This guide looks at the best Guild acoustic guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. I’ve played acoustic guitars as well as other guitars for many years, and I can assure you that you can always rely on Guild.
Quick Answer: Best Guild Acoustic Guitars
- 1. Best Guild Acoustic Guitar Overall: Guild D-55
- 2. Best Cheap Guild Acoustic Guitars: Guild OM-240CE
- 3. Best Guild Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000: Guild D-260CE
- 4. Best Guild Acoustic Guitars Under $500: A-20 Marley
- 5. Best Guild USA Series Acoustic Guitars: Guild F-55E
- 6. Best Westerly Collection Guild Acoustic Guitars: Guild Jumbo
- 7. Guild M-40E Troubadour Acoustic Guitar
- 8. Guild F-512 Maple 12-String Acoustic Guitar
- 9. Guild D-20 Acoustic Guitar
- 10. Guild D-140 Acoustic Guitar
Guild acoustic guitars have a sound somewhere between Taylor and a Martin acoustic. You pay top dollar for these guitars, but you get a solid and dependable guitar that’s a joy to play.
Since 1952, Guild has produced top-quality acoustic guitars. Many famous players have used Guild, such as Bruno Mars, John Denver, Brian May, Bryan Adams, Tom Fogerty, and a lot more.
I’ve spent many years as a guitar player and teacher, working in several music stores. I know firsthand that Guild is an amazing acoustic guitar brand that’s well worth the investment.
I’ve always been impressed by the easy playability and tone of a Guild guitars. This guide will help you pick out a great guitar that will be a joy to play for many years. They have many models to choose from, and I’ll make sure to point out a few of my favorites.
About Guild Acoustic Guitars
Guild guitars are handcrafted and use quality materials. They have an excellent tone and reliability. This guide is designed to help you pick out a great Guild acoustic guitar.
Guild guitars are the top choice for many famous players due to their superior sound and reliability. Legends such as John Denver, Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many more have used these classic instruments.
Manhattan, New York, was the location of the first Guild guitar workshop. After the company expanded, they moved to New Jersey. The company experienced rapid growth in the 1960s due to the popularity of folk guitar music.
The quality of these guitars suffered a bit in the late 70s and early 80s. Changes in management, as well as ownership, brought about a return to higher quality standards by the early 90s.
The company was acquired by Fender in the mid-90s. These instruments today are made in the USA and are now a part of the Cordoba Music Group.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Guild Acoustic Guitar
The Guild guitar you choose will depend upon your budget and what you can afford. Higher-priced guitars have better wood and more options, but this might not be the best for you.
Think about the music you like to play. For example, if you strum a lot, go for a good dreadnought. If you fingerpick, a parlor or smaller-sized acoustic guitar is ideal.
Size
Guild guitars are full-sized adult instruments. They have different sizes to suit your playing style, such as jumbo, dreadnought, parlor, and concert.
I prefer a cutaway dreadnought because it gives higher access to all of the frets for soloing. I also like my acoustic guitars to have a pickup and preamp, but this is all personal preference.
A standard dreadnought should be fine for most players, but it’s great to experiment as well depending upon the music that you’re playing. For example, a concert-size guitar is great for fingerpicking.
The Overall Tone & Sound
Guild guitars have an excellent tone and sound. They’re suitable for many different guitar styles. The tone is rich and vibrant. Choose one with a pickup if you plan to record or play live.
Guild guitars sound great whether you’re strumming chords, playing single notes, or fingerpicking passages. I find that they have an amazing low end and that the tone is balanced across all of the strings.
These guitars have clarity, note projection, and nice sustain. Try a set of phosphorus bronze strings on your Guild guitar for the best results, as I feel these strings bring out the tones.
The Build
These guitars are made with high-quality tonewoods. You get a professional sound when you purchase a Guild guitar. They’re set up well right out of the box and ready to play without many modifications required.
You won’t struggle to play a Guild guitar, as they have easy playing necks and smooth fretboards. They’re comfortable to hold whether you’re standing up or sitting down. I’ve never noticed finish flaws when picking up a Guild guitar.
Parts
The guitars have high-quality bridges, machine heads, and pickguards, and quite a few ship with electronic systems so you’re ready to record or play live music.
Price
Here’s what you can expect in terms of price when you choose a Guild acoustic guitar. These guitars come in various configurations to meet all of your needs.
- Beginner: $650-750
- Intermediate: $550-1500
- Advanced: $1500+
Types of Guild Acoustic Guitars
Guild has two main lineups with an extensive guitar selection in each. The USA Series is more expensive, while the Westerly Series is a good choice for those with a lower budget.
USA Series Guild Acoustic Guitars
The USA Series features top-quality Guild acoustic guitars. You’ll find many different configurations and models to choose from in this series. Some guitars also feature pickup systems and other extras.
Westerly Collection Guild Acoustic Guitars
These instruments are affordable for people of all budgets. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, this series is the best choice, as you’ll find a quality Guild guitar for a lower price.
10 Best Guild Acoustic Guitars
After playing dozens of Guild Guitars both on stage and in guitar shops, I found it difficult to choose just 10 of the best Guild Guitars. There are plenty of great Guild instruments that didn’t make this list, but these are the ones I think have something special about them, either in their sound, history, or playability.
1. Guild D-55 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: Optional
- Material & finish: Spruce, rosewood, walnut ebony, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Professional guitar players
The Guild D-55 is an excellent guitar that’s well suited to professionals. What first impressed me was the AAA-grade spruce top, and that was before I even played a single note. Once my pick hit the strings, the sound coming out of this guitar convinced me that it’s one of the best acoustic guitars for advanced players.
Professional players will love the relaxed feel of the 3-piece neck, which is made of both walnut and mahogany. This neck is solid, stable, and comfortable on the hands at all positions along the fretboard.
✅ Bone nut/saddle
✅ Spruce top
✅ Gotoh machine heads
✅ Solid wood
❌ Expensive
❌ Pickups are optional
Why I Recommend It
The Guild D-55 is a good choice for any advanced player who wants a full, rich sound. The price isn’t as expensive as some other guitars, yet it delivers the same professional tone that you want out of a traditional dreadnought.
The scalloped spruce bracing gives the guitar more note clarity and adds durability to the guitar top. There’s not much that you can’t do on this guitar, from complex fingerpicking to heavy strummed chords. It’s got the pro sound that you want.
I picked this guitar because it’s pretty close to being perfect. It’s as good as any Martin or Taylor guitar. Of course, you’ll pay top dollar for it, but it’s got an amazing sound. It’s flawless, whether you’re fingerpicking or strumming chords.
2. Guild OM-240CE Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Cutaway dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar
- Pickups: Guild AP-1
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, pau ferro, satin polyurethane
- Best for: Intermediate players
The Guild OM-240CE is a nice intermediate guitar. The cutaway body makes it easy to access all the higher frets for guitar solos. This guitar is lighter than similar acoustics, so I was able to play the guitar for hours without my arms getting tired.
In addition, it’s got a spruce top for good sound projection and stability, thanks to the X-bracing pattern. The pau ferro fretboard is smooth up and down the neck for easy strumming or soloing.
✅ Cutaway body
✅ Pickup
✅ Good neck
✅ Solid tone
❌ May need some setup
❌ No case
Why I Recommend It
I like the Guild OM-240CE because it’s a nice mid-range acoustic guitar for intermediate players. It’s got a great tone, and the pickup gives it superb amplified tones. The guitar is ready for any playing style you have.
The bone nut and saddle keep the guitar in tune and give it better intonation. This instrument is one of the best intermediate acoustic guitars from Guild for any player, as it’s comfortable to play and has a good tone.
The player will love the guitar’s body style. This is thinner than a regular dreadnought, so it’s not as boxy. I like this type of body style for fingerpicking blues or similar styles.
3. Guild D-260CE Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Cutaway dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar
- Pickups: Fishman Sonitone
- Material & finish: Spruce, ebony, mahogany, pau ferro, gloss polyurethane
- Best for: Beginner/intermediate guitar players
The Guild D-260CE is a nice beginner or intermediate guitar. The cutaway gives the player easy access to the higher frets. It’s got a solid spruce top for note clarity and a better tone.
The Fishman Sonitone pickup gives you a great amplified tone, making the guitar ideal for recording those first songs. One of my co-workers at the guitar shop used this very guitar to record with his bluegrass band. Although I’m not the world’s biggest bluegrass fan, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the clear and vibrant sound he got out of the guitar.
✅ Cutaway
✅ Pickup
✅ Solid tone
✅ Spruce top
❌ No case
❌ May need some setup
Why I Recommend It
I like this guitar as it’s low-cost yet gives the player a lot of value in this price range. The ebony back and sides give the guitar a nice midrange tone.
This guitar may need a bit of setup, but overall it’s a good choice for the beginner or intermediate player that wants a solid and easy-to-play guitar. Guild beginner guitars are well made, so you get your money’s worth.
I picked this one as it’s a steal in its price range. With a cutaway and a pickup, you’re not going to find much better out there. I also like the easy-to-access battery compartment.
4. Guild A-20 Marley Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, pau ferro, satin finish
- Best for: Beginners and Bob Marley fans
This instrument is based upon Bob Marley’s original Guild Madeira guitar. The spruce top gives it lots of volume and a good tone. The C-shape neck is comfortable to play on, making it a top choice for beginners.
Extras include his name on the pickguard and on the fretboard itself, which gives this guitar some nice added touches. Guild A-20 Marley is one of the best cheap Guild acoustic guitars that you can buy.
✅ Good tone
✅ Nice neck
✅ Great look
✅ Easy playing
❌ Case could be better
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
For beginners looking for inspiration from their favorite artist, the A-20 Marley is a good choice. This guitar has a bone nut and saddle, which stabilizes the tuning. It’s an excellent feature for a guitar at this price point.
The scalloped X-bracing improves the tone and stability of the instrument. You get extras such as picks, a poster, and a Bob Marley booklet, making it a great guitar choice for any fan.
I recommend this guitar because it’s a full-feature dreadnought for a low price. It’s a lot better in terms of intonation and sound when compared to many of the beginner guitars on the market, which makes it a great starter guitar.
5. Guild F-55E Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Jumbo dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: LR Baggs Anthem
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, walnut, ebony, lacquer finish
- Best for: Professional players
The Guild F-55E offers a huge jumbo dreadnought tone. It’s got a pickup system for great plugged-in tones. The Sitka spruce top adds note clarity and volume to the instrument. This is a top guitar for advanced players.
The XP bracing further enhances the full sound of this guitar and helps to extend its life. The C-shape neck is comfortable, and your fingers will glide effortlessly thanks to the ebony fingerboard.
✅ Great electronics
✅ Big tone
✅ Easy playing neck
✅ Bone nut/saddle
❌ Expensive
❌ May be too big for some
Why I Recommend It
I found the Guild F-55E to be an excellent jumbo dreadnought guitar. It’s perfect for playing chord progressions and provides superior acoustic/electric tones. There’s not much this guitar can’t do in terms of sound.
I think this is the perfect guitar for blues, country, or jazz players. Its quality materials and balance give the guitar a punchy yet controlled sound, and the Gotoh tuners make tuning a breeze. Professionals will love the feel and attack of this guitar.
I picked this guitar because of the LR Baggs pickup system. I’ve used this in quite a few acoustic guitars, and it’s got a great plugged-in tone. This jumbo is expensive, but the sound is fantastic, making it a top pro guitar.
6. Guild Jumbo Junior Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Jumbo dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar
- Pickups: Guild Ap-1
- Material & finish: Spruce, pau ferro, mahogany, gloss polyurethane
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate players
The Guild Jumbo Junior provides a big tone thanks to its size, and it comes with a pickup for plugged-in tones. The Sitka spruce top further enhances the warm sounds you get out of this acoustic guitar.
The guitar has a jumbo body look, but it’s a bit smaller than a real jumbo, so it fits better when the player is standing up. This is one of the best beginner Guild guitars for today’s players.
✅ Big tone
✅ Pickup
✅ Good neck
✅ Low price
❌ No case
❌ May need some setup
Why I Recommend It
This makes a great beginner or even intermediate guitar for today’s player. The pickup allows the player to experiment with recording or playing live.
I like the Guild Jumbo Junior as it’s got a great tone for the price, thanks to the jumbo body size. In addition, it’s got a bone nut to further enhance the guitar’s tone.
The battery compartment and input jack are located at the bottom of the guitar for easy access, so you’re not fighting with an internal battery. The guitar has everything that the beginning or intermediate player wants.
7. Guild M-40E Troubadour Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Concert body
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: LR Baggs Element
- Material & finish: Spruce, mahogany, rosewood, nitrocellulose lacquer
- Best for: Intermediate/pro guitar players
For those that want a smaller body size, the Guild M-40E Troubadour is a solid choice. The spruce top gives the guitar a good sound, and it’s got an LR Baggs Element pickup for amplification whenever you want it.
The small concert body size makes the guitar ideal for fingerpicking, and the guitar is easy to hold while you’re standing up because it’s lightweight. This is an excellent guitar for intermediate or professional guitar players.
In fact, this was one of the first Guild guitars I tried when working at a guitar shop. Don’t let its smaller size fool you. This guitar can compete with the best of them.
✅ Small body size
✅ Pickup
✅ Great tone
✅ Hard case included
❌ Expensive
❌ May be too small for some
Why I Recommend It
Most Guild guitars are boxy dreadnoughts, but the M-40E is a nice smaller size concert guitar with a moderate price tag. I like the LR Baggs Element pickup, which sounds great through any amplifier.
I picked this guitar because of the smaller concert body size. It’s easy to fingerpick or strum with this guitar, and the smaller body size makes it a good choice for travelers or people with smaller hands.
8. Guild F-512 Maple 12-String Acoustic Guitar
- Type: 12-string dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, walnut, mahogany, ebony gloss nitrocellulose finish
- Best for: Professional 12-string players
The Guild F-512 Maple is a superior 12-string guitar. Its spruce top and flamed maple back and sides add a lot to the bright jangly sound of the 12 strings. The ebony fretboard is smooth up and down the neck.
The gloss nitrocellulose finish protects the guitar from damage, and it comes with a hardshell case to protect your investment. This is a top Guild guitar for professional players, and it’s one of the best-value 12-string guitars I’ve every played.
✅ Big 12-string tone
✅ Spruce top
✅ Maple back/sides
✅ Bone nut
❌ Expensive
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
The Guild F-512 costs a lot, but it’s a premium 12-string guitar. It can sometimes be difficult to find a 12-string guitar that has an even sound across the strings. But as soon as I strummed a chord on this guitar, I knew that Guild got the formula right.
The scalloped body bracing gives this guitar stability and a better tone. In addition, the C-shape neck is comfortable at all positions. For 12-string fans, this guitar has it all, including great looks.
I picked this guitar because it’s an excellent 12-string. It’s got a huge tone and sounds great whether you’re fingerpicking or strumming. The bass and treble response of this instrument is balanced.
9. Guild D-20 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, hard case
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Mahogany, rosewood, satin finish
- Best for: Intermediate/advanced players
The Guild D-20 is a solid and well-rounded guitar in the mid-price range. The C-profile neck is comfortable up and down the rosewood fingerboard. The dreadnought body gives a rich tone, making the guitar perfect for heavy strumming.
When I first saw this guitar, I noticed the smooth satin finish that brings out the natural beauty of the wood grain. Once I played it, I knew it was a solid and well-built guitar for any intermediate or advanced guitar player, and I recommend it highly.
✅ Good tone
✅ Nice look
✅ Comfortable neck
✅ Bone nut/saddle
❌ Expensive
❌ No pickup
Why I Recommend It
I like the Guild D-20 because of the mahogany top back and sides. You won’t find many acoustic guitars with a mahogany top. This wood gives the instrument a lot of warmth, and it sounds great no matter what you play.
It’s got vintage-looking machine heads that keep it tuned up with ease. My only complaint is that there’s no pickup, but you can add your own.
This is a solid and well-rounded dreadnought based on the original 1960s design. If you like a vintage-sounding acoustic guitar, this one is as close to the sound as you can get without paying vintage prices.
10. Guild D-140 Acoustic Guitar
- Type: Dreadnought
- What’s included: Guitar, gig bag
- Pickups: N/A
- Material & finish: Rosewood, mahogany, spruce, gloss polyurethane
- Best for: Intermediate guitar players
The Guild D-140 acoustic guitar features a solid spruce top for good tones. I like that the mahogany back and sides further enhance the sound of this dreadnought acoustic. The rosewood fingerboard provides smooth playing for any guitar style.
The guitar has X-bracing that stabilizes the guitar and enhances the tones. This is an easy-playing dreadnought guitar for intermediate players who want a comfortable guitar for a lower price point.
✅ Good tone
✅ Easy playing
✅ Low cost
✅ Bone nut/saddle
❌ No pickup
❌ Case could be better
Why I Recommend It
The Guild D-140 is a nice intermediate dreadnought with a lovely sound and easy playing overall. It’s a solid choice for strumming or fingerpicking guitar styles, thanks to a comfortable neck and relaxed feel.
It’s got Guild chrome machine heads, and it comes with a gig bag to protect it. This is a great intermediate Guild acoustic guitar for any player, and indeed it was quite popular at the guitar shop where I worked.
I picked this guitar because it’s got a nice sound for under $1,000, which is a great bargain for an intermediate player. The spruce top sounds great, and this is complemented by a mahogany body.
Guild Acoustic Guitars Aesthetics & Build
Here’s what you need to know in terms of the build and looks of Guild guitars. These instruments are made with top-quality materials, so you’ll get a guitar that’ll last you a long time.
Material
There are various types of wood that go into acoustic guitars. It’s important to note that expensive guitars have better wood grades when compared to mid-priced guitars, even if they use the same wood type.
You’ll need to try different guitars with specific tonewoods until you find one that matches the sound you want out of a guitar. It’s trial and error until a guitar sounds right to your ears.
- Spruce: This is a top wood choice for guitar tops. It offers a nice tone and durability.
- Cedar: An alternative to spruce that has a warm tone
- Mahogany: Often used for guitar backs and sides, as it has a nice style and excellent durability
- Maple: This wood is used for guitar necks as it’s durable and resists warping.
- Rosewood: A smooth wood used for guitar fingerboards. It’s easy to play up and down a rosewood fingerboard.
- Ebony: An alternative to rosewood that’s smooth and easy to play
Finish
Acoustic guitars have several different finishes. Here are the main choices and what to expect with the finish on your acoustic guitar.
- Gloss: This is a typical finish for acoustic guitars. It features good shine and durability, giving the guitar an attractive look.
- Satin: This finish is smooth but doesn’t have much shine. Some prefer the matte feel of a satin finish, and it’s found on many acoustic guitars.
- Nitrocellulose lacquer: This is a hard finish with a good shine. It offers good protection for the guitar and long life.
- Polyurethane: This durable finish has a good shine and long life.
- Polyester: Another hard and durable finish with long life
Color
Most Guild acoustic guitars are natural wood grain. There are a few different colors, such as tobacco sunburst or black, but the main choice is natural wood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Guild guitars. It’s important to have a good idea of what you want before buying.
How Much Do Guild Acoustic Guitars Cost?
There are two main Guild lineups. The USA Collection features premium guitars for people with higher budgets, while the Westerly Collection features affordable guitars in a lower price range. Here’s what to expect in terms of price.
- Beginner: $495-1000
- Intermediate: $1000-1500
- Advanced: $1500+
Should I Get a Pickup?
Many Guild guitars come with a pickup, but you don’t need one if you’re not using it. A guitar with a pickup requires an acoustic amplifier, which is an added expense that you may not want at first, especially as a beginner.
I tend to go for acoustic guitars with pickups because you never know when you’re going to want to record something or play a live session somewhere. But if you’re only looking for a beach or campfire guitar, you can pass on the pickup.
What Are the Best Guild Acoustic Guitars?
Here’s a listing of the three best Guild guitars for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar players. Whatever your playing level, you’re sure to find a great Guild guitar for your needs.
Guild A-20 Marley Acoustic Guitar: Best for Beginners
The A-20 Marley is a solid choice for beginners. It’s easy to play, has a comfortable C-shaped neck, and comes in at an affordable price. It’s a lot better than other beginner guitars in its price range.
I picked this guitar because it’s a nice basic dreadnought that comes in at a low price yet is easy to play. A lot of other guitars from other companies in this range aren’t very good, but this one has the sound and playability you want.
Guild D-140 Acoustic Guitar: Best for Intermediate Players
The Guild D-140 is a solid acoustic guitar for intermediate players. It’s made with excellent tonewoods, has a great tone, and is comfortable to play. It’s got a reasonable mid-range price, so the guitar is affordable.
I picked this guitar because it’s got everything that the intermediate player needs. The rosewood bridge, bone nut, and saddle are nice touches in this price range.
Guild F-40E Acoustic Guitar: Best for Advanced Players
Guild F-40E is a jumbo-sized dreadnought with a big tone and an LR Baggs pickup for great amplification. You get an easy-to-play neck with a bone nut and saddle for great intonation and better sound.
I picked this guitar for the pro as it’s the perfect guitar for the singer/songwriter. You get a huge tone out of the jumbo body, and the LR Baggs is one of my favorite pickups.
Where Are Guild Acoustic Guitars Made?
The premium USA Guild guitars are made in California, while the Westerly collection of lower-priced guitars is produced in China.
What Is the Best Sounding Guild Acoustic Guitar?
The Guild D-55 is one of the best Guild acoustic guitars. It has a rich tone, a nice neck, and you can get it with or without pickups. This is a premium guitar for professional players that want an amazing sound.
Reviews on other sites indicate this is one of the best high-end acoustic guitars. I agree with this assessment as this instrument has a top-quality tone, incredible build quality, and easy playability.
Where to Buy Guild Acoustic Guitars
There are several places where you can buy a new Guild guitar. Here’s a rundown of the major stores online that sell musical instruments. Shopping online can be ideal due to the product selection.
Amazon
One of the better stores to shop at is Amazon. They have an extensive selection of guitars and related products. They offer excellent customer service, fast shipping, and the ability to leave reviews. They should be your top choice.
Online Music Retailers
Sweetwater and Guitar Center are two other locations online where you can purchase musical instruments. They have fast shipping, good prices, and an excellent product lineup.
Your Local Music Store
Your local music store may also stock Guild guitars. Not every store has the full lineup, so you may have to special order your new Guild guitar. The plus is you can try out a guitar hands-on before you buy.
Review This Post
Table of Contents
- Acoustic Guitar Brands
- About Guild Acoustic Guitars
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Guild Acoustic Guitar
- Types of Guild Acoustic Guitars
- Acoustic Guitars
- 10 Best Guild Acoustic Guitars
- Guild Acoustic Guitars Aesthetics & Build
- Acoustic Guitar Accessories
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Acoustic Guitar Reviews
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide to the best Guild acoustic guitars. I consider Guild to be one of the top three acoustic guitar manufacturers, with Martin and Taylor being the other two top picks.
The reason Guild stands out as a great acoustic guitar choice is that they have lot of experience building high-quality guitars, which makes them popular with famous artists from the past as well as the present. As a worker in a guitar shop, I could always recognize when someone was trying out a Guild. The sound is that distinctive.
These guitars are suitable for many different guitar styles. Whether you want to fingerpick, strum chords, or play some acoustic solos, you’ll find a decent guitar in the Guild lineup. All of the guitars listed here are excellent choices.
Please like, comment, and share this article. We want to hear from you about Guild acoustic guitars or guitars in general. Enjoy your new instrument and have fun strumming.
