Guild D-4

I was told this is a 97 model, but haven't researched the serial number. USA made solid spruce top, mahogany back (arched), neck and sides. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Satin finish Dreadnought with black body binding and tortise pickguard. Chrome Grover tuners. Thin 20-fret neck joins body at 14.

This is the first solid-top acoustic I've owned and I love the sound. My other acoustic guitars are an early Applause deep-bowl and a Yamaha acoustic-electric. This Guild just sings to me. I am amazed at the clarity and the separation between the individual strings in the sound. I feel like my playing is going to really have to improve to do this guitar justice. I should admit I have not played anything in the $1000+ range, so I may be giving the D4 too much credit, but it sounds great to me. My playing style on the acoustic is ballads and folky rock with a bit of fingerpicking thrown in.

The action is impressively low and easy, with no buzz anywhere. From my experience with acoustics, you will usually find a way to make them buzz at some point, but this one is clean everywhere, no matter how hard I strum. The neck was a little bowed when I purchased it, but a slight adjustment to the truss rod sorted that quickly. The fit and finish appear top-notch, and I couldn't find any defects, other than a ding in the top put there by the previous owner. There is a rough spot on the top side of the fingerboard, but it isn't noticeable when playing. The top was nicely bookmatched, including a 2 inch long "feature" in the wood under the bridge that is mirrored on each side. I like the satin finish, as it really lets the wood show.

I've only had the guitar for a couple of weeks, so can't really comment on durability. I think the satin finish should serve to hide minor scratches and dings more than a high-gloss finish would. I usually tend to baby my guitars anyway.

No idea. I have heard that Guild offered a lifetime warranty before the Fender acquisition, and will continue to honor that in the future.

I am thrilled with the D4 so far. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a solid-top, USA-made acoustic with features and finish at this level for the money I paid. And besides, the more important subjective value I feel I got is incredible. I just love the way it sounds and plays. When I tried one at Guitar Center, I fell in love with the sound and look, but was a little put off by the $549 asking price (hey, I'm on a budget). When I found this one that was a year old and had basically been stored for a year for $300, I jumped on it. I think this guitar is a phenomenal value, even at full retail.
My other gear includes a 98 Mexi-tele, a Yamaha acoustic-electric, and a Slammer strat copy. I have been playing off and on for 16 years, and have recently rededicated myself to improving my skills and my songwriting.

This is an American made dreadnought with mahogany back and sides and spruce top. It has a mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard and Grover tuners. The neck is thin and very easy to play. The entire guitar has a satin finish and though quite plain , it is a very nice looking guitar. There were no included accessories.

I looked at Guild as I had owned a D-25 through the 1970's and was happy with it for the most part. The D-25 did have some problems , though , such as unlevel frets making it hard to tune ,and an overall dull sound due to the mahogany top. The D-4 I bought does not have these problems , however. The frets are nicely done and the sound is clear with more high overtones. It is very responsive to picking pressure and sounds good played lightly ; it can be shimmery when strummed with a light pick , which I like ; but really shines when finger picked. The dynamics are excellent making for an expressive performance . If you are an emotional player on a budget check out the D-4. It has class beyond its price.

The factory set up is just right for me. The action is very much like an electric , in my opinion. The workmanship is quite good. Again , it's a plain guitar , but classy and well made.

I would take the guitar with me anywhere.

I have never had any reason to call Guild.

I have played on and off for 30 years , acoustic and electric. If this guitar were lost I would try to replace it right away . I bought it to replace a stolen Guild. I love the looks , sound and playability of this guitar, It's hard to put down. I looked at a lot of guitars and in the same price range I found an Epiphone or two and a Takimine that could compare. The Guild won on sound dynamics and value.

1995 Model - purchased new
Dreadnought size.
Arched mahogany back. Solid mahogany sides and neck. Solid spruce top. Rosewood bridge and fingerboard. Quality hard case - heavy!
Finish is a hand rubbed satin finish - I really like it.
Plain jane features, simple dot inlays on fingerboard, no fancy binding.

I really love the sound. I purchased this guitar in a "blind" test of guitars from $500 to $1500. It came down to the Guild, a Taylor, and a Martin. I liked the volume and low-end of the Guild - some folks don't like this sound. I've been told that it is a little "boomy" for recording.
The tone is pretty even through the range, but you need to show some restraint if you are used to really strumming hard, the low-end will overwhelm the high end.
With anything less than medium strings, this guitar sounds tinny. I like John Pearse Phosphor Bronze Wound Medium's.
I play a wide variety, from hard strumming Neil Young songs to lighter finger-style works.

The factory action from the factory was quite high, although the set-up was otherwise perfect. The shop owner, an accomplished player encouraged me to play a higher action than I was used to - it really has improved my sound and technique. Several years later, I am debating whether to have the action lowered.
The fit and finish is great. The only flaw was a rough fret that was fixed before delivery in about 15 seconds.

After three years, I'm still very pleased with this guitar.
The finish has held up perfectly. The satin finish hides small dings really well.
I've never broken a string on this guitar, despite my hard playing. (I am a perfectionist when I string my guitar).
Like all quality guitars, it is sensitive to changes in humidity. Players moving up from a plywood acoustic really need to educate themselves regarding care and feeding.
My Guild stays in tune forever. Only changes in temperature and humidity really affect the tuning.
I have a friend who has played the same model 5 nights a week, for three years with few complaints. I don't know what electronics he has installed, but he has overcome the "boomy" complaint I have heard from others (non-owners?).

Prior to the Fender buy-out, only the better shops carried Guilds. As a result, you could count on good service. As they really weren't heavily discounted when I purchased mine, you really expect a high level of customer service.
Although the Fender buy-out has increased the number of outlets, I'm not sure what it has done to customer service.
The shop that I bought it from offered me a free set-up after I got used to the guitar.
The same dealer also handled a warranty for a friend that really didn't deserve it, as he really abused his guitar.
Hat's off to Wilcutt's Guitars, Lexington KY.

This guitar is now available new for under $600 from dealers and Musician's Friend.
I've been playing for three years. This is my second acoustic - my first was an inexpensive Samick. I also play a Peavey Cropper Classic through a Mesa Boogie Subway.
I would buy this guitar again or a similar Guild with more features (electronics).