Guild Mark III Classical Guitar

Guild Mark III Classical Guitar Info

Details

The Guild Mark III was a classical guitar introduced as part of the Mark line in 1961. Originally, there were five models in the line, Mark I through Mark V. The Mark I was the line's entry level guitar, and it featured a body of Honduras mahogany and a rosewood finger board. This was also the shortest lived guitar in the Mark line and was discontinued in 1972. The Mark II was identical to the Mark I except for a spruce top and body binding.

What makes the Mark III pined for today is the fact that it was constructed with Peruvian mahogany on the body's back and sides. This wood, combined with the spruce top, creates a rich, warm tone that has improved over the years. The Mark III also featured a simple yet elegant floral design around the sound hole.

The Mark IV and V featured different wood options like flamed pear wood backs (Mark IV) and rosewood backs (Mark V).

Approximate Value

The most recent published data on the resale value of the Guild Mark III comes from 2006 when The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine price guide was published. The prices relate to the era of the guitar's construction and the condition of the guitar. The following chart will give you a ballpark idea on what you can expect to pay for a Mark III:

Where to a Find Guild Mark III

You can't just waltz into Guitar Center and pick a Mark III off the wall anymore – unless, of course, you're really lucky and someone just traded one in before you arrived. Because these guitars are much desired and not manufactured any longer, finding them takes a bit of work. There are websites that specialize in vintage guitar gear, but there are no guarantees that you'll cross paths with the guitar you want the first time you visit. The guitars listed on vintage sites drift in and out like the tides; you need to make sure you're standing on the shore when the right guitar washes up. The best advice is to bookmark the sites below and visit them often. Sooner or later, the perfect instrument will appear and you'll be poised and ready to strike. Like the old adage says, good things come to those who wait, so think of your search for a Guild Mark III classical guitar as an exercise in patience.

• Vintage Fret Shop: The Vintage Fret Shop has been dealing in classic fretted instruments for over 37 years. The shop is located in Ashland, New Hampshire and is staffed by a small collection of dedicated guitar enthusiasts. Their approach to customer service parallels the vintage instruments they sell and evokes a simpler time. They prefer to answer questions over the phone rather than respond to emails. So, browse their website and see what catches your eye. Just give them a call, and tell them you're looking for a nice Mark III.

• eBay: ebay is the Internet's premier auction house. If you are interested in finding rare or vintage guitars, you need to get familiar with how eBay works. The Acoustic Guitar category is the place to search for a Mark III. People from around the world can post on eBay, so check back often. If what you're looking for isn't available today, there's a good chance it will be tomorrow. Stay diligent!

• Craigslist: Craigslist is an international online classifieds section. It is organized regionally, so begin your search in the areas that are closest to where you live. If you don't have any luck, feel free to search more remote locations because many people will arrange for shipping if you're really interested.

Good Luck

Your search for a great Guild Mark III classical guitar may take you a little while, but it is worth it. People love their Mark IIIs because they provide a lot of guitar for a fair price. With a little luck and determination, you can bring one home for yourself. Good luck!