Question about my D55e

[Phoenix 602]

So idk if you guys are familiar with the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) that's out here in north phx/scottsdale area. But I went the other day and it was pretty awesome. We got there at noon and they close at 5pm, wish I would have got there earlier. Its easily an all day affair, maybe 2. But after seeing all the displays from the Estates of different musicians, instruments from every culture and country. Martin&Co. had quite a bit of real estate scattered throughout, but there were guitars from all over as as far back as the first ever known stringed instrument. But what I found disappointing is that I found only 1 single Guild, no real back story or company accomplishments. Just a single guild hung on display in the country/bluegrass section. I'm not sure what model it was. I was thinking maybe one of you guys had em all. but So with them being known for building such prestigious instruments why isnt there a broader following? You cant find em in any sam ash, but I've seen 1 12 string in a guitar center but nothing more. Is it the price tag that turns folks away or what?. I would have thought they would have their own booth there cuz there was a ton of Martin&Co, fender, Rickenbacker, and Gibson.

 

[Phoenix 602]

Truss Rod Covers

Get a custom truss cover for your guitar handmade in California by Thalia!

www.thaliacapos.com

Phoenix - The site above is a pretty solid group. I have ordered a few TRC's from them as well as ebony bridge pins, phone cases etc.. The owner is a Guild guy and there are several options here. I know these aren't the original and not sure about period correct, but let's face it, with your guitar I think we can throw convention out the window..

I actually contacted them already and they cant do the design I was wanting. Which was just ebony with the G logo in the azure sea but they cant do it they said. They can do the G in the blue but in a white background or they can reverse it, that's it. They only have the ebony with the mop G logo. And I didnt do that cuz it wouldnt match cuz mines not MOP.

 

[chazmo]

+1 on Thalia, but yes they've run out of a lot of their Guild stock (like cellphone cases) and aren't making new ones.

Good luck, Phoenix!

 

[wileypickett]

So with [Guild] being known for building such prestigious instruments why isnt there a broader following?

I suspect part of the reason for existence of LTG is in response to that very question.

Those of us who know, know, but the rest of the guitar world has been slow to pick up on the attractions of Guild.

Like with anything you love, you want to spread the word. But it's two-edged sword -- Guild being under the radar has been great for fans of the brand when it comes to buying used Guilds. The fact that they don't have the cachet of Martin and Gibson means they typically don't command the kinds of prices "the Big Two" do in the used market.

But the more the Guild message gets out, the more prices will start to rise. If recent used prices on Reverb and eBay are any indication, that's already starting to happen.

 

[chazmo]

Before I picked my F-512 off the music store wall back in 2007, I thought Guild was long gone. Of course, since then I've been well-educated on the brand.

For acoustics, in its heyday, I would say that Guild had a broad following, but that it was considered the "value" brand of the bunch. That may have meant for a different following than, say, Martin or Gibson.

But, wiley is correct. The strength of LTG is indeed a response to your question!

I've always viewed Guild as the underdog. I didn't know until 2007, though, that Guild had the sound and playability that I wanted! I had started collecting Taylors before then, and those are all gone but one maple beauty that's a lifetime guitar for me too. I came to it sort of sideways because I was always an avid Ibanez fan, having stayed away from the US-built guitars in the '70s and '80s because of cost/value.

 

[davismanLV]

Remember that when Guild was in Westerly, RI, guitar stores and Guitar Center had Guilds all the time. After moving to Corona, CA (2 years), then Tacoma, WA (2 years) and then New Hartford, CT, they weren't putting out the numbers of guitars go satisfy GC and were not carried there any more. That's a huge thing. Also, New Hartford aligned themselvves more with the boutique builders than the big guys. And then they've so far not really pushed to produce the numbers of guitars until Cordoba and Oxnard, CA. And that's mostly imports. The pandemic set back a lot of production. I think Guilds are well known and respected. But they've been through some changes and that's hurt the production and their availability. At least, I think that's a partial explanation of their perceived "lesser status" compared to say Gibson, Martin, and Taylor.

 

[D30Man]

You can find the MIC 200 series ( D-240, OM-240, Jumbo maple junior, D-250 etc. ) Guilds at most guitar centers these days, but never an MIA unless it is in the used section or the vintage room. At least that has been my experience the past few years. From a brand awareness perspective I think both Tom and Wiley make great points. They have moved production several times over the years and have struggled to get the clout of the Taylors, Martins and Gibson brands in the eyes of guitar enthusiasts. For some this is kind of a blessing as - thought their price points tend to fluctuate - they still can be found in good condition at reasonable prices if you look hard enough. There is something to be said for being able to grab a late 70's D-35 or D-25 for under $1k in playable condition. Especially since - IMO - they sound better than anything from Gibson in that era and cost half as much or less. Ultimately I like that there is a very dedicated yet smaller following for the Guild brand. In my almost 10 years of growing loyalty for the brand I have come to find that Guild fans are knowledgeable and demand a higher quality product. Everyone who is anyone has owned or played Guilds. Clapton, Cash, John Hurt, Muddy, Garcia, Dykes all the way to more obscure songwriters like James McMurtry or Adam Carroll. I believe that players know that Guild is a quality brand. All of these points are debatable and contain fallacies no doubt, but my two cents just the same.

 

[wileypickett]

So idk if you guys are familiar with the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) that's out here in north phx/scottsdale area. But I went the other day and it was pretty awesome. We got there at noon and they close at 5pm, wish I would have got there earlier. Its easily an all day affair, maybe 2. But after seeing all the displays from the Estates of different musicians, instruments from every culture and country. Martin&Co. had quite a bit of real estate scattered throughout, but there were guitars from all over as as far back as the first ever known stringed instrument.

There's an article on the Musical Instrument Museum in the latest issue of *American Lutherie* -- the place is massive! They recommend wearing comfortable shoes as it'll take several hours to see everything, and longer if you linger.

Sounds like a must-visit for anyone traveling anywhere near Phoenix.

 

[chazmo]

^Been there. It's a great place!

 

[JohnW63]

I'll put that on a list to see.

 

[Phoenix 602]

I'll put that on a list to see.

Def a must see. Great for the kids too. Cuz they got some kool instruments, I wish I had in my backyard, that everybody can try out. Great value for 25$! And bring a good camera. Cuz theres instruments that will blow your mind. Awesome Awesome place

 

[portsider]

Great story. I really enjoyed reading it.
The guitar sounds like it's awesome and I personally wouldn't be bothered by the checking. (At least if it started that way. I'd be really pissed at that butcher er "luthier".)
I hope you keep it, it's got a lifetime story behind it.

 

[Phoenix 602]

Great story. I really enjoyed reading it.
The guitar sounds like it's awesome and I personally wouldn't be bothered by the checking. (At least if it started that way. I'd be really pissed at that butcher er "luthier".)
I hope you keep it, it's got a lifetime story behind it.

I really wish I could but unfortunately I gotta pay off some overdue court fees to be able to drive again. So as hard as this is for me to say, it's been posted for sale online.

 

[chazmo]

That's a shame, Phoenix. Good luck with the life stuff...

 

[Phoenix 602]

That's a shame, Phoenix. Good luck with the life stuff...

Idk what's worse, having to sell it or the fact that I only need to use about half of the cash it generates to do what I need done. It's a sickening feeling for sure. I have a theory that if I got something once I can get it again. I can only hope that I come across another one in the future that sounds as awesome. This guitar has spoiled me to the point where I dont think I could play another brand of acoustic guitar cuz the sound is unparralel to anything I've played thus far. I even picked up a nice $2300 Taylor the other day, played 2 chords and put it back down.
Guild is top dawg in my book regardless. I will forever kick myself in the ass everyday with both feet for this. I'm just an amateur player and the guitar does deserve a good home and to be played by someone who can truly unleash its full ability for all to enjoy.

 

[Phoenix 602]

I want to thank all of you here for your help, advice, support, and commrodery. I learned alot from this whole experience thanks to everyone here. It was nice to be part of something special if even only for a moment. And that I truly appreciate and sincerely thank you.
I'm hoping someday we'll meet again.
Thank y'all very much.

 

[chazmo]

^ Hey, Phoenix... You don't have to go away just because you don't own a Guild anymore!

Anyway, keep the faith. I suspect we'll see you back down the road.

 

[jeffcoop]

^ Hey, Phoenix... You don't have to go away just because you don't own a Guild anymore!

Anyway, keep the faith. I suspect we'll see you back down the road.

Right. Phoenix, you're part of the community now, and you're always welcome here.

I hope that the current difficulties resolve themselves and that someday, not too long from now, you're able to find another guitar (preferably a Guild, of course) that appeals to you as much as that D55E.

 

[JohnW63]

How are you going to find another keeper without OUR help!?