My first post after lurking here for some time.
In researching my latest guitar purchase, I couldn't find a specific comparison like this, so here goes.
I have a 1965 M-20 that I bought new for $105, if memory serves. It's been a lifelong friend.
However, it IS 50 years old. The top is bowing up near the bridge, the bridge is starting to come loose, and the pick guard is loose. My local repair guy really didn't think it was worth another rebuild (it was refurbished by Guild on R.I. in the mid-70s and had some bracing re-glued in the 1990s). So I started shopping and, of course, fell in love with reviews of the NEW M-20.
I now own both.
Visual comparison:
The main difference is the neck width (1 3/4 new vs. 1 11/16 old). I actually measured the top thickness with a micrometer, and they are identical.
The grain on the old mahogany seems a lot closer/tighter. The new mahogany is a lot lighter in color.
The 2018 model has extra bracing on the bridge side of the hole and on both sides of the hole. Probably wise, since that's where mine is deforming.
The body-to-neck joint is beefier on the new one, though I've never had any issue there.
The new one FEELS heavier, though I'd need a fish scale to tell the difference.
Sound comparison:
I tried a Martin 000-15M at Guitar Center and was not overwhelmed. My brother gave me a pep talk, saying, "EVERYBODY has a Taylor or a Martin. Get another Guild."
I'm glad I did.
The new one has a very clear sound, from highs to lows (I restrung it with Martin extra lights 0.010; it comes with 0.012). My wife really likes it.
The wider neck actually is a blessing for a fat-fingered guy like me, though I was worried. (My other main guitar also is '60s vintage and has a thin neck.)
The old one ... well, it's so subjective. But it's "lovely." Not as loud, not as twangy, not as good at projecting bass. Just lovely. Of course, that could be because we've been together for 50 years and I know how to play around its flaws.
Here's a short video comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHaly3uUUzA
I wish I could have the 1965 version in tip-top shape, but lacking that, the new M-20 is a great guitar.
Thanks. Hope this helps anyone considering the purchase of one.
In researching my latest guitar purchase, I couldn't find a specific comparison like this, so here goes.
I have a 1965 M-20 that I bought new for $105, if memory serves. It's been a lifelong friend.
However, it IS 50 years old. The top is bowing up near the bridge, the bridge is starting to come loose, and the pick guard is loose. My local repair guy really didn't think it was worth another rebuild (it was refurbished by Guild on R.I. in the mid-70s and had some bracing re-glued in the 1990s). So I started shopping and, of course, fell in love with reviews of the NEW M-20.
I now own both.
Visual comparison:
The main difference is the neck width (1 3/4 new vs. 1 11/16 old). I actually measured the top thickness with a micrometer, and they are identical.
The grain on the old mahogany seems a lot closer/tighter. The new mahogany is a lot lighter in color.
The 2018 model has extra bracing on the bridge side of the hole and on both sides of the hole. Probably wise, since that's where mine is deforming.
The body-to-neck joint is beefier on the new one, though I've never had any issue there.
The new one FEELS heavier, though I'd need a fish scale to tell the difference.
Sound comparison:
I tried a Martin 000-15M at Guitar Center and was not overwhelmed. My brother gave me a pep talk, saying, "EVERYBODY has a Taylor or a Martin. Get another Guild."
I'm glad I did.
The new one has a very clear sound, from highs to lows (I restrung it with Martin extra lights 0.010; it comes with 0.012). My wife really likes it.
The wider neck actually is a blessing for a fat-fingered guy like me, though I was worried. (My other main guitar also is '60s vintage and has a thin neck.)
The old one ... well, it's so subjective. But it's "lovely." Not as loud, not as twangy, not as good at projecting bass. Just lovely. Of course, that could be because we've been together for 50 years and I know how to play around its flaws.
Here's a short video comparison:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHaly3uUUzA
I wish I could have the 1965 version in tip-top shape, but lacking that, the new M-20 is a great guitar.
Thanks. Hope this helps anyone considering the purchase of one.