Martin vs. Guild

[fronobulax]

How often can you tour a factory, get to sample various models, see some of the great artisans in action and get a free drink coster from the sound hole Martin coaster!
M

LMG I. The SWAG for the other LMGs didn't include coasters. LMG II had the best petting zoo if my memory is correct.

 

[Bill G]

I played one of the (indonesian?) Westerly series guitars when I was in Sam Ash with a friend who was trying out ukuleles, and it was a fantastic guitar. So much that I went back, it was sold, and the ones they had left didn't sound as nice, including the USA made new M-20's that cost twice as much. I think each one is individual.

 

[gibsonjunkie]

For years I tried Martins, wanting to get one but never bonding with any of them. I know a lot of people who love them, but I've always ended up purchasing a "G" guitar (Gibson or Guild) when all was said and done.

 

[gibsonjunkie]

LMG I. The SWAG for the other LMGs didn't include coasters. LMG II had the best petting zoo if my memory is correct.

The door prizes were great - still have my coasters and a set of Guild stools (along with T shirts and hats). Then there was the awesome D-55 that I bought as a second.

 

[Sal]

I don’t play my electrics much anymore and my two main acoustics are a ’60 Guild F40 and a ’59 Martin 000-18. The Martin is a lighter build by design, so there’s a more refined feel to it. It’s light, nimble, very responsive and rings like a bell. It’s a joy to play but I reach for the Guild more often. The Guild feels more solid but its still light compared to some of the later Guilds; my ’78 D25 for example. The F40 has more growl in the low end compared to the Martin and it’s not a muddy low end in the least. When I was recording more it was usually the F40 that I thought sat better in a band mix. That conclusion is perhaps counterintuitive but the note definition with the Guild was excellent, clear yet harmonious. I understand why an old Martin gets more money. They are fine instruments and a good investment. The secret is out on our old Guilds though and prices have risen quite a bit it seems. Both guitars I will take to my grave.

 

[SFIV1967]

I played one of the (indonesian?) Westerly series guitars..., and it was a fantastic guitar.

Only the new "Starfire I series" is made at P. T. Samick in Cileungsi near Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
All imported acoustic guitars since 2005 (GAD and later Westerly Collection) are made at Grand Reward Education & Entertainment (GREE) in Hui Yang City, China. Exception were some Ensenada, Mexico made models like the Arcos series during New Hartford times.

Ralf

 

[adorshki]

Only the new "Starfire I series" is made at P. T. Samick in Cileungsi near Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
All imported acoustic guitars since 2005 (GAD and later Westerly Collection) are made at Grand Reward Education & Entertainment (GREE) in Hui Yang City, China. Exception were some Ensenada, Mexico made models like the Arcos series during New Hartford times.

Ralf

Interesting link about Farida/GrandReward:

Farida Guitars