Guild D-55

Solid rosewood sides and back, spruce top, high gloss finish with Fishman AGP-2 preamp. Pretty much everything you'd want in a acoustic.

Amazing tone with great volume. You have to play it to appreciate it. I can't believe anyone would need an amp with this guitar but the Fishman came with it. I've yet to plug it in.

The sixth string (low E) had a slight buzz which was noticable only when I used the flatpick. Seemed like it was coming from the bridge. Took it back to the music shop and it's fixed. Otherwise action is fine.

Appears to be a solid instrument. It feels heavier that other dreadnaughts I've played especially the neck. I bought it as a demo which means it was used in the shop for music lessons and recording. Other than some minor bumps and bruises it has held up well.

Guitar had some buzzing, returned it and the shop had it repaired in no time with no charge.

I haven't been playing very long but when I played this guitar I knew this was the sound I was looking for. I plan on handing this instrument down to one of my children some day and I'm sure they'll enjoy it as much as I do.

Made in 90's, Westerly Rhode Island, USA
Solid AAA Sitka spruce
Solid Rosewood dreadnaught body, 3-piece Mahogany neck with edge-slice stiffener
"Piano-like" flawless high gloss finish
Ebony bridge with Abalone topped pins
Gold Grover tuners that fade little if wiped after use
I would call the neck somewhat "fast" very comfortable

I bought my first guitar in 1965 and have seen, heard, handled and played nearly everything since. Ampegs, Moserites, Black Widows (electrics) and nearly all older and newer acoustics. Regarding acoustics, the ONLY other similar toned (but less robust??) instrument was a beautiful, flawless, vintage, $900 Yairi. I say weaker because the D55 has this hard to describe fullness of tonality at volume. Your phrasing and strumming style changes can pull stuff out of this guitar that I HAVE NEVER--EVER--heard before. I simply can't believe this is not a "custom." In fact I can't think of any acoustic styles this guitar would be less than great for (unless you need a cutaway). I think a big part of the secret to it is the 4" bout top to 5" bout bottom taper. Here we do need a rating scale of "12" I think.

Action was slightly high up the neck when purchased, but I remedied that easily. I understand that these were set up intending to appeal to alot of open and lower barre chord players? But the design is quite flexible and my action is somewhat low now and "fast" for a dreadnaught (spelling?). Entire finish is flawless, woods are spectacular, inlays, bindings ditto. I can't find a negative and I'm eccentrically particular about craftsmanship.

I am convinced that if kept properly humidified (like you should any worthwhile instrument) this guitar, and many others as well, will last decades or longer. Assuming such an instrument is initially constructed with "noncrystallizing" adhesives that humidity is the only damaging variable, short of your wife or someone falling onto it. As for using it without a backup, I'd only be interested in another D55 as a backup and don't think it would be needed. Whatever nice guitar you own though, if you live near or above the Mason Dixon Line, GET A HUMIDIFIER AND USE IT!! You won't be sorry.

Never needed since purchase, but I do suppose I could call em and chat about this heirloom.

Been playing since mid-sixties and I'm old now so I recently gave two of my six guitars to two nephews; one a 50's Strat, the other a Gibson Nighthawk. I still have my Epiphone semi-hollow with 2 Gibson P90's, a Schecter elec./acoustic, a Seagull Artist/Maple acoustic, old Yamaha classical, and my "dreambox" D55. Like no other! Looking to settle into learning classical style before I head for the big jam in the sky. I won't bother with more flattering blather, except to tell anyone serious about looking for a fine steel string a little advice. First I'm sure there must be something out there that equals the sound of this guitar, maybe even near the same price, I've never seen or heard it, but just maybe. Either way if you are serious about playing let me save you a lot of lost time, money, and wear and tear on your feet, ears, and auto--buy one of these because if you sing, your voice rides on this sound, and if you have ANY real performing potential this guitar will match it. I'll bet you'll decide to die with it one day like I plan too. I do wish I had one more D55, just cause ya never know.

D-55 from 1998. Made in Westerly. Natural finish. The most elegant, beautiful guitar I ever laid my eyes on!!
See other reviews for specs.

In my opinion this guitar has no comparison in sound. I own a Martin 000-28EC and D-28, a Gibson j-200 and I must say that, though I love all of my guitars, the Guild D-55 is the best. It's simply superior in all aspects of sound. The highs, the mids, the bass, resonance.....it's incredible. This is a "sure-to-be-classic" guitar.

I bought my D-55 private. The action was simply perfect as I received it. Only been adjusted one time back in 2000. Been playing it for a year now.....the action is still flawless!!! You will find no instrument with more playing-pleasure than from this fantasic instrument!!!
The finish is spotless.

As I stated the guitar is six years old. Owned it for a year. Steady as a TANK!

I've been playing for 20 years and have had the chance to play all the great classic acoustics out there Santa Cruz, Martin, Taylor, Gibson...and owned some of them. This guitar is.....and will be the one acoustic that will follow me to the grave. It's superiorety is amazing. I will not bring economy to this review....'cause I'll choose this guitar over any other....anytime! But just whisper at the top of my longues....BUY THIS GUITAR, if you have the chance.

I have a 1978 D-55 made in Westerly, RI. It was purchased at the Chicago Guitar Gallery, 216 S. Wabash in September 0f 1978. I went to the store because at the time it was one of the premiere guitar shops in Chicago. I had every intension of purchasing a Gibson of Martin brand. Between playing several Gibson?s and Martins I played this D-55 and never returned to the other brands. Around 1985 the wood took on a more resonate tone and in '88 I made an oath to myself to never let go of this guitar. It is 2004 and the tone is still sweet as ever.

I collect, shop and play both electric and acoustic guitars. Every time I pick up a D-55 it is remarkably the same instrument in sound and feel. I did this just yeaterday @ Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, CA. Two years ago I compared a Westerly and Corona models at Bizzare Guitars in Arizona. The only difference I note amoung new D-55's is in age and string type. Remarkably the new Corona made D-55's, if anything, are more exactly replicated to spec.

I originally chose the D-55 for the lower string, bass response. I think it's best characteristic through age is even volume balance for all six strings.

As a player the tone is only partially appreciated. The guitar projects to other listeners with a sonic quality that still receives random compliments from both non-players and players.

The original set-up is was great. From Chicago to California humidity changes the guitar needed adjustment several times.

It is almost too valuable to gig this guitar in a non controled venue. I would not think twice about playing it out where it will not get kicked or speared by someones headstock.

Originally a 5 year warranty. Never had a problem beyond set-up adjustment.

Compared to Martin D-45, D-35 and Gibson J-30

Sans the investment return , I would definetly buy a replacement D-55 over the Gibson's, Martins or Taylors if I it was lost or stolen.

I wish I could score a D-55 with factory electronics.

I am a D-55 fan. I consider it to be a quintessential dreadnaught

I own a 1995 "PRE-FENDER" D-55 guild acoustic. It's flat awesome. I sold my gibson J-200 for it. The J-200 had the frets popping out and after 3 returns (RA), I sold the friggin' thing. This D-55 has played and aged flawlessly for 9 years. I installed a Martin thin line p/u under the bridge. Killer sound. I don't believe in the "comes with electronics" jazz. All that extra plastic crap just completely disrespects the nice all wood guitar...I'd rather pee on a spark plug than to play a hybrid guitar. The neck, fit, finish, fretboard, body...everything...no kidding around here...came Knock Down Dead Perfect and Gorgeous. It's still about 95% today. I had one fret job; I installed a bone nut and saddle; some custom abalone pins from M/F. This D-55 has the sweetest sound, or a huge F***in' "KARANG." I've been offered $3000.00 cash...honest..remember, Westerly doesn't make them anymore...NO SALE! The keys are Grovers...still perfect. The case has held up over world travel and I play the Hell out of this thing. I do keep extra ordinary care of it though...it's absolutely like new...just not brand new.

I play John Prine, John Denver; Arlo Guthrie, Eagles; Bob Seager; Bob Dylan; Belamy Brothers, and a bevy of other artists including my own. I plug it through a Marshall acoustic amp and through a huge Carvin P.A. The sound through both are stellar. It is by far the richest sounding acoustic I've ever played...35 years now...ya! Woodstock...the 1st one! Bare Naked Ladies music...Hootie and the Blowfish...easy. Honestly, I like the conventional guitars. This thing is built by real artisans. There is NOTHING I dislike about it period. I might sell it when the offer hits around $10,000.00, but I doubt it. I couldn't replace it!

The action was perfect. I changed the strings right away though. I use D'Angelica's 12's. Every single joint, the top, back, and sides are perfect. I'm a music stores nightmare. I'm a royal pain in the ass AND balls! I took a micrometer to it: So did the Westerly Guild folks when they painstakingly built this piece of art. If you own one and sell it for anything less than $3K, you either stole it, or are stupid. Don't go by what you read on ebay...that's the price everybody looks at and then sells, or buys according to what they saw...SHEEPEOPLE!!!

Well, what can I say? I've had it for over 9 years going on 10. It's still perfect. My strap button was replaced by the Martin thin line jack. The gold finish rubs off of the Grovers and neck strap button. I have a backup acoustic: a Martin D45...only in case I break a string. I haven't broken a string in 6 years since I changed the nut and saddle to bone (real ivory). I'd sell my Martin before my Guild!

Guild in Westerly, Rhode Island was excellent. Fender is ok, but they don't have anywhere near the customer service Guild did. I know a couple of Fender reps: they feel like the popularity of a Fender is huge. One, or two customers won't make or break them. They won't tell you that to your face, but I've been to the NAMM show. Give these guys a few martinis and they run their mouth. Yep...running on a name...too bad. Based on the old Guild...10...Fender...6. Hell, 1/2 the time Fender can't find their ass! I've had to research the part numbers for them. I sent them a bill for services rendered...of course, they laughed until I sent them a copy of my attorney's law suit against a doctor who kept him waiting...the attorney won in small claims court...Fender sent me all kinds of neat stuff for (free) my services rendered.

I've been playing guitar since 1969. I used to get beat up for playing a violin...until Charlie Daniels became famous. If someone ever had the balls to steal my guitar I'd nail his balls to a stump and push him over backwards. I would look for another one immediately. I love the entire guitar; there is nothing about it I don't like. I own several other guitars. This has nothing to do with price, or WOW. It has everything to do with old world craftsmanship, value, true excellence. I'm buying them below $2K right now...I'm reselling them here in Ca. for over $3K...worth every cent!! Don't be stupid and sell yours for under $2K. Don't forget, they don't make them anymore...Fender does...and they don't make the Valencia period...

purcahsed from Guitar Center Indianapolis when they open on the 1st week.paid $1800 for it with case.Brand New.

I had unlimited funds to buy anything I wanted.I picked up Gibsons
and Martins well over $4000 and choose this out of the bunch.I could have bought vintage as well.There was something about the >even-ness<
of the tone that was way above everthing else that I played.The high
end on it is stellar.It right like a bell thru from low to high and
doesnt have any high or low spots in the tone,its just very "even" across the board..

action is very low and the frets are small ones.I am used to 6100
on EVERYTHING I play..but not on this one.its much better with small
frets.I use light strings on it as well.10-42.I play Metal and Hard rock with my other stuff and this was just what I was looking for to
compliment the rest of my stuff.The finish on it is amazing..so much so I lifted off the pickguard on it.( very carefully) to reveal the
maple top on it and polished the shit out of the top so it looks like it never had a guard..it improved the tone as well.the guards are only held on with rubber cement anyway..so it took alot of rubbing
and it came off ..looks amazing right now..I dont know why they put those stupid ass things on there anyway...

dont know I dont play out with this one..but Its build like high quality instrument should be..its WAY to nice to wack around on stage.
I would get a takamine or something else to do that with..

dont need it..If it went south on me..( which I cant imagine why it would).I would take to Grhuns or a friend of mine who is an expert..
there is really nothing that could screw this up..get your self a
JDB Bridge Doctor and you will never have any bridge lift or any of that BS..its the best $40 you can spend on an acoustic..no more pins problems and it will only sound better..you can get them thru Stew-Mac and takes about an hour to put in...keeps evernthing where it should be..

30 years at this I have proably over 20 guitars from Parkers to Strats to Les Pauls..It wont get stolen..you would have to get into my house..( which aint happening. LOL..)nothing on it I dislike..would be again in a heartbeat.best $2K I spent on a acoustic
I have looked up others D-55 on ebay and I amazed at what I see..there
all about the same level..you CAN NOT go wrong with one of these..
Mine was built in Rhode Island..I have heard that Fender now owns them,..I cant tell you what a new one is like..but mine is amazing..

Made in 2003 in the Fender factory. It included a Dampit humidifier, polishing cloth, owners manual and an excellent hard shell case. I wish it came with a bone nut and saddle.

The sound is stunning and is simply the sweetest tone I've heard from any new guitar. It is very rich and full, well balanced and loud as hell. It is so loud it can actually be a little annoying when you are playing in a small room, excellent!!!

The guitar was constructed perfectly. I could not find a single flaw anywhere. For a guitar that has this many inlays and binding it is simply amazing. I could not believe the construction quality. There were no glue runs or bracing gaps.

The action was horrible but I think that was due to the shipper loosening the truss rod before shipping, or he didn't know what he was doing. I got the factory specs off of Guild's website, tightened the truss rod to the correct relief and everything was great. No abnormal buzzes or dead spots. Since I've NEVER bought a guitar that was set up the way I prefer or even to factory specs, and the fact that I don't think this problem was due to the manufacturer I give this category a ten. It is simply build perfectly! Wow!!!

The structure of the guitar is extremely sturdy. Unfortunately the finish is very brittle and it chips/cracks easily. My Les Paul also has a nitrocellose finish and doesn't chip at all, it only dents. The gold plated tuners oxidize easily but that is to be expected.

My Guild was shipped from Carolina to Taos New Mexico, which is a huge climate change. It developed a thin finish crack on the underside of the neck joint and a 1/8" deep gap between the back of the bridge and the soundboard. Both of these issues were caused by climate change. I use a humidifier but it is so dry here I'm constantly having to refill it.

Overall, the structure of the guitar is rock solid and I haven't experienced anything that would indicate that this guitar would not be reliable. The finish is beautiful but is very delicate.

I've never used Guilds' customer support. The website is very informative though.

I bought this guitar from ebay, which is always a risk. I got an incredible deal and the guitar was practically untouched. It had the protective plastic over the pick guard, the tag hanging from the tuners, and all documentation still sealed in plastic. The guitar and case were packed in the original factory cardboard box. I wouldn't recommend buying a guitar sight unseen, especially in this price range. The fact that I could save almost $1000 was too tempting to pass up and the risk payed off. However, be warned that buying expensive guitars off of ebay is risky. Make sure you talk to the seller and make sure they have a high rating.

I've been playing guitar for about ten years. I haven't owned an acoustic for a couple of years. Since I bought this guitar my electrics have been collecting dust. I also own a Gibson Les Paul Premium Plus and a Fender Custom SHop Classic player Strat.

I love this guitar because it is simply a joy to play. The tone is incredible and the guitar is beautiful. It is an easy Dreadnought to play and has a fairly slim neck. I've played many other acoustics Martins, Gibsons etc. and this is simply the best sounding, most beautiful and LOUDEST one.

I have played a late Seventies Guild D-55 and I was thinking of buying it. I can honestly say that the build quality is comparable. Sure the design has changed a little and the tone isn't as mellow as an aged guitar but there simply wasn't any flaw in this new Guild, not even a scratch. I'm glad I bought a new one. I don't have to worry about damaging a vintage guitar with regular use. I bought this guitar to play the hell out of it. I plan to own it for the rest of my life.

Having said that I can't believe that a guitar in this price range doesn't have a bone nut and saddle. I can't wait to replace them and hear how the tone improves (not like it needs a whole lot of improvement).

If this guitar were stolen I would definitely buy another. Before you buy a high-end acoustic MAKE SURE you try the Guild D-55.

2003 Guild D-55 in a beautiful sunburst finish. It's one of the new Fender built Guilds. See other reviews for features.

I recently completed my search for the "lifetime" acoustic when I played this D-55. I had a Gibson Hummingbird previously and I really liked the tone but it didn't have enough volume. This is where the Guild excels. For me it seemed to have the best elements of Gibson, Martin and Taylor acoustics and slap them all into one guitar. It has a wonderful tone with a strong bass and midrange and lovely highs.

perfect action straight from the factory.

It's built like a tank and I'm sure it'll outlive me (i'm 24) and I'll be passing it on the grandkids.

haven't dealt with yet.

I recently purchased a beautiful sunburst Guild D-55. I tested every major guitar maker out there (Gibsons, Taylors, Martins,etc). Forget the D-28s, HD-35s, Hummingbirds, J-200s,etc.
The D-55 outshines them all in tone, projection and playability, not to mention value. The tone and action are wonderful and it sustains for days on end. Fear not purists the new Fender built Guilds are just as good as their predecessors...Oh and this guitar usually runs around $2000 (musiciansfriend.com, music123.com). This guitar is easily worth that much and more. It outplays even guitars costing thousands more (Fender better not get any ideas though). But if you search around on the net you'll be able to find a few places that have them for cheaper.

Made in 2003, made in USA, all solid wood guitar, rosewood back and sides, with spruce top. Nothing electric. Big dreadnaught box. Came with case. Smooth fretwork, large frets. Finish is nitrocellulose. I never give tens on ratings, there is always room for improvement.

Rockabilly, original material played in no one else's style. Thunderous volume, and the older it gets the better the tone. Lively, musical sound all over the range, no tinkle or nasal overtones. All through the sound register, tonally accurate. sustain for a lot better overall sound than the Taylors I tried, and the Martins. It is at least a match for tone and playability for the one Santa Cruz I tried, and it was $900 more. I personally dislike gold hardware, it wears off too quickly.

Action was very good for the style I play. There is one small finish defect at the neck heel, caused by excess glue.

This guitar is built as all Guild guitars are. They are built to be here for the long haul. Good finish, only one minor flaw, finish is a wee bit to the thick side. I find it has better workmanship than a comparably priced Gibson. It has the nitro finish instead of the poly raz-ma-tazz that is on Taylor. It is my opinion that the Nitro finish is the only finish for a guitar that will improve with age. It is hard enough to crack at temperature extremes, and the polyrazzmatazz is too pliant to let the sound of a naturally vibrating piece of wood to come thru unscathed. I would use it without any back up. ( other than some spare strings...)

Answered questions quickly. Limited lifetime warranty. You got to keep them watered, and adjusted to temperature.

Been playing for over thirty years. I own several acoustic and electric guitars from Gibson, and Epiphone, with a Heritage guitar thrown into the mix. Maybe even a Seagull and a Yamaha or two. Fender Amps. Peterson Virtual Strobe tuner. ( Absolutely the best tuner!) I compared this to Taylor, Gibson Hummingbird or either of the sloped shoulder J 45 Gibson models, Martin, & 1 Santa Cruz. I determined this to be the best production acoustic guitar for me. It lacks nothing but some honest playing time, and a few years to further mellow and mature into the sound spectrum that only time will bring. I would replace it in a heartbeat with the same model. The only thing that would could ask for would be a lower price. It still skins the competition at 300 to 900 buckaroos more !!

its an absolutely beautiful guitar it was made in CA unlike the older version that was made in rhode island. ive played a few of both verisons and i cant really find a difference. mine is antique burst and its a beaute. it has a fishman matrix pickuppign siystem that pickups up off the sound board giving it a clear acoustic tone.it has beautiful gold grover tuning machines. it came with a hard case and a humidifier. it has amazing wood. spruce top, and indian rose wood, it has atleast 8 grains per inch making it an amzingly well built and accesorized instrument

its sound kicks ass its tone is absolutely amazing the d55 is probably the best soundign acoustic ever made. It is guilds flagship model and its easy to tell with just one strum. it blows most guilds and all other brands away. this guitar will ring out clearly with sutain far surpassing any martin, taylor, or gibson

ive had this guitar for about a month now and havent had to mess with it. the action was perfect ( i like it pretty low) i have problems playign most gibsons becoz there action is usually high. there was no messy glue or scratches, the pickups worked fine and it looked more beautiful then i ever imagined a guitar could.

ive heard in other ratings that it is built like a tank but ive only had it a month so i cant comment but it looks sturdy enough to me

never used it

ive been palying five years and i own a prs santana se that im going to sell and a prs custom hollowbody, i have a guild jf 30 and a jf 65 both jumbos. i also have a guild d4o and a d100. my 2ns acoustic was a d4 and even tho it wasnt great compared to most guilds even it was awesome compared to other brands. i would like to get a s4cehg but im a little short on cahs at the moment hence the fleet of guitars and the fact that im only 17