Guild D-25M

This is a supplement to my earlier review based on spending a good bit of time playing the instrument. Solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back with a bow shape to the back. My guitar shows that it has been played over the years, I bought it from a pawn dealer. There were numerous scratches on the surface and around the soundhole of its solid mahogany top. I repaired the scratches myself using matching stained polyurethane, not a pro job but it looks great. Cleaned up she looks great, albeit plain. The Guild headstock is distinctive and it is well balanced and comfortable in my lap. When I took it to my luthier, he straight away saw she needed a neck reset. With that done, it's playing as good as the day she left the factory. I give it a plain jane rating for this category only because it is not an ornate guitar, but it is beautiful in its own plain way.

Beautiful and balanced. Great projection. In the upper register the sound is magical. The arched back gives the body lots of volume. It sounds wonderful strummed lightly, distinct and clear when strummed hard. Picking is clear, well defined. Great sound all around.

After all these years the guitar is solid as a rock. It is heavy. The neck is straight as an arrow, and with the neck reset the action is absolutely perfect (thank you Noll Guitars out of Cranston, RI -- the best). Noll set the action to factory using .10 strings. They perfectly complement the guitar. There is no bulging at all in the top. I had the guitar fully checked over during the neck reset, all is solid today. Tuning keys are open geared tuners and they are solid and responsive, hold tune very well. The guitar responds well to changes in humidity, and I do keep it humidified (most of the time). The saddle si solidly attached, a previous owner shave it down to compensate for prior high action from need of neck reset. The neck was reset with this in mind, and it is dead perfect, easy to play. One problem was finding bridge pegs to fit this guitar properly. I had a set of ebony pegs that fit pretty well, and have ordered a bone set from ebay that are supposedly made for Guilds which require an uncommon size. I had a bone nut and saddle installed with the bridge reset. Perfect job which enhanced and brightened the sound.

I don't gig but after having owned a dozen acoustics, this is the most solidly built guitar of the lot. It will outlast me if I take care of it. Everything is rock solid. I want more Guild guitars.

Guild of RI where this was made no longer exists along with most of the industry in my barren state. I have had repairs done by Noll Guitars of Cranston RI. They are professional, reasonably priced, fantastic friendly serviced and they did right by this old Guild. Given that the company itself at least in its original form doesn't exist, I will have to rely on Fender which I assume can't service the guitar.

I have been playing for 2 1/2 years. I own a Martin HD 28V, Seagull Entourage Rustic Jumbo. This Guild is a great guitar, and I am immensely glad I bought it.

1975 D-25M. Arched mahogony back and mahogony sides, dread size. Grover Tuners. No electrics. This guitar is meant to be played, not looked at (especially mine).

Unbelievable. I play country, blues and rock (indie rock). I'm a recording musician/songwriter so sound is much more important than looks (more on this below). This things rings out like a brass canon. A strumming masterpiece by Guild! The intonation is absolutely perfect (something that usually drives me nuts). This thing has been sitting somewhere, not cared for for many years and it is still spot on.

I bought this guitar at a way discounted price because it had been broken and then repaired. The entire side under the high E string had a gaping hole about 7 inches by 2 inches. The repair is not pretty but does not affect the sound in any way. I cannot rate this category because of this. The action on the fingerboard is high (but comfortable) and perfect for strumming. Neck is very solid feeling and smooth enough (how fast does it have to be for this application anyway?)

This poor baby seemed to have some rough times. Obviously somewhere along the way it was very played as evident by some fretware and wear marks on the neck (right near the 1st and 2nd fret). At some point the guitar seems to have been neglected as there was a lot of gunk buildup on the frets and the strings were very rusted. It came pretty beat up, but not terribly beat up. With a little elbow grease she cleaned up nicely. Tuners are still perfect. After a new set of strings she tuned up perfect and stayed that way for the 2 hours that I could not put her down.

I would gig with this (if i did that anymore) in a heartbeat. This thing would survive a friggin' bomb going off.

The guitar is 34 years old so this DNA

Whhhooooooooaaaaaa Baaaaaaaaby!!!!!!!!! Finally the winds of fortune blew in my direction!! I just earlier tonight purchased this from a guy on Craigslist for $150. I took a chance to get my hands on a '70's Guild, and bought her sight unseen (I didn't even strum her once in the parking lot as it was ouring rain). An unbelievable amazing happy story!! I have played many many guitars and this is as good as ANYTHING I have ever wrapped my hands around. This guitar can hold it's own on anything Martin, Taylor and Gibson can throw at her (I have own a D-28 and played practically everything else). I cannot believe I got this awesome, sweet thing for a hundred and fifty bucks..somebody please PINCH ME.....c'mon, for real- this didn't happen!!!! This is how guitars should be made.

Finish on this guitar (neck and body) is a dark brown color, sort of a reddish chocolate. Sweet chocolate at that. Not sure of the age, but must be approaching 40 years. It is a gloss finish with some checking, nicks and scratches. Tuners are good silver open tuners that hold tune very well. The neck is substantial, very comfortable. Radius is good for my somewhat small hands. Not sure of nut width. I believe the nut and saddle on this baby are bone which could be after production replacements. The nut has been taken very far down. I have not messed with the setup at all for fear of screwing up a good thing. Fretboard looks like rosewood. No fancy inlays. There are fret markers on the neck. This guitar was made in Westerly, Rhode Island. The top is solid mahogany. The back is laminaged mahogany. Sides are also mahogany, not sure if laminated or solid. The only accessory is sweet marvelous sound. The fret wire from this baby are pretty much worn down and need to be replaced, it has been played and justifiably so. I bought this from a pawn shop in California. I give it a 5 for simplicity purposes. No "ornate" features to speak of, just understated brilliance.

Just astonishing. It just rings out with clarity and volume. Articulation of the notes is clear and concise. The intonation of the guitar is pretty good at the upper frets, falling off about a half note from the middle of the neck on down. This will be fixed up with a set up. Bass notes are full and make your heart drop. Trebles define the word sweet. I love the sound of this guitar. I am torn between having it refretted and making other changes, but I am going to invest in it and have it done. With a set up and frets, I can't imagine a better sounding guitar. It compares favorably with my Martin HD 28.

After all these years, the guitar shows some age, but only from constant play. There is some wear around the soundhold from pick which I sanded lightly with fine grit sandpaper and varnished with a minwax varnish that is right on color wise to stabilize the wood. After laying on a few more costs and sanding with very fine grit sandpaper and wax, it will look original. I was lucky the tinted varnish (cherry color, Minwax) is so close. There are finish checks only, no cracks in the body. The neck is arrow straight is attached to the body very solidly. The interior of the guitar still seems tight although I intent to go over the interior tonight using a mirror. I don't expect to find any loose bracing at all given the marvelous sound. Just solid as a rock. The guitar is heavy and substantial, very comfortable dreadnought size. The back is laminated with a bow that enhances the volume of the guitar. Simple, understated, great looking guitar. The rating is high, but dropped to reflect the played condition of my guitar only. New, it must have been a solid perfect 10.

I don't gig, just play for relaxation. The guitar was built to last and if I treat it right it will outlive me. The tuners are excellent. I haven't fiddled with the truss rod but the neck is straight. There are no strap buttons. Finish is showing some crazing which is typical of a guitar of this ilk and age. It does not take away from the guitar's understated beauty and in a sense enhances it. I hated to patch the worn soundhole but it needed to be done and will blend in well and not detract from the guitar when I finish the job. It is very dependable every time I take it out of the case. The tuning holds well. Well built guitar, made to last.

Never saw the need, and the builder no longer exists in its original form. I doubt Fender would service the guitar given the change in company ownership and its age.

I have been playing for 2 years. I own a Martin HD 28 and a Fender JSC 26E. Own a few electrics also. The guitar feels wonderful and substantial and just rings out with sound, beautiful, crisp and clear. As stated, the sound compares favorably with my Martin. The sustain is not quite there, but is has greater clarity and brightness than the Martin. A different sound, but equally good. I will never part with this guitar. I am adding it to my insurance policy so that if it is stolen (god forbid that) I can buy another one right away. This guitar has sparked my interest in old Guilds. Being from Rhode Island, I feel a special affinity to it. If you are considering this model, don't hesitate to buy one. I am glad I did.

1975 D-25M. As previously stated, nothing fancy-Though the top does have a bear claw marking which is somewhat hard to see under the mahagony stain. And the back is pretty. Sometimes plain and simple is enough.

This is the reason I bought it. It was on the wall in one of the music stores that I haunt. I picked it up and would not let go-deep and sweet. The arched back rumbles and projects like a gun. As warm and full as some of the 40+ year old D-18's I have had the chance to pick up.

Nothng fancy, but it has aged so nicely everywhere.

32 years old-plenty of scuff marks, dings and minor scratches. A hole drilled by the end pin for some now lost reason. But, no cracks anywhere-solid. No sigh of a neck reset and it does not need one. Bridge is solid. I will use something less than Med. guage strings to not tempt fate.

No idea

I have been playing for 40 years. I have a HD-35, Taylor 510, Stelling RHD-125 (SN#75 of 102) and a dozen lower units. I recently purchased a Guild GAD-25 and have played it for 6 months. Love it. However, it now sits in the case while I play the D-25M. If you can get one, snap it up-you will not be sorry. Mine was made in 1975, which is the same year that I gradutated college-nice to own something from a special time.

T

Well, I'm not sure what kind of features one would expect from an acoustic, steel string but the feature that really matters with this guitar is the "M" in the D25M. Some of these, like mine, are solid, 100% mahogany, top back and sides. It makes a million dollar difference in tone, much better, inmho, that the spruce, dyed models. I believe that 1976 was the last year for mahogany tops. After that, guitars issued as the same model number used dyed spruce tops primarily. the difference in sound is remarkably different. My personal opinion is the spruce tops sound cheaper and less unique. So because the feature I wanted is on my guitar - it gets a ten.

Though mine has an arched back, it's less pronounced than other D25M's I've seen.

The fretboard is rosewood, I think and it stays in tune though the one I settled for may have some minor issues with the machine heads.

I'm told it's probably a 1969 model.

The finish is in pretty good shape for the age though the previous owner mounted a pickup and jack (removed before sale) which lessens the value considerably. Still - the sound is incredible.

I have been on the hunt for one of these since the 70's. I have purchased 4 and sold three. Two were represented on Ebay being mahogany topped and were not. They were returned. I found a "pure bred" for $300 at a guitar show as a special. It was special because it stank. Mildew probs. It played sensationally with a bright bu warm sound and recorded fantastically but after awhile, I could not take the smell and sold it. I should have bought one I found for $600 about 15 years ago, with quite a bit of finish checkin, at another guitar show but I thought I could find a better bargain. I never saw another in that great a shape. I bought the one I have now off E-bay for $250.

The guitar is perfectly set up despite the years of use and abuse. I am sure that the original owner(s) never did much to adjust it. Old Guilds are built like tanks. A Luthier once told me that Gibson quality is spotty. Martins eventually need neck resets but Guilds just keep on going. The finish is in great shape for the age and use this guitar has had. It plays like a Guild which, to me is the best thing anyone can say about an acoustic guitar.

Will this guitar withstand live playing? Absolutely

Does the hardware seem like it will last? The machine heads have a lot of play in them like a lot of old guitars but for the price, life is good.

Is the finish good enough to last, or does it seem thin and easy to wear off with lots of playing? It's in remarkable shape for a 36 year old guitar that has seen a lot of wear.

Are the strap buttons solid? No because the fellow who owned it before me had pulled one and put a pickup jack in it's place. I should spend some money to fix that. I have the original strap button.

Can you depend on it? Absolutely

Would you use it on a gig without a backup? Yep

I will probably get work done on it at some point.

I've been playing since 1962 or 63. In terms of acoustics I own an old Ovation stereo electric/acoustic from the late 70's, a mid 90's, pre-Fender Guild JF-30 (LOVE IT!). An Alvarez AC60SC nylon string and an Alvarez AJ60SC-12 (12 string). I like them all in their own way.

The JF30 is the only comparable guitar to the D25M. Where the Mahogany topped D25M is bright clear and warm, the JF30 has deep, rich tones because of the maple and spruce design. The feel the same when fretting though. You can dig into a Guild

I am still looking for the perfect D25M, made before 1976. I feel they are one of the best sounding, easiest guitars to play, period.

I bought my 1976 D25M from a part time player who had purchased it new in '76. I coveted it from the first time I played it and eventualy it came to me. I have played alot of different guitars, but this deep red Guild always attracted me. I paid $1000.00 Canadian dollars with no case! I spent another $130.00 having the frets dressed and the action tweaked. This guitar is amazing.

I write and play anything that comes up in my explorations and fing the sound of this particular D25M outstanding. I'm pretty sure mine is special sounding as I can't believe this was a "low end Guild".

when I bought it the action was high but after a fret dressing and intonation adjustment, the touch is "butter" I don't think I have ever played a bar F at the nut more effortlessly. (this is a good test for me for an accoustic; although I like to be able to stretch and pull off around the 12 and up without intonation problams - this guitar does it).

Can't comment on durability but she's 30 and no problems yet

N/A

I don't usually use superlatives, but this acoustic is a sleeper. Gotta give a 10. I know! Martins make me ...... but I can't say enough about this particular "76 Guild D25M"

Nice looking - not much in the way of FLASH - just a great looking guitar - I changed the open tuners when I bought the guitar from a local pawn shop in 1986. It's not the cherry red but the deep dark burgundy color. The guitar dates in the mid 70's

The sound is remarkable. I have done plenty of recording with this guitar. I did one totally acoustic recording and the engineer said "this is where I usually get my Martin out for recording but this guitar sounds great, no need"! I use Dean Markley Alchemy strings on it. Incredible bass, mids, and highs.

I got it off the pawn shop wall. I have had fret work and action work done on it.

Gave it an 8 cause I don't want to get carried away. I have made plenty of trips to the U.K. with this guitar and never had any problems with airports, weather or going from gig to gig. The finish is cracked but there's your character. The Guild on the head stock is fading but I know what it is!

I started playing the day after the Beatles were on The Ed Sullivan show. I pretty much play my Taylor now BUT will not part with the Guild D25M EVER!

I'm sure that there are better guitars out there but hey! this is an American made Guild guitar. What more can you say?

As I mentioned before this isn't a looker - and there no special features. No pickup, no fancy inlays or anything like that. If you wan't a smashing looking guitar, look somewhere else - but if you wan't the best sounding guitar in this price range, this is the guitar to buy.

I'm gonna keep this pretty short. This guitar is all about the sound. It's got a crisp, warm sound like no other guitar in this price range. I use it for strumming and picking, mostly in the studio, and it works like a charm. I play a pretty soft country-ish, singer/songwriter-style of music, and for this it works great. No, more than great.

The Guild D25M isn't a looker as far as I'm concerned. I quite like the deep redish brown color, but there are no inlays or things like that. As I mentioned before: It's all about the sound. I bought mine used - it's originally from '76, and it's still in pretty good shape. I think the tuners have been changed since it's birth. I heard that the original tuners were less than great, but these look alright. The action is a bit high from the 12th fret. No flaws as far as I can tell.

This guitar is older than me, but it definitely looks better. I think it'll last a long, long time. I don't play a lot of gigs, so I don't know if i'd use it without a back up, but for studio work this is very dependable.

I bought this one used - so no warranty. And I never had to deal with the company.

I tried a LOT of guitars before choosing to buy this one - new as well as used - everything from Takamine and Gibson to Furch and Yamaha. I don't excactly know why I chose this over all of the other guitars, but I just fell in love with it. Also I think that this gives the best value for the money (of course - I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think that). I've been playing for about 8 years now, and this fits almost all of my needs. When I get very, very rich I'll buy a top of the line Gibson, but even then I will still hold this one dear.

I bought my D25-M/6 (#101416) new in 1974. Full mahogany. Rosewood bridge and fingerboard. This is an arched back model. It came factory with open tuners which have since been replaced by a nice set of Schallers.

There are literally no "features" as in decoration. Yet, no decoration makes this jewel even more appealing. Nice black binding. It came stock with black pins. I've have worn them out and replaced with white pearl dot pins which spruce it up a bit.

Other than the most beautiful shade of red, this is a rather plain guitar. But don't even let that fool you/

Now we get to the reason this guitar was built. You must know this is an arched back model. Build similar to a violin. There are no back brace bars. The arch back is wide open to reverberate the entire spectrum of acoustics. Rich? Full? Yessir. Up until recently I used Martin 80/20's on the D25. With the arch back resonating the sounds, and running a slightly heavier low strings, a very cool low end sound is created. Even with the heavery gauge strings you are guaranteed some great low end. Especially if you doing bluegrass riffs or Merle Travis style finger picking.

Even more incredible is the high end. The D25 can really put it out. Many guitars, include Martins, Gibsons and the myriad knock-offs tend to be tinny. The Guild D25 is never going to be tinny. Even with light gauge strings.

The D25 was flat ready to play. It needed no help. I would say I have medium sized hands, and the action was spot on, and has remained so 30+ years later.

Not an issue. It's workhorse. Play it. Thats exactly what it was meant to do. This isn't sweet little parlor guitar. This is whach the bejeebers out of those strings an make it wail!

As far as the finish is concerned. The D25 was issued with a clear coat. I have no idea what they used. I would assume an acrylic clear of some sort. The finish has begun to check a very small amount on the sides. I had worn the finish off the neck and had it recoated about 10 years ago.

Solid? It sure is.
Depend on ? You sure can/

I've done nothing but solo's with this D-25 for 30 years. Nothing to "hide" the absolute beauty of this guitar.

Never needed it. I sent in the Factory Warranty card and that was that. I don't recall exactly the warranty period, but I believe over-all it was three years? I may be wrong on that.

The D25 Series was meant to be played. It was not meant to be stuffed in a case and put away for special occasions. As someone else mentioned, it's a work horse. As well as the D25, I have a 76 Guild F212 Twelve String which is a joy to play.

So the deal is ... The Guild D25 is well worth the bucks. It is a lifetime companion. And unless you just get stupid, the D25 will not let you down. I've played Martins, Gibsons, Larivees and a ton of other name brand and knockoffs. Short of popping $2 or $3 large for a low end Taylor, you won't find a more reliable and usable acoustic than a D25 for the money. The D-25 rocks.

Let me put my high regard for the "Pre-Fender" Guilds in perspective.

I've got the D25-m/6 and the F212/SB. I have just ordered a Rickenbacker 360/12 FG to keep them company.

The D25 is my acoustic of choice. And The Rick? Well, nuff said.

This is an all-mahogany dreadnaught I bought new in 1977. I thought "all-mahogany" was odd at the time, but it was the best sounding guitar I could find in Nashville for what I had to spend--and I can't recall how much it cost--probably 2 or 3 hundred dollars. My day job at the time was as a cook, and my funds were limited. I don't know what sort of tuners it has--but they're not the greatest. Other than that, I thought it had great features.

I always liked the sound. I don't know what people mean by "rich", or "full" or "bright". It always sounded really good to me. It is loud and balanced with nice sustain on all strings. When I first bought it I used it for flatpicking, finger picking (with Dobro plastic finger picks), blues and slide. Nowdays I use it exclusively for slide (blues, country, whatever). I still like the sound better than any comparable off the rack guitar I have ever tried--but it doesn't sound as nice as the higher end spruce or cedar topped guitars.

The guitar had no manufacturing flaws that I could see. There's nothing fancy about it--no great inlays or anything like that. But I was looking for a workhorse and not a prima donna--and this guitar is a workhorse. The action was perfect for me--but I don't like the action too low. I now have it adjusted a little higher for slide.

This guitar has been through the mill. It has been cracked into mike stands, kicked over by overly exuberant bass players, dropped off guitar straps, had beer spilled on it, been rained on, been out in all sorts of weather, and so on. It was my number one guitar for years. It is a well built guitar, and took everything I dished out--and that's saying something. It was a great guitar for live performances. It was loud enough to deal with bands, sounded good with various pickups, and was a tough, durable guitar. It bears its scars proudly.

I've never dealt with Guild, but I've had a luthier work on it twice. I had the neck adjusted once and the tuners fixed. Recently, the bridge came loose and I had that fixed.

I have been playing guitar for forty years (more or less), and have had a variety of guitars. Some have sounded better, but none has had the overall down-in-the-trenches usability of this guitar. For the price, I couldn't have done better. If I were still a cook in Nashville and it was stolen, I would definitely replace it; but 28 years later, I wouldn't--primarily because you can't replace an old and dear friend.

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!

I have a 1976 D-25M, D stands for dreadnaught, M stands for mahogany. It has the bowed back and I believe everything is mahogany, even the solid top. Fingerboard and bridge are rosewood. I still have the original hard shell case. Pretty basic as far as features go, dot inlays and non-enclosed tuners, nothing real fancy but the red finish is different than most other guitars. Just had a Baggs pickup installed under the saddle, WOW does it ever sound nice through my Crate CA-125 acoustic guitar amp!

I play a lot of bluegrass, and everything from the 60's and 70's, from Stones to Croce, Elton to Beatles. I fingerpick a lot, although this guitar is also great for bluegrass flatpicking and blues leads. I like playing though my amp, but being a purist at heart, my favorite setting is acoustic. This is one of few guitars I've played that has an even solid tone across all six strings. By the way, I usually play D'Addario phosphor-bronze medium strings. Best bass response of any guitar I've played and rich, ringing high end. This guitar is the standard by which I measure other guitars. My friends with expensive Martins and Taylors agree, they love to play it too.

Nicely made, but again, basic. However, action is superb, low E sets about 1/8" off the 12th fret, and no buzz. The great action and payability combined with the sound that comes out of it make it a joy to play every time.

Some finish checking, but I think this is to be expected after all these years and campfire jam sessions. Neck has remained straight and solid as a rock. Just had it re-fretted for the first time.

This guitar is an absolute workhorse. I can only guess how many thousands of hours I've played it. I can count on it to be in tune when I take it out of the case. Really quite heavy compared to most other dreadnaughts. Reliability? 25 years of heavy use speaks for itself.

Just reconditioned by an independent luthier, but he is an authorized Guild service center. He did a wonderful job refretting and repairing a couple small top cracks (stupidly induced by yours truly by banging into microphones, drum sets, etc.) I'm very happy it came back sounding and playing as great as ever.

I own several other instruments, guitars, banjos, and a mandolin. This guitar, although one of the least expensive of my instruments, is the hands-down favorite. Quite frankly, I wanted a Martin, but in 1976 I couldn't afford it so I "settled" for the less expensive Guild. Actually, the Guild was much heavier and sounded nicer than the Martin.

I'll give up my Guild D-25 when the pry my cold dead fingers off the frets.