Rings like a bell

[Longfellow]

Thank you for letting me join this group though I will submit I've naught gotten involved in discussion groups of this nature before. I've read plenty but not engaged.
Noah, from Guild recommended I get involved with this group, and from what I've gleaned so far you all are incredibly well versed in Guild.
I'm not new to guitars as I currently own Martin's and a few ovations but it wasn't until I played my cousins 12 string Guild I was hooked! So I set out to add a blond jumbo 12 to the family and recently a Nightbird GG.
What brought me to this group however is a Guild I found that according to Noah was, birthed in '74 at Westerly. I think that's what he told me while I was driving last night. Pictures to follow. The guitar is showing its age and lack of care but even with old strings she rings pretty well.
I am a little unsure if the price is reasonable, maybe some members could shed some light before I make a decision.
Note: I was in the process of paying off an amp while these pictures were taken so I was a little detail distracted, thank you in advance!

 

[FNG]

Welcome!

Nice Nightbird....what's up with the pickguard on it? Hard to tell from the picture, but is it starting to "decompose "?

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! Enjoy your time here! That Nightbird is lovely, but like FNG noted, the pickguard is made of nitrate and is decomposing. As it does, nitric acid is formed and will oxidize any nearby metal parts as well as affect the finish. You might want to remove it, but don't put it in the guitar's case - store it separately. A skilled luthier can use it as a template to make one out of a plastic that won't degrade.

 

[Longfellow]

The pickguard is original equipment and has two hairline cracks as well as some crazing going on, I'm going to have a new one made soon.

 

[chazmo]

Can't really tell from the pictures if there are any issues with that D-25 @Longfellow. I presume that's what you're talking about and not the Nightbird, right?

The truss rod is upside down (a continuing, inside source of amusement here on LTG).

$600 for a good, playable D-25 from the '70s is a good price, IMO. I can't date 99622 specifically, as I don't have my copy of the bible with me and I don't trust the online charts. But it looks like '70s to me.

Oh, and welcome aboard!!!!!

 

[Longfellow]

$600 for a good, playable D-25 from the '70s is a good price, IMO. I can't date 99622 specifically, as I don't have my copy of the bible with me and I don't trust the online charts. But it looks like '70s to me.

Oh, and welcome aboard!!!!!
[/QUOTE]

 

[Longfellow]

Thank you all for your input and observations so far!

Some additional info:
The back of the guitar has a buch of quarter sized dots that are from glue residue. Apparently some had applied round felt tabs to the back of the guitar, for what purpose I've no idea.
I'm leaning towards purchasing this instrument and having my luthier give it a going over. I don't think the grover tuners are original parts.

 

[chazmo]

Grovers did come into use at some point, Longfellow, but I can't tell from the picture if there are other holes there being covered up by the Grovers or not.

 

[chazmo]

If you can get the guitar to your luthier to check out first, or if there is a return policy that allows you to do so, then go ahead and do it.

I'll bet the felt pads can be removed with some naphtha (lighter fluid) if you try. I really like hte finish and color on this guitar so if I were you I would consider a refinish... just my opin!

 

[WaltW]

Welcome Longfellow! As you can see you have hit the holy grail of guitar support groups. Knowledge of Guilds hear is unsurpassed and guitars in general, too. Then there's all the other conversations/topics.....too numerous to describe in a single post.
I hope you enjoy your time(s) here as much I have

 

[Longfellow]

Welcome Longfellow! As you can see you have hit the holy grail of guitar support groups. Knowledge of Guilds hear is unsurpassed and guitars in general, too. Then there's all the other conversations/topics.....too numerous to describe in a single post.
I hope you enjoy your time(s) here as much I have

As my beloved Aunt Barbara would say, "everybody needs their tribe" I think I found mine.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Welcome, Longfellow!

If you're asking about the D-25 folk guitar, yes, that's a good price. Even if it needs a bunch of work, it's worth it — though you might haggle a bit if it needs a neck reset, naturally.

But even with a reset, I'd probably do it because I'd end up with a terrific little axe. Let us know what you do.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

If you can get the guitar to your luthier to check out first, or if there is a return policy that allows you to do so, then go ahead and do it. . . .

Yup! OR: If it's a local sale, have a friend who knows guitars check it out for you.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

The pickguard is original equipment and has two hairline cracks as well as some crazing going on, I'm going to have a new one made soon.

But don't throw out the old one. If you ever sell it, the buyer will like having it.

 

[tonepoet]

Welcome to Let's Talk Guild, @Longfellow !!! Lots of good folks from all around the world on this forum.

 

[Nuuska]

As my beloved Aunt Barbara would say, "everybody needs their tribe" I think I found mine.

Here's for Aunt Barbara

Tervetuloa - Welcome

 

[walrus]

Welcome to LTG!

 

[bobouz]

Welcome Longfellow! Serial #99622 would be 1974. The break angle of the strings on the saddle looks quite good, and should be a positive indicator in terms of the neck angle. As previously noted, get that truss rod cover turned around & you might just have a winner!