The Chinese model, together with the 7K model referenced above, will only increase the value of vintage Guilds that were actually made in westerly (and the other locations). Have to agree though "westerly collection made in China" is a bad idea. Not sure who the target market it. May flop over here but could be successful in China possibly?
I'm the kind of person who is interested in the new Westerly Collection. I've never owned a Guild before, but I am aware they've been sold numerous times and have moved manufacturing quite a number of times. The main reason I'm interested is the Jumbo F150CE. Roughly $1K for a spruce/rosewood jumbo guitar with graphtech nut and bridge.
I've owned a lot of guitars over the years, and I know how people are attached to certain brands, and respect the opinions, but it comes down to price and what's available in the market.
I ordered a GAD, but it had a defect in the neck, so I'm waiting for the new guitar as AMS has it available, along with a discount for having gone through the problem and of course this Westerly Collection is less expensive than the GAD for the same guitar. The only difference as far as I can tell, is the inlays on the neck are dots instead of rectangles, and the pickguard is red instead of black, which I prefer anyway.
I recently gave my Gibson Songwriter Deluxe to my daughter for graduating college, and wanted her to have it before she, my son-in-law and grandkids moved out of state. I'm not in a position to spend another $3K on a guitar, so here we are.
Best,
Rick
