D-140 CE Westerly Collection

[KCGuildPicker]

I’m in a position to pick up a used D-140CE from a local GC. This one checks a lot of boxes for me: comfy neck, bone nut/saddle, cut-away (We pay for all the frets, so i want access to them), sunburst. I played it for about an hour yesterday with no finger stiffness/pain - which as i get older is becoming more and more an issue. Likewise. no shoulder pain which can be an issue for me even without the guitar strap digging into my shoulder.

i’ve searched the forum for downsides to the D-140/Westerly Collection and generally i find the stated cons by forum members to be things like: non-USA Guild, thick finish that might deaden the sound, and surprisingly overall weight (not a problem with the one i tried). Am i missing something?

Is the general consensus that the Westerly Collection punches above its weight - would that be an accurate description?

thanks, Jim

 

[GGJaguar]

Is the general consensus that the Westerly Collection punches above its weight - would that be an accurate description?

For me that would be an accurate statement. My D-1212 can easily hold its own against more expensive guitars. It's lightweight, it's made well and, yes, it has a thick finish, but it plays and sounds really good.

 

[twocorgis]

That thick finish on every one of the GAD/Westerly series that I've owned or tried has been a deal killer for me. they're great guitars for the money, they're just not for me. Not one of them lasted very long here.

 

[Guilderland21]

I have a D-140 without the cutaway, electronics, or sunburst, and I'm very happy with it. I'd agree with the "punches above its weight" assessment for most of the Westerly Collection models I've tried, especially this one.

I'm not sure if the finish thickness varies a lot between individual Westerly Collection guitars, or if different members here have different standards for what they consider too thick - probably a little of each. In any event the finish on my D-140 doesn't seem unacceptably thick to me, though it will never be as thin as some NCL finishes can be. I find mine comfortable to play (occasionally I wish the neck profile were a little deeper, but generally it doesn't bother me), but after trying one out for an hour that's something you can probably assess for yourself.

 

[Cougar]

i find the stated cons by forum members to be things like: non-USA Guild, thick finish that might deaden the sound....

I've got a GAD D125-12 with that poly finish. Man, is it glossy! And its sound is surprisingly good.

 

[KCGuildPicker]

I have a D-140 without the cutaway, electronics, or sunburst, and I'm very happy with it. I'd agree with the "punches above its weight" assessment for most of the Westerly Collection models I've tried, especially this one.

I'm not sure if the finish thickness varies a lot between individual Westerly Collection guitars, or if different members here have different standards for what they consider too thick - probably a little of each. In any event the finish on my D-140 doesn't seem unacceptably thick to me, though it will never be as thin as some NCL finishes can be. I find mine comfortable to play (occasionally I wish the neck profile were a little deeper, but generally it doesn't bother me), but after trying one out for an hour that's something you can probably assess for yourself

I went in thinking that the finish would be thick or at least noticeable - i was pleasantly surprised - If there was any projection or volume issue, it was more due to string age and/or string choice - but that is kind of to be expected at GC.

 

[F30]

There are plenty of non USA made Guilds that feel and sound fantastic.
As far as the finish I recently picked up a NOS OM 150 and the finish does not look like what I would consider heavy or build up at the neck joint, etc. If you played it and you liked it then it would probably be a great score.

 

[portsider]

My D2612 CE is wonderful. I gig with it and it always sounds fine. I'll tweak the vol ant tone to fit the venue/amp and it's all good. I have a USA F112 and there's really not enough difference to trouble me.
I say grab it..

 

[KCGuildPicker]

My D2612 CE is wonderful. I gig with it and it always sounds fine. I'll tweak the vol ant tone to fit the venue/amp and it's all good. I have a USA F112 and there's really not enough difference to trouble me.
I say grab it..

Nice on the two Guilds you mention - i’ve never played a F112 but i bet it’s a killer! I did get the D-140CE and after playing at home for a few days it has made me rethink MIC guitars. I used to think Eastman were the best MIC. Now I’m not so sure. Small sample for sure but dang i’ll take it any day!