You said it would happen; I have my second Guild guitar (with pics)

[The Hawk]

I'm still new to this group, and new to Guild guitars. My first was a D-30 I purchased early in January. Someone in this forum said it would not be my last. Well, I spent about 25 minutes on Craigslist that led to spending just over $500 on my second Guild, this D-4. It's basic, bare bones and has no frills. For a guitar nearly 30-year-old it's also JUST LIKE NEW. I'm the third owner, and the musician I bought it from said I'd never find this guitar in better condition. Not a ding or scratch on the hand-rubbed finish and it even smells like good mahogany wood ought to smell. The Guild case contained the original tags and small manual. That's all nice, but more important, it plays great and sounds wonderful. It's very loud, but very balanced, too. A comfortable neck and nicely finished frets compliment an incredibly light body. (My D-30 has electronics which add weight.) I'm really impressed. The date on the neck block is Oct 10 1995. If you have one, please tell me a story or two about it. What should I know? Thanks in advance!

 

[HeyMikey]

Beautiful Hawk! Looks like it just came out of the showroom. A little over $500 for a US Guild in mint condition? That’s a heck of a deal!

 

[Rickenmaxer]

D4s are great guitars. At that price point, you won't worry (too much) grabbing it to for a backyard barbecue or campground, and you'll certainly garner admirers (especially other guitarists) who will be drawn to it. I had one for a few years but never took to the dreadnaught shape. Interestingly, I'm okay with JF-30/F-50 jumbos, but my shoulder complains with a dreadnaught. In any case, congrats on the beautiful acquisition!

 

[GGJaguar]

If you have one, please tell me a story or two about it.

I've had one for about 15 months now. You can read about it here:

NGD: D-4

Well, Santa and his elves completely surprised me for Christmas. He doesn’t usually bring me guitars (because I’m so picky), but I think he overheard me gushing (for weeks) about the archback design of the DCE3 because he brought me a D-4. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I’m going...

letstalkguild.com

 

[GGJaguar]

Someone in this forum said it would not be my last.

It's inevitable. Congrats on your new D-4!!

 

[BradHK]

Wow, that looks brand new! Congrats and we are waiting for your next Guild NGD post! N+1

 

[WaltW]

Someone in this forum said it would not be my last.

Congrats on your new catch Hawk......it does look new as others have said. You are not alone with the Guild thing. I've got it too!

 

[davismanLV]

Holy Crap!! Like new and $500?? You stole that critter!! Congrats!! Bare bones looks-wise, but big on sound. Nothing wrong with that!

 

[Guildedagain]

Most underrated underpriced American guitars ever made/currently available.

 

[chazmo]

Congratulations, @The Hawk !

My next prediction is that you will try something other than a dread for your next purchase. Call me crazy.

 

[Boneman]

Awesome find, and soo clean! HNGD!

 

[RGSmith265]

I'm still new to this group, and new to Guild guitars. My first was a D-30 I purchased early in January. Someone in this forum said it would not be my last. Well, I spent about 25 minutes on Craigslist that led to spending just over $500 on my second Guild, this D-4. It's basic, bare bones and has no frills. For a guitar nearly 30-year-old it's also JUST LIKE NEW. I'm the third owner, and the musician I bought it from said I'd never find this guitar in better condition. Not a ding or scratch on the hand-rubbed finish and it even smells like good mahogany wood ought to smell. The Guild case contained the original tags and small manual. That's all nice, but more important, it plays great and sounds wonderful. It's very loud, but very balanced, too. A comfortable neck and nicely finished frets compliment an incredibly light body. (My D-30 has electronics which add weight.) I'm really impressed. The date on the neck block is Oct 10 1995. If you have one, please tell me a story or two about it. What should I know? Thanks in advance!

I think that might have been me. This won be you last either… I have 12. Congrats on the D-4 she’s a beauty.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

...This won be you last either… I have 12….

…and counting? I see a few possible holes in that spectacular Guild lineup of yours. Just sayin’.

 

[Uke]

I'm still new to this group, and new to Guild guitars. My first was a D-30 I purchased early in January. Someone in this forum said it would not be my last. Well, I spent about 25 minutes on Craigslist that led to spending just over $500 on my second Guild, this D-4. It's basic, bare bones and has no frills. For a guitar nearly 30-year-old it's also JUST LIKE NEW. I'm the third owner, and the musician I bought it from said I'd never find this guitar in better condition. Not a ding or scratch on the hand-rubbed finish and it even smells like good mahogany wood ought to smell. The Guild case contained the original tags and small manual. That's all nice, but more important, it plays great and sounds wonderful. It's very loud, but very balanced, too. A comfortable neck and nicely finished frets compliment an incredibly light body. (My D-30 has electronics which add weight.) I'm really impressed. The date on the neck block is Oct 10 1995. If you have one, please tell me a story or two about it. What should I know? Thanks in advance!

I used to have a D-4. Great basic guitar. Enjoy.

 

[The Hawk]

I've had one for about 15 months now. You can read about it here:

NGD: D-4

Well, Santa and his elves completely surprised me for Christmas. He doesn’t usually bring me guitars (because I’m so picky), but I think he overheard me gushing (for weeks) about the archback design of the DCE3 because he brought me a D-4. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I’m going...

letstalkguild.com

Thanks for all the fact-finding work, GGJaguar, and really good photos, too. I'm always interested in the history of a guitar. This one is a keeper, I do declare.

 

[RGSmith265]

…and counting? I see a few possible holes in that spectacular Guild lineup of yours. Just sayin’.

Possibly! Always looking for another guild. I think I’ve topped out on acoustic 12s (unless I stumble across a 612… probably never gonna happen!) but there are some 6-strings I’d like to get. I’d love to run across a cherry red Starfire XII from ‘66 like the one I originally had. But I don’t want to pay $3k+ for one... there are a few a acoustic 6s I’d like to add though! Never too many Guilds!

…and counting? I see a few possible holes in that spectacular Guild lineup of yours. Just sayin’.

 

[jeffcoop]

Great find, Hawk. I've heard a D4 that punches well above its weight. Sounds like yours might, too.

 

[plaidseason]

YES!

I'm a huge fan of arch back Guild dreadnoughts. That's a sweet find and solid purchase.

And as you may have read elsewhere. The D4 and the legendary D25 are the same guitar structurally.