I just picked up a used Corona Guild Flat back D25...the build on it is as good as anything I have seen, including Gibsons, Taylors, and even Martin. Its not a D55, but neither was the price. For the money, it was better than anything I have seen out there.....I actually thought about pulling the trigger on a 25th anniversary Seagull....but after getting the Guild, I'm glad I didn't. Not that the Seagull isn't an ok guitar, but its just not the build quality of the D25 I got.
That being said, Fender paid whatever they paid for the Guild name to build Guilds, not Fenders. I believe they would be crazy to throw away that investment by making a shotty instrument. If business, not ethics drive the industry, then it will be a business decision to keep the Guild a better instrument than what Fender has to offer....otherwise no one will buy into it. Trying a failing isn't unusual in any business and I think the world market has proved that to many manufacturers. The positive spin I see is that Fender has continued to try to keep the Guild name alive and has made a pretty good effort, regardless of the moves....Here's my point......Who here wouldn't want to own a D40 made in Tacoma?
I hope the move to Conneticut proves to be a good one for Guild, if not, I wouldn't be surprised if they moved again....I just hope they keep it in the NorthAmerican continent....Canada is welcome too!