Guild's Future

[PhilD]

I discovered Guild Acoustic guitars at the age of 57 in 2010. In these few years I have been buying (and selling some) to get the right mix for me. It seems to be an ongoing process. I visited the NH plant and was impressed with what I saw. I know the economy has not been so great, and guitars are being made everywhere, cheaper than here. Surely not better. I don't know what the future holds for the Guild brand, but I sure am glad I discovered them. I wish them all the success in the world. Tough business these days ! When I bought a D50 ATB from NH for $1299 I knew something was wrong. But what a guitar ! 2011 and Stellar ! Maybe now Guild will focus on its higher end models and leave much to China. I don't know their strategy, but I do love their guitars. So, I say thank you. And may all you guys and gals from NH find work. You sure know how to make a guitar. I spent quite a bit of time with some of you. Great crowd of Craftsmen. Making me sad over here...

For the future, we will see. I will be watching with interest.

Phil D in NC

 

[silverfox103]

Nice job Phil, in putting everything in perspective!

Tom C.

 

[PhilD]

Dear Guild fans, I am 71 and had an ischemic stroke 13 months ago. Sad times for a guitar player and singer. My voice was lost and now coming back. All my Guilds are in storage.I am a guy who started with Martins and Gibsons, eventually traded them all for Guilds.Slowly but surely. I lived near the Guild New Hartford plant growing up.In fact learned to drive a VW Bug in their parking lot 1964. My left fretting hand still does not work.Patience !! I am a Woodstock veteran and really miss writing and recording.I think I only have 2 hours on my 2014 Orpheum.My killer 2012 NH D50 longs for my touch. I understand why you guys have a Forum for Guild players.I have many Guilds and only one non Guild a Taylor 614 CE. Missing my guitars, I leave you all with my best wishes for Peace and Love, lots of Laughs and inspired guitar playing.... PhilD from Naples Fl. just up the street from Bob Seger

 

[Cougar]

Wow, welcome back, Phil! New Hartford Guilds are some of the best IMO, and a NH F50 -- lucky man! Yeah, I broke a couple fingers on my fretting hand many years ago, so I just cheat on some of the chords, especially the F, lol. I too had a sort of ischemic stroke -- knocked out a piece of the optic nerve in my right eye - just gave me a blind spot on 25% of that eye's vision. We just keep on keepin' on. Here's my beauty of an F50R out of New Hartford... Not many come with emeralds on the bridge pins and tuning posts! Love to see yours!

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome back Phil! Please hang around and join in the discussions! And I'd love to see your Orpheum - you could start a new post about it (and don't forget some photos ). I have an Orph 12-fret dread and it's a pretty great guitar.

 

[walrus]

Glad to hear you are hanging in there! Wishing you well!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I got a '92 D-50 a few months ago. Too much fun!

Keep on pluckin'!

 

[silverfox103]

Hi Phil

Sorry about your health woes. Although it probably doesn't seem it to you, you have made big strides from 13 months ago. Keep up your exercises etc. and good things will come. Use those Guilds of your's, calling your name, as an incentive.

Good Luck

Tom

 

[chazmo]

You were even later in life with Guild than I was, Phil! Sorry to hear about the health issue(s), but like Cougs said, keep on keepin' on! Nice to see you back!

 

[geoguy]

Hey, Phil, welcome back . . . I think I recall seeing your avatar photo in the past.

I'm very sorry to hear that you suffered a stroke. I've known a couple of people who were able to sing before they could talk, after a stroke. Maybe give it a go as part of your recovery efforts?

And maybe you could try playing around with a slide on a guitar in an open tuning, if/when you feel able. That might be easier at first than fretting individual notes or chord shapes.

Also, I just listened to one of the tunes you posted on Soundcloud . . . very nice singing & playing!

Something in the Way She Moves - PhilD's cover of JT

 

[PhilD]

I hitchhiked 120 miles to Woodstock at 16.Was dancing to the Peppermint twist as a small fry.Great growing up in the late 50's and 60's. The Guild plant in New Hartford Ct. was where my father had a small foundry.I learned to drive on a 61 VWBug in that parking lot at age 11.Thanks Dad !. I stopped in 2013 and visited the whole Guild shop.There was some talent there. My opinion the best guitars they made. I have a 2012 d-50 in sunburst that is my " If I had to choose to be stuck on an island, which guitar would I take?" The guitars that I will be selling are keepers, not a bad one in the bunch. If you want a great beater( as in cheap and good), grab my True American from Westerly .Guitars that are meant to be played, for sure. Peace and Love, Y'all PhillyD

 

[PhilD]

Thanks for the compliment ! Half of my adult family went to Juilliard, one in the Classical Music Hall Of Fame. I never wanted to be on stage. I Know and knew many well known Rockers. I just like playing and singing, and seeing how good I can get, for my own satisfaction. I really am not a great guitar player, a good singer, however. LOL

 

[richardp69]

Nice post and thanks for sharing it. You seem like a really stand-up guy and someone I wish I knew or could meet. I wish you the best of luck on everything coming your way. Keep the faith!!!!