New Hartfords in.

[Bing k]

Well a couple of weeks ago we received a couple of the New Hartford guitars. A D-55 and an F50R.

D-55, Right away we notice a couple of the design changes we heard about which we think are a step in the right direction.
The radius of the top has been changed from 40 feet to 30 feet and the bracing is now red Adirondack . The change in the radius necessitates a change in the neck angle but it doesn't change the "feel"
To quote my Fender rep"The tighter top radius helps to improve the overall projection, presence, and sustain of the guitars"
Drive the top harder; would be another way of saying it I suppose.
Our lead studio instructor said when he first opened the case and strummed it, "Great tone, outstanding".

The action is pretty decent with out adjustment and it plays very well.
Fit and finish are great.
When I first played it the thing I noticed besides the great tone is it's undoubtedly the loudest D-55 I ever played right out of the box, leaving me to believe great things are to come as it ages.

The F50R has that bold bottom end it's famous for and "articulate highs" and the action is also very good. I'm going to spend some more time with this guitar and get a better handle on what changes if any are in the design.

They look and sound good!

 

[Dr. Spivey]

Thanks for the report, Bing. Good to hear the CT guitars are hitting the stores.

 

[killdeer43]

Bing,

My wife and I are heading east in a couple of weeks and who knows how far we'll get. I'd love to get as far as Guitars of MT and stop by to say howdy, and maybe even touch a new Guild! Are you in Great Falls or Stanford?

Joe

 

[chazmo]

Good to hear, Bing! Thanks!!

 

[Bing k]

PM sent

 

[killdeer43]

Depends on the day. But our schedule is not set in stone. The folks in the Great Falls store can give you the lowdown on whats there. That's where the New Hartfords are hanging.

That's great (falls?). We have friends to the east in Lewistown and we've actually kicked around the idea of dropping in to see them. Road trips rule!

Joe

 

[Bing k]

Quote Killdeer43: That's great (falls?). We have friends to the east in Lewistown and we've actually kicked around the idea of dropping in to see them. Road trips rule!


We just spent the whole day Saturday running an all day show at Lewistown's annual Chokecherry Festival. We rolled out of the rack here at the ranch at 4:30 AM to get set up by 8 and then had it loaded and on the road home by 7:00 that evening. Heck I even sang a song there.

 

[southernGuild]

Greetings Bing.....THAT is GREAT news, the future looks bright! Very reassuring word you bring! cheers, Southern

 

[marcellis]

Nice to hear from you Bing.

Nice to have a report on the N.H. Guilds too.

 

[6L6]

Thanks for the report, Bing!

I'm not at all surprised that the NH Guilds look/sound/play great.

For those of you thinking on visiting Great Falls, MT, don't miss the BEST steak dinner you'll EVER have at Eddies Supper Club. Simply FANTASTIC!

6

http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Reviews/3380/eddies-supper-club

 

[Frosty]

Thanks, Bing, for reporting on the structural changes made to the D-55.

I played a CT D-55 a few months ago and reported on that experience here at LTG. Based on my history playing Westerly and Tacoma D-55s, new and used, I was immediately struck by something different in the sound of that CT D-55. Perhaps these changes account for what I heard!

 

[drive-south]

There is a photo of a CT D55 here somewhere and it has some cosmetic changes that were unexpected, including a tortus pickguard and open-gear tuners.

drive-south

 

[JDWags]

Bing.......Any idea when you will be getting in the D-40's from New Hartford? I know you had a Tacoma D-40 (2006) in stock a few weeks ago and would like to hear your report on comparing the Tacoma built D-40 with the New Hartford D-40.

I was tempted to purchase that Tacoma D40 from you, but I just wanted to wait to see what the New Hartford D-40 was all about. There are several features on the New Hartford guitar that I like.......mainly the 3 piece neck.

Let us know when the D-40's come in.

 

[Paddlefoot]

Anyone visiting Bing in Great Falls should allow time to see the Charlie Russell museum and studio. See, there are some that still care about cowboys and the old west.

 

[Bing k]

There are several features on the New Hartford guitar that I like.......mainly the 3 piece neck.

.

Speaking of necks:
The maple center piece of the 3-piece neck has been replaced by a walnut center piece on all USA Traditional series

The maple shrinks at a different rate than the two outer mahogany pieces. Over time, as the wood moves, this can result in the maple center strip ‘raising up’ a little bit, creating a slight bump on the back of the neck. It generally takes a long period of time for this to develop.

The walnut shrinks at a similar rate to the mahogany and will help to prevent the ‘raising up’ of the center strip over time.

 

[hiscoes]

Killdeer43,
My wife and I drove to Great Falls from Portland last May. Scenic drive most of the way. I recommend it for anyone who likes road trips. Been there, done that, bought the Guild!