Best new guild acoustics

[Hellz Kitchen]

Looking at getting a new guild acoustic. They have a loot of options all ranging in very affordable to pretty pricey. Which are their top end models and sound/play the best. I’m other words if you were to get a new guild acoustic that was their best stuff, what would you go for?

 

[Brucebubs]

Me .. a rosewood JF-55 or maple JF-55M.

 

[Wellington]

Very subjective, everyone has different preferences. To me, the D55 or F55 are the Cadillac, but my weapon of choice is a 2020 D40 Traditional. The non Traditional D40 or F40 I think is a really good price for a really good guitar. I've been really interested in the D20 (all mahogany).

What's your price range? I'd say a D40 is always a winner but if the USA models are too expensive, the lower tier D140 and D240 are cheaper in price, different string spacing and I think are pretty dang good still.

 

[Hellz Kitchen]

Very subjective, everyone has different preferences. To me, the D55 or F55 are the Cadillac, but my weapon of choice is a 2020 D40 Traditional. The non Traditional D40 or F40 I think is a really good price for a really good guitar. I've been really interested in the D20 (all mahogany).

What's your price range? I'd say a D40 is always a winner but if the USA models are too expensive, the lower tier D140 and D240 are cheaper in price, different string spacing and I think are pretty dang good still.

I’d rather go big for a really exceptional acoustic then get something pretty good so I’m open to the top range budget wise of what they offer

 

[GGJaguar]

I'm very impressed by the quality and sound of the Guilds made in Oxnard (I have an Oxnard-made F-512M). You'd really need to ask yourself what body type and sound will suit your playing style to know which of the top models to pick. For 12-strings, I prefer jumbos so that's why I went with the F-512. For 6-strings I prefer dreadnaughts (D-55) or small jumbos (no longer offered).

 

[Wellington]

I’d rather go big for a really exceptional acoustic then get something pretty good so I’m open to the top range budget wise of what they offer

In that case try and watch some reviews, check out the Guild reviews from Ian Meadows on YouTube, his demos are more accurate sounding than any other I've heard, listen with headphones or speakers. Of course playing in person is best.
I think to cover the broad bases, D55 (or F55), D40 Traditional (or F), D20 are three essential ones to check out. Guild has demos on their website too. Kind of depends if you're more of a rosewood or mahogany guy in some ways.
If you're small or like small guitars, the M20 is super cool and short scale, small body guitar.

 

[Brad Little]

My choice would be either the RW JF55 or maple F512. I have their mirror images, Maple F50 and RW 512, so one of those would be my choice. OTOH, if I didn't have a D55, that would warrant a hard look. As somebody else mentioned, D40 is a possibility. Again, if I didn't have a mahogany Orpheum dread, D40 would be on my radar. I guess I haven't really narrowed it down for you, but this just illustrates the scope of the Guild line. Good luck, and I hope you can get to play at least a few of these models before choosing.

 

[Barcaly J]

Looking at getting a new guild acoustic. They have a loot of options all ranging in very affordable to pretty pricey. Which are their top end models and sound/play the best. I’m other words if you were to get a new guild acoustic that was their best stuff, what would you go for?

D 55, amazing guitars

 

[eljayski]

What Barcaly J said . . .

 

[Hellz Kitchen]

Okay sweet. About to head out on tour with 2 electrics and 2 acoustics so having a full arsenal of guilds for the shows would not only be sick but not as common to see that many guilds in one setup lol. Already have a 70s D35 and a 70s S90 I modded to be chambered with a pine top that screams

 

[chazmo]

Nice design, Hellz... Does the mural represent something specific (other than day/night transition)? Very cool. Love the colors!

 

[Hellz Kitchen]

Nice design, Hellz... Does the mural represent something specific (other than day/night transition)? Very cool. Love the colors!

Me and my wife's theme is sun and moon so Cindy at cindy guitars/carmine street guitars in NYC chambered it, put a new pine top and then did the artwork since she's also an artist.

 

[richardp69]

I love my F 40. It has an absolutely HUGE voice and it's reasonably priced. The D 20 is another winner in an all Hog Dread. I haven't yet had a bad Oxnard built Guild. Personally, I think they get it and are producing some fine guitars.

I think you need to ask yourself what body style are you looking for, what tonewoods and what type of sound/tone.

 

[D30Man]

I own a 2018 Oxnard F-55 ( rosewood ) and it is a beast of a guitar. Very woody, responsive, fairly lightweight and gorgeous. Of all of the Guilds I have owned I have gotten the most positive response from audience members, fellow pickers and even my wife regarding that guitar. Ren got that factory headed down the right path under a company ( Cordoba ) that sought to live up to the Guild tradition of quality. The Oxnard models I have played have all been keepers. I am not thrilled with the base level D-20, D-40 and F-40's aesthetically as they are very plain, but they are extremely well reviewed. My two cents. You will likely not be disappointed sonically with an Oxnard build.

 

[Hellz Kitchen]

I own a 2018 Oxnard F-55 ( rosewood ) and it is a beast of a guitar. Very woody, responsive, fairly lightweight and gorgeous. Of all of the Guilds I have owned I have gotten the most positive response from audience members, fellow pickers and even my wife regarding that guitar. Ren got that factory headed down the right path under a company ( Cordoba ) that sought to live up to the Guild tradition of quality. The Oxnard models I have played have all been keepers. I am not thrilled with the base level D-20, D-40 and F-40's aesthetically as they are very plain, but they are extremely well reviewed. My two cents. You will likely not be disappointed sonically with an Oxnard build.

So what are all the current lineup builds (Oxnard/westerly/USA etc… ) and what’s their ranking on a scale from 1-10

 

[D30Man]

Not going to rank them. Westerly has the distinction of being the longest running factory to date with several really good models / builds under its belt. One could argue that gives it the title of best Guild factory, but there are redeeming qualities and continuities across all of the factories.

 

[RBSinTo]

Looking at getting a new guild acoustic. They have a loot of options all ranging in very affordable to pretty pricey. Which are their top end models and sound/play the best. I’m other words if you were to get a new guild acoustic that was their best stuff, what would you go for?

Mr. Kitchen,
You have asked a question of others that only you can answer.
Go find a music store that sells Guilds, and play a bunch. When you play the one that satisfies all of your wants and needs, you'll know. And thats the one to get.
RBSinTo

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Simple! The top models are the expensive models.

Different body sizes have different sounds and feels. Different kinds of wood have different sounds.

Which you'll like is entirely up to you. Since you can afford a domestic guirar, ignore their imports. Look at their USA-made line and see which of their higher-priced guitars appeals to you.

The best thing to do is test drive some. If there's a guitar store you can get to that carries Guilds, make the trip. Playing's believing.

 

[roadbiker]

Looking at getting a new guild acoustic. They have a loot of options all ranging in very affordable to pretty pricey. Which are their top end models and sound/play the best. I’m other words if you were to get a new guild acoustic that was their best stuff, what would you go for?

If money was not an object, for a 6 string it would be a D-55. For a 12-string, an F-512

 

[Guildedagain]

Can I use your music room?

;]