"New" Westerly D-55 Arrived Safely - PICS ...

[Tunes]

OK - I hope these turn out ....

My 1998 D-55 arrived safely today - all the way from Mississippi up to Ontario Canada. Seems USPS and Canada Post somehow conspired to get it here without any big drops or kicks. Overall the guitar appears nearly flawless. There is one ding on the front (lower right when facing), but that's it. The rosewood back is nicely bookmatched, and the rest of the wood is in perfect condition - no hint of cracks anywhere. It needs a good set-up for sure - there's something funky with the G string and action needs work - but again that appears to be it. Here are some pics....

 

[Pike]

Congrats Tunes! My D55 is a '98 also, one of the best sounding spruce/rosewood Guilds I've played.

 

[Bill Ashton]

Very Nice! Is the pickguard black instead of simulated dead-turtle?

 

[Tunes]

Very Nice! Is the pickguard black instead of simulated dead-turtle?

Bill -

Yes the pickguard is your basic black. I don't know when they went to faux tortoise (or if you prefer, simulated dead-turtle) - before or after the black. All I know is that the "latter year" D-55's came with the extra bling around the sound hole. They may have changed back and forth on the pickguard. I expect Hans would know the answer to this.

 

[12stringer]

Nice one! That's a real beauty...Congratulations and I am happy that the post offices got her to you in one unscathed piece!

 

[killdeer43]

Congrats, Tunes, on savoring the sweet smell of success. Great looking guitar, and that's an understatement. Many happy returns!

US and Canda, working together (postal services anyway).

Enjoy,
Joe

 

[West R Lee]

Very, very nice. D55's are so cool. I think black pickguards on D55's ended with Westerly.

West

 

[chazmo]

Congrats, Tunes!!!

 

[Treem]

Congrats, Tunes!!!

YES!!!

 

[6L6]

SWEEET!

 

[chicagowineguy]

I am very jealous. What a gorgeous D55! Congrats! Damn those inlays are pretty!

 

[jazzmang]

I've seen some Corona-builts with black pickguards.

Not to thread hijack, but does anyone know if you can still get those black pickguards from anywhere?

 

[chazmo]

I've seen some Corona-builts with black pickguards.

Not to thread hijack, but does anyone know if you can still get those black pickguards from anywhere?

Bet Hans has some.

 

[JerryR]

Yes, I'm jealous too - If I got another Guild it would have to be a D55

 

[cjd-player]

Very nice, Tunes.

Congrats!

 

[drive-south]

As far as I know the D55 never had a tortoise guard until they started making them in New Hartford, CT.

Mine is from the same era (late 90's).

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Tunes,
I hope that you like your new D55 as much as I'm liking mine.
These are great sounding, loud and very balanced guitars.
You will love it after a good set up is done on it.
By the way,
My 2005 Tacoma built has a tortoise pickguard on it.

 

[Tunes]

Thanks for all the feedback - I am heading off to the luthier tomorrow (Aug 24th) for a set-up.

Does anyone know if the pins in this thing are actually bone? They certainly do not appear to be plastic.

 

[hideglue]

Tunes,
The 55s shipped with abalone dot, plastic pins

 

[West R Lee]

I give you the 50th Anniversary D55......built in Corona, California......note the pickguard. Some beautiful Brazilian rosewood though.

http://www.gbase.com/gear/guild-d-55-50 ... 3-natural#

West