All user reviews for the Guild USA D-55

Notice to the public: I posted this notice in the twisted section Guild D55 50th Anniversary in December 2013. I just noticed the error in trying to add a word. So I rectified. Sorry.
December 2013:
Ovation in manufacturing in the workshop of New Hartford, Connecticut US.
Fender after the purchase of the brand closed the traditional workshop Guild located in Westerly, Rhode Island.
After trying to locate the assembly in the workshop of Corona, California, Fender finally after the acquisition of the parent company Kaman Ovation, referred the matter back on the East Coast.
So it's serious and quality workshops Guild, given to the top with Martin's in year 60 is still there.

Caisse Rosewood, spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony buttons inlaid with pearl two-tone. Very classic but very well done. Impeccable polish. Golden GOTOH lifts.

UTILIZATION

Handle relatively thin (as often with Guild) is a Dreadnought see
https://fr.audiofanzine.com/guitare-folk-western/editorial/dossiers/choisir-sa-guitare-acoustique-folk.html
So it sounds but it is cumbersome.
Flawless mechanics.
Detail, it takes a perfect match for weeks without broaching: this is a sign.

SOUNDS

December 2013
Deep bass and treble elegant, this is a sign of high skyscraper in range of Folk Guild. If I had to describe it: balance.
In Rhythmic is perfect and deep bass picking is a delight as soon as we know modulate growth.
Originally it is mounted with a heavy pulling, so fingers hurt at first, then got used to it. You must play to hear opening. This is for me the type of Folk of the 60s and 70s. Never loud, we did not get enough.

Added November 2014: Beware of changing strings. The original strings have an excellent record on the instrument which is not the case with other strings (Eg. Ernie Ball). Unfortunately, it seems difficult to find in France - (Strings, Guild® M-450C Standard Tension Coated Phosphor Bronze, Gauges .056-013). According to the forums on the subject, John Pearse 700M Medium are great too, the D'Addario phosphor bronze phosphor bronze or Elixir Nanoweb in the same draft should do the trick. Avoid pulling down the guitar like being in detention.

OVERALL OPINION

I pampered for a two years, it is always good to play it and it's even better. I'm going up in a microwave.
The price is more than adequate for the quality of the instrument, especially compared to a Martin of the same level.

i was given this guitar by my grand ma afore she passed. And I'm thinkin she paid alot fo it cause she did'nt eat much afta she gave it to me.

I like this guitar cause it just keeps on tickin. I broke a few strings, but she still sounds great. It was them tiny strings that broke. I dont much care for the way they sound any way. Also, my dog... she chewed the neck part a lil and that ol guitar just keeps on soundin real good

I cant think a much I dont like. Maybe they could make all the strings fat so they dont break so easy

this guitar is built like a brick s..t housse if ya get my drift. Sometimes i leave it out overnight and the top got a lil lumpy but she still plays great

ya gotta get one of these great guitars.
afore they dont sell em no more I really love mine. wish I new more bout that finger pickin stuff.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I've owned and sold four of these since 1974. The first one cost me $750 and was purchased in Studio City CA. The last one cost $1800.

In a word, everything. I won't repeat the other reviewer's comments because they're all accurate, but I do have one qualification to add.

Up until the late-1970's Guild produced some of their D-55s (not all) using pre-CITES, Bahia-region Brazilian rosewood. This is the "inky-black spider vein" wood that was eventually logged out of existence in Brazil. These D-55s had bass, sustain and harmonics that were just short of supernatural. In comparison, the current Indian rosewood D-55s are still excellent, but nowhere near the same.

I have fairly big fingers so I would have preferred a slightly wider nut, but I've adjusted to it over the years.

What can be said? It's very close to perfect. Guild recently produced an anniversary edition of the D-55 (50 units) in Brazilian rosewood, and if I had $6000 to spend right now I'd definitely try and get one of them.

It's an outstanding guitar. Every time I come across a vintage D-55 I get this nauseous feeling in my gut. My first D-55 was made from Brazilian rosewood, and I was forced to sell it because of money problems just a few years after I bought it. As superficial as it sounds, that's probably the biggest regret of my entire life. I really loved that guitar.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this Guild D-55 in 1971 for $500 because my friend who bought it new for $600 didn't like the sound. Of course it wans't broken in yet you clod!

Well here it is the year 2003 and I've been playing this guitar since. Since I am a finger picker this guitar is in imaaculate condition. The action, tone, resonance and harmonics of this beautiful crafted guitar is beyond description. You have to play one to experience the wonderful sound of this machine. This guitar is like toal heaven on earth.

Not a thing.

From 1968 through 1972 this guitar was a special made order only. Because of it's popularity it was then put into mass production. I believe this was a special time to buy this guitar because they were rare at that time and I believe the makers took extra care to make such a fine instrument. I will never sell this guitar. I will take it to my grave and be jamming with Elvis in heaven with it.

Anyone who buys a Guild instrument will not be disatisfied. You are buying a masterpiece that will only increase in value over the years. The sound only gets better. Jamm On!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this guitar brand new through a friend who works for Fender.
I got the "inside" price - and let's just say that I got a sweet deal.
Normally, these list for $2600.00, street price is around $1700.00.

This was THE guitar I lusted after for years. I would try other guitars here and there,
but none matched the quality, resonance and feel of this D55. I was finally able
to purchase a nice Corona made sunburst rosewood model and I've been in guitar heaven ever since!

Nothing - everything is great. Oh, well, the hardshell case is first rate, but I wish Guild
stuck to their older arched Guild embossed hardshell cases...the new Corona cases
are simply black. The logo would have been nice.

AAA solid spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, ebony fretboard and bridge,
abalone and mother of pearl inlays on the neck and rosette. First rate quality
materials and construction. This thing is solid and heavy - a tank. The playibility and
neck, however, are smooth and rich and easy to fret. The smell - it's dark, nutty and woody -
real wood here! Everything is awesome about this guitar!

The best guitar for the money on the planet. It outbooms Martins, Larrivees and higher end
guitar makers like Santa Cruz and Collings. The D55 is a warrior and the thick, smooth
and resonant sound of this thing when it plays is wonderful. I can't say enough good things
about this precious Guild D55!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

MARS going-out-of-business sale $1199.00
with Hard Shell Case

The D-55 is the Dreadnaught equal to my 30 year old Guild F-50R. The Inlay pattern on fingerboard is identical as is the binding around the fingerboard and headstock. The Look is distinctive and clean. The D-55 has
Abolane inlay around the sound hole where as the older Guilds do not. Martin is the "touchstone" by which all acoustics are measured and in this respect the Guild holds-up well in quality and sound, though the classic Martin "Bell Clean" highs are not as well pronounced as the mids, the sustain is equal. The depth of the mids are good but still not quite the same as the Martins in the 40's series - but then again - the price difference is quite remarkable being that the Craftmanship [ fit and finish ] is in the same plane. Medium strings seem to give much better voicing to any Dreadnaught and will play equally as well as lights with proper set-up. With Guitars is this range, it is wise to have a good luthier do the set-up rather than the "Neighborhood Music Store". The case fit is good and snug and is very sturdy. The Guild "Sound" is more cutting than Martin [ which tends to be very warm, rounded, and balanced ] and has more tendency to accent the low to mid range at the expense of the "Bell Tones" of the highs as one would find in the Martin 40's. Guild has been around a long time and will continue under Fender - which is no slouch in the electric field - Right, Eric ? By the way - Eric Clapton was pictured on the front of a Guild publication in the early 70's playing an F-50 Maple.

Clean lines , great projection, sustain and voicing give the D-55 a place in the Market. Value is in the eye of the player.
The Quality is there and the country segment has been taking notice and "Taking it to the Street" and on stage almost everywhere. Guild is a great price break for professional quality guitars.

Construction and quality are excellant.

Before you drop the " Big Bucks " , you owe it to yourself to at least sit down with one and play it a while. You might walk away with a new axe - a big smile on your face and some cash left in your pocket.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

While searching for an upgraded guitar to buy, I asked the salesman which would he want to play. He went straight for the Guild D55. I asked why that one and not one of the over $4,000 Martins. He began to play, and I began to see why. Beautiful. I bought it on sale for $1899 and got an additional $190 instant cash back rebate from a Fender rep. who was promoting Fender stuff.

It's sound is amazing! The tone, the sustain, the volume are all way better than any of the Martins in the store or any other guitar in the shop, many of which were much more expensive. The workmanship is flawless, it is a very striking guitar. I got the antique sunburst. I can't say enough about how great this thing sounds, and it is a joy to play. Great action with an easy playing neck. It also feels just right when held.

What I don't like is that I'm taking a small chance on Fender's Corona, CA factory. The rep. present said they took some wheight out of the thing at the headstock and other places, and I really hope it proves to be as sturdy as the original Guilds. Time will tell, but obviously I have enough faith to plunk down my hard earned cash! It is VERY well made. I think Fender is trying really hard to live up to the Guild legacy, the attention to detail and the sound shows it.

I have to say the guitar is flawless! I went over it with a fine tooth comb and I was happy to find it made so well. The fit, finish and craftsmanship are above what I expected. I live in AZ where the humidity ranges from 12% to 30%-pretty low for a guitar. Guild's tank like reputation appealed to me, as well as it's sound. Like I said, time will tell how sturdy it is, but it seems stronger than the other makes I looked at by a long shot.

I really love this guitar. It is gorgeous to look at, a pleasure to hold and play, and it sounds fantastic. A full well ballanced tone that is rich and bright at the same time. How do they do that? I could swear there are ghosts inside the way it sustains. I know I'm gushing, but hey, I'm in love. I got an awesome guitar for about half the price of anything that sounds close to this one. It blows other brands at this price out of the water.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I recently purchased this guitar at Carpenter's House of Music in Hagerstown, MD. I've owned a Guild D40 for several years and wanted to move up to a rosewood dreadnaught. Paid $1400 w/ hardshell case.

This D55 was made in the Westerly, RI factory. It's extremely well balanced, with punchy bass, solid mids, and bell ringing highs. The ebony fretboard is smooth, and the tone is really outstanding. The bass response of the D55 just knocks me out. This guitar is one of the last ones built in Westerly.

There isn't anything I don't like about this guitar.

Guild has been making this model
since 1968 and it remains their top of the line dreadnaught. AAA Sitka Spruce top, rosewood back and sides, ebony fretboard and bridge, grover tuners, three piece- mahogany/maple/mahogany neck. Beautiful abalone fret markers and rosette. Classic and elegant looking. Interior is scallop bracing and neatly put together.

I've owned Gibsons (used 1963 Hummingbird)played a Martin (D35)in the late 60's, but didn't purchase my first guild until 1989. For a hand made factory guitar, the D55 will hang with any of the custom mades. The Guild personality is characterized by a surprising tonal range, a gut busting bass response and its built like a Mac truck with singing gears.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Made in the United States

UTILIZATION

Channel comfortable for an acoustic
through access to acute because of the lack of cutaway
its enormous, impossible to take another skyscraper after this one

SOUNDS

I play blues and it makes no problem, this skyscraper is as sensitive as my 335 GIBSON, go all the nuances including ghost ratings, toout with the volume and balance incredible, and what low
impossible to less than 100 in 10 Note, that is largely at a luthier from scratch or a big Gibson see above for Gibsons

OVERALL OPINION

I have 1 month (thank you papa noel)

what I like most .... ALL finishing the game its not easy to sort

I feel somewhat obliged to perform all necessary to reassure the people interested by this guitar that would have doubts APRS reading the view Previous.
I had some Martin (Martin D35 with a few years ago) and I have an opinion trs Different.
It seems that Steflocomat fell on a bad numro: the kind of scratches that can be pass by mail order carton pusher or a "importer" doubtful ...
When you do not know it too, it is best to buy a guitar of this price a seller account and especially confidence!
In addition, be aware that the current Guild United States are no longer made by Fender but Guild (which bought the brand a few years he Yadji).
So I advise plutt to purchase a Guild D55 "Westerly" (named after the original factory)
Compared to "CHARACTERISTICS", the Guild D55 is a quality finish at least an equivalent Gibson or a Martin D41 Humminbird. This means more upscale than the Martin D35.
I put 10 without problem: the price is far from the have CHARACTERISTICS equivalents at Martin or Gibson.

UTILIZATION

Caution is a big trs Dreadnought body with a super deep: should try it (videmment!) before buying it because a bp can cause small jigs.
Otherwise RAS ...
The handle is perfect (for me anyway), the guitar is trs beefy, perfectly balance, trs enjoyable in hand: the comfort!

So I put 10 for "Use"

SOUNDS

The broad field o sound tastes and colors not discuss too ...
For there are against obviousness that it is better not to look around: when looking for a Martin, Obviously you must buy a Martin ...
The Guild D55 is closer to a Gibson Hummingbird as a Martin D35 or D41. But do not compare oranges, apples and bananas: this guitar lacks neither low nor projection! The Guild D55 does not sound absolutely like a Martin D35 is perfect as is!
I should put 8 or 9 for "sound" because the sound perfection is not of this world!
But when you love, you do not count: it is 10!

OVERALL OPINION

I bought my Martin Premire in 1975 and I've known a dozen since. I do not learn to make one that Martin guitars of good trs trs CHARACTERISTICS brands. I loved the (s) sound (s) Martin, but I also had rgulirement want to play on other guitars. It's like I had a Gibson 2. I kept a Hummingbird (1967) for years before me btement Sparer ... I did not know that reputable Guild (especially for 12-string) o until the D55 is going on in my hands.
I won t IMMEDIATE ... Unlike what I thought, Guild autrechose is really a sort of halfway between Martin and Gibson. This is not a all. In fact, we must try to understand ...
The particular feature I like most? The D55 has a personality that is unique, but not intrusive. This is the most versatile folk than any I had.
I should put 8 or 9 in overall rating, because what we gain in flexibility, you lose a little forcment excellence in a field prcis. But the I compare with 2 MODELS worth 5 times its price!
So ultimately, it is logical for a guitar 10 that will accompany me for a long time I am trs trs sr

Hand made in United States. Any other questions?

UTILIZATION

A round of killings. Ais a CASC to treble. It just gets the best sound of the earth.

SOUNDS

Ya everything from enormous databases, trs Submitted mediums and fine treble, all trs more equilibrated balance a hummingbird, but also less bright with a lot more characters. I do not understand how anyone can say that it does not ring, has no sense. If the Harmony Central reviews are not enough, take a walk pigalle before buying on ebay.

OVERALL OPINION

This guitar is DISREGARDED I think what is best in terms of sound (apart from the custom shop and other rarities (vintage or not)). The choice of wood is ultra high-end, the finish is perfect, the long pitch provides low and with an incomparable richness humlmingbird, I also possdde. The D55 is scratching ze, believe me. Try also its equivalent in jumbo, the F50 and f50R. In a comparable gisbon dove, D45 or D35 martin. This is well above.

Created in the late 60s, the Dreadnought model has quickly become the "star" of a brand that was known for its Jumbo. This new Guild had the advantage of inheriting the full and balanced his sisters while meeting the market's enthusiasm for the Dreadnought shape (which became very fashionable). I confirm that the similarity in sound reproduction with rosewood Jumbo (the Guild F50R) is really amazing. To say that this guitar is a jumbo atypioque "re-bodied" in Dreadnought, there is not that I not cross. But in terms of architecture and sound it is obvious that the D55 does not match the standard "D" as invented by Martin and taken up by many other brands.

Level violin, the D55 models rivals much more expensive at Gibson, Taylor and Martin. It has a quality finish that has little to envy to a Martin D45 or Gibson J200 one.
Personally, I prefer the simplicity of a D28 or D45, the look and feel very "lespaulien" of the D55. But first we choose a guitar for her and then .... ben .... I confess that it is very easy these beautiful woods, these mechanical Rolls, ect .... The only detail a bit "too-much", it is encrusted with shells on the table

UTILIZATION

It is a massive guitar is extremely comfortable. I am not a "wide gauge", instantly I found my bearings while I was initially more attracted to the "lightness" of a Martin D28 or Gibson J45. In fact, the D55 is among all the guitars I tried, the one that seemed best to combine "held" and "flexibility", "density" and "responsiveness". I play very often amplified and I think the rigidity of the guitar part to its excellent resistance to feedback. I tested my system electro (LRBaggs M1) on guitars lighter that actually proved to be more feedback-prone.

The handle is perfect for me easier to play than my telecaster

It's easy to live with a guitar: it collects the changes in temperature and humidity in stride.

SOUNDS

In my opinion, the D55 has an excellent projectivity without affecting the tonal balance of the guitar.
The bass are present but without emphasis (compared to a MartinD35, for example). The spectrum of mediums is broad, rich in harmonics .... it's really "singing". The highs are soft and very warm without missing a definition or clarity. Less air than a Gibson J200, the timbre of the D55, however, is broader, deeper .... much larger as well. Less explosive than Martin, the dynamics of the Guild is much less oriented "blue grass" / "roots". It's really not in a register "rustic" but not without paying a preciousness to Taylor.
Guild is traditionally known for its very "nature" of these guitars and the D55 is no exception: no characteristic "hyper typed" but always made a full, hot, and which finds its natural place in any style.

On his last? No, obviously not! and it would be naive to think that even scratches can bring all the qualities of the earth. But I still can not imagine anyone could be "disappointed" by this guitar is what can be so tight to a scratch that does not sound Martin? or would it make so many D55 "bad apples" in circulation?

OVERALL OPINION

I was actually recommended the purchase of a recent Guild: The "Corona" (the name of the Fender factory, which had taken over the mill's historic Westerly) and those from the very beginning of the era " Tacoma "which is the current plant (and the same as the Tacoma guitars that are also part of the group Fender). However, I tried a new D55 (thus Tacoma) last year that sounded very well. As well or better - still in its genre - other new models I tried in the store (Gibson J200, Hummingbird, Martin D45 ... D28, HD28, Taylor ... ...). For my part, I have an old model of Westerly ten years which gives me total satisfaction.

Hopefully Fender (the owner of Guild for 95) will work to perpetuate the skills of a brand that for 50 years had managed to cultivate "his" difference. But since Fender has announced that the Guild factory would move again in 2008 (the third relocation in 7 years!) Aficionados of the brand fear the worst: after being hosted by Fender in California and in Tacoma in the state Washington is soon in New Jersey in ... Ovation (one of the last acquisition of FMIC) that the production unit will redeploy United States Guild ...

I document a lot, I try a lot of guitars and really brainstormed before investing in this guitar:
I fanstasmais for years on a Gibson J200 ...
The reason I said "not seek 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. ---> Martin D28 "....
I had been a two fingers to fall for a good old J45 nasal ...
And it is ultimately a big blow to the heart that has tipped the balance
If it again? .. ben really hesitate shorter

The top-level violin and mechanical.
no microphone on the model I bought
no Venetian cutaway.
One of the finest aesthetic market

UTILIZATION

Super but on no cutaway so access to very high notes limited.
Good grip and good balance. Guitar relatively light for such a template.

SOUNDS

Excellent.
Everything is there.
The sound is excellent without being flattering.
Agreements without any aggressiveness perfectly sound and remain very clear.
Arpeggio or a pick, this guitar is a delight.

Yet it is manufactured in New Hartford. I think the sounds of manufacturing defects are unfounded rumors.

Rue de Douai, a salesman trying to convince me of this rumor by testing two models before me, a Westerly and New Hartfor in a strumming of hell.
But the Guild New Hartford was doing both and I preferred even the D55 New Hartford store opposite! (See note below)

If you are unsure about a model search New Harford tests on YOUTUBE. I guarantee you that the NH are also good. In addition they have improved the game for Talon finest.

OVERALL OPINION


What thing do you like most/least about it?

the sound and feel. at least no cutaway.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?
Yes, Gibson J200, Hummingbird, Martin and Taylor
I do not like Gibson's I find they sound plastoc ..
Martin's were good but I prefer the Guild.
For Taylor, see below.

What is your opinion about the value for the price?
excellent and justified

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...
Yes but I also own a Taylor 614 CE, these 2 guitars are complementary. They are all superb and excellent in two different domains. For his generous folk with serious ultra-present my preference goes to the Guild, for fantastic solos I prefer the Taylor. But I am absolutely delighted to have the 2. Important note: the sound of a guitar varies enormously from one room to another, then one store to another! I thank the shops of the rue de Douai Paris where you can really test the guitars. For any cons MUSIKIA to review huge uproar .. .. impossile trying.

The Guild D55 is a dreadnought acoustic guitar, consisting of just acoustic capabilities and no pick ups.  I honestly don't know too much about the make up of the wood in this guitar, but I do know that it has an absolutely beautiful look and feel.

UTILIZATION

Playing the Guild D55 is like a dream.  It's got one of the most fluid acoustic guitar necks that I've played, which is saying a lot as I've had my hands on a high number of different acoustic guitars over the years.  The guitar is about the standard size and weight that you would expect from a dreadnought guitar.  I've never felt that it was hard to play anywhere along the neck of the guitar, except for the upper most notes, which can be hard to reach on any acoustic guitar.  Achieving a nice sound from the D55 isn't hard for those that can play - if you do your job rest assured that this will take care of the rest!


SOUNDS

The Guild D55 acoustic guitar isn't too bright like a lot acoustic guitars, as it has a very well rounded tone.  It has the full sound that you'd expect from a dreadnought and then some.  While it isn't too bright, it still cuts through very well and I believe that it would fit in with any genre of music that you would want to use an acoustic guitar on.  I've never used this guitar on the stage, but inside of the recording studio I've never had an instance where I wasn't happy with the end product in terms of tone that I got from the guitar...


OVERALL OPINION

I honestly can't say a bad thing about the Guild D55.  In the times that I have used it for recording it has been an absolute pleasure to work with.  The guitar is built extremely well, and Guild is a company that I wholeheartedly trust as most of the guitars they make are of very high quality.  Of course with top tier quality comes top tier price, so you should know that you're spending a pretty penny for the D55.  Having said this, if you're looking for a go to acoustic guitar for recording or shows that you can rely on to give you a great sound day in and day out, the D55 will do that for you.  While definitely a large investment, I would recommend the Guild D55 to anyone looking for a great acoustic guitar.