Oxnard GSR M-20

[SFIV1967]

Didn't know that one yet. McCabe's in Santa Monica got a GSR M-20 with black label already mid July 2022. Still available.
Differences to the normal M-20E are the white binding around the top and back plus a white heel cap. And no pickguard. Satin NCL finished.
The LR Baggs Element VTC pickup is the same like in the M-20E otherwise.
$2,199.00

Guild M-20 GSR – McCabe's Guitar Shop

www.mccabes.com

Ralf

 

[twocorgis]

Wow, not very "GSR-ey", at least compared to what most of us are used to.

 

[GGJaguar]

So it's $400 more than a regular M-20E? Not a lot of value added there.

 

[SFIV1967]

Wow, not very "GSR-ey", at least compared to what most of us are used to.

So it's $400 more than a regular M-20E? Not a lot of value added there.

Most of the Oxnard "GSR" models were nothing fancy. Just a few changes. But at least they do some! GSR is no longer having the meaning of the NH GSR series. Now a single one could be called GSR.
The only one that was really special was the D-512E for CME in Oct 2020 (a 12 string D-55 basically). And maybe the Oxblood red GSR F-55E Maple.

Ralf

 

[Guilderland21]

So it's $400 more than a regular M-20E? Not a lot of value added there.

I'm not sure Guild is even making a regular M-20E at the moment, though they have in recent memory. This page says it's discontinued: https://guildguitars.com/g/m-20e-in-natural-2/

I remember another discussion recently about the changes to Oxnard GSRs often being small. I do like the look of this one and I have some interest in an all-mahogany guitar with electronics, but I don't think I'll be rushing to get it.

 

[jeffcoop]

Agreed, this definitely seems like a continuation of the watering-down of the GSR concept. It's nice to see that they're trying something, but disappointing to see that they're trying so little.

 

[twocorgis]

Agreed, this definitely seems like a continuation of the watering-down of the GSR concept. It's nice to see that they're trying something, but disappointing to see that they're trying so little.

I think it goes hand in hand with the vast expansion of the Asian rim guitars, which is now at a bewildering level. I'm glad that CMG is keeping the brand alive, but there has definitely been quite a bit of dilution in the process.

 

[beecee]

I think it goes hand in hand with the vast expansion of the Asian rim guitars, which is now at a bewildering level. I'm glad that CMG is keeping the brand alive, but there has definitely been quite a bit of dilution in the process.

So true!!

I pop on Guitar Center's used acoustics site often and I don't recognize half of the Guild guitar models under $700.

 

[Rickenmaxer]

I've been digging the M-25e lately. It's got a lighter "California sun" but I really prefer the gloss top. (I wish they'd just do a full gloss small USA acoustic again.) Plastic tuning buttons compared to this GSR, but $200 less. Not easy to find, but a few dealers have them...Willicutt's in KY, for example:

Guild M-25E California Burst

The original M-20 was the first guitar off the production line in 1967 when manufacturing was based in Hoboken, New Jersey. Today, the M series are an iconic piece of the Guild name—manufactured in Oxnard, California in a state-of-the-art facility. The M-25E expands on the M-20, featuring added...

willcuttguitars.com

 

[SFIV1967]

I've been digging the M-25e lately. It's got a lighter "California sun" but I really prefer the gloss top.

Agreed! With the gloss top and the visible wood on the back (vs totally stained on the GSR) that M-25E seems to be a better deal. And yes, for a GSR they should have made it full gloss NCL.

Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

It looks like Oxnard is more busy with GSR models those days and the mixup is getting almost crazy. It's definitely hard to catch up with all of those models!

Now we just talked that the M-25E California Burst would be the better alternative and now this:

M-20E GSR Cali Burst​

In the Netherlands.

https://www.tfoa.eu/en/guild-gsr-m20e-cali-burst.html

EUR 2,435 (that includes 21% VAT)

Nutwidth: 44.5 mm - 1.75"
Satin NCL







I like that they use buttons with screws now:



Ralf

 

[GGJaguar]

I have to wonder if all these GSR models are slowing down regular production. Maybe they should wait until they have caught up with any backlog.

 

[fronobulax]

I have to wonder if all these GSR models are slowing down regular production. Maybe they should wait until they have caught up with any backlog.

Maybe they're doing it because they have staff or materials shortages that inhibit regular production? Or maybe it's just cashflow?

 

[Guilderland21]

What are the chances that this one is just an M-25E where they accidentally put satin finish on the top?
(Alternatively, and a little more seriously, it could be a worthwhile test for Guild of how much stronger the M-20 brand is due to its history - maybe people like the California Burst and electronics but are more likely to buy it if marketed this way.)

 

[SFIV1967]

it could be a worthwhile test for Guild of how much stronger the M-20 brand is due to its history

The store in the Netherlands is one of the first giving the correct info. Not "played by" but:
"...informally nicknamed “the Nick Drake guitar” for its inclusion on the album art for Drake’s album, Bryter Layter."

Ralf

 

[davismanLV]

Well, if someone is dead set on an M20, and the only one available is a GSR with an upcharge, then they've made more money. IF someone buys it. And with that light colored binding, it's really beautiful.

 

[chazmo]

If it's helping to keep Oxnard busy, I don't care if they call them GSRs or not.

 

[Rayk]

If it's helping to keep Oxnard busy, I don't care if they call them GSRs or not.

Um keeping busy ? Tell’em to get of their so busy back sides and build OM’s that help keep them busy . Lol