How did we get here?
In July 2014, Guild began constructing a new state-of-the-art factory in Southern California where the first order of business was to search the globe for the original molds, equipment and rare Guild guitars. Machinery was shipped from the old factory in New Hartford, CT and retro-fitted into the new production line. Ren Ferguson, legendary luthier, was named VP of Manufacturing and R&D. With Ren at the helm of designing Guild’s new factory, Guild was ready to resume its long-standing tradition in American manufacturing once again.
After 18 months of research, engineering, and preparation, Guild has started production of American guitars!
Guild Resumes USA Production
The first two Guild USA models are authentic reproductions of the classic Guild M-20 and D-25, which were first introduced by Guild in the 1960s. The reintroduction of these models also serve as an homage to Guild’s early history of flattop acoustic production when new employees were trained by constructing M-20s when the Westerly, RI factory first opened in late 1960.
Guild is excited to ring in a new era of USA production, beginning with the reintroduction of two iconic acoustic models. Keep scrolling to browse behind-the-scenes photos of Guild’s new home in Ventura County California, as well as detailed info on the M-20 and D-20.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tPsbDMb414I%26end%3D267
Guitars
M-20
Guild’s iconic small-body acoustic guitar.
- Made in California
- All Solid Mahogany
- 24 3/4″ Scale Length
- 1 3/4″ Bone Nut
- Satin Varnish Finish
- Includes Guild Humidified Archtop Wood Case
Expand to View Full Specs
| BODY | NECK |
| TOP: Solid Mahogany | NECK: Mahogany |
| BACK/SIDES: Solid Mahogany | FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, 12″ Radius |
| COLOR: Natural or Vintage Sunburst | BRIDGE: Rosewood |
| BINDING: N/A | NUT: Bone, 1 3/4″ |
| BRIDGE PINS: Ivory | SADDLE: Bone |
| TUNERS: Vintage style open-gear, 20:1 ratio | # OF FRETS: 20 |
| BRACING: Scalloped X | FINGERBOARD INLAYS: Pearloid Dot |
| PICKGUARD: Tortoiseshell | NECK PROFILE: C |
| BODY FINISH: Satin Varnish | LOGO: MOP |
Options:
- Natural or Vintage Sunburst
- LR Baggs Element VTC Pickup
Guild’s iconic M-20 was the first guitar off the production line in 1967, when the company had grown so much that they relocated to a new factory in Westerly, RI. Nearly 50 years later, history has repeated itself in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in California. The M-20 is a concert size acoustic guitar built with solid mahogany top, back, and sides, informally nicknamed “the Nick Drake guitar” for its inclusion on the album art for Drake’s album, Bryter Layter. It features a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, bone nut and saddle, and an extremely light satin finish that allows this guitar to truly sing. The M-20’s modest appointments include a vintage style rosette and Guild’s peak logo inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the headstock. Each M-20 comes with a hand-signed, numbered certificate of authenticity, and ships with a hardshell case. Also available in Natural, Vintage Sunburst, Natural with LR Baggs pickup, and Sunburst with LR Baggs pickup.
D-20
A classic American dreadnought.
- Made in California
- All Solid Mahogany
- 25 5/8″ Scale Length
- 1 11/16″ Bone Nut
- Satin Varnish Finish
- Includes Guild Humidified Archtop Wood Case
Expand to View Full Specs
| BODY | NECK |
| TOP: Solid Mahogany | NECK: Mahogany |
| BACK/SIDES: Solid Mahogany | FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, 12″ Radius |
| COLOR: Natural or Vintage Sunburst | BRIDGE: Rosewood |
| BINDING: N/A | NUT: Bone, 1 11/16″ |
| BRIDGE PINS: Ivory | SADDLE: Bone |
| TUNERS: Vintage style open-gear, 20:1 ratio | # OF FRETS: 20 |
| BRACING: Scalloped X | FINGERBOARD INLAYS: Pearloid Dot |
| PICKGUARD: Tortoiseshell | NECK PROFILE: C |
| BODY FINISH: Satin Varnish | LOGO: MOP |
Options:
- Natural or Vintage Sunburst
- LR Baggs Element VTC Pickup
The D-20, is a dreadnought acoustic guitar built with solid mahogany top, back, and sides. First introduced to the Guild line in 1968, this model features a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, bone nut and saddle, and an extremely light satin finish that allows this guitar to truly sing. The D-20’s modest appointments include a vintage style rosette and Guild’s peak logo inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the headstock. Each D-20 comes with a hand-signed, numbered certificate of authenticity, and ships with a hardshell case. Also available in Natural, Vintage Sunburst, Natural with LR Baggs pickup, and Sunburst with LR Baggs pickup.
OUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
So, what about the D-55?
2016 production will focus on Guild’s acoustic staples with flagship models, such as the famed D-55 and F-512 coming up next.
For more information on these legacy models, please check out the Traditional Series.
Guild is excited to carry on its legacy in U.S. manufacturing with a renewed commitment to exceptional build quality, premium materials, and that classic sound that can only come from a Guild guitar. Stay tuned for the return of other Guild favorites, including electric guitars and basses.