Guild GAD-30PCE

[Metalman]

Can't believe I am saying this, but I really love the new GAD-30PCE. Was in the music store the other day, and a fellow was playing a new D-40 and as sweet as it sounded, the GAD-30PCE that I had in my hands playing along with him was louder by a long shot!
I actually had to play softer, and hold back on this baby in order to hear him.
The workmanship on the guitar was impeccible, not a flaw to be seen, and everything is top notch quality, as far as I could see. The Chinese put everything first rate in the construction of this model. The red paduok sides and back looks really nice.
The 30PCE comes with a pickup, but I plan to put my own Fishman Rare Earth Blend in that baby, so the electronics didn't figure in on my affection for this guitar.
There was one on Ebay last week, I bid on it, but missed out at the last minute. Anybody out there have one, and how do they like it?
Would like to hear from you all.

Metalman

 

[zplay]

Thanks for the description of that model, Metalman. I don't have any experience with it or the F-40 version, which I believe is a 12 fret and looks very interesting. I've wondered about Paduak as a tonewood. - What would you compare it to?

 

[Metalman]

Thanks for the description of that model, Metalman. I don't have any experience with it or the F-40 version, which I believe is a 12 fret and looks very interesting. I've wondered about Paduak as a tonewood. - What would you compare it to?

Padauk is supposed to be a replacement for mahogany, which is in shrinking supply, so they say. The sound? it had a very well defined upper midrange, and seemed very loud, as compared to the standard Guild that the guy was playing next to me (a very nice new D-40).

I am going for it because of the looks, the cutaway, the price, and the sound. In the past I have blasted GADs, but now I am taking another look at them as a good investment. Not so much for future selling at a higher price, but just in playablility.

I do a lot of melodic leads in our Guitar Ensemble, and I need something that is louder than my F-30R, which as nice as it is, doesn't have a cutaway, and is too sweet sounding and quiet. The GAD-30PCE cuts through and allows for access to the high notes.

Okay, someone said there is not much money past the 5th fret, but that is okay with me, cause we aren't making much anyway . . .

 

[bluegrass jubilee]

i have the F40 version of this guitar. i like it very much. it IS a 12 fret model, but they acheive it a little different than other makers. as opposed to shifting the soundhole back towards the bridge, they simply lop off the fretboard at the 19th fret.

the paduk does have a maghogany tone to it and looks quite nice.

the guitar is surprisingly loud as a strummer. keeping up nicely with guitars that are dread sized.

a nice lil 12-fretter for people who don't like slothead guitars.

 

[zplay]

i have the F40 version of this guitar. i like it very much. it IS a 12 fret model, but they acheive it a little different than other makers. as opposed to shifting the soundhole back towards the bridge, they simply lop off the fretboard at the 19th fret

BG, it's interesting that they just shorten the fret board; I hadn't notice that in the pictures. But doesn't that defeat some of the tonal purpose of the 12 fret design, that is moving the bridge to the center of the bout? Obviously, the bottom line is that it sounds good, but the design choice surprises me.

 

[sitka_spruce]

Thanks for the description of that model, Metalman. I don't have any experience with it or the F-40 version, which I believe is a 12 fret and looks very interesting. I've wondered about Paduak as a tonewood. - What would you compare it to?

Padauk is supposed to be a replacement for mahogany, which is in shrinking supply, so they say. The sound? it had a very well defined upper midrange, and seemed very loud, as compared to the standard Guild that the guy was playing next to me (a very nice new D-40).

Oh, one is never too old to learn. Read at a tonewood supplier it's closer to RW in terms of resonance.

 

[Metalman]

Thanks for the description of that model, Metalman. I don't have any experience with it or the F-40 version, which I believe is a 12 fret and looks very interesting. I've wondered about Paduak as a tonewood. - What would you compare it to?

Padauk is supposed to be a replacement for mahogany, which is in shrinking supply, so they say. The sound? it had a very well defined upper midrange, and seemed very loud, as compared to the standard Guild that the guy was playing next to me (a very nice new D-40).

Oh, one is never too old to learn. Read at a tonewood supplier it's closer to RW in terms of resonance.

Actually, it could go either way, in terms of sound: Pakauk sounding like RW or Mahogany. It all boils down to just what the guitar manufacturer does with its fabricating process. I have heard huge differences between D-40s and Martin D-18s, and similar guitars by Larrivee, Taylor, etc. All being of the same wood, they all sound different.
Same with rosewood guitars: D-50s, Martin D-28s, etc.
The thing I do is compare within the line itself: D-50 to a D-40, GAD-30PCE to a GAD-30 Rosewood, etc.
Went back to the music store again to try out the different guitars, and listen to the differences. Stuck mostly with the GADs, then moved on to the traditional Guilds. Getting to appreciate those GADs a little bit more.
Then I picked up one of my favorite Martins: a new 000-28. Well, it sounded real different now, after playing and getting my ears accustomed to the timbre of the GAD-30PCE. The Martin had this little fingerboard, little neck, and a sweet sound, not as harsh and loud as the GAD.
Whatever works for you, and sounds best for a given situation.