Value of a flatback D25 ?

[bruno]

To all Guilds connoisseurs out there, I know it used to be easy to find them really cheap, but seem those days are gone... Anyway, do you think 1000$ for a flatback D25 (in good condition) with the original case is an ok price or it's exaggerated ? Thx !

 

[Wilmywood]

Here's a link to the sold listings for D25s on Reverb

Guild D25 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[Rambozo96]

Flat backs are typically mahogany tops right? I know it seems like the all mahogany D-25’s go for a pretty penny now.

 

[davismanLV]

They're rather very early on, or from Corona, CA factory. And yes, mahogany tops.

 

[Br1ck]

What are we looking at for flatbacks, 72 and earlier, except Corona? That $1,000 seems about right, if it does not need a lot of work. The rising tide lifts all ships. I've noticed more interest and activity in 50s Martins now, a previously neglected segment.

 

[Westerly Wood]

The days of $700 for a D25 flatback from 1968-1972 are over. I think a grand, while it seems a lot, is pretty reasonable today. Plus, these all hog dreads sound great, I keep hearing that feedback about mine. I took it to Feast of Tabernacles, it got played, one friend said he really likes it. I had custom lights on it and it went thru a PA without much thought to EQ, and it still sounded good. I think a grand is ok for now. I see them for more on reverb.

 

[Neal]

$1000 sounds about right, with the OHSC, assuming the neck angle is correct.

The neck angle on my 71 D-25BR was shallow, with a skinny saddle. I paid $500 for it ten years ago. Throw in a neck reset, and it would have been around the $1000 mark back then.

Of course I just played it as is and later donated it to our local roots music school.

 

[adorshki]

What are we looking at for flatbacks, 72 and earlier, except Corona? That $1,000 seems about right, if it does not need a lot of work. The rising tide lifts all ships. I've noticed more interest and activity in 50s Martins now, a previously neglected segment.

YES, and possible '73's, but they were already phasing in the arched back in '73.

 

[Rambozo96]

The days of $700 for a D25 flatback from 1968-1972 are over. I think a grand, while it seems a lot, is pretty reasonable today. Plus, these all hog dreads sound great, I keep hearing that feedback about mine. I took it to Feast of Tabernacles, it got played, one friend said he really likes it. I had custom lights on it and it went thru a PA without much thought to EQ, and it still sounded good. I think a grand is ok for now. I see them for more on reverb.

I think a steal when you consider how much something like that would probably cost new and it doesn’t need breaking in. The problem is finding one without a boatload of issues

 

[E-Type]

To all Guilds connoisseurs out there, I know it used to be easy to find them really cheap, but seem those days are gone... Anyway, do you think 1000$ for a flatback D25 (in good condition) with the original case is an ok price or it's exaggerated ? Thx !

That's about what I paid for my '70. With a neck reset needed, worth half that.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I think a steal when you consider how much something like that would probably cost new and it doesn’t need breaking in. The problem is finding one without a boatload of issues

right? that makes it harder for sure. I got mine for same price as Neal's $500, but that was 2012. And I know I have put a good 700+ into her, so right now, I am at 1200+ for a D25 BR. But she needs nothing right now. My wife loves the guitar, she calls it hers, so, this particular Guild was totally worth it. I mean, effectively a score looking back now...not to mention my F30R I got a few years ago from Bonneville, also a good deal, considering what it's like out there today, and if Abby inherits that one, great size for her and she wants to learn to play guitar when she is older, well, then my Guilds have really worked out. Technically, I think I need to get a 3rd, as I will need a Guild acoustic to play one day for sure...

 

[Br1ck]

You did about the same thing with your D 25 that I did with my D 35. I was happy then, and happier now. Value is pretty meaningless if you are not selling, but being above water is nonetheless satisfying.

I was playing the D 35 the other day and hearing the age on 50 plus year old wood. I still can not describe it in any meaningful way. There is a certain resonance in the bass.

 

[Westerly Wood]

pretty good value still:

 

[PreacherBob]

pretty good value still:

Guitar sounds great. Thanks for sharing that, I was wondering when you were going to post another video.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Guitar sounds great. Thanks for sharing that, I was wondering when you were going to post another video.

thanks for listening Bob! it was cool hearing the BR played by others last week too. I am glad I never sold it after all.

 

[Br1ck]

Sounds great. When my D 35 was three or four hundred dollars under water, I kept asking myself what $1400 guitar would I trade it for. I never came up with a credible answer. It does not pay to remember when you could get an old D 25 for six or seven hundred dollars, because back then you could get a used D 18 for under $1500. I continue to advise that they are still the best guitar you are going to get for your $1000-1200. Unlike most of the imports, they have soul, provided in part by the old wood. I can hear it in your video clip.

I also think an arch back makes for a great gigging instrument and campfire companion, and you will see those under a grand quite often. Before I bought my Santa Cruz, my 70 D 35 had become my most played instrument, and is still a joy to play. If I were to pare down from four to two, I'd keep the Cruz and the Guild. That would leave a very good Martin D 35 Custom and my 65 Epiphone Texan out. What a horrible thought that is.

 

[HeyMikey]

pretty good value still:

So responsive to the light touch. And Woody you sure do have the right touch on that Br.

 

[jeffcoop]

That video is flat-out wonderful.

 

[Westerly Wood]

So responsive to the light touch. And Woody you sure do have the right touch on that Br.

Thanks Mikey! And for listening.

 

[Westerly Wood]

That video is flat-out wonderful.

Thanks Jeff! It’s like my favorite 4 chords of all time. All the down tunings etc, yet I always return to C, Am, G and F. One day I doubt I will leave the first 3 frets again.