18 Jan Guild
Established in 1953 in New York, Guild Guitars grew into one of the world’s premier makers of high-quality acoustic guitars.
Guild flourished in the ’50s and in particular throughout the ’60s, their popularity and solid reputation spreading quickly. Over the years its instruments found their way into the hands of high-profile rock, pop, blues and jazz guitar heroes including Johnny Smith, Duane Eddy, Roy Orbison, John Lee Hooker, Merle Travis, Paul Simon, Keith Richards, Dave Davies, George Benson, Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf, Richie Havens, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Doc Watson, Ry Cooder, George Strait and so many other acclaimed artists.
In 1966 the Guild Musical Instruments Corporation was bought by electronics giant Avnet Inc. and, having outgrown its factory, was moved to a new plant, where operations remained for almost three decades.
The company moved to California in 1995 and shortly after it was acquired by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. In 2014, Guild was acquired from Fender by Cordoba Music Group. Production of USA-made Guilds returned to California, with production staying in China for the GAD (Guild Acoustic Design) series which was introduced in 2000.
Website: www.guildguitars.com
Links to other pages
Guild Electric Guitars
Best Acoustic Guitars under £1000
Choosing an acoustic pickup
Tone woods explained
