Guild D-25

OK, so all you D 25 lovers take note: I bought mine in 1971 and it's a total viewing wreck. All mahogany and I love it. Sounds as good as the day it came home. Has a nice face crack along the front lower front face which hasn't changed the sound a bit. Might have made it better. Everywhere I play I usually get other musicians asking if they can try it out. I've let a few but, honestly, it takes a while to learn how to play a D 25 and get the most from it. I've never heard anyone play it as good as me and that ain'y bragging. 38 years is a long time to get used to your baby.

Sounds beautiful. Anyone ever try strumming with fingers and pick? If you can do it this guitar will sound pretty nice.

My first guitar was a $15 Sears, 2nd a Harmony, 3rd the D25. I had nothing to compare to it. But I knew as soon as I held it's body, weighty, it was the one for me.

It's the only guitar I use, ever. Only problem is the bridge; came unglued about twenty years ago and starting up again. This time I'm going to try re-glueing myself - if I can get the right glue. The finish? What finish? It was beautiful hanging in the store and now has an incredible amount of finger grunge along the neck and between the frets. A purist would probably be afraid to pick it up - but I'm not a purist. Wonder why it didn't come with strap buttons.

Had the bridge repaired once, about to repair it again. Never dealt with Guild.

Been playing this baby since 1971. If it were lost or stolen I'd probably try replacing it with another brand, or Guild. I think I'd expect too much from another D 25. I tried a $3000 Model, Eric Clapton Model, and that sound pretty good - but wifey would shoot me if I went for it, especially these days.

Product: Guild D-25 M. made in 1975 (Westerly, RI).
Tuners: Unsure of what brand - were replaced by Guitar Center
Finish: Transparent
Body Style: Dreadnaught
Woods: Mahogany with Ebomy fretboard
Neck: Fat

The sound of this guitar is nothing short of increidlbe. Thanks to its curved back, it has a very deep, warm bass. This works perfectly with the style in which I play, which is mostly country blues where a deep bass is key to defining the rythm. The mid-range notes are soulful and deep, and the high-end is clear and delivers a punchy, yet is deep and soulful.

This is also an excellent guitar for playing slide. Its relatively high action means that I can slide freely with my weighted acoustic slide and not worry about hitting any frets. The sound it delivers when playing with a slide is also unreal. It's got quite a lot of deep, rich "soul" but also a little bit of punch and volume - particularly when playing higher notes.

I also play a little bit of folk - namely James Taylor and America - as well as standard classic rock tunes on occasion. The guitar adjusts perfectly, as long as the song doesn't require too many bar chords mid-neck.

My father actually purchased the guitar and, sad to say, neglected it. It sat in an un climate-controlled New Jersey attic (hot, moist summers and dry, cold winters) for the better part of, oh - I'd say about ten years, so that has taken a toll on the guitar. What was probably a straight neck from the factory is now a little bowed - but not prounouncedly so, a testament to this guitar's strength and quality of construction.

Becuase of the neglect, there were some cracks that formed at the base of the neck, ritght next to the soundhole that needed to be repaired and reinforced, and the saddle was starting to become unguled. Anther grievance - perhaps as well a casualty of being left in the attic - was loose tuners that buzzed. I had to get these replaced as well.

However, a lesser guitar facing such temperature differences would've fared much worse. The nut is still in great shape, and the (original) fretware is still holding its own. The quality of the wood, however, is nothing short of awesome. The resonance is beautiful, and the x-bracing is like new. I am of this opinion becuase this guitar is hefty and heavily "built" and becuase it was hand made in Guild's famous Westerly, RI plant. It just has a real heavy, "solid" feel - I can feel the quality of this instrument every time I pick her up.

This guitar is awesome live. Since it is the only guitar I have that I would be caught dead with on stage, and I play open mics about twice a week, this guitar is my workhorse. She performs flawlessly each and every time, always delivering that signature, soulful D-25 sound and ganering comments on her looks and sound.

The finish on the body is awesome - shines like new. It's a litle worn on the back of the neck but I like that because it adds to the feel. Even so, the finish wears very slowly (I've been playing this guitar for about ten years and the wear of the finish on the back of the neck has been progressive but very, very slow).

I have gotten it repaired, but that was at Guitar Center so I guess this doesn't really count.

I have been playing for about 18 years, and my only other guitar is a Squirer Affiny strat (stop laughing).

If this were stolen or lost, I would lock myself in my room for a few days and cry. After doing that I would scour the guitar shops until I found another 1970's D-25.

I love the sound, the feel, the versatility, and the quality. If I had to be critical, I'd have to say i'd like the action to be slightly lower to make it more playable for movable rythm/bar chords.

I've comapared it to basically every high end Taylor found in guitar center, a Gibson or two, and a Martin. The only other guitar I would have in place of this is the Eric Clapton Martin. Other than that, no Martin, Gibson, or Taylro (especially Taylor) has even come close to the combination of build quality, sound, and feel of my trusty D-25.

The only thing I wish it had were an integrated pickup. I have a soundhole job - good quality, but since it picks up the sound at the strings, it does not do the guitar its complete justice when plugging in and playing live.

I've heard of some playing contemporary/soft rock on these. It sounds good no matter for what purpose it's being used. However, trying playing some country blues. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I've had three D25Ms. This type of acoustic is termed a dreadnought, and is an appropriate name since this is also the definition for a heavily armed battleship. Jams w/your acoustic buds and you'll see why.
The 1st I bought in '80 came w/a cheezy chipboard case, had to replace the cheap plastic bridge insert which folded. The nut cracked, popped off a corner during a set-*PING!* There it went. This baby was lost years ago and had been sorely missed till I bought 2 of her sisters; One a '79, the other an '82 (All Westerly, RI). The latter both came with very solidly constructed cases, as they should be. One has a spruce top, the other mahogany, though top materials used seem to be a point of contention among aficinados.
The guitars are Mahogany w/nitrocellulose finish and 20 actual frets. Unless you struggle w/longscale these are eminently playable.
Arched back which many believe is carved- is laminated (press-formed); this deepens the tone and boosts projection.

It's all about tone & presence.
Beautiful.

Action appropriate, whole neck playable easily.
Aging shows discrepencies in wood tone, but with the sound, who cares?

Once you replace appointments I mentioned, very dependable.

Cheap retailers aren't worth the aggravation and high end joints exist to gouge you. Be resourceful and/or have a luthier.

Playing many years, own many guitars.
Eventually will get one of these in a 12.
Having an ear to discern a quality instrument when you can't afford what the poseurs push is a gift.

D25C manufactured in Westerly R.I. in 1975. I bought this one used. What a beauty, cherry finish and hardly used, this guitar is like new. A sweet dreadnought with 21 frets and a curved back. Seams are solid and neck is straight. I play folk and am able to wrap my hand around the neck with ease. My brother bought one brand new back in the 70's and we passed it back and forth between each other for 20 some years, he finally hocked it several years ago and I was heartbroken. This guitar is solid, manufactured very well, a quality piece, and this particular one is in better shape than the one we owned before. The standard factory features are good to go.

I play everything I can manage, Dead, CSNY, James Taylor, etc. That era is fun for me, from old Beatles to Jefferson Airplane; but folk and bluegrass are my favorite genre. This guitar is sweet It has that classic Guild sound. It was a great find and has hardly been used. The low end is deep and the high end is bright. I can get it chiming while playing anywhere along the neck. It sounds good muddy or clean. You have got to love it. It makes a sad player like me sound good.

My hands are wide and my fingers are short. This guitar allows me to play folk style gripping the F rather than bridging it. the neck is narrow enough to accommodate great action. Both this Guild and as our older one are quick, and with a nice light set of bronze strings give sweet responsive play. I do not recognise any flaws in this Guitar, most likely in my playing, but this guitar gets the double thumbs up.

Live playing, yes. Play it hard. The hardware is quality; we had our last one for 20 years without any need for work. The finish withstood a lot, and with few dings still looked sweet. My present one is factory clean, like new (it sat in a closet for 30 years). All of the componants are solid. I bought it sight unseen (except pics)because I new it was quality. You might think me crazy buying on e bay without hearing it, but I knew I couldn't go wrong. I don't play out, but my brother played gigs all over New England and our older D25C guitar was always with him for acustic sets.

We had one just like this one for 20 years with no problems and no need for repair. This warrenty is long gone, but there are plenty of reputable guitar repairs out there. Guild has a website if you need any help...and as far as I know great support if need be.

I'm 48 and have been playing since in my teens. I own this Guild D25C, a Samick SF28, A Takimine GS3305, all 6 string dreadnoghts. I also have electrics, a Crate Bass, a Gibson Starcaster, and a Tanara 6 string. As I stated above I lost a guitar like this one and have been watching for the opportunity to find another...I got lucky! I love the sound, and my favorite thing about it is its versatility. I like all of my guitars; they all have cetain qualities and definitive sounds, but I would pick my Guild over them all if I had to choose only one.

i'm told it's a 1959 so i ws vry interested when i purchased it. seems the old timer i got it from haden't played it for 14 yrs so the finish is as good as any guitar i've seen as a "used" guitar.
it's a red mahogany back, sides and neck the finger board i suppose is rosewood,

i like to play in the style of Loggins & Messina and that ballad type of guitrist/singers of the 70'S the sound is truly rich, my other Dreadnaught is a Alvarez Yairi DY-85 built in 1976 the sound is tighter more suited for studio work but i play out under my jacuzzzi with a vodka drink with me and my buds. much better for that usage.

since i just got it i guess its ok, that was why i got it, it was playable.

1959 still solid construction no seams are splitting, the pick guard is still intact

no comment here

ive been playing since i was nine, never gave up 41 years.
i also own Alvarez DY-85, DY-76 (12 string)Yamaha classical style and a Strat Big Apple that i play thru a Fener Princton chorus

i didn't need this Guild D-25 but the finish first cought my eye and the "built in 1959" sold me.
i didn't shop it out on e-bay i just restringed it and played away, after about a half hour i told the guy "SOLD"

I bought it new in 1974 in California. I paid $325 for it and have played it ever since. I put schaller turners on it that first year and have been satisfied in every way with it since.

Big and booming and yet the highs come through with ease. I am a bluegrass picker and it will stand up in any group.

I had it adjusted one time in Nashville in 1976 and it has been great ever since. It is now time for a minor fret job but it still looks great. You want believe how it has held up. I played all over the U.S. with it and it has never given me any problem.

unreal

Never needed it.19

10

Just got it, a new D-25 made in Corona under the Fender flag. Its one a those blems off of ebay. Mines the white model, looks more like halfway between seafoam green and a white. Has the Grover style tuners , no inlays. Came with a sweet Guild case, very well done. All mahogany, with a braced flatt back not the arched back. Finish is a semi gloss, and fairly well done.

The tone is not bad! I have a j200 epi cheapo , and for a mear 2 bills more this realy has some tone, however the wood is young and my far less expensive 92 D-4 from Westerly sounds a lot better to me. The new 25 is sort of dull in coparison but dont get me wrong , it still has wonderfull tone for a guitar this young and inexpensive.

I dont know if the middle man on this set it up but WOW! I expected crap and got silk, this plays like a dream. I may have got lucky on this one but the action is low ,low and ya have to hammer the thing to get any buzz. My D-4 came with realy high action and I fully intended to have this one set up at the shop when I got it. I just tuned it and played. The fit is great , no wories, the finish is fair, nothin speacial, not a very showy guitar.

I dont gig. This is way lighter my other Guild but seems to be well built. I only play for fun so I cant say much here.

No warranty being a second.

Ive played ( hacked) since 1965 . I would definately buy a Fender built Guild again, not sure I would buy one full price! The palyability of this Corona D-25 is spectacular for a dreadnaught. The thin neck and low action are great for my midsized hands. The only thing I kinda hate, is its prety dang ugly, but then just dont look at it when ya play and no problem. This is compared to a J200 Epi , 1965 Jaguar,92 D-4 Guild, an old D-40 of a freind.

Purchased brand new in Pacific Beach, CA in about 1977. Owned it ever since. Mahogany sides and back (arched), solid spruce top with a red cherry finish. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Added a Tusq saddle, black Carvin tuners (looks great and stays in tune better than originals) and a Martin Thinline pickup with a Powerjack preamp. New DR phosphor bronze strings sound great. My D-25CH was made in Westerly, RI.

The tone is excellent, woody, full and natural. My piezio p/u isn't the best, would like to replace with soundboard type. The piezio is a little shrill. Mostly I strum it with a pick but works well fingerstyle as well. It's an excellent rhythm guitar.

Action was originally high and I had it lowered...it's great now. I really prefer the Tusq saddle to the original and I'll probably replace the original bone nut with a Tusq nut. I think it'll add more clarity to the sound. My third string seems to break a lot...not sure if a new nut would help or not. Didn't much care for the original tuners. Finish is still glossy despite a few scratches and dents and small crack on lower bout.

Well, I've owned this guitar for 27 years now (hard to believe) and I still play it alot, at home and at gigs. It is a "tank", heavy but very solid. It's about time to replace frets as they're getting worn down.

I've played guitar for 36 years, also own a 1994 Martin 000-16C; a 1978 Ovation; a 2003 Carvin CL450 nylon string. My '77 Guild D-25 has been a great guitar for me over the years and it was an excellent value for what I paid. I'll probably never part with it.

1980 model made in Westerly, Rhode Island / solid spruce top / solid mahogany sides / laminated mahogany arched back / mahogany neck / rosewood finger-board / open tuning keys / dark sunburst pattern

I picked this up second-hand in 1981 at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. I spent most of the afternoon in their downstairs second-hand section, trying out many guitars, but kept coming back to the D-25. I fell in love with the rich, mellow sound.

Nothing fancy about her, but I liked very dark staining of the sunburst, as it gave her a bare-bones uniqueness. Came with a very good hard case.

The sound was just what I was looking for - deep and rich. I was playing mostly with a pick at the time, strumming with flat-picking as well. I remember jamming with some bluegrass musicians, and the Guild stood up well with mandolins and banjos.

The action was a little high when I got her. I cut a bone nut a few years later and lowered it some. The finish is high-gloss - real purty. No flaws that I could detect.

This is one SOLID guitar. Quite heavy, so you can really feel the deep tones coming out of her. There is a crack that has developed in the head-stock - not sure how it got there, but I'm getting it fixed this fall.

Never used

Been playing off & on for 30 years - for the past 23 my D-25 has been my only guitar - I never felt the need for another until recently when I got myself a Larrivee LV-03, as it sounds better with finger-style, which is what I play more of now.
I don't think I'd buy it again if lost or stolen, for the above mentioned reason. BUT I don't regret the years of pleasure I've gotten form my Guild.

1971 RI made D-25. All solid mahogany. I've added an LR Baggs active I-beam pickup (no controls). Neck is rosewood. Natural finish dreadnaught with standard Grover tuners. It came with a non-original case. This is a flat-backed D-25. They went arched-back in '74 I believe.

Standard, plain.

Unbelievable sound. I've owned a Martins, Fenders, and Guilds. I played countless instruments when searching for this one. It blows away every guitar I've ever played. I had my Martin HD-28 stolen, and with the insurance money (instead of replacing it) I played this '71 and fell in love for less than half the price. I way overpaid for it (I probably could have paid $200 less, easy), but I don't even care.

This guitar has a warm, unique sound that can't be duplicated by newer instruments. It is a war veteran with many stories that all seem to come out when I play it. Full and mellow. It makes you want to cry playing it.

Action is super-low simply from years of wear. So easy to play.

The finish is thin... it gets sticky when I play it a lot, probably just from wearing through the top layers. The pickguard is bubbling up. The tuners are oxidized and dull. But it holds the guitar in tune forever and I wouldn't hesitate to use it without any backup.

N/A. Never dealt with Guild or Fender.

I've been playing for 12 years, and also own a Guild JF-4. If this D-25 got stolen or lost, I'd cry for days. I'd search the ends of the earth for the exact same guitar. The sound and playability are unrivaled in my experience. It sounds better than the Martin HD-28 I had stolen (and didn't replace).

I compared this guitar to many others, new and used before this one. I was looking for a warm, vintage sound. I tried Gibson D's, Taylors, Martins, Takamine, etc. Nothing came close.