Introducing the Guild Custom Shop

[davismanLV]

For those of you who don't have a Facebook account or don't play the social media game.... here's a link to a video about the Guild Custom Shop. Fun to watch. Take a look/listen....
http://youtu.be/mw27vKEtSMs

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

That was awesome! It was just like being back at LMG and seeing all your old friends!

"Just one more!"

 

[Default]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9MNNxbsHumc

for the New Hartford Fender Custom Shop version!

 

[SFIV1967]

Nice!
Ralf

 

[P-E-Zmusic]

Its fun to watch....

 

[southernGuild]

Ahhhhh "Just one More"
Thanks Tom. That was a very well done video from the folks at Guild. I'm impressed again.:rugby:

 

[idealassets]

For those of you who don't have a Facebook account or don't play the social media game.... here's a link to a video about the Guild Custom Shop. Fun to watch. Take a look/listen....
http://youtu.be/mw27vKEtSMs

That's a great video. Its interesting to see inside the factory again, as shown in the video. Yes, "just one more guitar.."

Thanks Tom,
Craig

 

[Ridgemont]

Great video and makes me proud to own my lowly D25. But I am confused. What is the custom shop? Mainly small scale boutique? Can we order custom guitars like the name implies?

 

[twocorgis]

Great video and makes me proud to own my lowly D25. But I am confused. What is the custom shop? Mainly small scale boutique? Can we order custom guitars like the name implies?

I don't think it's a custom shop in the same way as Martin in that you can specify nut widths, string spacing, and wood choice etc. Hopefully that will be in the pipeline at some point. While I think it's noble that FMIC is keeping the NH plant busy building high end Fender acoustic guitars, I just can't see $3K Fender acoustic guitars selling very well, at least to my generation. Fender acoustics long ago (and rightfully) acquired the "cheap crappy" stigma, and I don't honestly think that can be overcome, at least to my generation.

 

[SFIV1967]

What is the custom shop? Mainly small scale boutique?

At least in Guild's case this is it: http://www.guildguitars.com/custom-shop/ Special high end models, only on a built to order system, in a meaning that only if a shop orders them they are build. (whereas the GSR models were/are build first and sold later). The 60th anniversary model is a bit different, it is more like the GSR models where a fixed number (in that case 60) are build...The Orpheum and AP models have no fixed number.
Ralf

 

[Ridgemont]

I don't think it's a custom shop in the same way as Martin in that you can specify nut widths, string spacing, and wood choice etc. Hopefully that will be in the pipeline at some point. While I think it's noble that FMIC is keeping the NH plant busy building high end Fender acoustic guitars, I just can't see $3K Fender acoustic guitars selling very well, at least to my generation. Fender acoustics long ago (and rightfully) acquired the "cheap crappy" stigma, and I don't honestly think that can be overcome, at least to my generation.

You hit the nail on the head Sandy. Too many people associate Fender acoustics with a lesser grade than say a Taylor, or Martin, or Guild. They have tried it once before and failed. I do not see a different result this time around but only time will tell.

Not to bring up the past, but I remember many here making similar arguments when FMIC was trying to make Guild on par and compete with the likes of notable boutiques such as Santa Cruz, Collings, and Bourgeois. Those made the argument that Guild had its place as a factory that built quality guitars that were on par but more affordable than Martin and Gibson. But as with high end Fender acoustics, only time will tell whether there will be realignment of the makers and their place in the guitar world.

BTW Sandy, I recently played a Martin with a chunky 1&13/16" neck. It felt great. Now I am really wanting to test out that clunky Orpheum neck.

 

[twocorgis]

BTW Sandy, I recently played a Martin with a chunky 1&13/16" neck. It felt great. Now I am really wanting to test out that clunky Orpheum neck.

You might get along great with the new Orpheum Jonathan. I liked it a lot, but wasn't sure enough that I would bond with the neck profile that I was willing to risk the big depreciation hit I'd take if I didn't. So I scratched the 12 fret, wide nut itch with this one:

I think I made the right decision. This 000-17SM is just an astoundingly good guitar, even more so when you consider its relative bargain basement price. I love it a little more every time I play it. It's at my luthier's now getting a LR Baggs Anthem SL installed, and I hope it doesn't have any affect of the amazing sound that comes out of this little box.

 

[Ridgemont]

Geez Sandy that thing is gorgeous! I have yet to test out the new -17 Series, but have only heard good things. I really love the 12-fret 000 body style and find them smaller than the seem on the screen. I recently tried a 000-28GE that is a 12-fretter and it just fit like a glove. Completely different dynamics when compared to its 14-fret brethren.

 

[twocorgis]

Geez Sandy that thing is gorgeous! I have yet to test out the new -17 Series, but have only heard good things. I really love the 12-fret 000 body style and find them smaller than the seem on the screen. I recently tried a 000-28GE that is a 12-fretter and it just fit like a glove. Completely different dynamics when compared to its 14-fret brethren.

Good luck finding one of these to play, as only MFG and Maury's seem to have them in stock right now, and any place that gets one seems to sell it right away. I played one of these at my local Sam Ash, and it literally haunted me to the point where I couldn't sleep that night. I went back the next day to buy it, and it was gone! I found this one used at UMGF, and was second in line. The first buyer backed out, and so here it is. I won't ever sell this one and have a difficult time putting it down!

 

[ladytexan]

Now I am really wanting to test out that clunky Orpheum neck.

Jonathan, Jim (Guitar Rez) has a couple Orpheums (jumbo & dread, 14-fret) in stock. When time allows, you might want to mosey-on over and give them a try. As per Sandy, the Orpheum neck profile isn't for me, but it is one great guitar. Loads of volume and sustain.

 

[Ridgemont]

Jonathan, Jim (Guitar Rez) has a couple Orpheums (jumbo & dread, 14-fret) in stock. When time allows, you might want to mosey-on over and give them a try. As per Sandy, the Orpheum neck profile isn't for me, but it is one great guitar. Loads of volume and sustain.

Thanks for the heads up Toni. I haven't been to Guitar Rez in a while so it is good to know that his inventory has changed.