Guild (guild) - Buying and selling used musical instruments

Electric guitarist: Oda

Acoustic guitarist: Mochizuki

D-50 Bluegrass Special

Appraisal value: 180,000 yen

F-55E

Appraisal value: 250,000 yen

Star Fire Special (2000s)

Appraisal value: 40,000 yen

Guild is an American guitar brand founded in New York in 1952. It was founded by Alfred Dronge, who ran a music shop, and George Mann, formerly of Epiphone. At that time, New York was home to many immigrant luthiers, and Guild was born within that fertile ground for their technical expertise.

Initially, Guild primarily produced archtop guitars for jazz guitarists, but in the 1960s, with the rise of the folk music boom, demand for flat-top acoustic guitars surged. Responding to this demand, models such as the "D-40" and "F-30," which remain iconic today, were introduced. In 1966, production moved to Westerly, Rhode Island. This "Westerly period" is considered Guild's golden age and continues to be highly regarded.

After undergoing changes in ownership (Avnet, Fender, etc.) and relocation of production facilities (California, Washington, etc.), the brand continues under the Cordoba Music Group. In recent years, reissue models that follow the designs and specifications of the original models have also been released.

Guild's greatest appeal lies in its high level of practicality, embodying their motto, "Made to be Played." In particular, the models made at the Westerly, Rhode Island factory from the late 1960s to 2001 are still enthusiastically supported by fans worldwide as the "golden age" due to their unparalleled quality.
Guild has established its own unique position, distinct from the mainstream Martin and Gibson brands. Choosing Guild can be a symbol of a player's strong convictions and individuality.

(Acoustic guitar)
The essence of Guild acoustic guitars, in a word, is their "robust and driving American sound." Every model has a thick mid-low range and a sense of the sound projecting straight forward. Unlike the delicate bell-like tone of Martin or the percussiveness of Gibson, Guild guitars have a very thick "core" to their sound, and the overwhelming "solidity" when playing chords resonates in the player's heart.
This rugged, energetic sense of reliability is what makes the guild truly unique.

(Electric)
Guild is a brand with a long history in acoustic guitars, but it has also gained a high reputation in electric guitars, especially for its hollow-body models. Its semi-acoustic models, with their unique designs that set them apart from so-called copies, have a distinct character different from Gibson guitars. The warm, airy tone, combined with a light and clear sound, is a characteristic that is uniquely Guild.

(Acoustic guitar)
I especially recommend checking out the models made at the "Westary factory," which were produced from the late 1960s to 2001. This era is considered the golden age of Guild, and the powerful, characteristic Guild spirit is evident in the passion of the skilled craftsmen who poured their hearts into creating the "best tools." Currently, Westerly-era pieces are becoming increasingly rare on the market, making each one a truly unique encounter. If you see one in a store, be sure to take a look and feel it for yourself.

(Electric)
In the 1960s, the Guild Starfire, an iconic model of Guild electric guitars, was introduced. Currently, a reissue model is available, allowing you to enjoy the vintage feel with modern specifications. Furthermore, in 2022, the Guild Surfliner was released as a completely new solid-body model, the first in approximately 40 years. With its accessible price range and distinctive design, it's a recommended model for beginners who want a guitar that stands out from the crowd.