edouglaspratt « DeArmond & Guild...magical synergy! »
Published on 07/19/19 at 14:05
Best value:
Excellent
Audience:
Advanced Users
I tested the DeArmond Guild with a Crate amp, on both dirty and clean channels. I've been playing Guild acoustics since 1970 and have the highest respect for Guild quality. This is my first experience with a Guild electric and it's exactly what I'd expect. Near perfect workmanship. Electronics are smooth & broad; fit & finish are precise; intonation is easy to set; and the neck, well, it's a Guild neck. Superb for my Chitlin Circuit and Blues Rock styles.
I've loved DeArmond pickups since I got my '60 Harmony Stratotone Jupiter. Nine ohms neck and 10.2 bridge... talk about raw power, Iggy? The range of clean,from twangy to jazzy; crunchy; Woman Tone; mighty dirty and even harsh Metal tones is exceptionally broad. Direct through the Crate mind you. No pedals. With very nice balance.
The neck sits solidly in my hand; frets are trimmed, medium height, comfortable and fast. Scale enables easy, swoopy bends. The translucent cherry red is a beautiful finish. It's just a tad heavy for my taste, having gotten spoiled by BluesHawks, a vintage Mustang, and Les Paul Specials. But feels just about 9 pounds.
Must say, the "gumby" shape is not at all to my taste but as wonderful in every other respect as the DeArmond Jetstar is, the unique shape makes a unique statement and might become endearing were I privileged to own one.
Doug Pratt
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
I've loved DeArmond pickups since I got my '60 Harmony Stratotone Jupiter. Nine ohms neck and 10.2 bridge... talk about raw power, Iggy? The range of clean,from twangy to jazzy; crunchy; Woman Tone; mighty dirty and even harsh Metal tones is exceptionally broad. Direct through the Crate mind you. No pedals. With very nice balance.
The neck sits solidly in my hand; frets are trimmed, medium height, comfortable and fast. Scale enables easy, swoopy bends. The translucent cherry red is a beautiful finish. It's just a tad heavy for my taste, having gotten spoiled by BluesHawks, a vintage Mustang, and Les Paul Specials. But feels just about 9 pounds.
Must say, the "gumby" shape is not at all to my taste but as wonderful in every other respect as the DeArmond Jetstar is, the unique shape makes a unique statement and might become endearing were I privileged to own one.
Doug Pratt
Atlanta, Georgia, USA