Guild D-55

The D55 has solid everything - no cutting corners on this awesome dreadnought. Spruce, rosewood, ebony, abalone...it's just an awesome set up. The others have filled out the details and you can see for yourself at Guild's website.

This D55 blows every other dreadnought I have ever played. Seriously. The only thing that rivals this is another Guild. Martins sound sooooo flat and lifeless. I picked up thei famous D28 and it sounded like it had been kept in the barn for years. No projection, dead sound, no boom. This Guild, however, rings with a deep, deep bottom, booming projection and a resonant mid and high section. I strum it and I feel the guitar come alive. I think the solid, heavy construction adds to the resonance - there's something that Guild has done with this D55 that produces such an "anointed" sound.

This Corona made D55 came to me in perfect condition. No flaws whatsoever. Mine has a beautiful sunburst finish. I saw the D55 on the website and I knew I had to have that exact finish. I can still smell the wood each time I open up the case. This is a delight to play every time I pick her up.

This is my fourth Guild. I'm sold on Guild as one of the best kept "secrets" out there. Again, Taylor, Martin and Larrivee seem to get all the press, but Guild is the darkhorse - it will probably bolster Fender's reputation as well. I know of Guild's quality - although they've been known to develop some cracks and top swelling just south of the bridge. No sign of anything like that on this one, though. I'm keeping it moderately humidified and kept in the case to protect it. This Guild should last long after I'm gone.

I've had no need to contact them yet.

I love this guitar. This is the dream guitar I always wanted and plan to keep all my life. My job, profession and calling are the same - I'm a worship pastor and I rely on good quality tools of the trade just like any musician. Everyone I know seems to think that Taylor is the way to go. They make an excellent product - but so does Guild. I will "evangelize" others to "see the light" in Jesus AND in Guild! I pity those who fork out $3000-4000.00 for a Collings, Santa Cruz or Goodall...why waste good money on something that won't even sound as nice as this Guild.

Bought in 1976 - a magnificent guitar that was played hard on the road for 12 years - at least 4 times a week for up to 5 hours a night. Was set up by a guy who used to work for Maton in Australia ( Maton is a lovely guitar - The Aussie Martin but nicer to play) Had a bridge pickup installed by Maton about 1978 and its still perfect - the bindings on the neck had to be replaced and this was done by Fretted Instruments in Melbourne about 10 years ago. The guitar just gets better and better. Its loud - its got such a nice tone. I had a lovely Martin d28 1976 which I hardly ever played because the Guild is just so nice. The shell inlays in the neck are some sort of shell from New Zealand ( kauri?)) and are a kaleidoscope of color. Gold Grovers and an action that has always been flawless make this a dream machine. The guitar has been used in extremes of climate from winter in Sarajevo to tropical humid Darwin - Guild is a killer guitar that gave me a lifestyle and gave me thousands of hours of fun.

I play Celtic - Folk - Folk Rock

Was great but needed attention from an expert a few years out - after that it was perfect and has been so since.

It looks and sounds better every year - its a classic

never had to use

playing 35 years plus - anybody who hears or plays this guitar is changed :)

This model is one of the new "Fender" Guilds, manufactured in Corona, CA. I have had the opportunity to play vintage Guild acoustics, and I must say that this transition model is faithful to the originals in every way. Spruce top, nicely grained Indian rosewood and somewhat figured mahogany comprise the main materials used in constucting the guitar. Add in the beautiful abalone and shell inlays (Sorry, I'm a sucker for abalone), multi-ply binding and flawless ebony fretboard, and you've got a guitar that is equal in looks as it is tone and playability. The nitrocellulose finish is a nice touch for us vintage fans, and I look forward to the beautiful natural aging process that accompanies said nitro finish.

After falling in love with the full, rich sound of most Martin guitars, the Guild was a no-brainer. Huge bass, full mids and fairly bright highs. This is how a dreadnaught should sound. I encountered a little fret buzz at first, probably a function of sitting alone unchecked in a music store, rather than a manufacturer's defect. A quick tweak fixed the problem, and my guitar rings clean and true in any position. Not nearly as bright as a Taylor, but that's not what I wanted. The D55 eats Taylors for lunch tonally.

As I had mentioned before, a set-up was needed to bring the guitar into its true character. However, most guitars sitting on the shelf at a big-box music machine need a set-up after months of unfavorable climactic conditions, staff apathy and "customer" abuse. I, in no way, believe the manufacturer to be at fault. There was a small ding in the finish on the back. Again, a function of time spent being molested at a large, high-traffic store. The workmanship is flawless. Major concerns, such as frets, bookmatching, finish, gluing, etc., are not a concern at all. Minor concerns, being aesthetic appointments (inlay, binding) are masterfully done. I would prefer a thinner pickguard, a la Larrivee, to allow the top to ring out more. However, one strum puts this concern away.

I have yet to use this guitar on a gig. However, it has seen many hours of playing since I bought it, replacing my electrics (Gibson LP Standard and Music Man Axis Sport) as my main house guitar. It seems to enjoy my robust picking style, and hasn't shown any signs of wear under the (ab)use that I inflict upon it daily. It feels solid, more so than any other high-end acoustic I have auditioned over the years. The neck finish does tend to get sticky after playing, but hey, so does my Gibson. I welcome the opportunity to use it on a gig, but I have no plans to install a pickup at this time. Most pickups do no justice to the character of a finely crafted acoustic, and dreadnaughts tend to feedback when amplified (in fact, if anyone has any suggestions as to a good acoustic pickup with minimal installation hassles, I would welcome the opinion) I bought this guitar with the intention of having a lifetime friend, and I have no doubts that my D55 will fufill these intentions.

Haven't had to contact anyone yet. I do fear the hassle of calling the 900-pound gorilla that is FMIC, but i don't believe that it will be an issue with this guitar.

I have worked for MI retailers for over 4 years now, and have had the opportunity to play everything. I mean everything. The current situation with my current employer, Mars Music, is sad, but represents a rare opportunity to pick up an instrument at below cost prices. I cannot belive that the Martins and Taylors flew out of my store faster than this Guild. I'm lucky to live in an area populated by name-brand-obsessed amateurs with more money than ears or ability. I'm very lucky to have picked up a dream acoustic for a ridiculous price, especially in comparison to comparable models by other manufacturers. This guitar is mine, mine, mine, and will only see a new owner when it is inherited by a fortunate relative after my demise (hopefully many years from now, as I can't wait for this baby to open up and really show me something). Smart money is on the Guild D55, or any other Guild acoustic. I urge anyone even remotely interested in a finely crafted American acoustic guitar to compare the Guild models against the other well-known vendors' models. My search for the lifetime acoustic is over.

OK - this is one of the new Corona built D55's in a beautiful sunburst finish - I've only had it a month, but have played long enough to know what a good guitar features - this is a great guitar...I'm feeling so fortunate to have one of these in my possession! I've played the Rhode Island Guilds and have owned a couple - and I believe the woods and materials are imported from back east and brought here in Southern California. I honestly can't tell the difference in terms of quality and workmanship from the older D55's. In terms of features - it has the top of everything - no cutting corners...AAA spruce top, bookmatched solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, three piece neck, abalone inlays, etc. This is a killer guitar.

One note of difference - the bridge pin is thinner and will not accomodate a Fishman Matrix II thin pickup - you will need to figure out another electronics configuration like the Baggs i-beam or Fishman rare earth soundhole pickup. I don't know why they made it thinner - the older Guilds had the wider bridge pin. Nonetheless, the thin, bone material is perfect. I installed the Fishman Rare Earth Blend pickup and it suits me fine.

This is the MAIN REASON I BOUGHT THIS GUITAR - the sound is beautiful, thick, authoritative and sweet. I play it with a medium pick and medium strings and whether I do a ballad or lay it down with a heavy, sustained set of songs - the guitar stays right along with me. The resonance lasts for days with a clear midrange and deep bass you'd expect from the rosewood.

I did a lot of research comparing the D55 to the Martin D28, Larrivee D10, Taylor 810, Tacoma DR38 - and this Guild is superior in terms of presence, resonance, sustain, and volume. I say this as a Guild enthusiast, but also as a careful shopper who didn't want to invest in something I couldn't honestly stand behind. I suspect that there are hundreds of Martin owners who look with envy at the quality and power of the Guild D55's sound and tone.

The action and playability fo this guitar is great. The action is very low - almost too low when it came to me. I replaced the lights and mediums and the action has been perfect ever since. I feel sorry for my guitar sometimes because I definitely play it hard - but the Guilds seem like one of the few guitars that can take it.

I forgot to mention to weight of this guitar - it's slightly lighter than the Rhode Island Guilds - so it's not a tank as it once was, but it's still a chunk and is considerably heavier than the Larrivees. I really like the solid feeling of these Guilds.

Oh yes, the antique sunburst finish - this is worth mentioning. Just like the pictures of the D55 on the website, this D55 has that beautiful finish (the natural look gets boring!). I have this sense of peace and joy every time I look at her.

The only negative was that the black pickguard wasn't cut perfectly round - and so a part of it covered up the nice abalone soundhole inlays.

I've owned four other Guilds and know that the guitars have been able to withstand the heavy punishment I've put them through. The dents and scratches will come with any guitar - they're ineviteable. Having said that, this Guild will serve me well for years to come and I have full confidence that this will accomplish that for which it was created - to make music.

I have a friend who works at Fender and have felt treated very well. The Fender company tends to get bad press by people who think they've gotten too big for their own good. I don't know...all I know is that this Guild is a work of art and the big transition from Westerly to Corona has proved, at least to me, that quality control was a high priority for them. It translates clearly to me and my D55!

I've been playing for over twenty years and serve as a worship pastor for a church. I'm heavily into music every week and have needed reliable tools such as the Guild to assist me and my ministry. I have found the dreadnought of my dreams and cannot see ever parting with it. I know that my beliefs forbid me from worshipping idols - I've got to be careful with this Guild D55 - it's almost divine! I can't say enough about how good it feels to own and play a great instrument. It makes what I do that much funner.

Natural finish D-55 purchased in 2000 with Gold Grover tuners. Ebony neck has stunning abolone and mother-of-pearl markers and large Guild headstock. I've played for over 30 years now and this beauty is among the best I've seen or heard.

It's heavier than other similarly sized dreadnaughts and has spectacular ringing high notes which is probably why John Denver played Guilds for many years. All I can say is that I went out looking for the 'Martin' sound and came home with a Guild because it stood up against every other guitar I played, including some high-priced vintage Martins. I'm constantly amazed by the balanced sound and the clarity of the highs without missing any of the lows.

Out of the box there were no flaws adjustment problems. Had to tighten the neck about a 1/4 turn after a month of South Florida humidity, but the neck action is still great. Added a piezo bridge pickup without any problems.

Can't speak for this particular guitar, but have a friend with exactly the same model made in the 70's and it plays and sounds just about like mine (a little yellower on top and maybe a tad warmer). It's just a solid as mine and the appointments are still in perfect shape after all these years.

Life-time warranty but can't say that I'd ever send it back to the factory since I'd rather work with a local technician. However, my friend contacted the factory about 2 years ago to check on his models serial number and thinks he must have talked to the guy who actually made his guitar...don't know about warranty support, but it sure speaks well that they keep their people around.

The only thing I wish is that Guild would make a wider neck version of this classic since it's a bit tight for fancy finger picking work. But then, my fingers have gotten wider over the years so guess I shouldn't expect the guitar to compensate for that! In any case, both Martin and Taylor have wider neck models and think Guild could learn from that. Keep the sound...just widen the neck!

Top of the line American-built acoustic, I bought my 1976 model second-hand here in England in 1982 for #272 (about 400 or so dollars). Money extremely well spent. Lovely woods and finish, I had to have the neck edge binding glued back on about 10 years ago. Apart from that, no problems. The ebony fingerboard is a joy to play on.

Rich and deep sound that suits my latin/jazz style well. Loads of sustain.

Beuatiful woods and beautifully made.

Utterly dependable guitar and I have played live with it but it is not amplified in any way so it's more for my own pleasure or for "musical soirees".

Never had to contact the makers.

Been playing, as a true amateur for around 35 years. I also have a Guild F20 and a Guild Starfire IV (played through a Fender Vibolux) so I am a little biased. I am about to buy a mid-70's hardtail Strat and another Guild, this time an F45 cutaway elctro-acoustic. There can't be many D55's in England; I'm proud to own it.

New 2000 production Guild D55 in natural finish. Top of the line appointments like abalone and pearl inlay, abalone rosette, ebony board, and nice binding throughout. Lots of time consuming hand work and finish work. Body is solid Spruce with Rosewood back and sides and scalloped bracing. Tuners are stamped Guild but appear to be Grovers. Nice neck profile and small heel joint make playing a dream. Upper register access is good for a traditional acoustic. Finish is multicoat Nitrocellouse laquer buffed to a beautiful luster and flawless finish.

My friend and I have been on the search for a spectacular acoustic for some time. We stumbled on the Guilds while looking over some Martin's, Gibson's and Taylors and were blown away by the full lush tones, good upper end chime, and super projection. My friend bought a D-55 a few months ago and while I acquired a Martin HD-28, I still had the bug for the tone of that Guild D-55 and nothing else would do...

When I bought my Guild recently, I "wanted to make sure" that my ears were still tuned to the Guild's unique tone. At Guitar Center, I played D-35's, D-28's etc back to back with the Guild and the Damn Guild was the sound for me; Fuller, more complex and superb projection. Add a low end that never flubs out and a beefy sound that you can feel in your gut puts the D-55 in another league. Not only that, the unbelievable workmanship and "extras" really put the D-55 over the top. I strongly feel that the Guild D-55 is one of the best kept secrets in the new production guitar acoustic world....very unique sounding and consistant as I have not played a bad sounding or playing one right off the shelf.

Top drawer quality with no flaws. The D-55 oozes hand workmanship. The inlay work, and construction is simply masterfull. Could be the best constructed Guitar I've ever owned...not an easy feat. The Guild is not a lightweight but pretty damn heavy for an acoustic. This weight does not inhibit the resonance in the least. In fact the extra girth holds the tone together when getting aggressive and probably attributes alot to the solid and tight bottom end.

The search is over...this guitar is a lifetime keeper...a hard instrument to top in any respect. Got a good deal at $1500 including original case (at guitar center nonetheless) and including 6% tax. That equates to a solid %40 off list price. If you are in the market for a superb instrument, do your self a favor and checkout these Guilds before production moves from the handmade craftsmen in Rhode Island to the cold jaws of mass production in Southern California (Fender). Eventually, a handmade D-55 "customshop" from the west coast will cost dearly. Don't say I didn't tell you so! Go now...

1978 D-55NT, (purchased in 2000) Natural finish, has yellowed nicely, some lacquer checking adds character, twin pickguards (top and bottom tortoise shell) Replaced silver/chrome tuners with Gold Grovers, endpins are brass (presumably not original, I assume they were added back in the days when brass was thought to increase sustain), can't say how it left the Rhode Island factory, nice thick neck, good frets,
top of the line inlay still looks great

Been playing over 20 years, have had many accoustics and electrics, was considering Martin D-41, but this old warhorse was less than half the price, and my two year old standing on it apparently didn't harm anything. Play mostly original semi-blues based sometimes open tuning, sometimes slide, awesome bass respond, could be more color in high treble notes - sounds awesome for things like bass riff in Neil Young's Hey Hey,My My - a very soulful instrument, (made my Gretsch Rancher Reissue sound like the cool looking but crappy piece of oriental junk it truly was - so I traded the Gretsch toward a purple PRS CE-24 with tranluscent purple top) anyway, sounds great for flatpicked palm muting, can rip at the strings, or barely touch them, and there's a colorful tonal response; overall a powerful somewhat bassy sound - if you want treble bright look elsewhere.

23 years old and playing great

Like I said, my 2 year old stood on it, after watching me play slide, he's tried to play slide with a spatula, a telephone receiver, etc. (with a 4 year old and 2 year old, you may not want a vintage Martin)
Like others have noted, finish is thick, dings add uniqueness, stays in tune forever, I currently play in standard, open D, open D minor, open G, open G minor, this guitar handles it all, would gig with no back up if changing tunings wouldn't ruin continuity of show.

Never called, have no idea

Been playing, ironically since 1978, the year this guitar was made. Currently own PRS CE-24, 1957 Les Paul Special, another obscure Gibson electric, and am looking to but either a National or Dobro resonating instrument so I can irritate mayself further by playing one chord electric Howling Wolf songs (Wang Dang Doodle, Do the Do, etc.) on accoustic slide. Have owned and traded numerous vintage/older electrics and accoustics, (wish I kept the 1963 strat I bought in 1979 for $300)- played countless Martins and Gibsons before this purchase, as soon as I played this one I just knew, we instantly bonded - bottom line: I don't know why older Guilds aren't drooled over by accoustic fanciers - get on Gruhn's website and see lots of guitars that cost more and sound worse, (especially 1960's - current Gibson accoustics)
I'd sold my recording equipment years ago, and this guitar has got me wanting to purchase another home recording system, cut CD's and drive around listening to myself in my Jeep, all the while maintaining my humility.

1999 Made in U.S.A., Antique Sunburst Dreadnaught. Double Binding around the top and up the fingerboard, abalone around the soundhole with large abalone and mother-of-pearl markers up the neck. Spruce top rosewood back and sides. Gold Grover tuners. Large head stock. Black pickgaurd. Ebony bridge. This is a fancy looking guitar.

I shopped for weeks looking for a guitar that sounded loud and beautiful, this is it. Prefectly round sound; rich bottom, prefect mids, crystal highs. I get into some big acoustic jams and this guitar aways cuts through.

The original set-up on the guitar was great. I play hard and the finish holds up to my tough handling. Beside my heavy rhythm playing I can play leads and slide up and down the neck every note is clear as a bell. The guitar is flawless except for the problem I'll mention below.

I've had this guitar over 1 year, it was set up great when it was new but I had to have the bridge re-glued when it started to come up a bit, making the action high. The neck was also adjusted at the time (about 2 months ago). This was a bit disturbing but it's playing like new and I don't think I'll have more trouble. I'm back to strumming my heavy rhythm on it.

When I originaly bought this model I got it with a natural finish. A few days later I saw the guy in the band Bare Naked Ladies playing one with the antique sunburst finsish. I brought it back to the shop and told them I didn't know it came with that beatiful sunburst and I wanted an exchange. They took the guitar back and ordered the sunburst. Good service.

Matt Uminov guitar shop in New York has some great acoustic luthiers. When it need the bridge repair they did the work and Guild paid for it. I paid more money at Uminov because I like their support. I work nearby and I've bought three acoustics from them. They've always do good, prompt work.

My only complaint with Uminov is that they can be a little crabby at times.

I've been playing for 30 years and own 15 guitars. My acoustics include a Guild F45-CE and a Tayor 12 string. Soundwise this guitar can compare favorably to any guitar on the market. I don't no if it will hold together the way Martins and Gibsons do. But if it does as well as my other Guild (over 10 years of hard playing) then I'll be alright. If your looking for an acoustic that sounds big and looks great, check out the D-55

"Baby" is a 1979 D-55 sunburst model. Let's just say this is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL guitar. I purchased it used in 1998, in dead-mint condition with the original hardshell case. I also had a Fishman Active Matrix pickup installed which is excellent.

It is a "typical" Guild...built like a tank and somewhat heavier than similar Martins/Gibsons. This in no way hinders its playability or sound, though, no matter what you may have heard some people say.

The guitar I played before getting this one was a 1979 Guild D-35, and there is NO comparison between it and this one. In fact, I gave away my D-35 to a friend because I knew I would never even pick it up again.

Over the 30+ years I have been playing, I am sure I have picked up over 200 guitars and picked a song or two with each. The sound of this Guild is nothing short of delicious! I can very honestly say it rivals my buddy's 1973 Martin D-28....in fact I prefer this Guild to his Martin. (This isn't just phoney-baloney BS....this guitar is THAT good!).

The sustain on this D-55 is phenomenal!... I can hold it in front of me and talk at it and can feel the vibration and sustain in it. It has a wonderful bright sound, full bass and ringing mids/highs. I prefer the sound of light guage phosphor-bronze strings, but usually string with mediums because I don't have to re-string as often..<g>..

I mostly strum and flat-pick, and this guitar doggone near plays itself...it really is THAT good.. Whenever I get in a rut and haven't played in a while, just picking up "Baby" renews my enthusiasm and puts a smile on my face!

Zero-defects... Probably the best built/finished guitar I have ever played. I had Dan Shipp at Lay's Guitars in Akron do a setup on it before I got it, and the action is incredible.

I have been hauling this guitar around for 2+ years now, and it has stood up very well. I use it for all live accoustic playing, with no complaints. Right now, with the exception of a really fantastic old Yamaha which I rarely play, this is the only accoustic 6-string I have. I haven't yet found ANY other accoustic which I would rather play than this one....and that says a LOT!

Never had any dealing with the factory...no problems.

I've been playing 30+ years, both for money and for fun..and have gone through tons of guitars.. Right now I also have a 1976 Fender Lead, a 1998 Epiphone DelRey; a 1983 Guild F-412 12-string (same appointments as the D-55), and an old 1972 Yamaha FG-180 (tremendous sound, BTW). Amps are a 1966 Fender Princeton Reverb, a 1965 Fender Vibro-Champ, a Marshall VS-230, a 1968 Kustom 100, and a neat little Danelectro "Nifty-Fifty".