First guilds from the new factory...

[marcellis]

It's a good idea to invite him here Chaz.

FMIC would be in a good position to make Guild electrics again - either in Corona or maybe in Hartford -
if it would be a profitable line.

IMO, there is less difference between different brands of electric guitars than there is between a Guild acoustic
and an Ovation acoustic guitar. There is a huge tonal difference between an Ovation and a Guild acoustic.
Raw tonality is everything with acoustics. And Guild acoustics are known to have a certain sound.

Electric guitars or basses can sound differently based on what amp is used, what pickups are used, etc.
There are a lot more variables that can color the tone of electric instruments. But with acoustics, it's raw tonality.
How does it sound when you strum it unamplified? Does a Hartford Guild sound like Guilds traditionally sound?

I don't know why Hamer or Fender workers, with the proper designs and materials, couldn't make Guild electric
guitars and basses. I hope Hartford workers can arrive at the Guild sound when they make acoustics.

 

[guildzilla]

Nice scouting report, Chazmo.

In spite of being near the top of the cynical list about this move, I must say that I'm genuinely encouraged by the response you got from the Hartford GM, partly because his response actually sounds genuine.

FMIC, of course, may fire him for that breach of corporate SOP. :roll:

 

[chazmo]

Nice scouting report, Chazmo.

In spite of being near the top of the cynical list about this move, I must say that I'm genuinely encouraged by the response you got from the Hartford GM, partly because his response actually sounds genuine.

FMIC, of course, may fire him for that breach of corporate SOP. :roll:

This really makes me wish I could be a fly on the wall for a BOD meeting in Scottsdale, just to hear what the FMIC guys really expect from Kaman here... But, yeah, I'm encouraged as well, as we can hope that the Kaman GM is telling things as they are. I admit, there seems to be some hype here. As Marc said, training with Guild is a little vague. Also, I don't know if Kaman would actually have any say if FMIC decided (again) to shuffle things around in the future... Nevertheless, I'm glad to hear at least the GM's desire here.

OK, so let's just take it as a glimmer of hope. I was certain that writing a letter or contacting FMIC corporate directly during the transition would've been a waste of time. Maybe, however, the Kaman folks will be more accessible and keep us in the loop. Maybe.

 

[chazmo]

Oh, and one other thing... I didn't ask, specifically, about electrics. I won't say a word about that, since I have no information to impart. Sorry. Will definitely let you know if I hear anything specific about model production (but I don't expect I will).

 

[Guildgator]

In response to his comments about how many 'westerly guild employees' we're still making guilds, the answer is zero. No workers from westerly ever moved to Corona. 4 were offered jobs, all turned them down.

FYI - some of the Westerley guys ended up at Campbell american guitars in the New England area. I just saw a Bass they made with the Darkstar pickups. Pretty cool.

 

[6L6]

I had a tour of the Westerly factory back around 1980 or so.

I was able to get in via a friend who knew the GM well. I recall being VERY impressed with the amount and quality of hand craftmanship on display.

While there I also renewed an old acquaintance, John Deutschendorf (Denver). He was walking out as I was walking in and we were able to get together for lunch a little later in the day. The last time I'd spoken with John was in Boulder, CO at a tiny, crappy, pizza joint where he was playing for food and a few bucks. Told me he was on his way to LA to "get discovered".

He made it.

6

'06 D-55
'06 D-40BJ
'06 F-412
'74 D-40

 

[chazmo]

^ And damned if he didn't represent Guild well over the years.

Hey, 6, do you have any idea why John switched to Taylors later on? And, hey, maybe we can get the Connecticut guys to do a John Denver commemorative F612 model, ya' think?!

 

[workedinwesterly]

the amount and quality of craftsmanship in westerly continued till the end. building over 40 different models under 1 roof, flattops, solid, jazz, 80's metal guitars...whatever. the skill and tooling were there to make just about anything...from a d4 to an artist award.
that's how the company survived all those years, they were able to adapt to the market.

unfortunately most of those skilled hands have retired, are working at the indian casino, or electric boat.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

^ And damned if he didn't represent Guild well over the years.

Hey, 6, do you have any idea why John switched to Taylors later on? And, hey, maybe we can get the Connecticut guys to do a John Denver commemorative F612 model, ya' think?!

And don't forget the years that John Denver played those great Yamaha Guitars.
I think that John just had a passion for nice guitars.
Sounds like someone I know!
Me!

 

[6L6]

When I first met John back in Boulder at the crummy pizza joint "On the Hill", he was playing to a crowd of one... me. Hard to believe, but the food there was AWFUL and only those of us who had little or no money (me for instance) would eat their crap. We chatted during the breaks and he told me of his plans/dreams.

And YES, he was playing a Guild 12 (can't remember the model) and an unknown brand 6 string, beat to hell. His voice was just incredible and I remember thinking, "Now THIS guy SHOULD make it if anyone does." I also discovered his dad was one of my childhood heroes (I asked John if he was any relation to the famous USAF Test Pilot with the same name). I told him my plan was to become a USAF pilot myself after college, and that's what I did. SO... we both got to realize our dreams and we talked about that fact over lunch in Westerly.

In an even smaller world, my youngest daughter ended up a sorority sister and roommate of John's daughter while in college. That's where she was when she got the news of her father's death...

He is greatly missed and I consider myself very lucky to have known him in the small way that I did.

Bring on that Signature 612!

6

 

[West R Lee]

Sounds like you both got to do a little flying, and at least John died doing what he loved. I always liked John Denver's music, but didn't have a real appreciation for it until after he was gone. I miss his making music too.

Cool story, thanks 6, and thanks for serving sir.

West

 

[chazmo]

Rock on, John. Bells of Rhymney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydxrAsNY9Zw

 

[danerectal]

Speaking of John Denver. I just got a copy of Poems, Prayers and Promisses on vinyl from a close, close friend. It was cracked on the outer edge, but I was able to listen to about 66% of it. The Box is one of the most profound poems I can say I've ever heard recited.

 

[nature boy]

OK lets say that the new Guilds are awesome, Better than the overbuilt acoustics that Westerly turned out.
How many instruments is Fender planning on building? (The Ovation plant is small as far as I know, under a couple dozen workers) Not to mention that there are none of the original craftsmen, O yea one Westerly guy is tring to make it happen.
That will mean the plant could produce a dozen acousics a week. At that rate the new guitars will never make it to market. Personally I think it is a pipe dream.

 

[Mo]

All I can say is that Fender will lie through their teeth in a heartbeat! I have been lied to more than a couple times since late 1994 about Tacoma guitars. I was fortunate to personally know folks at Tacoma that were management and also on the line building the guitars and always got straight scoop from them which always turned out to be truthful. Hopefully a lot of Guilds will be sold so the brand can live on because it isn't about history or tradition but the absolute bottom line. In an uncertain economy, luxuries will definitely take a hit and cause businesses to trim fat.

 

[12stringer]

When I first met John back in Boulder at the crummy pizza joint "On the Hill", he was playing to a crowd of one... me. Hard to believe, but the food there was AWFUL and only those of us who had little or no money (me for instance) would eat their crap. We chatted during the breaks and he told me of his plans/dreams.

And YES, he was playing a Guild 12 (can't remember the model) and an unknown brand 6 string, beat to hell. His voice was just incredible and I remember thinking, "Now THIS guy SHOULD make it if anyone does." I also discovered his dad was one of my childhood heroes (I asked John if he was any relation to the famous USAF Test Pilot with the same name). I told him my plan was to become a USAF pilot myself after college, and that's what I did. SO... we both got to realize our dreams and we talked about that fact over lunch in Westerly.

In an even smaller world, my youngest daughter ended up a sorority sister and roommate of John's daughter while in college. That's where she was when she got the news of her father's death...

He is greatly missed and I consider myself very lucky to have known him in the small way that I did.

Bring on that Signature 612!

6

Hey 6
Thanks for sharing that story...I always loved John's music and often get requests for "Country Roads"
He really touched a lot of lives for the better and is sorely missed.

 

[hideglue]

OK lets say that the new Guilds are awesome, Better than the overbuilt acoustics that Westerly turned out.
How many instruments is Fender planning on building? (The Ovation plant is small as far as I know, under a couple dozen workers) Not to mention that there are none of the original craftsmen, O yea one Westerly guy is tring to make it happen.
That will mean the plant could produce a dozen acousics a week. At that rate the new guitars will never make it to market. Personally I think it is a pipe dream.

natureboy,

What changes would you make to ensure/ insure its not just a "pipe dream"?

 

[West R Lee]

OK lets say that the new Guilds are awesome, Better than the overbuilt acoustics that Westerly turned out.
How many instruments is Fender planning on building? (The Ovation plant is small as far as I know, under a couple dozen workers) Not to mention that there are none of the original craftsmen, O yea one Westerly guy is tring to make it happen.
That will mean the plant could produce a dozen acousics a week. At that rate the new guitars will never make it to market. Personally I think it is a pipe dream.

natureboy,

What changes would you make to ensure/ insure its not just a "pipe dream"?

I think he'd like for you to go to work there Hide :wink: . I know I would....and see if you can find that Walker guy....maybe Mr. Greco has a few guitars left in him ! Personally I don't think my D25 is overbuilt.....hey, it's still here and going strong 30 years later....a sturdy guitar...yes.

West

 

[sitka_spruce]

OK lets say that the new Guilds are awesome, Better than the overbuilt acoustics that Westerly turned out.

West is right by saying not all Westerlies were over built, but late '70 well into the '80s a lot of them were. Heard a rumour this could have been a decision made to make their 12-strings stand up to the torque better and in effect all instruments were re-enforced.

 

[taabru45]

My '80 F12 is a brick. Around that time I was still driving an old 66 Volvo 122, also a brick...I think if I were in it, along with my F512 and was in a ground leveling earthquake, all 3 of us would have been OK in a surround of rubble.... Steffan