Are new D-55s out there?

[CajunJ]

This is my one-man's-opinion... The Martin HD-28 I used to have (and several that I tried) was a bit more like the Guild D-50 models I've played. I.e., "boomier" than the Guild D-55. IMO, the D-55 is a more balanced instrument, but I've always been a bigger fan (personally) of the D-50 and the HD-28. Anyway, I think the HD-28 against the D-50 is a closer comparison.

Don't get me wrong; I love all of these instruments!!!!

There’s a special Martin 28 at Sweetwater with an adi top and v neck for the same price as the D-55. Not making this easy…

 

[fronobulax]

There’s a special Martin 28 at Sweetwater with an adi top and v neck for the same price as the D-55. Not making this easy…

I can always make things into black and white. What is more important to you, a new guitar or a new Guild?

If the former then buy the Martin now, play it and when you realize you should have bought the Guild, sell the Martin and get the Guild once supply and demand are better balanced. Think of the deprecation on the Martin as rental

 

[CajunJ]

I can always make things into black and white. What is more important to you, a new guitar or a new Guild?

If the former then buy the Martin now, play it and when you realize you should have bought the Guild, sell the Martin and get the Guild once supply and demand are better balanced. Think of the deprecation on the Martin as rental

After everything I’ve listened to and read, the D-55 is most likely my next guitar. The only thing that would change my mind would be the boomy Martin sound for bluegrass. But, the Guild tones I’ve heard online are the sound I’ve been wanting for a while. And I play more than bluegrass. It’s just scary, and most would say crazy, to buy such an expensive guitar without playing one. But I figure if I don’t like it I can always return it and do the Martin thing.

Any insight on the D-55 neck profile? I’ve read that it’s a little thin/flat? I was hoping it would be similar to the D-40 traditional, but I don’t think it is. I’m not a fan of flat necks, but I’d get used to it for great tone.

 

[valleyguy]

Thanks, valleyguy. That’s what I was looking for. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the HD28 and D55. I play some bluegrass right now, and I’ll probably always play some, but I definitely enjoy playing many other genres. If I was a straight up bluegrass player, I’d probably stick with a Martin. Regarding the D28, I’d have to get an older one because I really don’t like the MLO necks and the nut on the new Martins.

Do you think the 55 can hold its own against the Martin bass wise?

As far as the bass question, the D55 has plenty of bass, I've been satisfied with it, compares certainly to the HD28. Like you I like that bass rumbling in my gut....

For Bluegrass, I've found mahogany guitars work best for leads, though my D50 with an adirondack top, the so-called bluegrass model, holds up well in that regard. That said, plenty of D28s at bluegrass jams, so I think it is all in the hands of the player. You have a D18, so if you can keep that, you'll have a nice balance of a mahogany and rosewood guitar, they will be two very different animals.

I would not be afraid to buy used. Guilds hold up well to use. Made To Be Played, after all. The Tacoma, New Hartford, and Corona models will all sound pretty much the same, and there is little variability between individuals here, and you'll save some money, used Guilds are relatively cheap. You didn't list where you live, but Craigslist and Offerup are good places to start looking locally. That way you can also play before you buy.

Good luck

 

[valleyguy]

After everything I’ve listened to and read, the D-55 is most likely my next guitar. The only thing that would change my mind would be the boomy Martin sound for bluegrass. But, the Guild tones I’ve heard online are the sound I’ve been wanting for a while. And I play more than bluegrass. It’s just scary, and most would say crazy, to buy such an expensive guitar without playing one. But I figure if I don’t like it I can always return it and do the Martin thing.

Any insight on the D-55 neck profile? I’ve read that it’s a little thin/flat? I was hoping it would be similar to the D-40 traditional, but I don’t think it is. I’m not a fan of flat necks, but I’d get used to it for great tone.

My Tacoma neck is thicker than my Martin neck. I'm not really picky about necks (though I like a thicker neck), I've just noticed after using my capo on my D18, that I have to loosen it to get it on the D55.

As I suggested in my previous post, look for used ones in your area. Will give you the opportunity to play one at minimum.

 

[CajunJ]

Thanks, @valleyguy. I’m pretty set on a new Oxnard built one. Good to know about the bass. That should work for me.

I know this is sort of an annoying question because it’s impossible to predict, but is a new D-55 a pretty safe bet to buy unplayed? Meaning, the chances are pretty low that I would get a dud given the wood quality selections, etc., right? I plan to buy through GC, so if necessary I can return it.

 

[bronzeback]

Thanks, @valleyguy. I’m pretty set on a new Oxnard built one. Good to know about the bass. That should work for me.

I know this is sort of an annoying question because it’s impossible to predict, but is a new D-55 a pretty safe bet to buy unplayed? Meaning, the chances are pretty low that I would get a dud given the wood quality selections, etc., right? I plan to buy through GC, so if necessary I can return it.

For what it's worth my 2018 Oxnard D40T is my keeper after dozens of Guild and non Guilds in the stable over the past 30 years. Here's a NH D55 I never should have let go:

 

[CajunJ]

For what it's worth my 2018 Oxnard D40T is my keeper after dozens of Guild and non Guilds in the stable over the past 30 years. Here's a NH D55 I never should have let go:

Sounds great. Nice playing!

 

[fronobulax]

I know this is sort of an annoying question because it’s impossible to predict, but is a new D-55 a pretty safe bet to buy unplayed? Meaning, the chances are pretty low that I would get a dud given the wood quality selections, etc., right? I plan to buy through GC, so if necessary I can return it.

Not a lot of reports with "problems" with Oxnard built instruments, especially after the first year of production or so. I think the consensus here would be that you are just as likely or more likely to get a dud when buying a new Martin or a new Gibson.

Not sure where you are located and it won't matter if the pessimistic view of the future market holds, but pretty much any brick and mortar shop will work with you if there is a reason to return an instrument. You can even discuss the possibility that you just don't like it as a return reason before money changes hands. So you may be limiting yourself by focusing on GC, especially if the reason is related to customer service.

 

[walrus]

Random and possibly irrelevant FYI, there's a brand new F-55 on eBay right now:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174813680193?epid=19016186272&hash=item28b3b51241:g:iOgAAOSwxtlg1Ce4

walrus

 

[CajunJ]

Not a lot of reports with "problems" with Oxnard built instruments, especially after the first year of production or so. I think the consensus here would be that you are just as likely or more likely to get a dud when buying a new Martin or a new Gibson.

Not sure where you are located and it won't matter if the pessimistic view of the future market holds, but pretty much any brick and mortar shop will work with you if there is a reason to return an instrument. You can even discuss the possibility that you just don't like it as a return reason before money changes hands. So you may be limiting yourself by focusing on GC, especially if the reason is related to customer service.

Thanks. I’m in the NC mountains. Yes, the reason for going with GC would be the return policy. I’d be just as happy using a small dealer. I called one dealer and they didn’t seem very interested. Another hadn’t heard of the D-55 at all.

 

[chazmo]

Good luck, CajunJ. I don't think GC is an authorized Guild dealer, but you can ask them. Try Sam Ash... Anyone that'll ship.

 

[walrus]

There are actually several on Reverb, but you would need to consider the shipping/return policy issues you have stated above.

https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=guild d-55

walrus

 

[CajunJ]

Thanks, guys. GC is an authorized dealer. I’ve seen the ones on Reverb, but the return windows are pretty small, then there’s return shipping cost to consider.

I got an email from Guild saying turn around time for a new D-55 is 3-6 months from when the retailer places the order. I think that’s the route I’m going to take.

 

[fronobulax]

Good luck, CajunJ. I don't think GC is an authorized Guild dealer, but you can ask them. Try Sam Ash... Anyone that'll ship.

The Guild "Find a Dealer" lists GC and Music and Arts which is owned by GC or the same parent. There may be some confusion since towards the end of the New Hartford days you could be listed as an authorized Guild dealer but not actually carry Guilds made in each of four different countries (USA, Korea, China and Mexico). GC pretty consistently could get the higher volume Made in China and Newark Street Guilds.

What we really want is to make a distinction between someone who can order product from Guild and someone who routinely stocks a specific product in a brick and mortar location.

 

[davismanLV]

With GC it also depends on whether a D55 is a guitar they normally stock (when they can get them). I tried to buy a Breedlove from GC and they wanted a 50% non-refundable deposit because it's not a model they normally stock. I asked, "What if I don't like it?" They said I could return but they keep the 50% deposit. I have no idea why you're so set on GC because they generally have not very good customer service (in my experience) and so I would avoid doing business with them. When I ordered the same Breedlove from Sweetwater (broken/crushed box, no damage to guitar or case) they gave me an amazing deal and when I asked about return if I don't like it, they said I have 30 days, full refund, I pay shipping. They got my business!! Consider carefully. Sweetwater is great. You're gonna have to wait, either way. Just a heads up!!

p.s. - I was typing when frono posted above!! What ^^^ he said!!!

 

[CajunJ]

With GC it also depends on whether a D55 is a guitar they normally stock (when they can get them). I tried to buy a Breedlove from GC and they wanted a 50% non-refundable deposit because it's not a model they normally stock. I asked, "What if I don't like it?" They said I could return but they keep the 50% deposit. I have no idea why you're so set on GC because they generally have not very good customer service (in my experience) and so I would avoid doing business with them. When I ordered the same Breedlove from Sweetwater (broken/crushed box, no damage to guitar or case) they gave me an amazing deal and when I asked about return if I don't like it, they said I have 30 days, full refund, I pay shipping. They got my business!! Consider carefully. Sweetwater is great. You're gonna have to wait, either way. Just a heads up!!

p.s. - I was typing when frono posted above!! What ^^^ he said!!!

I’m not wedded to GC at all. I was just trying to save on return shipping that I would have to pay if I return through Sweetwater. Agree that Sweetwater is easy to deal with. I’ve worked with them before. And, if they decide to give me a discount, that’s the route I might go. But the whole goal here is to NOT have to return. Just planning the best bet if that happens to be the case.

My local GC has been historically terrible at customer service. So much so that I avoid going. But I went recently to look at the D-18s and they were amazingly helpful.

I’ll keep in mind what you said about the 50%. Definitely won’t deal with them if that’s the case.

 

[fronobulax]

So... You are looking at a $3,000 guitar and you are afraid if it is mistake it will cost you return shipping of $75. Why don't you flip that and pretend you are buying insurance with a $75 deductible that will pay if the guitar is a mistake?

I'm not opposed to GC - it has its place - but there are a lot more GC horror stories than success stories and the success stories usually involve buying used or vintage equipment.

 

[davismanLV]

You're acting like you're not going to like this guitar! I have a pretty good idea you're gonna LOVE it and on the miniscule chance you don't, $75 is not a horrible penalty. Once again, what frono said above......

 

[adorshki]

Maybe it's a coastal thing since in many situations California is about 10 years ahead of the rest of the nation? I can patronize a number of local businesses that still value their participation in the community and can still stay in business in times of scarcity without price gouging. But maybe in 10 years they won't be around?

I think at least part of the issue is the whole of the greater Sillycon Valley metropolitan sprawl has experienced property value inflation due to imbalance of manufacturing vs residential zoning, it drove up leasing costs for retail space, so most of the traditional small business models simply can't survive anymore.

Also, population turnover reduces the potential for building long-term customer relationships so critical to a small shop's survival.