger tip pain becomes a problem a product called Rock Tips helped when I was rebuilding my calluses. It’s like a superglue but more flexible. Stays on for a few days and while not perfect does help.

Amazon.com

 

[WaltW]

I never heard of this stuff..................going to get a bottle. Anything to help these 70 year old fingers. Thanks!

 

[HeyMikey]

I never heard of this stuff..................going to get a bottle. Anything to help these 70 year old fingers. Thanks!

For arthritis pain I tried a few CBD or Arnica based products like Penetrex that were fair. My doctor recommended Voltaren, which used to be an NSAID prescription but is now available OTC. I think it works better.

 

[plaidseason]

Hey Walt.

If you call Gruhn's Guitars or send an email he is likely to return your call. At least he did with me a few years ago. The guy likes to talk guitars.

George seems especially delighted to talk about these guitars.

 

[HeyMikey]

George seems especially delighted to talk about these guitars.

He is a proud pappa.

 

[WaltW]

I've been using Tylenol extra strength recommended by my doc and have had decent success. I've been told by a few of my medical professionals not to use NASIDs and I asked for their reason and they mentioned my ongoing treatment for clinical depression and my being an alcoholic in recovery since 2008. Starting to play again is partly for exercise for my hands. The only regret I have in retirement is that the pain in my hands has become a nuisance. I worked intensely with my hands every day, for the past 23 years, as a prototype engineer/ toolmaker in the communications hardware industry. So playing guitar again will be a very good substitute as well as being very enjoyable.
I'm seeing my pcp next week for preop for eye surgery and I'll inquire again about NSAID use, specifically Voltaren. If I successfully get past this whole startup thing I'm contemplating having a custom 000-42 12 string made. Every 12 I've ever played has had a deep body ie my D312SB and a Martin J40 which I sold years ago plus more than a dozen others at shops. The all had a significant boom in the lower range which is nice but a smaller shallower body should reduce that effect and make it more enjoyable, for me, to play in smaller rooms which is where I play.
Thanks for the recommendations Mikey! I'm enjoying being here discussing this with like minded people; seems to be many that are my age.

 

[HeyMikey]

My doc did tell me that playing guitar is excellent therapy for the arthritis in my hands. Mild finger stretches helps too, just don’t push it too much to start.

 

[MLBob]

Nephrologist I see is vehement that people stay away from NSAIDS. Calls them “a kidney killer.”

 

[chazmo]

Welcome, @WaltW !!

I missed your initial post a couple of days ago. Great entrance to the board.

That's a beautiful guitar you have there, and I concur with everyone that it's mislabeled. And, certainly George Gruhn would be happy to confirm that for you.

Again, welcome aboard! And, best of luck with the ailments that are afflicting many of us...