Guild F-512

112 Guitarist March 2014
GUILD F-30, D-55 & F-512 £1,966, £2,470 & £2,422
Acoustics
Connecticut. Instruments
started rolling off the line in
2009, increasing in number and
variation ever since.
These three all hail proudly
from New Hartford and for all
intents and purposes are the
‘classic’ Guild models. The D-55
dreadnought and F-512
12-string Jumbo come from the
premium Traditional Series,
while the F-30 is from the
slightly lower priced, although
still American-made, Standard
Series. It’s been quite the
journey, so let’s see how our
journeymen have fared.
Sizing up
The most obvious differences
between these guitars – one
moves between numerous
production facilities.
Guitar giant Fender acquired
Guild in 1995, and has certainly
taken its time re-establishing
the model line and brand.
Initially built in Corona,
California, then moved to the
old Tacoma factory in
Washington State, Guild has
eventually found its new home
somewhat closer to its original
roots in New Hartford,
G
uild is undoubtedly the
‘other’ classic American
acoustic brand. Sat on
proud foundations that date
back to New York in 1952, it
nonetheless had a somewhat
rockier ride through the latter
20th and early 21st centuries
than either of its principal rivals
Martin and Gibson. During this
period Guild has had to undergo
major changes of ownership
and strategy, not to mention
What We Want
To Know
So, how do I understand
the Guild line?
Well, prices are a good
indicator. More affordable
GAD and Arcos models
are made in the Far East,
while the Standard Series
(including our F-30) and
Traditional Series
(including the D-55 and
F-512) are USA-made,
as is the vintage-inspired
Orpheum Series, plus
special and artist models
The most revered
acoustic 12-string ever?
It just might be:
introduced in 1968, the
F-512 was originally a
custom-order guitar (as
was the D-55), but it’s
sound and beauty made
it a popular choice. Today
it’s an all-time classic
So who’s played a
Guild acoustic?
Who hasn’t? Clapton,
Richie Havens, Slash,
Pete Townshend, John
Denver, SRV, Brian May,
Nick Drake, Johnny Cash,
Paul Simon, John
Renbourn… The list is
long and illustrious
1
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Guild F-30, D-55 & F-512
£1,966, £2,470 & £2,422
The satin-lacquered mahogany neck on the F-30 Solid mahogany back and sides feature on the F-30
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GIT378.rev_guild.indd 112 1/23/14 4:19 PM