Standard Series / New Hartford

[ReevesRd]

I've been looking at the features of the Standard Series and how it differs from the Traditional Series.
Please help by adding to or correcting this information.
Standard Series - New Hartford - 2010-2013
Models - D-40, D-40CE, D-50, D-50CE, F-30, F-30CE, F-30R, F-30RCE, F-50, F-50CE, F-212XL, F-212XLCE
It looks like all of the CE models were added in 2011
Body - Sitka Spruce top (Traditional - Red Spruce top)
Fingerboard & Bridge - Rosewood (Traditional - Ebony)
Headstock - Rosewood Veneer with Peaked Guild logo (Traditional - Black Veneer with Peaked Guild logo and Chesterfield or G-Shield on the higher-end models).
Tuning Pegs - Gotoh Schaller style (Traditional - Gotoh open back style?) Not sure?
Electronics - D-TAR Wave Length may be different with some models. Not sure?
These are the differences that I have found. I understand the Guild was not always consistent in production.
Thank you for any information you can add or correct.

 

[chazmo]

I'm trying to remember, but I don't think the fingerboards were ebony, or perhaps not on all of them. Also I know that the F-212XL models did not have open back tuners, Reeves.

The main difference between the Standard series and the others was that the wood pore filler was chosen to speed up the NCL finishing in the booth, and the necks and the bodies were joined *after* the finish process was completed, i.e., they were finished separately. The first versions of the Standard series were satin necks on gloss bodies. That changed a little later, so you have to look at the individual ones. I think your model list is correct.

 

[fronobulax]

F30 Traditional has a 1 11/16" nut and tortoise shell binding. F30 Standard has a 1 3/4" nut and white binding. I think the F30 model was the only one where the nut width was different.

Generally Standard will also have a satin neck.

You might glean more from the catalogs at https://www.gad.net/Blog/guild-guitar-catalogs/

Guild discussed the differences at some of the New Hartford factory tours. If you are really motivated searching LTG for reports from LMG (Let's Meet Guild) I, II, III and IV. Just don't embarrass anyone by pointing out that what they wrote 10 years ago does not match their memory today.

 

[davenumber2]

I have a 2012 D50 Traditional if there is anything you’d like me to look at “under the hood” for comparison . Bridge and board on mine are definitely ebony, Chesterfield headstock, red spruce top, gloss neck . The DTAR was ripped out when I got it. Original tuners were Gotoh SE700 (thanks to info obtained here). They had been replaced with Grover Rotomatics but I righted the wrong by installing new Gotohs.

 

[ReevesRd]

The main difference between the Standard series and the others was that the wood pore filler was chosen to speed up the NCL finishing in the booth, and the necks and the bodies were joined *after* the finish process was completed, i.e., they were finished separately. The first versions of the Standard series were satin necks on gloss bodies.

That's right, I forgot about the Standard Series necks being satin finish. Thanks for the wood pore filler info.

F30 Traditional has a 1 11/16" nut and tortoise shell binding. F30 Standard has a 1 3/4" nut and white binding. I think the F30 model was the only one where the nut width was different.

Thanks, frono.

 

[twocorgis]

Also, starting with the 2013 model year, the Standard series had gloss tops, and satin back and sides. My B54ce is like that.

 

[ReevesRd]

Also, starting with the 2013 model year, the Standard series had gloss tops, and satin back and sides.

I remember someone saying that, but I wasn't sure when it happened. Thanks, Sandy.

 

[ReevesRd]

@chazmo, does your F-212XL STD have Gotoh Schaller-style tuners?

I've seen LTG members with D-50, F-30, F-50, & F-212XL Standard models (CE included). But I don't think I've seen anyone with a D-40 STD or a D-40CE STD. Have any of you owned one of the D-40 STDs?

 

[SFIV1967]

The 2011 catalog showed all the standard series:








Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

Jan 1, 2012 price list:






Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

@chazmo, does your F-212XL STD have Gotoh Schaller-style tuners?

Since I know that link:

NGD: F-212XL Standard

Yup, I think you're right on, Charlie. I think that I was confused... whether a center strip is used or not, the block of wood is built up into a lamination before the carver makes a neck out of it. What I don't know is whether any solid blocks of wood are used for single-piece necks. So...

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

 

[SFIV1967]

New Hartford did not give specifications for everything on their webpage and the Standard series was never really promoted on the webpage as far as I remember.

Ralf

 

[ReevesRd]

Thanks, Ralf.

Standard series was never really promoted on the webpage

That doesn't seem like good marketing.
I appreciate all the information. I have a copy of the 2011 catalog/price list. Found it after I purchased my 2011 NH F-30CE STD.

 

[jeffcoop]

Note the existence of the F20 Standard Series, at least in 2012. It's on the 2012 list above, but I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere on the thread. I owned one of these for a short time in 2013.

 

[adorshki]

F30 Traditional has a 1 11/16" nut and tortoise shell binding. F30 Standard has a 1 3/4" nut and white binding. I think the F30 model was the only one where the nut width was different.

"Check"

Just don't embarrass anyone by pointing out that what they wrote 10 years ago does not match their memory today.

Yeah, the truth hurts sometimes.

 

[ReevesRd]

Standard Series - New Hartford - 2010-2013
Models - D-40, D-40CE, D-50, D-50CE, F-20, F-20E, F-30, F-30CE, F-30R, F-30RCE, F-50, F-50CE, F-212XL, F-212XLCE, & B-54CE
CE models were added in 2011. F-20, F20E, & B-54CE were added in 2012.
Body - Sitka Spruce top (Traditional - Red Spruce top or Sitka Spruce top) Back & Sides Finish changed to Satin in 2012
Fingerboard & Bridge - Rosewood (Traditional - Ebony on high-end models / Rosewood on others)
Neck - Satin Finish (Traditional - Gloss Finish) Some models may have different nut widths or neck construction.
Headstock - Rosewood Veneer with Peaked Guild logo (Traditional - Black Veneer with Peaked Guild logo and Chesterfield or G-Shield on the higher-end models).

These seem to be the main differences between these series. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input.

I find Guild's time at New Hartford interesting. One thing is sure the New Hartford factory made high-quality instruments.
I understand there are other differences between the Traditional and Standard Series, especially from model to model.

I still haven't heard from anyone that has had one of the D-40 Standard models.

 

[HeyMikey]

The interesting thing about Guild is that not only have high quality instruments been made at New Hartford, but also at each of the different factories.

Quite amazing when you think about it and all the outside forces working against them. Where some other makers have had periods of better and worse quality, Guild has managed to keep theirs at a fairly high level over the decades and factory moves.

 

[Boneman]

Interesting that the “rosewood” option was only $200 more back then.

 

[Br1ck]

All I know, all the New Hartfords I've played were great sounding guitars, and light.

 

[ReevesRd]

I also noticed the D-40 Bluegrass Jubilee, D-50 Bluegrass Special, and F-30 Aragon all have tortoise binding, while the Standards all have ivoroid body binding.