Tell Me About Guild Classicals, Please

[Canard]

I used to have an exceptional 1970s Sada Yairi modern long scale classical, amazing for something that probably had plywood sides and back. When my daughter moved out, she said, "I'll take this. Thanks, Dad." And I couldn't really say, "No, you won't."

I have looked on and off for a guitar to replace it, but I am usually disappointed and aghast--disappointed in how poorly the guitars sound (in comparison to the Yairi) and aghast at how much they cost.

I got badly burned with a high-end guitar that I bought online--it was discussed elsewhere here under the topic "Ethical Question".

I don't remember ever having seen a Guild classical in person.

They show up periodically here. There is a Mk II up for sale now. They are usually quite modestly priced. Why are they so inexpensive for an American-made guitar?

Models run from Mk I to Mk VII?

What are the differences?

Are they good classical guitars? Classical guitars and steel string guitars are very different structurally, and sometimes a company or luthier who specialises in one of the two, does not do entirely well with the other.

Recommendations on models/years?

There are also the Cordoba Guild classicals, which I assume are just rebadged Cordoba guitars. I have tried a number of Cordoba classicals

 

[F-412Spec]

Models run from Mk I to Mk VII?

What are the differences?

The Mk guitars are solid woods. The numbers generally (not always) change with changes in wood. The lower numbers starting with mahogany and the highest ending in rosewood.

Guild, Martin and Gibson are steel-string-famous but each also produced or produces nylon string guitars. Of the three, I've found that the Gibson Richard Pick comes closest to the idea of a trditional classical guitar in sound, but there are all kinds of opinions on this subject.

If I were buying a used nylon string guitar right now, it would likely be an early (NOT the maple "reissue") cypress Cordoba crossover like the Gypsy Kings, but that's a LONG way from a classical guitar. Just one that might surprise you.

 

[chazmo]

They show up periodically here. There is a Mk II up for sale now. They are usually quite modestly priced. Why are they so inexpensive for an American-made guitar?

The are a terrific value, Canard. Guild classicals are very underpriced in the guitar market. I'm not sure if classical guitars, in general, have a market as big as the flattops. I learned on a classical (not a Guild), but it was all folk music and '70s rock that I learned to play on it.

 

[SFIV1967]

Models run from Mk I to Mk VII?
What are the differences?

Maybe start here:

Guild nylon string?

did/does Guild offer a nylon string model?

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

 

[Uke]

There's a Youtube video on Guild classicals which I found quite well-done. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of it . You might try searching for that. I have a Guild Mk 4 with the Rosewood back and sides. To be honest, it's o.k., but I have owned several Yamaha classicals, low and high end, and have always been impressed with them. The lower line Yamaha models, I think, are the best classicals for the money.

 

[kostask]

Is it just me, or does anybody else find the use of mahogany top on the Mark I a little odd? Classical guitars tend to lose a lot of string energy (due to the strings) on the way to the bridge, and mahogany, being a hardwood, usually would require more energy to get moving. Strange choice of soundboard wood: spruce and cedar make a lot of sense, but to me, mahogany doesn't.

 

[chazmo]

Is it just me, or does anybody else find the use of mahogany top on the Mark I a little odd? Classical guitars tend to lose a lot of string energy (due to the strings) on the way to the bridge, and mahogany, being a hardwood, usually would require more energy to get moving. Strange choice of soundboard wood: spruce and cedar make a lot of sense, but to me, mahogany doesn't.

I don't find it odd, Kostas. There are a lot of classical-style guitars with mahogany tops.

 

[Canard]

Maybe start here:

Guild nylon string?

did/does Guild offer a nylon string model?

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

Thanks, Ralf.

Impressive, as always.

 

[Uke]

Thanks, Ralf.

Impressive, as always.

Canard: Here's that Youtube video:

 

[Canard]

Canard: Here's that Youtube video:

Thanks.

 

[twocorgis]

Canard: Here's that Youtube video:

That's my old Mark VI!

 

[Nuuska]

Thanks for that video

While at it - is there some basic difference between Classic guitar and flamenco guitar ?

 

[Uke]

Thanks for that video

While at it - is there some basic difference between Classic guitar and flamenco guitar ?

I think the main difference is between woods used in contruction, possibly sturdier construction on flamenco guitars, and sometimes tuners on flamenco guitars can be the friction type as opposed to the worm-and-gear mechanical type. I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong. I've never owned, needed, or wanted a flamenco guitar.

 

[silverfox103]

I don't find it odd, Kostas. There are a lot of classical-style guitars with mahogany tops.

I had a Favilla, which is a well made and desirable classical guitar, made of all Mahogany. They may be hand made, as they were a small family owned business. They were around for about 100 years, but are gone now (1986)

Tom

 

[chazmo]

I had a Favilla, which is a well made and desirable classical guitar, made of all Mahogany. They may be hand made, as they were a small family owned business. They were around for about 100 years, but are gone now (1986)

Tom

My Favilla C-5 Overture. Yes, all mahogany!

I learned to play on this guitar. Was my mom's in the early '60s before I absconded with it in the '70s.

 

[silverfox103]

Nice guitar Charlie, mine was also a C5. I sold mine probably 10 years or so ago. Do you still have yours? I don't see it on your list.

Tom

 

[chazmo]

Nice guitar Charlie, mine was also a C5. I sold mine probably 10 years or so ago. Do you still have yours? I don't see it on your list.

Tom

I do, Tom. That's one I'll never part with for sentimental reasons. My list doesn't include my non-Guild 6-strings. I'm not sure why I included the non-Guild 12-strings other than I was showing off.

 

[silverfox103]

I get the sentimental part, I wouldn't get rid of it either!

Tom

 

[F-412Spec]

While at it - is there some basic difference between Classic guitar and flamenco guitar ?

On flamencos (in my case a Ramirez), the bracing is different, weight is sometimes different (lighter), and the setup is definitely lower than a classical. Flamenco players generally want some "splatter" against the frets while playing.

 

[mavuser]

for me personally, I sound awful on them. the neck is too wide for me. If I am going to battle one of those, I may as well play a 12-string. But that is just me.