Namm 2014

SFIV1967

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Not saying Guild should build a J45 variant. More to the price & the fact that Guild could offer a variation on the standard theme.
Well, the Orpheum models in either 12 fret or 14 fret version as introduced one year ago are basically Guild's answer to this shape. Designed by Ren Ferguson himself. I know they are more expensive compared to that J15 "lowcost model" however...You will forget about Gibson after you played those Guild Orpheum models! :)

3873500821_frt_wmd_001.png



The hog version sells for $2999 street price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orphe...ht-Acoustic-Guitar-Ren-Ferguson-/200973462567
The Rosewood version for $1000 more: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GUILD-CUSTO...E-SHOULDER-ROSEWOOD-DREADNOUGHT-/290926602838

Here's the 12 fret hog: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orpheum-12-Fret-Natural-w-HSC-/151183441677
And the 12 fret Rosewood: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orphe...readnought-with-Case-3872000837-/290950935663

Ralf
 
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Christopher Cozad

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...the little row of slots in the wood means ONLY electronic use...
I wouldn't be too quick to judge. Yes, it is a thin body guitar, so we are already expecting something less, acoustically, than a full size Ramirez. But it is chambered...

Years and years ago, when I first asked a Sam Ash rep to (get a ladder and) pull a Godin Multiac off the wall to sample, it actually was the little slots that caught my attention. I had been thinking about a "thin body" nylon string guitar for some time, and Sam Ash had just received these innovative guitars. Of course they were optimized to be plugged in, and not simply amplified, but with the added 13-pin jack you had the option to "midi-fy" these puppies and drive synthesizers! Needless to say, I bought the Godin on the spot.

What can easily be lost in the story is the fact that I was mightily impressed by the pure acoustic tone, as were all those who grew to know this guitar over the years. It sounded really good un-amplified! While I have not yet played one of the new Guild nylon string guitars, it would not surprise me to discover they are quite adept, unplugged.

To offer an opinion on the Guild with the $5499.00 price tag (when compared to $1500.00 for a Godin) I would first need to actually play one. ;~}
 
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JohnW63

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Over 5 grand !?

Sorry. Not in this lifetime. I'll have to look at other brands. Been watching for a good used Ovation nylon guitar, just in case.
 

SFIV1967

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I'll have to look at other brands. Been watching for a good used Ovation nylon guitar, just in case.
John, have you looked at The Guild Mark I-VII series nylon models? Or even the new Guild GC-2 or GN-5 ? The GN-5 even has a onboard Fishman® Sonitone™ pickup if needed.

Ralf
 

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All this interesting discussion of the various models and corporate strategies aside, I just wish I could walk into a music store within 100 miles and actually see a New Hartford Guild. I've often been disappointed with on-line guitar purchases. I would much rather try before I buy, than play the guitar roulette game.
 

SFIV1967

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Watasha

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Well, the Orpheum models in either 12 fret or 14 fret version as introduced one year ago are basically Guild's answer to this shape. Designed by Ren Ferguson himself. I know they are more expensive compared to that J15 "lowcost model" however...You will forget about Gibson after you played those Guild Orpheum models! :)

3873500821_frt_wmd_001.png



The hog version sells for $2999 street price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orphe...ht-Acoustic-Guitar-Ren-Ferguson-/200973462567
The Rosewood version for $1000 more: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GUILD-CUSTO...E-SHOULDER-ROSEWOOD-DREADNOUGHT-/290926602838

Here's the 12 fret hog: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orpheum-12-Fret-Natural-w-HSC-/151183441677
And the 12 fret Rosewood: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Orphe...readnought-with-Case-3872000837-/290950935663

Ralf

You are exactly right & the Orpheums address a lot of the wishes that I have for my next guitar as I want a 12 fret or short scale guitar next time around. My only "issue" with the Orpheums is the price & the fact that they really don't look very Guild-like. I really can't afford one after buying 2 NH Guilds this past year so I kind of selfishly want Guild to meet me in that $1,400-$1,600 range. That's my problem, not Guild's. I DO wish that they looked enough like a Guild at a glance (pick guard & such) although I do understand what Ren & the guys were going for with the overall theme. They do seem to be amazing instruments though.
 
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tommym

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My only "issue" with the Orpheums is the price & the fact that they really don't look very Guild-like.....

I agree on the looks issue; they might as well just replace the Guild script on the headstock with Fender or Takamine. I think the pricing is OK for a US built guitar of this quality and in-line with what the other US manufacturer's would charge for a similar guitar with similar qualities.

Tommy
 

chazmo

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Dang! Slotted Orpheum 12-ers! I may have to ditch my Martin D12-20 and git me one of these!!!
 

Watasha

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...I think the pricing is OK for a US built guitar of this quality and in-line with what the other US manufacturer's would charge for a similar guitar with similar qualities.

Tommy

Yeah, I agree with you there which is why I said the fact that I couldn't afford one was my problem & not Guilds. I would love that (Gibson J15) $1499 price tag on a similarly outfitted US Guild though. I can dream...
 

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Yeah, I agree with you there which is why I said the fact that I couldn't afford one was my problem & not Guilds. I would love that (Gibson J15) $1499 price tag on a similarly outfitted US Guild though. I can dream...

I know where you're coming from......unless I sell off some of my other guitars, the only USA Guild that would in my price range would be the non electronic F-30 Standard. Time to start some of my other guitars......:culpability:

Tommy
 

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Just noticed that the Doyle Dykes Signature steel six strings are based on the F-47, but have a wider 1 3/4" nut. So there seems to be some hope that this may find it's way into the Standard or Traditional series guitars as an option some day. So, aside from the wider 1.80" nuts on the Orpheum Series six strings, we also have the Standard F-30, Standard F-30R, Doyle Dykes Signature (Maple), and Doyle Dykes Signature (Rosewood) available with the 1 3/4" nut. Out of them all, I would lean toward the Standard F-30, as I do prefer mahogany, and non cut-away guitars.

Tommy
 

GuildFS4612CE

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I wouldn't be too quick to judge. Yes, it is a thin body guitar, so we are already expecting something less, acoustically, than a full size Ramirez. But it is chambered...

Years and years ago, when I first asked a Sam Ash rep to (get a ladder and) pull a Godin Multiac off the wall to sample, it actually was the little slots that caught my attention. I had been thinking about a "thin body" nylon string guitar for some time, and Sam Ash had just received these innovative guitars. Of course they were optimized to be plugged in, and not simply amplified, but with the added 13-pin jack you had the option to "midi-fy" these puppies and drive synthesizers! Needless to say, I bought the Godin on the spot.

What can easily be lost in the story is the fact that I was mightily impressed by the pure acoustic tone, as were all those who grew to know this guitar over the years. It sounded really good un-amplified! While I have not yet played one of the new Guild nylon string guitars, it would not surprise me to discover they are quite adept, unplugged.

To offer an opinion on the Guild with the $5499.00 price tag (when compared to $1500.00 for a Godin) I would first need to actually play one. ;~}

Christopher...you're dead on. It has a lovely acoustic tone...easily heard, even in a booth in the middle of the NAMM show...and amplified, in person, it's amazing...and versatile.:applause:

Can I afford it, or any of the other new or old models? No. But others can.

Can I play it? No. The wider neck and nut width doesn't fit ME. But that doesn't change how nice a guitar it is.

The Orpheum 24 3/4" scale Slot Heads are lovely as well. Ren had the Rosewood 12 string at the show and the Mahogany 6 string. The short scale is perfect for ME. The nut width, no. But it will fit a lot of you guys just fine.

The Doyle Dykes models are all mid scale length...for you middle of the road guys.:playful:

And to all the rest of you...until you actually have the chance to see and play one of the new guitars...it's pure uninformed speculation.:tranquillity:

You've now got quite a choice from Guild. Hopefully you'll take advantage of it. And, remember, the ONLY way to get something exactly as you wish is 100% custom...you'll only get that from a private luthier...and if you think these Guild models are expensive...:wink-new:
 

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Too bad about the demise of the F-20. Back in the day, it was a friend's F-20 that got me interested in acoustic guitar. Now, some 40 years and a bunch of Martins later, it was the NH shop and a local Cocobolo GSR F-20 that put Guild back on my radar screen. The Orpheum series definitely caught my eye ... but, unless and until Guild offers an 00 with hide glue and red spruce bracing, Guild falls off the screen.
 

SFIV1967

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SFIV1967

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Here's Doyle giving his new "DD-12MCE Doyle Dykes Signature 12-String Cutaway Electric" a good workout!



Ralf
 
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Larsonguy

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