Santa Monica, CA – Nearly three years after moving USA manufacturing from Connecticut to a new factory in Oxnard, California, Guild is proud to resume production of its most iconic dreadnought model, the D-55. First introduced in 1968 as a special-order top-of-the-line model, the D-55 was so well-received that Guild added it into the regular production line by 1974. Famously played by Tommy Smothers on the Smothers Brothers Show in the 1960s, the D-55 grew in both popularity and longevity over the decades, finding homes in the hands of more contemporary artists like Waylon Jennings, Billie Joe Armstrong, and David Nail. The most anticipated return of a Guild acoustic to date, the 2017 Guild D-55 is back and better than ever.
The D-55 remains true to all the premium appointments of its 1968 predecessor, including a AAA Sitka spruce top, solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and nitrocellulose finish. Internal refinements include scalloped Adirondack bracing designed by master luthier Ren Ferguson, as well as an improved dovetail neck-joint, hand fit to make this generation of D-55 the lightest, loudest, and best-sounding yet.
We’re very proud of the guitars we’re now making here in the USA,
says President Jonathan Thomas.
“They sound like beautiful worn- in Guilds from the 60s, and are so comfortable to play. Everyone can’t believe how responsive and light they are while still maintaining that huge classic Guild tone…and the D-55 has always been such gorgeous guitar. The aesthetics are a beautiful mix of premium woods and abalone and mother-of-pearl inlay work. It really represents the top of our USA craftsmanship.”
The D-55 showcases Guild’s most recognizable headstock which is fully bound and features the Guild “Peak and G- shield” inlay combination over a figured ebony overlay. The matching ebony fingerboard is also fully bound and inlayed with Guild’s iconic abalone/pearl “V-Blocks” and multi-line “railroad track” purfling on the bass and treble sides. The D-55’s fingerboard is set on an all-mahogany neck with beautiful walnut center seam running the length of the heel to headstock.
The D-55’s nitro finish is available in natural or Antique Burst and is hand sprayed for minimum thickness and maximum resonance that will only get better with age. An LR Baggs pickup system is available as an option, and each guitar includes a had signed certificate of authenticity and ships Guild’s Premium humidified hardshell case.
- D-55 in Natural – Street $3,299.99
- D-55 in Antique Burst – Street $3,399.99
- D-55E in Natural – Street $3,499.99
- D-55E in Antique Burst – Street $3,599.99
About Guild Guitars
Established in 1953, Guild is one of the world’s historic guitar manufacturers with a long-standing reputation for building iconic musical instruments. From the New York jazz scene in the 1950s, Richie Havens’ legendary performance at Woodstock, to Seattle’s Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Guild guitars helped create some of the greatest music in history. With a tradition built on old world craftsmanship, quality, and value, Guild guitars have always been made to be played. For more information, visit www.guildguitars.com.
Visit Guild Guitars’ exhibit at the 2017 Winter NAMM Show, located at Booth 5308.
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