Guild 55 vs Martin D28

Coming up to a big 5.0. And I thought I would treat myself for the oncoming older years and buy a beautiful acoustic that I would not only enjoy but pass on to one of my kids when I pass on
Played both today at my local store and wow!!!
Really can feel and hear the difference to anything else I've played
They are both incredible guitars and it's a nice problem to have
So I put it to the forum
If you had to choose between the two ICONS which would it be??
P.S. At the moment the Guild is ahead buy a bees dick

It of course is your choice, I have always been put off by Guild dreds, due to their weight, the wider neck heel/join and high action...they feel 'overbuilt' and harder to play by comparison to Martins. They sound wonderful. But an HD-28 just seems so responsive and alive as does a nice D-18.

Ya know I love my HD-28V and my old D18 but I can't give ya advice on this one because I can't think of a time that I have played a Guild 55.

To me, if it (the Guild) sounds good to ya and plays good to ya, over built is a good thing. Maybe you won't have to worry about the top pulling up and stuff. Some say a McPherson is overbuilt and mine is quite heavy, but heay it sounds good/plays good and its kind of a better feeling knowing its overbuilt.

Also I've always liked the look of a Guild, and I don't know anybody who has one which is another draw for me. Seems everybody and their brother has a d28 (for good reason I know but). Anyway, it just seems to me that you prefer the Guild and I say go for the Guild!

Keep us posted on your decision.

I have a D15 and one of my goals is to have a D28 some day.

I've played my D15 for about 11 years now and it has opened into a cannon.

The tone. feel, history and family heritage in the Martin brand means a lot to me. The 28 is the most copied guitar on earth. If immitation is flattery then the D28 is the most flattered guitar ever.

I would choose the D28. It's an easy choice for me as a Neil Young and CSN fan. The D28 is the acoustic.

The D-28 is easy to sell if need be. Also a D-18 is a good lead guitar at a good price. Good luck and 50 is a milestone for sure.

I find that D-28s have a dull, thuddy sound while the Guilds have a loud, balanced sound with clear, distinct bass. I like the field of the Guilds too.

Jim

Either way, you're going to love your 50s! Happy Birthday.

^^^Yup! On my 50th, a bunch of (very generous) friends all got together and bought me an Epi Dot 335 and the $$ to put Gibson pickups in it too! (they knew I used to own one, and wanted one again...)

Can't speak to the new ones but the Westerly-made Guild D-55s are the loudest flippin' guitars on the planet.

I've been to the New Hartford Guild Factory twice and am very impressed with the company under Fender's umbrella and the quality of instruments they are building. The craftsmanship is exceptional and when I was there the last time with a group from another forum, they had around 40 brand new Guilds all set up for us to play. They were great. I have plans to get one sooner or later.

for my 50th I had decided I wanted to get a really nice acoustic, so I went around and narrowed the choice between a Gibson J-200 and a Hummingbird. I took my wife with me to Guitar Center to try both models out and then we went to the mom and Pop store that I usually buy guitars from, told my wife - "I like them both - you surprise me!" and the nwalked away so she could talk to the salesman. Surprise me she did - I got both at my 50th birthday party. :mrgreen:

Well...

I am a Guild junkie...and I too have been to the New Hartford factory a couple of times.

I own a Tacoma-built D55...having played a recent NH-built D55 in a local store, I think it has a nicer neck and is very slightly lighter. It is my understanding that the newer Guilds have had some re-engineering done which is a good thing. The thought that comes to mind when I play mine with new strings is "balanced," not bassy, not shrill, just "nice."

My brother owns a late 90's D28. Does not sound like the Guild. Feels very "tight" to play. He loves it dearly, but covets my Guild. I do not care for his guitar (though I have played a similar age D18 that was incredible!)

A Guild D55 is like a conservative Martin D41...not quite as much bling. A Guild D50 Traditional-Series is more spartan like a D28, but has an Adirondack Spruce top (more better? D55 has Sitka Spruce), though on some the grain is rather wide.

My pick at the first Guild open house was a D50 Standard (Sitka Spruce top I believe) or D40 Standard...the second visit I was into 12-strings so really did not sample much else.

Play many guitars. All makers have some greats and some dogs. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun! Good luck :lol:

Most bees that you see are infertile females, so it sounds like the two guitars are really in a dead heat.

I would buy the Martin over the Guild, but with the expectation that it will take years to open up.I'd also buy an OM rather than a dreadnaught.

I'd probably get a Taylor before either of the ones you cited, especially if I wanted it to be sweet right away.

But if an heirloom is what you're looking for, the Martin is the obvious choice.

I find that D-28s have a dull, thuddy sound while the Guilds have a loud, balanced sound with clear, distinct bass. I like the field of the Guilds too.

Jim

Interesting...
When I bought my Guild D-40 for 300$ in 1978 I'd played all major brands.
Band members had Martin D-28 (I think) and a Guild D-50 (loved that one).
To me...the Martins were always comparatively 'thuddy' in sound.
When I put my Guild 40 in my fat hands the sound was clear and it projected better overall.
Gibsons were a bit tinny to me.
These are subjective assessments in many cases (as with choice of monitors) but all the comments here are good for someone to know if getting ready for a purchase.

Happy Friday....carry on...

with the awesome guitars you's are talkin' about...it's like splitting hairs...love to have any of them !!!!!!!:grin:..my playing doesn't deserve them...but then then again I see a lot of people owning fine automobiles..that can't drive a lick..!!!:grin::grin:

D28!!!!!! Picked up a brand new d28 in june 2011 and took it home. Spent months scouting guitars to spend my long saved money on. I loved the loud, tight, and super balanced sound of the standard 28. Has loud strong rythem, and cuts through the crowd on some lead flatpickin". Not to mention a Martin D28 is a pure american icon. Hank williams Sr, elvis, george jones, and many many more have proudly used a d28 as guitar of choice. It plays it all! Cant go wrong with it. Take your time and find the pick of the litter and happy pickin :)

I would buy the Martin over the Guild, but with the expectation that it will take years to open up.
But if an heirloom is what you're looking for, the Martin is the obvious choice.

I bought the D-28P and experienced the thuddy sound and the bass totally overpowering everything to the point of not liking it at all.

It was not nearly as exciting even as my old cheapo Alvarez Regent with it's chimey bell-tone highs.

I was really not prepared to spend years to make the guitar open up and even considered buying one of those electric vibrators that are supposed to 'break in' guitars. Or selling the guitar and starting over.

That was 6 months ago.

But I hung in there- picked up the guitar daily - and have been playing the living $#!+ out of it. This has improved not only my playing skills, but building up the calluses as well.

Yesterday I handed it to a friend to play. I couldn't believe how balanced and bright it has become!

The guitar now sounds like I always though it was supposed to.

I did try both Martins and Guilds before buying the Martin, but I didn't get one off the wall at GC that had been pawed over. I ordered one air mail.

Turns out I got a really good one, according to my ears. The thing has really come alive!

Thanks for all the great opinions so far
I agree with many as it is a very personal taste thing
A great problem to have but I have to say playing $1000 to $1500 guitars for many years I can really hear and feel the difference in these beautiful instruments and have been throughly enjoying trying them out to buy when I can make up my simple mind.
I sometimes think that with the amount of time and money that I have put into guitars , I should have bought one in my younger days and played the hell out of that.
I might have even become a better player......NAH!!! lol;

Everyone's pick for you will rest on their personal choice, and for me it would be the Martin. Try an HD 28 if you get a chance, as an alternative to the D 28.

Whichever you end up with, you'll have a happy birthday!

I think you'd have to compare the individual models in question, not just the generic types. 2 D-55s or 2 D-28s could be just as dissimilar as the D-28 vs the D-55. I think Guilds are grossly undervalued, thus the D-28 will have better collector's value. However, I would buy the guitar that feels and sounds best to you both as a player and as a listener (when you hear someone one else playing it from a few feet away) and judge accordingly.

Both great instruments. If money is at all an object, get the Guild, you won't be disappointed. I've had my D40 for 36 years and it thrashes Martins all the time, but you'd expect that of a well used and maintained 30+ yo guitar.

Let's say it's all about the tone. If you prefer rosewood tone, I think the Martins will win. If you like mahogany, IMHO the Guilds have the tonal edge, there.

Setups and playability very comparable on both recent model axes. Guild necks are a lot like most strat necks. Super easy to adapt and to play.

1964 D40 in heat of battle...

http://home.comcast.net/~fredholz/DNoteAmercna02.jpg

Thanks guys
Great info
I really like both guitars for different reasons
Really like the Guild for it's even sound and it's great to play
The Martin is a little louder and has a cool bassy sound but does not have that even ring of the strings
Will play a few in different shops now just to get a better idea
Both really nice guitars
Will let you know when the moment arrives
Thanks for all opinions

I love the Martin,of course I'm a little slanted because I'm only a couple hrs.from the factory. Great heratige,local buisness Icon. But whatever feels and sounds best to you is best for you.
Good luck and happy 50'th.

+1 Martin

Played a really nice D-28 today
Really loud even tone
Very impressed!!
Definitely different to the first 28
There wasn't a Guild in this shop so I went back to shop 1 and had another strum
Such a nice tone
Still haven't made a decision but with both guitars such a joy it will definitely come down to my favorite playability and sound.
I know that which ever guitar is picked it will be a great thing to pass down through the family .
Thanks for all the birthday wishes and opinions

Thats gonna happen! I wanted a HD28 and never could find one that wasnt all thump and no ring. Then a d28 that was big on bass but was weak on the sparkle. The third came fresh out the box new from the factory. I tuned it and perfect belly moving bass, and the highs sparkled and rang like a harp! Perfect balance. Every guitar has a personality. Keep playing them till one really grabs you as perfect. Its out there. Then give it a few years to mature and u will have a real cannon.

I own two Martins D28, D41 and a Guild D40...The Guild more than holds its own against the Martins. Build quality is excellent and the price was a wonderful value. As previously stated by others, all acoustics should be played and judged individually.

I know that a Guild D55 is not usually considered a "cannon" or a "banjo-killer," but last night I put on a set of GHS Bright Bronze (made up a bluegrass-gauge set from two packages) and it certainly seems as though it would fit that moniker now! Loud and proud, but not strident. Good thing I am normally a finger style player now, as wife and daughter would be telling me to "turn it down!" (a comment known all too well from my electric forays...)

Well...

I am a Guild junkie...and I too have been to the New Hartford factory a couple of times.

I own a Tacoma-built D55...having played a recent NH-built D55 in a local store, I think it has a nicer neck and is very slightly lighter. It is my understanding that the newer Guilds have had some re-engineering done which is a good thing. The thought that comes to mind when I play mine with new strings is "balanced," not bassy, not shrill, just "nice."

My brother owns a late 90's D28. Does not sound like the Guild. Feels very "tight" to play. He loves it dearly, but covets my Guild. I do not care for his guitar (though I have played a similar age D18 that was incredible!)

A Guild D55 is like a conservative Martin D41...not quite as much bling. A Guild D50 Traditional-Series is more spartan like a D28, but has an Adirondack Spruce top (more better? D55 has Sitka Spruce), though on some the grain is rather wide.

My pick at the first Guild open house was a D50 Standard (Sitka Spruce top I believe) or D40 Standard...the second visit I was into 12-strings so really did not sample much else.

Play many guitars. All makers have some greats and some dogs. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun! Good luck :lol:

+1 on the playing many guitars. Same guit, same age don't mean it's got the same sound. My goal is a D-41, but I'd also settle on a good sounding D-18, HDV-28, D-45........... , about any Martin that has "that sound".

Motwang....my D41 is splended and easily my favorite acoustic among my 4 fairly high end acoustics..It is not a banjo killer...it is a much more mellow, balanced, and sweet guitar than my D28, Guild D40, or my Taylor 814...Always keep in mind that a guitars playability fitting your style of play is as important as its build quality. As brilliant as my D41 is it wouldnt be my first or even second choice for a bluegrass gig..

Motwang....my D41 is splended and easily my favorite acoustic among my 4 fairly high end acoustics..It is not a banjo killer...it is a much more mellow, balanced, and sweet guitar than my D28, Guild D40, or my Taylor 814...Always keep in mind that a guitars playability fitting your style of play is as important as its build quality. As brilliant as my D41 is it wouldnt be my first or even second choice for a bluegrass gig..

I agree 100%. My point is that regardless of what model a person would choose, how that particular guitar sounds to you is what is important. I just have had a crush on a D-41 since I was a teenager. I play a little bluegrass, mainly country, and some "folk" sounding music. Flat picking or finger style, I just like a good song with a good sounding guitar to listen to, acoustic or electric. Different guitars do sound better for different things, sometimes a dread, sometimes a concert style, sometimes even a classical played with a pick (Willie Nelson) can make the song.

Motwang....my D41 is splended and easily my favorite acoustic among my 4 fairly high end acoustics..It is not a banjo killer...it is a much more mellow, balanced, and sweet guitar than my D28, Guild D40, or my Taylor 814...Always keep in mind that a guitars playability fitting your style of play is as important as its build quality. As brilliant as my D41 is it wouldnt be my first or even second choice for a bluegrass gig..

I play a '97 Martin D40. I bought a D28 as a beater for road use. After playing the D40 for so long, I sold the D28 because it couldn't hold a candle to the 40.
My 40 is a banjo killer and can be bassy, but really, you have to learn to play it right. Once you know where to go heavy and go lightly, you're good to go. It has the sweetest tone of any guitar I own.

I have an old Guild D-55 from the 70s and I have a Martin D-41, which is a fancy D-28.

They are both great guitars (the Guild has very low action, regardless of what is said here) but the sounds are so far apart that it really comes down to personal preference.

I would steer clear of any post-Rhode Island Guild guitar but a nice old D-55 is a great instrument.

I have an old Guild D-55 from the 70s and I have a Martin D-41, which is a fancy D-28.

They are both great guitars (the Guild has very low action, regardless of what is said here) but the sounds are so far apart that it really comes down to personal preference.

I would steer clear of any post-Rhode Island Guild guitar but a nice old D-55 is a great instrument.

I would recommended checking out New Hartford Guilds. They are really well built and sound great!

Without knowing your style of playing or what guitar model you are used to, I would recommend that you ensure that the D28 is comfortable to chord between the 5th and 10th frets.
The reason being that most Dreads have a 16" fretboard radius, and only a few have a 12" radius. The 12" is generally more comfortable to play depending on your style and size of hand.
I think the Guild you mention may be a 12" radius, but the D28 is 16".

I have a D28 on which I play 50% of my acoustic material.
The other 50% I use an old Aria Dread that I've had since 1968. It's tone is nothing near as nice as the D28, but I can really relax playing it.

I recently tried a Gibson J45 which is also comfortable with the 12" radius.
So if you haven't checked the comfort above the 5th fret, then I recommend you do.

Without knowing your style of playing or what guitar model you are used to, I would recommend that you ensure that the D28 is comfortable to chord between the 5th and 10th frets.
The reason being that most Dreads have a 16" fretboard radius, and only a few have a 12" radius. The 12" is generally more comfortable to play depending on your style and size of hand.
I think the Guild you mention may be a 12" radius, but the D28 is 16".

I have a D28 on which I play 50% of my acoustic material.
The other 50% I use an old Aria Dread that I've had since 1968. It's tone is nothing near as nice as the D28, but I can really relax playing it.

I recently tried a Gibson J45 which is also comfortable with the 12" radius.
So if you haven't checked the comfort above the 5th fret, then I recommend you do.

Thanks Oldguitplayer
I'll pay close attention to the advice above as I didnt literally know the diff gauges but could feel a difference between the 2 guits

Martin D-28

Why limit yourself to just two guitars there are many great guitars being made today go out and play as many as you can, you will find the one that works for you.

enjoy your search

It of course is your choice, I have always been put off by Guild dreds, due to their weight, the wider neck heel/join and high action...they feel 'overbuilt' and harder to play by comparison to Martins. They sound wonderful. But an HD-28 just seems so responsive and alive as does a nice D-18.

You obviously have never played a Guild. I own several Martins; a D-18, an HD-28, a D-41 Brazilian, and a D-42. Each and every one of them came with a very high and stiff action that I had to have set up by the local Martin tech.

I also own several Guild guitars; an F-50, a D-50 and the D-55. They are heavier than any of my Martins, but they are also not as fragile as my Martins and the weight really isn't that bad. The neck dimensions of my Guild D-55 compared to my Martin D-42 are both 1-11/16" at the nut. Each of the Guilds came set up ready to play, straight from the factory, with super low, almost electric guitar close actions. The actions are buttery smooth, and lightning fast, with absolutely no buzz. All of my Guilds are incredibly well balanced, infinitely easier to play and sound every bit as good as any of my Martins (as bad as I hate to admit it, considering how much more expensive my Martins are) and my Guild D-55 is a cannon - it blows away every Martin in my collection, even my D-41 Brazilian and my D-42.

My Martins, beloved as they are, are fragile and I have had problems with several Martins in the past with bindings separating (on a D-35 and on a D-28 that I previously owned), and currently some warping on one side of the D-18, even though I keep them in a climate controlled environment. On the other hand, my overbuilt Guilds are rock solid. They are the ones I travel with and play most often. I have had absolutely no problems out of them.

As for the wide heel shape, I'm with you. I like the "looks" of the heel on my Martins much better. However, even though the heel on my Guild is wider than on my Martin, it is also a lower profile than on my Martins, allowing me better reach for my smaller hand when I get down toward the 12th fret. The shape of the heel has never caused me any problem. If anything, I like the playability of it more than my Martins.

It all boils down to personal preference, but dollar-for-dollar, you won't find a better-built or better-sounding acoustic guitar than the Guild D-55. The one guitar I have on my guitar stand in my living room is my Guild D-55 Sunburst. Awesome guitar in every respect!

Old thread - nevermind.

I've been a Martin fan for a long time, and while their 0, 00, and 000s are incredible guitars, the best dread I've ever played is my plain, simple 1972 Guild D-25.

But the choice between a Guild D-55 and a Martin D-28 is like:

Hi.. I"m currently going through a similar thought process - I've had a Guild D55 since the early 90's and have always LOVED it, but am approaching 45 and considering treating myself to a Martin. I've played the D41 and D28 (not the D28V with difference bracing) and I wasn't blown away at all with the Martins. Obviously they're different guitars, so I don't expect them to sound similar, but to me, my Guild just sounds so much fuller and richer. As others have said, it also feels a bit more solid, which I personally like, but aside from the weight and feel, to me, the Martins just didn't sound on par - which I was really surprised with.

So now, instead of purchasing a Martin, I'm considering upgrading the electronics in my existing Guild D55 from the 20 year old Fishman piezo to the latest Fishman Aura Pro to improve the live sound from the guitar.

So, Westreverb, whatcha get? Probably bought something completely different from what the discussion was...good on ya!

Coming up to a big 5.0. And I thought I would treat myself for the oncoming older years and buy a beautiful acoustic that I would not only enjoy but pass on to one of my kids when I pass on
Played both today at my local store and wow!!!
Really can feel and hear the difference to anything else I've played
They are both incredible guitars and it's a nice problem to have
So I put it to the forum
If you had to choose between the two ICONS which would it be??
P.S. At the moment the Guild is ahead buy a bees dick

Haven't played the 55 so can't comment but I have an HD-28 which I love. Constantly getting comments on the tone. If you haven't already, have someone play each of the guitars (55 & the 28) while you compare.

^^^Yup! On my 50th, a bunch of (very generous) friends all got together and bought me an Epi Dot 335 and the $$ to put Gibson pickups in it too! (they knew I used to own one, and wanted one again...)

Wow! Can I trade my friends for yours?

Well...

I am a Guild junkie...and I too have been to the New Hartford factory a couple of times.

I own a Tacoma-built D55...having played a recent NH-built D55 in a local store, I think it has a nicer neck and is very slightly lighter. It is my understanding that the newer Guilds have had some re-engineering done which is a good thing. The thought that comes to mind when I play mine with new strings is "balanced," not bassy, not shrill, just "nice."

My brother owns a late 90's D28. Does not sound like the Guild. Feels very "tight" to play. He loves it dearly, but covets my Guild. I do not care for his guitar (though I have played a similar age D18 that was incredible!)

A Guild D55 is like a conservative Martin D41...not quite as much bling. A Guild D50 Traditional-Series is more spartan like a D28, but has an Adirondack Spruce top (more better? D55 has Sitka Spruce), though on some the grain is rather wide.

My pick at the first Guild open house was a D50 Standard (Sitka Spruce top I believe) or D40 Standard...the second visit I was into 12-strings so really did not sample much else.

Play many guitars. All makers have some greats and some dogs. The thrill of the hunt is half the fun! Good luck :lol:

Hey I know this guy...... New Hartford Guilds are Amazing!!!!!! Martins can be good too it comes personal taste. Martin hired Frank Untermyer away.