Making sense of flat top models

R

rnantel

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Hi,

This is my first post here so my apologies if this has been asked somewhere. I've been trying out a lot of Guilds lately and am very impressed. But, I'm having a tough time making sense of their models. For instance, today I played an F40 and an F47, both really nice guitars. When I got home and visited the Guild site to find out more about these models, they aren't listed. Would these be old discontinued models? Or, is the F40 a GAD F40? (Could not see Gad on the label anywhere.)

Is there anywhere to go to get a list of comprehensive list of Guild models over time?

Thanks

Richard
 
C

cjd-player

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killdeer43 said:
Welcome, Richard.
Guild 'wisdom' is deep in these parts! :wink:
Joe
Click to expand...
Knowledge yes. Wisdom ... we charge extra for that.

And you rarely get what you pay for. :mrgreen:
 
A

adorshki

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HI Richard: WELCOME ABOARD!
As far as your question about a "comprehensive list over time", probably not... but there's a source out there for a pretty good overview of model numbers at least:
http://www.westerlyguildguitars.com
That site is kind of a work in progress and it doesn't go in depth into years of production for the models shown. At least you can get a sense of what the heritage of current model numbers is. Some models have been dropped and brought back for example. But they usually keep pretty similar construction characteristics which defined the model in the frist place.
There's a book called "The Guild Guitar Book" written by one of the members here, Hans Moust. Copies are supposed to still be available on sites like Amazon for a reasonable price say around $30-40.00 if you dig deep enough. That one's very complete but only covers up to '77. He's working on volume 2.
The most comprehensive repository of info I know of is this site, but you've got to do a lot of reading of the old threads to piece it all together. But If you start to really love 'em like we do, that's just fun!
Be aware that even the official website may contain outdated info. It's not continuously updated.
Any Guild should say where it was made on the label inside. The newest factory is New Hartford Connecticut. Prior to that was Tacoma Washington. If you're looking at F40/F47 they're most likely from one of those 2 places. The GAD's are in fact made in China (Not sure about the labels on those, I've never actually seen one yet, but the GAD type model number is the indicator for those and that should be on the label.)
There are differing opinions about which Guilds are best around here. I can't say anything about the Tacomas or New Hartfords or GAD's, I've never had a chance to see any of 'em, but they've all had honest reviews around here, mostly favorable it seems. I think the best Guild is the one(s) you own and love!
:D
 
S

spiderman

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Indeed GADs have on the bottom of the label "Handcrafted in China".

Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired), Alvarez AC60S 2008, Eastman AC320ce 2008 "Hybrid", Guild GAD-JF30E(blonde) 2008, Guild JF55 1997, Guild D25M 1974, Martin Grand J35E 2009
 
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rnantel

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Thank you very much for the warm welcome. This looks like a great forum. (Typing this while listening to the great Bonnie Raitt videos someone posted on another thread.) I'm hoping to soon add a Guild to my collection which is presently:

Taylor 512ce
Yamaha SLG 100S
Art & Lutherie Ami
Takamine Jasmine

Best,
Richard
 
bluesypicky

bluesypicky

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Talking Guild while listening to Bonnie Raitt.... sounds like you have a life :wink:
Welcome!
 
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