Guild D-25M

I bought this Guild D-25M in 1992 as a low cost replacement for a Brazilian Rosewood Martin HD-28 built in the Martin custom shop. Being out of work for a Year forced the sale of the Martin and my guitar instructor put me on to this one (he actually "brokered" both sales. At the time I viewed the Guild as a "Cheap Peice of $hit"!!

I do remember being in love with one of these when I first saw one in 1971 (when I could not afford $500.00). It is interesting that one would come my way.

It is a 1974 model according to the serial number charts, which I believe based on other reviews that it must have been made in Hoboken, NJ. Solid Mahogany back, sides and neck, rosewood fingerboard (my guess is African)and a spruce top. It has the enclosed tuners. The finish on the back and sides is gloss and so dark burgandy tinted that you can't see any hint of the mahogany grain. The finsh on the top is a light milk chocolate color.

I have installed a L.R.Baggs Element Active undersadle pickup. I also have the original Guild Hardshell case which like the guitar is almost flawless.

I give this guitar a 6 because like others said, it is a students guitar.

Because of the way I acquired this guitar, it lay dormant for over a year due to my heartbreak over loosing the HD-28. However, when I did pick it back up and start playing it I remembered what drew me to this model guitar in 1971. You can not beat the sound of this guitar for the price!!! It is very loud and has a full even tone across all the strings with the only exception being a minor muffling of the output of the low "E" string.

The action as I bought the guitar was similar to the factory action of the HD-28. Since I am playing regularly with a Guitar Club at work and using a lot of bar chords and playing higher on the neck, I have lowered the saddle twice now for a total of 0.120". It now plays almost as easy at the 12th fret as at the 1st, even with the John Pearce phosphor bronze medium gage strings.

The only finish flaws are a couple of "puckered" areas around the tuner retention nuts on the front of the head, and a chip where the strap button was attached to the heel of the neck.

This thing is a Hammer!!! It is solid as a rock and will hold up well.

The rating says it all....truly ROCK SOLID!!

Have had no need of them.

I got my first guitar in 1963. It has been a wonderful tranquilizer over the years. I have a Martin/Sigma Mandolin as my only other instrument.

In the new world of $500.00 "Off-Shore" Knockoffs......it is a pleasure to own this example of affordable American craftmanship!!

Mine is a 1981 Guild D25M. It has a solid top, made in Westerly, RI factory. All mahogany, I believe. It has a beautiful dark sunburst color, not a color you see very often on these, but, I love it. It's 24 years old this year and has some dings and finish scratches from the previous owner, but, it still has the gloss finish and you can still see your face in both the front and the back. It has all the original components, Guild closed tuners etc., and I've only had to replace the bridge pins, though I kept the originals just in case.

The sound of this guitar is great. It has just the right tone, nice and full through the lows and highs and it can really get loud when you play it rough. It holds up easily with my other acoustics (1972 Guild G37, 2003 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe, 1970 Guild F212 12 string) and I wouldn't trade it. I'll keep her until I'm dead.

Well, I already described the beautiful finish, I have a real crush on sunburst guitars. The action is nice and low and the neck is straight as an arrow. These old Guilds were made to last and this one is a real workhorse. I've never had any performance or manufacturing problems with this guitar.

I've never played live with this guitar, since I'm not a working musician, but, she's as solid as they come. Some have remarked that these old Guilds are heavy, maybe they are, but, I've never had a problem with it. It feels nice and solid and I know it could take anything you could dish out. This one will easily last another 24 years. I think this guitar doesn't need a backup at all, though I have thought of putting in an active pickup. But, I hate to mess with a guitar that was perfect when it was made.

Never had to deal with them and probably wouldn't since I doubt the old warranty would be honored by Fender.

I have been playing guitar for about 17 or 18 years now. I love guitars and they are my only real addiction. I always wanted a Guild acoustic and once I bought this one I wasn't disappointed. It led to my buying the 1972 Guild G37 and the 1970 Guild F212. I own several guitars, 8 in all, and, I would hate it if anything ever happened to any of them. It would really break my heart, so, I don't think about ever losing any of them. I love the dark sunburst on this guitar. That might be my favorite feature. I have thought about buying another one of these D25s and, if I found one for the right price, I probably would. The D25s with the red finish are pretty nice, also.

The serial number dates my guitar at 1976 which is strange because I bought it new at Wedgle's in Denver autumn of '74. This 25 has no special features, just the standard issue.

I had little money at the time so it was a major purchase at $325 with case. I play Jorma style finger-picking and this guitar had a great sound for the price. The tuners rattled and I have since installed Grovers. It has been my main acoustic for 30 years. Frets and fingerboard are way well-worn, it has all the dings and sound hole pick gouge. It has been thrown, dropped and played in every situation. It is still the best sounding still of all my acoustics. It is covered in autographs by my friends and well known pickers like Rick Danko and Jerry Jeff Walker. David Grissom signed it, played it and immediately remarked to me, "Don't ever sell this guitar!".
It weighs 6 lbs which I think might be a factor in its great sound. Nothing to dislike

It has never needed any adjustment.

This guitar is a sweet and solid workhorse

Never needed

Been playing since 1965. I just bought another less-used D25M, same year/model, off of Ebay for $288. It sounds just as good as my original one. They don't look like much but they perform. I have a Takamine Sante Fe which has excellent electronics and eye appeal and a 72 Guild D25 spruce top but neither can compare to the D25M for acoustic sound.

This is a 1976 D-25M. Purchased used in April '04 with a hard case, which wasn't original.

The top is flat, and made of spruce, which Guild switched to some time in the mid-seventies. They also switched to an arched back. It seems from reading that the newer models are a bit heavier than the older ones. And because of the spruce top, the finish is no where near as bight. In fact, with the spruce, you can barely make out any woodgrain, and unless you're in direct sunlight, you'd think it was painted.

Everything is original to my knowledge. Grover tuners. I've read where a lot of folks have had to re-glue the bridge. I have no idea if that's been done to mine, but it seems solid to me.

I have no idea how to rate the features. It doesn't have many, but there's nothing wrong with the ones it has.

Amazing. I bought this guitar from a vintage shop in Birmingham Alabama. I saw it on the wall, picked it up, went to a quiet corner, played two chords and fell in love. The sound is DEEP and RICH. Lots of BODY. Lots of BUTTER. Friends of mine who don't tend to comment on such things have told me how GREAT this guitar sounds. And it RECORDS beautifully. Any of you hometapers out there, take note. The sound is dark but never dull. If you want to convince a gal you love her, play her a song on this instrument. Just don't let her catch you sweet talking to it later.

The action could be a smidge lower, but I hesitate to do anything to this glorious machine. I have big hands, I can take it.

There are some hair thin cracks in the finish on top, but it's the 28 for goodness sakes. I'm 29 and have about as many gray hairs. I think they add character.

The tuners hold everything in tune quite nicely. Most times I just pick up and play.

Well, I've only had this guitar for a few months, but it's stood the test of time as far as I'm concerned. I only hope I can play this baby for the next 28 years of it's life. It is one solid instrument.

I know I'm supposed to avoid the new product rush to talk about this instrument, but I think she's old enough to make it okay. This is an incredible American guitar.

It's a beautiful thing to read the other reviews of this absolutely wonderful instrument. I foresee many years of pleasure.

Bit of trivia I picked up, this is the same guitar N. Diamond plays in The Jazz Singer. Rock on!

I bought her new in 1979 when they were still made in NJ. I think I paid $500 with the case. The distinguishing feature of this model is the arched mahogany back, which is what produces the most amazing, deep, full-bodied sound of any acoustic I've ever tried.

It came stock with open tuning keys, no neck binding, no pickup, no pearl on the headstock, mahogany back, sides, and neck, rosewood fingerboard, sprce top, a beginner's guitar really. I played every Guild and Gibson they had at the shop, and this was without a doubt, the best sounding. Since that time I replaced the nut with a brass one, and added a Fishman which doesn't do it justice. She really needs to be miked.

A 7 because she's thin on features, but high on design, materials and craftsmanship.

A full expressive instrument, from that amazing DEEP bass, to a delicate high ring with a new set of phospher bronze strings. It has such a great range that I play mostly with my fingers to bring out the full sound.

It makes a great slide guitar too when I use a hefty brass slide, and I even prefer it to my Dobro because of the deep rich bass and sweet ring from brass on brass.

It so beat up now, I'd love to replace her, but I've never found it's equal.

The action is a little high, which I need for slide. As far as looks, it was so long ago that she was new, I can't remember. Looking at the binding and seams, even after all these years, they did a great job, no cracks that have opened or loose joints.

She doesn't have alot of trim, inlays or the like, so I'm just going to give her a 8.

She's gotta hold up well after all these years of being dropped, soaked in water, booze, beer, and Lord knows what after a few thousand juke joints. The frets are worn, but still quite playable. The fingerboard has ruts in a few spots (I should try a different key every night), and most of the finish is missing on the underside of the neck from my slide banging on it. Finish cracks adorn the sides, the bottom of the sound hole is missing alot of wood, but the rest of top still looks fair.

The only problem I've ever had was the top warping when the bridge began to separate. The sound quality dropped dramaticly, but once it was reseated my old friend was back.

Wouldn't know.

I've been playing at least since `79. This is the only acoustic I own, but I have a `71 ShoBro dobro and a bunch of Gibson electrics.

I suppose I have to replace the instrument pretty soon, but I've never found another one that had the sound, except for another D25M.

I love the sound, that incredible sound, and I hate that she's worn out.

When I bought it I played all the Gibsons and Guilds they had regardles of price. This was the only instrument that had such a DEEP bass and full sound. I wish they still made `em.

I'm really gonna miss her when she's gone.

One dates from 1977 and the other 1979. Mahogany top, sides, back, which is arched. The later model has upgraded, nice Grovers, the earlier the stock strip tuners. These are no frills guitars.

I tried a lot of different acoustics, new and used, and, because it doesn't cost to try, I tried some very expensive ones. Then I found the '77 model in a used guitar shop and, WOW, that is a great sound. Other reviewers hit it right on the head, so I won't repeat.

Action was a bit high, so I had it lowered. Neck is great. Finish on older '77 model is checked quite a bit, and the guitar has many nicks, scrapes, etc. The '79 I just picked up recently, and is near mint. Finish is very nice, even. The action is set nice and low.

Feels sturdy as a tank. As the '77 shows, these can take some beating and keep on going (some idiot even added a second strap button in the heel . . . butchery, but the guitar remains solid). These guitars are not light, but I like their substantial feel and I'm sure there's a connection to the sound.

I've never spoken to the folks. . . no reason to

I'd have to say these guitars, which remain very reasonably priced, are woefully underappreciated (until you hear one). Just a super guitar & sound. I bought the '79 off Ebay recently and will use it to pry the '77 out of my son's hands. He's the player . . . G&L Legacy, Wechter Elite Pathmaker, and an old Guild shred guitar from the 80s refitted with EMGs. He's away at college, and when I ask about his playing, he inevitably says he spend most of his time with the Guild acoustic!

1975 d25 m. mahogany back and sides. spruce top. rosewood fretboard and bridge. neck is mahogany. nothing else really worth noting

this is the first guitar that i decided to purchase after playing for a few years. it was my intermediate guitar choice. im not at all disappointed and now that i have moved up to better tonewoods and higher end accoustic i still find myself grabbing this bad boy every now and then. i really enjoy the sound of the guitar. i dont know what it is about it. my rosewood guitar sound is definately more refined but this thing just sings.

i bought this guitar used about 4 or 5 years ago. it was beat to crap and had some bridge problems. resaddled it, got the action where i wanted and reglued the bridge and the thing is wonderful.

this guitar is 29 years old. its had some work on it but after 29 years you would need some work too. its help up this long, dont see how it wouldnt hold up another 29 years.

havent had to deal with guild. fender bought them out but im not really worried about it. its old and my beater. itll be around.

ive been playing for 10 years. i own two taylor guitars, this guild. an alvarez md95. this is a keeper.

This is a 1971 Mahogany D25. I had reached the point in my playing that a well made dreadnought was necessary, but I could not pay out the money for a Martin or Gibson, or high end Guild for that matter. The guy at Manny's said it was a "student model", and, being a student at the time, I bought it.
Mahogony top/back/sides/neck, cheezy tuners, gold-leag Guild logo, basicall nonexitent binding, no frills...but all sound!

Did I say all sound? Yes, I have used this through all the chameleon years of folk, rock, country, blues and swing. Somehow it has alway manged to sound right no matter what the style, including playing slide. Clear, deep (or should I say DEEP), not quite the sound of the concert models or jumbos, but easily has kept up with higher end Guilds, Gibsons, and even Martins over the years. One friend who owns several very nice Martins nearly fell over when he asked me what I paid for the guitar...he went out and found one for about $600, and has sold off some of his Martins now!
I have made several attempts to electrify this gutar, first with a De Armond soundhole pick-up in 1972, and years later in the late 80's with a Bill Lawrence soundhole pick-up. But it just sounds better miked, where the soundhole projection can focus outside the body, which is what it is designed for, after all!

Now this is kind of weird, but since I bought the guitar brand new, it had never been exposed to sunlight, and the original finish looked like a deep reddish purple, which, in the seventies was kind of trippy, if you can relate. It took a year or so for the wood to find its way out, and now 31 years later, it has the most excellent graining I have seen on any guitar under $2000...
I replaced the cheap, inline tuners in 1972 with gold plated Grovers which not only made the guitar look better, but it actually seemed to increase the resonance of the instrument by increasing the mass!
The action has always been superb...at least once I replaced the hoisting cables the factory put on instead of strings. ;>)

Has neen transported cross country and has survived me for three decades...plus Guild has a lifetime warranty...the bridge just recently began to separate from the face; I just hate to send it to the Fender people (they own Guild now...go figure!). Still use it to record, but rarely use it for live gigging...not that I don't trust it, but like a lot of my vintage gear, why risk it? I don't feel like I need to show it off.

As mentioned, there is a Lifetime Warranty...but from the new owners? Hmmmm

I have been at this for well over 30 years now. Even as a relative novice in 1971, I could tell this was a lifelong guitar, and I have not owned another acoustic steel string since. If it was stolen (how could you lose a guitar? What a strange idea!) I would be devastated!How could you replace a guitar that grew up with you?
Dollar for dollar and pound for pound, this was the best instrument investment I have made. I own several electrics (63 Melody Maker {$145 in 1972), '72 SG{$150 in 1999!}, '74 Strat{$400 brand new...a custom shop model before they called it the custom shop})...so I have always invested fairly well...but the D25 has been around the longest, given me the most satisfaction and cost me the least.

I checked the serial number and it appears to have been made in 1976. I bought it used in 2000 at a guitar store in St. Louis.

It is the mahogany dreadnaught, but you already knew that by the name and number. I do not have a pickup on it and just play it at home. It's all mahogany, except for the fretboard which is rosewood.

It is not a fancy guitar. In terms of features it is quality over quantity.

I write songs and love The Beatles, Stones, Who, Steely Dan, Cars, Beck, Kinks. . . you get the drift.

It is a rich full sounding guitar with great bass response. When I go to guitar stores and play new acoustics I sometimes think that they sound better than the D25-M, but when I get home they don't hold up. The old one has character.

I have had the guitar set up once since I've owned it and have had no problems with it. If the action was a little lower I wouldn't mind, but it doesn't get in the way.

It is in very good shape and has a ding on the top, but nothing that effects the sound.

I just restrung it with some Guild 10's and it sounds great.

This is a solid acoustic. Don't let anyone hit you over the head with it cause it'll hurt like hell. I don't see any wear and tear on it that effects its sound or playability, and it's 26 years old.

There is one tuning key (G strint) that has a little play in it at the knob, but nothing else. Stays in tune quite well.

The finish is still good and when I polish it I can see my face in it. And that still doesn't bother me.

Never contacted Guild, but always have respect for their product. I hope Fender does too.

I've been playing since 1969 and own two other acoustics. One is a cheap 30 year old Fender and the other a 1947 Gibson, which is amazing.
I also have a Guild Bluesbird, a 1966 strat, a 1970 SG, and an Epihone Casino. I like them all.

If it were lost or stolen I wouldn't hesitate to get another Guild. This model is somewhat rare so I don't think I would be stuck on an exact replacement.

I always wanted to get a nice acoustic and was partial to Guilds. I have not been disappointed. I got it from a good dealer at a good price and have not looked back.

Mine is a 1976 Spruce top that I bought new. It was made in Hoboken, NJ. I have had some custom work done to it by NJ luthier Phil Petillo. It has one of his pick-ups as well as his frets, best decision I ever made! It also has a set of Grover tuners. I have the original hard shell case, which has been through alot and looks terrible but sill does the job!

The sound is incredible. I have yet to find anything out there new that comes close to what this guitar sounds like, including Martin, Taylor or Gibson. I would think that the age has alot to do with it. I am a worship leader and it fits my style just perfectly.

The action is OK, hasn't been adjusted in years. The finish has lots of dings and dents, but that's ok with me. I'm all about the sound anyway.

VERY reliable guitar. The neck is straight as an arrow after 26 years.

Never had to deal with them

I've been playing guitar for 34 years. Right now, it's the only guitar I own. (sold my Gibson L6S to get it). This guitar is my pride and joy and I would die if it ever got lost or stolen. I think I would be hard pressed to find another one just like it!