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1950s
- In the next few years, Guild makes their first flattops, followed by acoustic archtops.
- Models such as the X-175 Manhattan, M-75 Aristocrat, F-30, F-40, and F-50 are introduced.
- In 1956, production moves from New York City to Hoboken, NJ. It was during this time period that Guild hires most of the people who are responsible for the tremendous growth of the company during the 1960s, such as Bob Bromberg (general/plant manager), Gilbert Diaz (final assembly), and Carlo Greco (luthier).
- Due to Dronge's ties with the New York jazz scene, Guild's list of endorsees include Johnny Smith, Don Arnone, Carl Kress, and Barry Galbraith, among others. Guild's first collaboration with an artist (Johnny Smith) results in the Johnny Smith Award model, which was made from 1956-1960.
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1960s
- Some very popular models came out of this decade, namely the Starfire models, the Thunderbird, S-100 Polara, and Guild's first 12-string and bass guitars. This is the decade in which Buddy Guy becomes synonymous with the Starfire IV, Muddy Waters champions the Thunderbird, and Bonnie Raitt picks up her first Navarre F-50, which is a new version of the F-50 with rosewood back and sides.
- Guild also begins making their first classical guitars, inspired by Carlo Greco and named after Al Dronge's son Mark.
- After Guild parts ways with Johnny Smith, they developed signature models with George Barnes (George Barnes AcoustiLectric, "Guitar in F"), Duane Eddy (DE-400), and Bert Weedon (Bert Weedon model).
- In 1966, the company is sold to the Avnet Corporation, and production moves from Hoboken to Westerly, RI. The first guitar to come out of this factory is an M-20 in 1967.
- In 1969, Richie Havens wows the world when he opens the Woodstock Festival in 1969 with his Guild D-40. The D-40 and D-50 go on to become mainstays in the Guild line.
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1970s
- In 1972, Al Dronge dies in a plane crash, marking the end of an era for the Guild Guitar Company. Leon Tell assumes Presidency in 1973.
- Guild's 12-string and jumbo-sized guitars pick up steam; on the other hand, Guild overhauls their entire range of solid-body electrics, including the basses. These models include the M-85 bass, JS Bass I & II, S-100, S-300, and new solid-body versions of the recently re-issued M-75 Bluesbird, called the M-75GS and M-75CS.
- Guild also designs and produces the first dreadnought guitar featuring a cutaway (the D-40C), and makes the first dreadnought-shaped 12-string guitars (G-212, G-312). During this time period, the "G" designation for a dreadnought guitar crops up, although why it is introduced remains a mystery.
- Little known fact: at the beginning of 1970, Jimi Hendrix purchases a left-handed F-212 12-string model from the infamous Manny's Music in New York City.
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1980s
- With the popularity of the heavy metal and hard rock scenes, Guild introduces many solid-body guitars and basses with body shapes and design features aimed to suit the style of these players. Popular models from this time include the X-82 Starfighter, S-80 Flyer, X-79 Skyhawk, SB-66E Bladerunner, and the SB Pilot basses.
- On the acoustic side of the business, Guild partners with George Gruhn (famed American guitar historian and owner of Gruhn's Guitars in Nashville) to create a new range of flattop guitars, including the D62, D64, D66, F42, F44, and F46. Guild also continues to expand on their existing range of flattops.
- Artist models from this decade include the Hank Williams, Jr. (also called the G-45), and the DE-500, a reissue of Duane Eddy's original guitar.
- In 1983, the Talking Heads' groundbreaking live concert "Stop Making Sense" is filmed. Lead singer David Byrne uses his solid-body Guild.
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1990s
- In 1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan plays a Guild JF6512 on MTV Unplugged.
- In 1993, Guild builds a double-neck guitar for Slash, called the Crossroads. This is a red semi-acoustic 12-string at the top, and 6-string electric on the bottom. As the story goes, Slash designed this guitar on a napkin. His idea came about because he needed to be able to quickly change from acoustic to electric, without having to change guitars mid-way through a performance. A green version dubbed "Godzilla" is made later in the 90s, and accompanies him during the tail end of the Guns N' Roses years, as well as with Velvet Revolver.
- Guild also partners with Brian May and creates the Brian May Signature series, a limited run of 1000 solid-body guitars. Three versions are created: the Brian May Signature, Brian May Special, and Brian May Standard.
- In 1994, Soundgarden releases "Superunknown," featuring the hit "Black Hole Sun." Guitarist Kim Thayil, who found his signature Guild S-100 at age 19, is touted as a major influence and pioneer of the "Seattle Sound".
- In 1995, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation purchases the Guild brand.
- In 1998, the Goo Goo Dolls releases "Iris" for the City of Angels Soundtrack. This iconic song from the late 90s catapults the band to stardom and brings them their first three Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Lead singer and guitarist Johnny Rzeznik wields an arsenal of Guilds, including jumbos, 12-strings, and the S7CE Peregrine.
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2000s
- In 2001, Guild is moved from Westerly, RI to Corona, CA. In 2004, production moves again to Tacoma, WA, where Guild ceases to make US-made electric guitars. A few years later, production moves again to New Hartford, CT.
- In the early 2000s, Guild's new GAD ("Guild Acoustic Design") series is released, based on iconic American designs.
- In 2002, Tom Petty plays a Guild 12-string during the Grammy Award-winning film, "Concert for George," held on the first anniversary of George Harrison's death.
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