New Hartford D-55

[Brad Little]

It's probably come up, but even so, I'd like opinions of anybody who's played a New Hartford D-55. As a Connecticut resident and Guild aficionado, I'd like to get at least one from the first year of production.
There's a shop a couple hours away that has one, and I've emailed regarding trade-ins. I'm looking to trade my D-50 and Gibson Chet Atkins CE on a New Hartford guitar (D-55 first choice, F-50R second).
Brad

 

[Frosty]

Brad - if you are buying as a first year potential collectible, then an '09 model is the only one to get and the only decision is new/now or used/later. Or am I missing something?

The only one I had my hands on looked well made, fit and finish etc. As discussed elsewhere (someone might have links) the CT D-55 is a bit different from previous incarnations. So whether you like the changes or not is up to you. But it is certain, that an '09 model is a first year edition!

 

[kyguild]

I played a NH D-55 this past Saturday at a shop in Louisville, KY. The place was getting ready to shut down for the evening when I spotted it hanging on the wall, only had time to pull it down and fingerpick it for a whole 3 minutes or so.

I have to qualify my remarks by saying that my experience with D-55's is extremely limited. I have only even seen 3 of them in my life, a Corona, a Tacoma, and the new NH, and I have never played a Westerly D-55 so I have no frame of reference to that animal.

My general impression of the NH is that it is the equal of the Tacoma I played, and somewhat better than the Corona. Workmanship of the NH was flawless, a beautiful instrument. I am reserving judgement on the open tuners...I know that several high-end makers are using the open tuners, I prefer closed tuners, but these seemed to work very smoothly. This one had the new style pickguard in tortoise...I prefer the traditional shape, the color doesn't bother me.

The guitar had great tone, maybe a little bit restrained, but again, I was fingerpicking only, and didn't lay a pick to the strings. Strumming with my fingernail against the strings made it sing out well with good volume. I would think the guitar would open up well with some playing time.

Again, take my comments with the limitations I've noted in mind, but the NH D-55 I played seemed to be a really nice piece.

ky

 

[jcwu]

I played a NH D-55 this past Saturday at a shop in Louisville, KY. The place was getting ready to shut down for the evening when I spotted it hanging on the wall, only had time to pull it down and fingerpick it for a whole 3 minutes or so.

Next time, just buy the guitar, take it home, test it to your heart's content, and return it the next morning.



Kidding!!

 

[Beal]

Brad, go for it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[JerryR]

I and some of the others played one at the Arlington Guitar show - a good enough guitar but I have my heart set on acquiring a Westerly D55 at some stage in my life (Jay Pilzer had already sold the on he had by the time I got to his stall).

 

[bluesypicky]

I played an 09 Hartdford D55 here in Jupiter FL. (at Wolf guitars, the guy has some clips on youtube playing it and some other guilds) and cannot come up with one flaw on this instrument, it is certainly one of the best dreads you can buy today.
That said, I too, have a thing for vintage guitars as Jerry said.

 

[plaidseason]

Guild is back in New England making fine guitars. All is right in the world, or at least something is.