Since 1952

[hansmoust]

Guild was registered as a company (according to Hans) in October of 1952. But, no factory existed at that point. The first catalog was published in 1954. So, when they say "Made to be Played since 1953" perhaps they mean that nothing was actually MADE until 1953.

I'd say that any reference to guitars being made in '52, or to a workshop existing in '52, is probably erroneous. Hans' book says that there were no guitars produced until 6 months after the factory was set up.

Of course, there are times when Hans will have found some other information since publication of his book. Maybe he'll step in and give us a word.

Hello Dave,

Guild was officially founded as a company during 1952. I guess FMIC can get away with the 1953 date by stating that no instruments were produced during 1952, which would be correct.

As far as the first catalog from 1954 is concerned I did state on page 50 of 'The Guild Guitar Book' that 'The first Guild Catalog, with the title "The Stradivari of Guitars" and a price list dated April 29, 1954, shows a limited line of electric archtops and flat tops only.

That should have read 'the earliest known Guild catalog'. The correct statement was written under a photo of that particular '54 catalog on page 11 of the same book. Somehow I missed the 'first catalog' mistake during the editing process.

Anyway, since the book came out I did find a copy of an even earlier catalog ( earlier than 1954), which shows most of the electric archtops that were produced during 1953 and that are described on page 51 of 'The Guild Guitar Book'.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[chazmo]

Hans, that's awesome. Can you scan some pictures of the first catalog? Or, are you saving this for the new testament?

 

[dapmdave]

Guild was registered as a company (according to Hans) in October of 1952. But, no factory existed at that point. The first catalog was published in 1954. So, when they say "Made to be Played since 1953" perhaps they mean that nothing was actually MADE until 1953.

I'd say that any reference to guitars being made in '52, or to a workshop existing in '52, is probably erroneous. Hans' book says that there were no guitars produced until 6 months after the factory was set up.

Of course, there are times when Hans will have found some other information since publication of his book. Maybe he'll step in and give us a word.

Hello Dave,

Guild was officially founded as a company during 1952. I guess FMIC can get away with the 1953 date by stating that no instruments were produced during 1952, which would be correct.

As far as the first catalog from 1954 is concerned I did state on page 50 of 'The Guild Guitar Book' that 'The first Guild Catalog, with the title "The Stradivari of Guitars" and a price list dated April 29, 1954, shows a limited line of electric archtops and flat tops only.

That should have read 'the earliest known Guild catalog'. The correct statement was written under a photo of that particular '54 catalog on page 11 of the same book. Somehow I missed the 'first catalog' mistake during the editing process.

Anyway, since the book came out I did find a copy of an even earlier catalog ( earlier than 1954), which shows most of the electric archtops that were produced during 1953 and that are described on page 51 of 'The Guild Guitar Book'.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

Thanks, Hans.

I'm a lover of history in general, and the history of Guild fascinates me. Even though it's now been several years since publication of your book, you continue to unearth historical details.

I hope you don't mind my quoting your book.

Dave

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

My problem is with the fact that FMIC originally acknowledged the 1952 and then somewhere along the line changed it to 1953.

Here is my evidence repackaged from the other thread;

Below is one of the first Guild Catalogs produced by FMIC.

Front Cover;

Back cover; (Note FMIC on bottom)

Inside page-2; (Read the paragraph at the bottom of the page.)

So FMIC say's guitars were "made" in 1952.


Here's the 1997 catalog.

Front; (Since 1952)

Back;

Now to further confuse things...


Here is the Winter '97-'98 Guild Gallery.

Front cover;

Inside article; (Note the reference to 1952.)

Inside blurb; (Note the reference to 1953.)

Since this reference came before 2003 and the 50th annivesary, maybe they are telling the truth and are basing their dates from when guitars were first produced.

You have to wonder why they didn't continued with the 1952 registration date since they started with it.

All I know somewhere along the line FMIC changed the year from 1952 to 1953. I still don't know the reason why but they sure seemed to squirm and blush quite a bit when questioned about it.


I'm amused by Adorshki's post;

Strictly in the interest of stirring the pot, I seem to recall that "25th anniversary D25" 's were actually produced in '95? (the same year Fender took over, and making them technically "27th Anniversary", ) and what about those "50th Anniversary D55"'s? Guitar Showcase's famous $8995.00 #1 of 50 is listed as an '03....betcha that's when it happened and they've been having to cover up ever since. :lol:

Mmmm, there's that 2003 date again.

As Hans said, it's their company and if they want to rewrite the history it's their's to do so. It doesn't mean I have to like it!

 

[hansmoust]

I hope you don't mind my quoting your book.

No, not at all. I'm actually happy to hear that somebody is interested in all these little details that I find interesting myself!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[jimmyl51]

Hi Hans,

I just wanted to drop in and say 'Hi' as my professional career has been in a bit of a state of flux, but anyways wanted to get your overall opinion of whether or not you believe Guild will ever really get back into building full depth archtops especially given the world economy? Thanks for your input Hans, jim hahn now in Oklahoma City,Oklahoma at Tinker AFB

 

[dapmdave]

I hope you don't mind my quoting your book.

No, not at all. I'm actually happy to hear that somebody is interested in all these little details that I find interesting myself!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

8) 8) 8)

Dave