[stalkofta]

Does anyone have an opinion (pos./neg.) on Guild acoustic guitars. I test drove a few at the guitar shop for the first time today and was surprised at the sound, fit and finish, and comfort. Albeit the models I tried cost around $800.-$1000.

I guess I never really payed any attention to Guild guitars before now. But I really wanted to bring one home with me today! How does Guild 'stack-up' against high-end and custom acoustic guitars????

[Rockerbob]

At one time Guild was considered a high end guitar. I can't tell you anything about the recent ones as they are not really "Guild" anymore. Fender bought them and moved them away from Rhode Island - losing most of the workers. I have 2 "pre-Fender" Guild guitars and I like them a lot. I have owned others in the past and liked them as well.

[JF-30]

Having aquired my first Guild this year, I'll give you an opinion. First, I traded a few days labor with one of my friends for the JF-30. I doubt that I would have gone out and spent that much money for a guitar otherwise. So I didn't get to go out and compare models, I really wanted a D-50.
It is an absolutely wonderful guitar!! The action compares to an electric in my opinion. The resonance of the bass in this jumbo is wonderful. Everyone that has played has just marveled over it. Now, the downside, strings buzz! It is obvious that all it needs is an adjustment and I am just waiting for an opportunity to take it to the Fender people. The guitar sat in a climate controled room at Fender for five years before I acquired it.
Personally, I have always had Gibsons and this is my first Guild, but this guitar has totally motivated me in my playing. I am very thankful that I have it.
Bob

[stalkofta]

So, are Guild acoustics high-end Fender acoustic guitars?.... I'm playing a low-end Takamine and Seagull right now. I would truely love to have a higher-end instrument to play without overspending.
Can someone steer me toward a high-end guitar without having to pay for a 'high-end' name?? (be specific if you have too).

[JF-30]

Here is the history of Guild guitars:
Guild® Guitars | Made To Be Played Since 1953
Fender bought Guild in 1995
Bob

[Lcjones]

**

I'm a Guild man to be sure.

Guild guitars are owned by Fender Guitar company these days. Guilds are fine guitars and in many circles are not given there just due. Early Guilds from the 60's and 70's, especially the D25 Series, were staples of many a bluegrass band and stood right straight up against any Martin 18 or 28 series guitar on the stage.

I would not hesitate to purchase an upper end Guild acoustic. (even the Fender models) But of course, the vintage Guilds are an excellent investment as well!

The Guild's are workhorse guitars and *will* give you decades if not a life time worth of service.

I have three Guilds. A '76 D25/6 Cherry arch back dreadnaught, a '78 F212 S-Burst Jumbo body cut and a '80 D212 Cherry dreadnaught. The 212's are twelve stringers. I've had the D25 for 34 years, the F212 for 32 years and the D212 for about a year and a half.

Guilds are good!

**
LC

[don creamore]

Don C.
The Guild gad series guitars are made in China. I tried a few of them about a year ago and they did'nt sound bad. I really question the build quality though. One of the ones I played the soundhole looked like it had been chewed out by a rat. Also the finish was very poor. All the u.s. built Guilds I've tried were much better. Just my opinion. DonC

[TonyLoaf]

For what it's worth...

I'm another new player upgrading from an entry-level (sub-$100) acoustic. I've been playing an older Yamaha on loan from a friend.

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and for a new player, picking a guitar is a challenge.

I went to the big guitar sale here in Chicago with my eye on a lower-priced Larravee. They were sold out, but I thought I could stretch to a nicer Larravee with rosewood. It had a lovely, bright sound, but really thought a less-expensive mahogany Guild (GAD-50E) sounded better and played a bit easier. I asked a clerk and a couple of guys looking at much more expensive guitars for help. They felt that the cheaper Guild had a better sound than the Laravee and a more expensive Guild. I also liked that it has a bit thinner neck, which suits my hands, which are small and still not too stretchy. The Laravee was lighter, which would have been a plus.

I found it really helpful to ask experienced players for help. So far I've found other guitar players to be amazingly generous with advice and incredibly willing to play with novices like myself.

Oh, mine is made in China but the finish seems excellent. Another musician I know, when I told him what I had bought, said "Oh, you bought one of those Chinese Guilds? Those are excellent!"