guild acoustics...

marquis de jonny · September 24th, 2006, 07:17 AM

...what's the difference between the j55 and the f55?

Bluesbob · September 24th, 2006, 10:07 AM

"F" is for concert. These two are basically the same shape but the jumbo is bigger (natch!). At least that's the way I understamd it. I'm looking for a "D" (dreadnought). Guilds are real bargains right now, but probably not for much longer.

fungusyoung · September 24th, 2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluesbob

"F" is for concert. These two are basically the same shape but the jumbo is bigger (natch!). At least that's the way I understamd it. I'm looking for a "D" (dreadnought). Guilds are real bargains right now, but probably not for much longer.

The Westerly built Guilds are fabulous. I recently scored a '92 D-25 inexpensively on Ebay, and it keeps up with my Martins. I agree with you too... its inconceivable to think the value of these will not go way up from where they are now. It's only a matter of time.

I have a ton of great things to say about Fender overall, but I don't have anything good to say about what they've done to the Guild line since the acquisition. I know some good custom Guilds are being made again now in WA, but they cost a fortune and I still don't think the Guild brand is nearly as good or representative of what it was from the 70's through the 90's.

moonshiner · September 24th, 2006, 11:51 AM

I had a Guild acoustic bass... B15... it was pre fender... and AWESOME!

ednew · September 24th, 2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marquis de jonny

...what's the difference between the j55 and the f55?

You might want to recheck those model numbers on the Guild websites.

Guild did make a GF55 and a JF55R (rosewood) and JF55M (mahogany)--but I don't think those were jumbos (such as JF 30/50/65).

fungusyoung · September 24th, 2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ednew

You might want to recheck those model numbers on the Guild websites.

Guild did make a GF55 and a JF55R (rosewood) and JF55M (mahogany)--but I don't think those were jumbos (such as JF 30/50/65).

There's a bunch of model info/dating here:
http://www.guildguitars.com/resources/dating.php

The folks on this board can likely answer specific questions about any particular models:
http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/...98a58186ed2bf9

ednew · September 24th, 2006, 06:07 PM

Hello Ed,

There is no such model as a Guild J-55 or an F-55. There is a model called JF-55, which is the name that at some point was given to the rosewood-bodied F-50R.
Also at the end of the '80s Guild sometimes used 'in-house' model codes on the label instead of the regular model designation. If you give me a serial number I could tell you if the forementioned practice would apply to this particular guitar.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

marquis de jonny · September 29th, 2006, 07:50 AM

thatnks for replies, guys.

hey ednew, i took a pic of the label, and the model name says: j55 nt and the serial is: aj 550708.

there are a couple of jumbo shaped models in this shop (in tokyo), but the one i've looked at is marked down because it has a crack along the top and some damage to the top around the neck joint. it's been repaired, but hard to tell how sound it really is.

i agree with everyone else: guilds seem to be well undervalued for what they are. i'm hoping to find a good one soon before the prices start rising....

edit: just checked the above mentioned guild site, and it appears to be a fairly recent one, although i believe pre: fender. there's a '70's drednought in the shop, for not too much more, so i'll be giving that a trail run soon....

ednew · September 29th, 2006, 12:16 PM

Jonny,

To your points:

No doubt about it--Guilds are seriously undervalued today. Let's hope that doesn't change while we're buying them up, right?

Cracks. If the sides are a laminate, probably not a big deal. If not, I'd probably pass.

Guitar ID--Hans is away for a couple of weeks. When he returns he'll advise.

unclearty · September 29th, 2006, 03:45 PM

My all-time favorite..."I'm never gonna sell this one" guitar, is my '61 Guild F40..I bought her from a little guitar store in '6...,she was laying on the floor..strings still on..and the bridge ripped clean off. Some young Pete Townsend wanna be, put heavy..yup....heavy strings on her. I bought her...as-is..no returns...for $150 with orig case. Spent $60 having the bridge repaired and a reglued couple of loosened braces...and never looked back. I've had her "adjusted" over the years, but nothing major. There is something remarkable about the sound of those older Guilds. I've never heard any other guitar that I'd trade her for...well, OK..that didn't cost over $2000.

bek · September 29th, 2006, 03:55 PM

I might get in trouble for saying this here but if I had to get rid of all but one instrument, my 74 Guild D25 would be it. Yes, even the Tele would go. Never played anything like it.

ednew · September 29th, 2006, 05:42 PM

You know, I've been in a Guild frenzy for the last 6 months or so. Incredible GAS!

"72 D-25 (PHENOMENAL tone and in-the-belly RESONANT BASS)
"81 D-25 (arched back with jack input)
"79 F-40 Blonde (Has that maple ring)
"98 D-55 (don't like it--too laid back for me)
"81 X-175 jazz box (got that 2 years ago)

AND an F512 (new Tacoma) to replace Martin D12-28 which is also too laid back. Yeah, BABY!

64Strat · September 29th, 2006, 10:39 PM

I have a D35nt Bluegrass that I bought new in 1970. In '72 I had a luthier replace the saddle and nut with real bone and that guitar today just has killer tone. I will never sell it and eventually my son will get it someday.

bowman · October 16th, 2006, 12:06 PM

I have a '78 D40C that I just love. It had a really hard life before I got it, but it sounds just fabulous, despite the obvious disrespect with which it was treated. It's the guitar I play more than any other, and probably always will be.

scudgebucket · November 11th, 2006, 02:58 AM

I've been a Guild 12 string fan since 1987. That's when I bought a new D25-12 (Artist Award) that surpassed anything else I'd ever played. I still have it. It projects sound like a foghorn. And its easier to play than most 6 strings. A beautiful red sunburst finish.

More recently, I came across a used F212; made in 1963. It needed some TLC, new saddle, nut, and strings. Now it plays like a champ. And it has the same ease of play as the '87.

They are undervalued to be sure.

BritishBluesBoy · November 13th, 2006, 12:56 AM

I have a new (ish) F50... I bought it on eBay (I know...crazy to buy an acoustic guitar without trying it!) but it was such a smoking deal I couldn't say no. I guess I got lucky - after a good pro set up it's the most beautiful sounding/playing guitar (I've played and owned quite a few acoustics over the 30 or so years I've been playing)... I'm no expert on the pre Fender Guild's, but really I wouldn't dismiss the new ones completely...

BBB.

FrankB · December 4th, 2006, 02:15 PM

I have a 1970's Guild D25M. It;s been through alot. headstock broken off and repaired. Cracks that have been repaired. But it just keeps getting better with age in regard to it's tone. It;s so colorful and warm and big...love that guitar, amazing

cook · December 4th, 2006, 04:00 PM

What is the last year of Westerly production?

Teletwang · December 4th, 2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cook

What is the last year of Westerly production?

Hey Cook, the last year was 2001.

DJG105 · December 4th, 2006, 04:21 PM

count me in the guild club. proud player of a '74 D-40, that's seen a lot of hard times. It's the most solid and gigworthy acoustic ive ever played, and as much as i like to search the guitar stores for acoustics, when i have the D-40 as a frame of reference, i just cant justify buying another box.

Billy Claire · December 4th, 2006, 06:19 PM

I had an F45-CE- it was EXACTLY the same body size as my Gibson J-100's.

I have to say- having owned both- if I had played a J-100 when I was looking for my Guild, I never would have bought it. I find that Guilds can be difficult to play- almost like they fight you- they're heavier guitars, too- and the necks are narrower. When I found my second J-100 for a good price, my immaculate F45-CE Guild went on ebay and I don't regret it for a second.

It was a beautiful looking guitar- was made in Westerly, too- but it was like night and day compared to the J-100's.

slauson slim · December 5th, 2006, 01:51 AM

I have an early '60s D-40, bought in 1968 for $100 from a pawn shop.

Volvoguy · December 5th, 2006, 02:10 AM

Slim
You have any pictures of that D40? I have a '64 (apparently first year) with a few interesting details to it. It has a modified fan bracing with a longer bridge, and a totally flat fingerboard.

I'd love to see yours.

eddiewagner · December 5th, 2006, 09:14 AM

i have a d 25 since the mid-nineties. its a fantastic guitar. i strummed one chord on it in the shop and bought it straight away. never regretted that bold and expensive move. i have to get the guitar refretted one day soon.
eddie

Johnny Isaacs · December 5th, 2006, 10:37 AM

Here's my 1984 D-66 which was designed by George Gruhn.

Johnny Isaacs

fungusyoung · December 5th, 2006, 10:46 AM

Just got my second Guild acoustic yesterday. It's a BEAUTY... '98 DV52. For those that don't like Guild dreads because they're heavier, this guitar might be for you... these were built to lighter specs. and the sound is amazing. It's easily the nicest looking guitar I've ever owned too (spruce top, rosewood back & sides, some abalone appointments, high gloss finish, etc.), but the tones are really knocking me out. Easily keeps up with Martins and Taylors that cost at least twice as much.

September 24th, 2006, 07:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
marquis de jonny Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ise-shima, japan/melbourne, australia Age: 36 Posts: 824 8 Photos	guild acoustics... ...what's the difference between the j55 and the f55? __________________ i'm gonna have me some unreal f#$%*&g good times

September 24th, 2006, 10:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bluesbob Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: East Suffolk L.I. Posts: 1,075 20 Photos	"J" is for jumbo... "F" is for concert. These two are basically the same shape but the jumbo is bigger (natch!). At least that's the way I understamd it. I'm looking for a "D" (dreadnought). Guilds are real bargains right now, but probably not for much longer. __________________ What, me worry?

September 24th, 2006, 11:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
moonshiner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Milyucky, Whiskonsin Posts: 2,171	I had a Guild acoustic bass... B15... it was pre fender... and AWESOME! __________________ "Everyone's got to be something... Me? I'm stupid... It's all I ever wanted to be... Shock me again!"

September 24th, 2006, 06:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
ednew Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Whidbey Island, WA Age: 61 Posts: 469	Hans Moust's Response Hello Ed, There is no such model as a Guild J-55 or an F-55. There is a model called JF-55, which is the name that at some point was given to the rosewood-bodied F-50R. Also at the end of the '80s Guild sometimes used 'in-house' model codes on the label instead of the regular model designation. If you give me a serial number I could tell you if the forementioned practice would apply to this particular guitar. Sincerely, Hans Moust www.guitarsgalore.nl

September 29th, 2006, 07:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
marquis de jonny Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: ise-shima, japan/melbourne, australia Age: 36 Posts: 824 8 Photos	thatnks for replies, guys. hey ednew, i took a pic of the label, and the model name says: j55 nt and the serial is: aj 550708. there are a couple of jumbo shaped models in this shop (in tokyo), but the one i've looked at is marked down because it has a crack along the top and some damage to the top around the neck joint. it's been repaired, but hard to tell how sound it really is. i agree with everyone else: guilds seem to be well undervalued for what they are. i'm hoping to find a good one soon before the prices start rising.... edit: just checked the above mentioned guild site, and it appears to be a fairly recent one, although i believe pre: fender. there's a '70's drednought in the shop, for not too much more, so i'll be giving that a trail run soon.... __________________ i'm gonna have me some unreal f#$%*&g good times

September 29th, 2006, 12:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
ednew Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Whidbey Island, WA Age: 61 Posts: 469	Jonny, To your points: No doubt about it--Guilds are seriously undervalued today. Let's hope that doesn't change while we're buying them up, right? Cracks. If the sides are a laminate, probably not a big deal. If not, I'd probably pass. Guitar ID--Hans is away for a couple of weeks. When he returns he'll advise.

September 29th, 2006, 03:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
unclearty Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: South central Mass. Age: 56 Posts: 355 2 Photos	My all-time favorite..."I'm never gonna sell this one" guitar, is my '61 Guild F40..I bought her from a little guitar store in '6...,she was laying on the floor..strings still on..and the bridge ripped clean off. Some young Pete Townsend wanna be, put heavy..yup....heavy strings on her. I bought her...as-is..no returns...for $150 with orig case. Spent $60 having the bridge repaired and a reglued couple of loosened braces...and never looked back. I've had her "adjusted" over the years, but nothing major. There is something remarkable about the sound of those older Guilds. I've never heard any other guitar that I'd trade her for...well, OK..that didn't cost over $2000. __________________ uncle-arty

September 29th, 2006, 03:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
bek Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: California Posts: 564	I might get in trouble for saying this here but if I had to get rid of all but one instrument, my 74 Guild D25 would be it. Yes, even the Tele would go. Never played anything like it.

September 29th, 2006, 05:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
ednew Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Whidbey Island, WA Age: 61 Posts: 469	You know, I've been in a Guild frenzy for the last 6 months or so. Incredible GAS! "72 D-25 (PHENOMENAL tone and in-the-belly RESONANT BASS) "81 D-25 (arched back with jack input) "79 F-40 Blonde (Has that maple ring) "98 D-55 (don't like it--too laid back for me) "81 X-175 jazz box (got that 2 years ago) AND an F512 (new Tacoma) to replace Martin D12-28 which is also too laid back. Yeah, BABY!

September 29th, 2006, 10:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
64Strat Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 656 43 Photos	I have a D35nt Bluegrass that I bought new in 1970. In '72 I had a luthier replace the saddle and nut with real bone and that guitar today just has killer tone. I will never sell it and eventually my son will get it someday.

October 16th, 2006, 12:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
bowman Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Westborough, MA Age: 56 Posts: 424	I have a '78 D40C that I just love. It had a really hard life before I got it, but it sounds just fabulous, despite the obvious disrespect with which it was treated. It's the guitar I play more than any other, and probably always will be.

November 11th, 2006, 02:58 AM	#15 (permalink)
scudgebucket Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Cupertino, California Posts: 109	I've been a Guild 12 string fan since 1987. That's when I bought a new D25-12 (Artist Award) that surpassed anything else I'd ever played. I still have it. It projects sound like a foghorn. And its easier to play than most 6 strings. A beautiful red sunburst finish. More recently, I came across a used F212; made in 1963. It needed some TLC, new saddle, nut, and strings. Now it plays like a champ. And it has the same ease of play as the '87. They are undervalued to be sure. __________________ ...there was a Never Ending Tour, but it ended in '91. The Money Never Runs Out Tour, Why Do You Look at Me So Strangely Tour, Principles of Action Tour, Outburst of Consciousness Tour, The One Sad Cry of Pity Tour, and others too many to mention.

November 13th, 2006, 12:56 AM	#16 (permalink)
BritishBluesBoy Friend of Leo's Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brooklyn, NY Age: 40 Posts: 4,722 62 Photos	I have a new (ish) F50... I bought it on eBay (I know...crazy to buy an acoustic guitar without trying it!) but it was such a smoking deal I couldn't say no. I guess I got lucky - after a good pro set up it's the most beautiful sounding/playing guitar (I've played and owned quite a few acoustics over the 30 or so years I've been playing)... I'm no expert on the pre Fender Guild's, but really I wouldn't dismiss the new ones completely... BBB. __________________ BBB.

December 4th, 2006, 02:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
FrankB Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Havertown, PA. U.S.A. Posts: 749	I have a 1970's Guild D25M. It;s been through alot. headstock broken off and repaired. Cracks that have been repaired. But it just keeps getting better with age in regard to it's tone. It;s so colorful and warm and big...love that guitar, amazing

December 4th, 2006, 04:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
cook Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 194 2 Photos	What is the last year of Westerly production?

December 4th, 2006, 04:21 PM	#20 (permalink)
DJG105 Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SI, NYC Posts: 285 4 Photos	count me in the guild club. proud player of a '74 D-40, that's seen a lot of hard times. It's the most solid and gigworthy acoustic ive ever played, and as much as i like to search the guitar stores for acoustics, when i have the D-40 as a frame of reference, i just cant justify buying another box.

December 4th, 2006, 06:19 PM	#21 (permalink)
Billy Claire Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marlborough MA Posts: 940	I had an F45-CE- it was EXACTLY the same body size as my Gibson J-100's. I have to say- having owned both- if I had played a J-100 when I was looking for my Guild, I never would have bought it. I find that Guilds can be difficult to play- almost like they fight you- they're heavier guitars, too- and the necks are narrower. When I found my second J-100 for a good price, my immaculate F45-CE Guild went on ebay and I don't regret it for a second. It was a beautiful looking guitar- was made in Westerly, too- but it was like night and day compared to the J-100's. __________________ www.myspace.com/sherylamour www.theallens.theallens.com tear off my arms and beat me to death with them...

December 5th, 2006, 01:51 AM	#22 (permalink)
slauson slim Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yolo County CA Age: 60 Posts: 732	I have an early '60s D-40, bought in 1968 for $100 from a pawn shop.

December 5th, 2006, 02:10 AM	#23 (permalink)
Volvoguy Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 401	Slim You have any pictures of that D40? I have a '64 (apparently first year) with a few interesting details to it. It has a modified fan bracing with a longer bridge, and a totally flat fingerboard. I'd love to see yours. __________________ As of now, this is the oldest I've ever been.

December 5th, 2006, 09:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
eddiewagner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ROCK!linghausen/germany Age: 50 Posts: 4,125 27 Photos	i have a d 25 since the mid-nineties. its a fantastic guitar. i strummed one chord on it in the shop and bought it straight away. never regretted that bold and expensive move. i have to get the guitar refretted one day soon. eddie __________________ My Drum/Guitar-Duo: www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat

December 5th, 2006, 10:37 AM	#25 (permalink)
Johnny Isaacs Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,494 3 Photos	I'm a big Guild fan too... Here's my 1984 D-66 which was designed by George Gruhn. Johnny Isaacs __________________ Myspace music page I've never trusted a guitar player who hasn't licked a few 9volts... Famous last words...... after this one, no new Tele's!

December 5th, 2006, 10:46 AM	#26 (permalink)
fungusyoung Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 1,017 22 Photos	Just got my second Guild acoustic yesterday. It's a BEAUTY... '98 DV52. For those that don't like Guild dreads because they're heavier, this guitar might be for you... these were built to lighter specs. and the sound is amazing. It's easily the nicest looking guitar I've ever owned too (spruce top, rosewood back & sides, some abalone appointments, high gloss finish, etc.), but the tones are really knocking me out. Easily keeps up with Martins and Taylors that cost at least twice as much.