G37 BL or Gibson Gospel

[GratefulParrot]

Hey all.

First time posting, but I've been reading alot of the threads here, or at least the last two years. Everybody here for the most part really try to help newbies out, so I need to ask for some advise. First off, let me say I'm a geek by trade, not musician. I've play drums as a teen, and started playing again, thinking my daughter would pick up the drums. Long story short, my drumming is driving my wife and daughter crazy, and the drums are going to have to go again for the second time in my life. I started playing guitar when my daughter was born, with illutions in my head about singing lullibys. I'm a campfire guitarist at best, but do play in front of the church sometime (just basic cord stuff) I currently own a rare Washburn from the late 80's. To the point, the drums are going an a new guitar is coming.

Since coming to the conclusion that I'm getting a guitar, I've done some research. Since I'm not a musician, I'm basing my decision on 50% sound, 10% playability, and 40% looks. In my research, I've been growing fond of natural maple guitars. Finally I get to the question, but I wanted to give a brief history. I'm torn between 2 guitars at the moment on Ebay. The choice is between a 75 Guild G37 BL or a 75 Gibson Gospel. Both are in the price range. Both are laminated maple arch backs. Which would you guys go to?

Also, not being stupid, I understand I'm asking Guild geeks to choose and I do expect a predudice opinion, but I'm hoping you guys would be honest in your advice.

Thanks.
GratefulParrot

 

[eastcoastbuzz]

Hi GP,

Gibson had a lot of quality issues (OK, they made a lot of crap) in the 70's so this one is pretty easy. Just be sure the G37 has not been abused and does not need a neck set. Or, you could get them both and beat on the Gospel when you miss your drums.

 

[Jeff]

. I'm torn between 2 guitars at the moment on Ebay. The choice is between a 75 Guild G37 BL or a 75 Gibson Gospel. Both are in the price range. Both are laminated maple arch backs. Which would you guys go to?

Also, not being stupid, I understand I'm asking Guild geeks to choose and I do expect a predudice opinion, but I'm hoping you guys would be honest in your advice.

Thanks.
GratefulParrot

Dunno nuthin bout Gibson Gospels, I have something like $625 into my G37, $500 for the guitar off Craigslist including a non original case & another $125 or so to have it tweaked. Likely it's my very best bang for the buck.

Pricewise, locally, G37's are often advertised for $800+, they seem to hang unsold for some time at that price. My opinion, wth patience, a good one can be had for $650 or so. I've also looked at a couple that were sick & needed a neck set.

 

[dreadnut]

Actually, Gibsons were still made in Kalamazoo in 1975, it was not a bad year for Gibsons. Although, in '76 I chose my Guild D-25 over a Gibson Hummingbird that was going for about $500-$550 at the time.

The Gospel will be a lighter guitar than the G-37. The G-37's I've played have all been pretty heavy, but pretty jangly too. The Gibby could be a real sweetheart though. I'm guessing you'd probably be happy with either one.

As long as it's a crap shoot; i.e., you can't play them first, and they're in good shape, I'd get the Guild. But I prefer the Guild acoustic sound over the Gibson in most cases.

 

[marcellis]

I'm with you. I like Maple too.

Guitars that old may need a neck reset.

Easy answer = Guild for tone. Gibson for resale.
For looks, I'd have to go with the Guild. I love that blonde back.

I like Gibson acoustics. But the quality is uneven. And the mid-70's are not
considered the golden age for Gibson acoustics. It was part of the golden age for Guilds.

It's a tough choice.

 

[fungusyoung]

Marcellis makes a great point about older guitars often needing neck re-sets. Note that Guild's D30 is essentially the same exact guitar as the G37, but these were made through the 90's & maybe into the early 2000's. Really cool guitars that I find myself drawn to (maple is gorgeous to look at & it sounds wonderful too).

Anyways, you may be able to find a D30 in as good or better shape as a G37 for about the same amount of $ & that may be the safer bet.

On another note, don't discount playability too much. Musician or not, if you want to play as a hobby, you'll want a guitar that plays easy enough that you never hesitate to pick it up whenever you look at it.

Good luck!

 

[Mikeoso]

The 70s Gospel wasn't a real strong guitar...the later iteration from the 90s was in mahogany and was a super sounding axe

 

[GratefulParrot]

None of this matters anymore. I lost out on the Gibson (starting going over my budget). I decided the maple axe for me is a D30. I now have a D30 in shipping to my direction. (Thanks Dog)

 

[tele4tone]

I owned a G37 and had the neck reset. Wonderful guitar! I sold it to finance a trip to a wedding in Germany. I always regretted that and bought a Taylor to replace it.... hated it and sold it. I now own gently abused D30 from the 90's and am anxious to get it back from the Luthier. Even before repairs I enjoyed the tone it gave. There was a D30 at a local shop that I just about wore out. I really like maple acoustics. Just not the Taylor 710.

 

[adorshki]

None of this matters anymore. I lost out on the Gibson (starting going over my budget). I decided the maple axe for me is a D30. I now have a D30 in shipping to my direction. (Thanks Dog)

Congrats I think you're gonna be real happy. That's the first guitar I saw here that actually caused a spark of GAS in me! It's just not the right time now.

 

[evenkeel]

Congrats on the purchase. Pics when she arrives please :!: :!: :!:

As others have stated Gibbys of that era are not as well thought of as the earlier models. Norlin Industries had purchased Gibson in '69 and began a series of design changes that were ill conceived at best. Laminated bridge pads, then heavier and thicker pads, double x bracing, switch to square shoulders, the infamous adjustable bridge, list goes on and on. Some nice guitars did come out of that era, but it's a bit of a gamble. Good era for Guild, as others have noted.

 

[fungusyoung]

None of this matters anymore. I lost out on the Gibson (starting going over my budget). I decided the maple axe for me is a D30. I now have a D30 in shipping to my direction. (Thanks Dog)

Awesome, man! Enjoy!!!

 

[West R Lee]

None of this matters anymore. I lost out on the Gibson (starting going over my budget). I decided the maple axe for me is a D30. I now have a D30 in shipping to my direction. (Thanks Dog)

Atta boy, I think you made the very best choice. Nothing wrong with the G37, but the D30 is the same guitar......just newer. Congratulations and give us a full report when she arrives.

West

 

[iJamF47M]

Post some photos....that would be even better!