Just picked this up today. Have not had a guitar in about 5 or 6 years. I was at a store getting some bass strings and this was there. So while waiting I decided to noodle around. It sounded so nice. Spent about 20mins noodling and decided to take it home with me. Seems like a 96 or 97 based on the serial number? Did these come with electronics stock? Seems like an under the saddle type. Had some crappy Rogue acoustic before this and it's like it almost plays itself, the wonders of a good set up.
NGD: Late 90s DV-52
- Thread starter ColdEye
- Start date
Welcome ColdEye to a great guitar forum whose members love to encourage you to buy another. The most knowledgeable guitar folks of any guitar forum.
The DV52 gets lots of love on this forum. We love pictures.
Join in often.
The DV52 gets lots of love on this forum. We love pictures.
Join in often.
Welcome aboard, ColdEye! Your 1996 (I think) DV-52 looks sweet!
Don't know about the pickup system from that year. I think that's aftermarket, but not at all sure.
Your saddle looks like it might be kinda' low, ColdEye, but I can't really tell from the picture. If you're comfortable with the action, then great! In any case, post some more pictures (especially the back) so we can enjoy your NGD even more!
Again, congrats!
Don't know about the pickup system from that year. I think that's aftermarket, but not at all sure.
Your saddle looks like it might be kinda' low, ColdEye, but I can't really tell from the picture. If you're comfortable with the action, then great! In any case, post some more pictures (especially the back) so we can enjoy your NGD even more!
Again, congrats!
midnightright
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2011
- Messages
- 384
- Reaction score
- 112
HI! I have a '97 DV-6 w/an 'E,' somewhere in the description label, as well as the NT (natural top) & HG (high gloss finish) - with the "e," designating factory installation of electronics. Now, they didn't always get the labels right--as in accurate; but I'd venture a guess as to say that at least those volume controls in the soundhole are not original. Mine was an undersaddle w/the two knobs mounted on the upper/side bout... (if I'm saying that right) sort of like similar location to a Taylor, maybe? I can't quite remember for sure - on the Taylor. . . but they were on the bass side and anyway: needless-to-say, a magnificent guitar. One of the best I've ever owned. Have never seen one like your in person before. Mine was the mahogany back & sides version. Enjoy! 
ReevesRd
Senior Member
Congratulations on the DV-52, and welcome to LTG.
HeyMikey
Enlightened Member
Welcome Coldeye! Beautiful DV52 you found. No surprise that it called out to you. I really like this version with the abalone rosette. It has just the perfect amount of bling to contrast the dark ebony neck and bridge with the black pick guard. Enjoy!
WaltW
Member
Congrats ColdEye and welcome to LTG. There's a wealth of knowledge here and even some that's about Guild guitars. Nice DV52! I just latched onto one, a 1996 with factory electronics, from a member here and it's currently at a shop being setup; needs a saddle and some fret leveling.
Stick around, it's a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy your Guild.........they play like nothing else that I've found.
Nice DV52! I just latched onto one, a 1996 with factory electronics, from a member here and it's currently at a shop being setup; needs a saddle and some fret leveling.Stick around, it's a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy your Guild.........they play like nothing else that I've found.
The saddle does seem low, but do realize this is from an untrained eye. Surprisingly no buzz anywhere on the neck. Again maybe it's just the way it's set up, or the quality is just so nice on this ( I'm guessing both) but it's just so easy to play.
HeyMikey
Enlightened Member
That saddle is very low and there is no string break angle. What is the action (height from the top of the metal gret to the bottom of the string) at the 12th fret? Ideally it should be 3/32 low E and 5/64 high E. Any higher than that and it likely needs a neck reset now or very soon. If so have a luthier check it.
Good article to read right here:
Good article to read right here:
Yeah definitely having this checked now. Thank you for the article, will be reading that now!
Hey, ColdEye... I'm glad my vision wasn't playing tricks on me earlier. But, yeah, you're going to need some setup work to really make that puppy sing. But, if you're happy with the playability as it is, you could just wait until you're not happy anymore.
Good luck!
Good luck!
The saddle does seem as low as it could possibly go but the action looks okay and from what you say the guitar is playing beautifully. If you like the guitar enough you could just keep it understanding that it will probably need a neck reset in the future. Or, if you're lucky it may not. I have a guitar with a low saddle, my '71 Guild D25 and it plays and sounds gorgeous. OR you could just return the guitar to the store. I think you purchased it from Guitar Center - they have an excellent return policy - you may want to double check if your guitar is classified as vintage or not. Vintage guitars you have to return to GC quite quickly, within 3 days I think. Non-vintage you can hang on to for a month.
Yes it was at a local GC. This was not marked as vintage so I have some time to get it checked out.
Cougar
Enlightened Member
Welcome to LTG! Beautiful guitar! but yeah, good idea to have it checked out by a pro. One alternative to provide some break angle is to have the pin holes ramped.
Sad update, I ended up returning it. I had it looked at and the neck reset cost is pretty high. I was told its a bit more difficult for Guilds. Still I want to have one in the future, and now at least I know what to look for in acoustic guitars. Thanks for recommending frets.com, its a literal treasure trove of information. One day I will have a Guild again! I’ll hang around here for the meantime while I dont have one yet. I hope thats fine.
Wise move unless you're willing to take on the repair costs and effort. Looks like a beautiful guitar....
Anyway, onward in the quest.