2007 D-55 Honey Burst Finish

[Thunder Cannon]

In a long life of guitar acquisition and preferential makers, the D-55 was a much sought after acoustic. I have spent time purchasing numerous Vintage Alvarez Yairi's and a couple of 2000 year models. During my recent buying binge starting in 2018 I was eagerly searching for the D-55. Many listings on Reverb, the best site in my opinion, and the "Natural" and "Sunburst" top abundance. Then along comes a 2007 Honey Burst model in February 2021. I searched the net over and could not find any info on this top color. I wanted to be sure it was legit and the seller had 100% feedback and stated he was a Guild Collector. Having to deal with COVID issues to include economic decline, he offered his Mint '07 for sale on the 'Verb.

I could not believe it. One of my "Holy Grail" wants and there it was. Asking $4000 and finally settling for an offer her could not refuse it was on it's way. I have emailed Guild once and again tonight to find out how many of these were made from the production years of 2005-07. This color, IMHO, is the best looking of the three offerings. Yes natural is classic, Tobacco Burst is bold, but this Honey Burst is a color that Guild should re-think and add to the line.

If any of the forum members here with learned knowledge of this model could provide me some background I would certainly appreciate it. The serial number is TK199013, D-55 Honey Burst. Tacoma, Washington build and she is a site and sound to behold. Some pics below for your reference.

 

[Jaroboni]

I love that color! Very cool and certainly unique.

 

[davismanLV]

Wow.... that's beautiful!! You can tell it's a Tacoma Guild by the placement of the GUILD rooftop logo. What a beautiful thing!! Do you have a photo of the label by chance??

 

[davismanLV]

And then, can you tell me about the blue acoustic top right??

 

[Stuball48]

Strained my eyes looking at that beautiful Tacoma D55. I believe it would standout in any lineup. And what is not to love about that color and the sound matches the color--awesome!!

 

[Thunder Cannon]

Wow.... that's beautiful!! You can tell it's a Tacoma Guild by the placement of the GUILD rooftop logo. What a beautiful thing!! Do you have a photo of the label by chance??

Thanks for the compliment. And, some very fast responses at that. To your request first.

 

[davismanLV]

Thanks for the compliment. And, some very fast responses at that. To your request first.

Thanks, Thunder!! What a cool guitar!! I've never seen a honey burst D55!! I'm in love!!!

 

[Thunder Cannon]

And then, can you tell me about the blue acoustic top right??

Yes, before COVID Martin's Custom Shop employees approached management and asked to step outside the box and create an OM model of color and uniqueness. The result is the 2019 Sam Ash Exclusive OMCE Blue Edge Burst. So my wife, who does not play, asked me if I would buy her a blue guitar. She had a dream one night and since I was on my 35th or 36th guitar purchased since Nov. 2018 she wanted to get in. So, I thought I'll get out of this with a Cort or and Ibanez for $400 or so. Nope, she came to me where I am right now and said, "I found a blue guitar and it says Custom Shop"(Oh, $hit). OK, what is it. "It says Martin". I said, Martin does not make blue guitars!. Well, Mr. Know-It-All, look at this. I said what is that, she said your the guitar expert you tell me. I looked it over and read the listing and it was the Custom Shop model above.

So, I looked and immediately hit the purchase button on Reverb exclusively, $3500.00, on #33 of 50. Proud owners. Then she came to me later in the week and said, "Mike, there is another one listed". Damn, to myself, she is eating into my purchase money, but I thought why not have two of 50 in the world and Martin at that. So, I called the Sam Ash store in New York, asked about the condition, Brand New, so #36 is now on it's way.

Between the two is the 2021 LTD Takamine "Blue Rose"(Look it up on ESP/Takamine site). So, we are in for $7000.00+ for two Martin's off a dream and glad we did. And then add the $3199.00 for the "Tak" and you have, well do the math. So here are the pics and they are Adirondack Spruce tops and figured solid maple, to die for, sides/back. I have many pics, but I just took these for you. The "Tak" is solid Spruce and Mahogany sides and back with a Indigo dyed, cloth inlayed Blue Rose at the 12th fret and abalone thorns, smaller roses throughout the fretboard. Three great catches. Enjoy! Some friends of ours and mine! And, Steve Lukather's 1998 Stage guitar, Luke 1 model and signed to me in 2006. Nice guy and one hell of a guitarist! Thanks for the interest. I own 52 guitars, 5 amps and an Alvarez Yairi collector, Epiphone Elite/Elitist collector in SG's and Les Paul's only and an assortment of other Alvarez, Minarik, Epi, Schecter and others. I love my guitars and I play each one on a rotating basis! Closet Queens, YES, but I play and maintain a well kept arsenal.

Hit me back with any questions, I'll be happy to answer!! My motto, "So many guitars, so little time"!

 

[Thunder Cannon]

I love that color! Very cool and certainly unique.

Thank you very much. I concur!

 

[davismanLV]

Well everyone here knows I'm a goon for BLUE guitars, so.... can I see the blue Martin from the front?? WOWZA!!

 

[bobouz]

I'm a longtime fan of the honeyburst treatment. Guild did quite a few honeybursts back in the '70s. In their catalog at the time was an F-40 in a honeyburst that became my dream guitar. I'd already purchased a new D-40, F-30, & F-20, but couldn't find the F-40 in stock anywhere at the time - so I ordered one. But when it arrived, it was about as far removed from a honeyburst as you could get....... a super dark burst that was a huge disappointment! I still have that catalog, and the pictured honeyburst F-40 still makes me weak at the knees. At any rate, congrats on finding an absolutely gorgeous Guild - Enjoy!

 

[GuildD40]

I love that color! Very cool and certainly unique.

All your guitars are real nice and I also really like that honey burst too. Just got my first guild D-40 T two days ago and totally love it. It’s Guild case is even high quality. After seeing and reading your posts, I think I’m going to do what you did and enjoy the hunt for one of those. Thanks for a great thread.

 

[Boneman]

That is a stunner, HNGD! And yes, what a glorious finish, and I would be hard pressed to resist that too! Welcome to the fold!

 

[Thunder Cannon]

That is a stunner, HNGD! And yes, what a glorious finish, and I would be hard pressed to resist that too! Welcome to the fold!

Thanks Boneman. I am very blessed two have the ability to purchase guitars/amps/accessories at will. My parents and Step-mother were savvy business owners and investors. I had a long 30+ years run in education, Big Pharma sales, family businesses and other sales positions prior to retiring this past March. Among my many interest, philanthropy and giving back to my hometown community and our current home in Columbia, SC. My grandfather was a Methodist minister and until his death at my age of 11, he gave me insights to be giving, caring and humble. I donate to my alma mater, App State and my son's high school, Airport HS, just 800 yards from our home. I have been singing and playing since I was 7 years old. I am not the best guitarist in the world, but, I give it my all and the collection I have accumulated is cherished, bought with careful consideration towards investment options and well taken care of. My mantra is. "So many guitars, so little time"!

My current collection, 52 to-date, includes Alvarez and Alvarez Yairi's, Epiphone Elite/Elitist 2002-2008 production years to include SG's and Les Paul's only, Schecter electrics, Takamine, Martin, Fender and Gibson Custom Custom Shop models. both electric and acoustic, one off's from Minarik, Schecter(#1 only prototype S-1 Elite below) and the proud owner of Steve Lukather's 1998 Luke Blue Stage guitar #2. This was during the initial MM/Ernie Ball days for Steve who was transitioning from Valley Arts guitars. As he states in many interviews, he wanted a guitar with Les Paul and Strat characteristics and Ernie Ball delivered! He signed my acquisition in 2006 and I have also had the pleasure to do Meet and Greets with Steve "Luke" and Joe Williams, personal meetings/studio visits with Tommy Shaw and Ted Nugent, Styx, Sister Hazel, Marshall Tucker Band, Geoff Workman, RIP(Journey, Tubes, Foreigner engineer/producer) and my best friend from high school is a Recording Workshop trained Engineer and Producer/Co-Producer, Tom "TJ" Johnson(Wikipedia) who was Porno for Pyros E/P as well as Yoko Ono, Rancid, Perry Ferrell, Christian Nesmith(Michael's son), members of TOTO, The Tubes, Foreigner, Journey, Marshall Tucker, Mighty, Mighty Bosstones and many, many more! I have been blessed! Yes you are a Guild fan, love the collection on your signature line. That D1212 listing is catching my eye. Any pics of yours for my enjoyment?

I did purchase a D-40 SB back in 2008 but GAS got that one for another Yairi. Still wish I had it and after this warm reception here may look for a Vintage Guild of my choosing moving forward. I would like an electric Guild, as they are well crafted and inviting instruments.

ROCK N' ROLL! MIKE TERRELL

 

[Br1ck]

Probably 20-25 years ago, Scott Chinery commissioned ten or 12 blue archtops from all the big players, both factory and individuals. A few years later, I was going to see the old violins at the Smithsonian one time, and I turned the corner and there they were. Gibson, Collings, Monteleone, etc. All were the exact shade of deep blue bursts. Jaw dropping.

 

[chazmo]

Very beautiful, Thunder Cannon! I'm not familiar with that color sunburst, but I really like it!!!! Enjoy it in good health. Yes, I can confirm for you that TKxxxxxx is Tacoma-built from 2007.

 

[jeffcoop]

Thunder Cannon, my eyes no longer allow me to see at the level of detail I'd like, but is the burst on your D55 the same as the burst on my Tacoma 2007 F30? I adore this burst (and am not a fan of the more traditional burst), so I wish they would bring it back. And if I found a D55 that matched yours, well, watch out.

 

[Uke]

In a long life of guitar acquisition and preferential makers, the D-55 was a much sought after acoustic. I have spent time purchasing numerous Vintage Alvarez Yairi's and a couple of 2000 year models. During my recent buying binge starting in 2018 I was eagerly searching for the D-55. Many listings on Reverb, the best site in my opinion, and the "Natural" and "Sunburst" top abundance. Then along comes a 2007 Honey Burst model in February 2021. I searched the net over and could not find any info on this top color. I wanted to be sure it was legit and the seller had 100% feedback and stated he was a Guild Collector. Having to deal with COVID issues to include economic decline, he offered his Mint '07 for sale on the 'Verb.

I could not believe it. One of my "Holy Grail" wants and there it was. Asking $4000 and finally settling for an offer her could not refuse it was on it's way. I have emailed Guild once and again tonight to find out how many of these were made from the production years of 2005-07. This color, IMHO, is the best looking of the three offerings. Yes natural is classic, Tobacco Burst is bold, but this Honey Burst is a color that Guild should re-think and add to the line.

If any of the forum members here with learned knowledge of this model could provide me some background I would certainly appreciate it. The serial number is TK199013, D-55 Honey Burst. Tacoma, Washington build and she is a site and sound to behold. Some pics below for your reference.

Boy, that top color really makes the rosewood sides pop. Beautiful guitar!

 

[chazmo]

Jeff, it sure does look the same. Very beautiful burst. What does the label on your F-30 say? I'm guessing "HB" ??

 

[chazmo]

Thunder Cannon, what model is your tree of life A-Y? That is really exquisite. I'm assuming that A-Y called the back/side wood "Jacaranda" right? Whatever it is, that is some beautiful, wild-looking grain! Wowser!