Got a new guitar

The place for non-G&L and general music discussions.
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blargfromouterspace
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Location: Central Highlands, Australia

Got a new guitar

Post by blargfromouterspace »

I never thought I'd own a steel string acoustic. I've never found them particularly enjoyable to play and they're a bit of a hassle to use live with all their feedback issues and ever breaking g-strings. However, I came to the conclusion a couple of months ago that I'm set for electric guitars. I've tried a whole lot out and none of them can touch my ASATs in terms of playability, build, tone or feel. None of them. So rather than keep the money for something more important like dental work or insurance, I decided to complete my collection of instruments with an acoustic guitar. I picked this up on Tuesday.

Image

Its a Guild GAD-25. All solid mahogany, steel string acoustic. Sounds fantastic. Made in China. Yep, China. It's put together very, very nicely. The entire body has this nice strip of lighter wood binding with some extra black and white between it and the top It's expertly executed, no mess or missed bits at all. Its frankly astonishing how far Chinese guitars have come in the last couple of years. Best thing is that if (....when) it gets dinged up and knocked off of its stand at gigs it doesn't matter all that much. It's a top notch instrument in the 'beater' price range.

I had a fantastic service experience in the shop where I got it (The Acoustic Center in South Melbourne). I was given a circular couch and literally every guitar with all solid construction in my price range (plus a couple way beyond it) in the shop. Then I was left to play and sort my way through them with no pressure at all. It would be hard not to walk out of there with something.

So far I have to say I'm enjoying it and it has really given me something with which to work on my singing voice and that's something that needs a lot of practice!
-Jamie
jonc
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Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:11 pm

Re: Got a new guitar

Post by jonc »

The Chinese-built Guilds are pretty nice but watch out you don't get Guild fever. Soon enough you'll be looking for a D-25, D-30 or D-40 from the Westerly plant. Very nice looking and those I've heard sound very good! Nice score
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yowhatsshakin
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by yowhatsshakin »

Nice one Jamie! Congrats! And now you can start working on these bluegrass riffs ...

- Jos
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Philby
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by Philby »

Well done Jamie! That looks like a sweet guitar. Have you played the intro to Stairway To Heaven on it yet? :D
jonc
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Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:11 pm

Re: Got a new guitar

Post by jonc »

Well done Jamie! That looks like a sweet guitar. Have you played the intro to Stairway To Heaven on it yet? :D
I think he's still working up Blackbird. ;)
sirmyghin
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by sirmyghin »

Beauty Jamie.
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blargfromouterspace
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by blargfromouterspace »

Thanks guys. Blackbirds in Heaven is my favourite acoustical guitar song.

Jon - A mate of mine has a '70s D-25 that I fell in love with ages ago, unfortunately 'proper' Guilds are so far beyond my price range it's not even funny. I'm yet to compare this one to his but expect it will be blown to pieces by the original.
-Jamie
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jwebsmall
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Location: Reston, Virginia

Re: Got a new guitar

Post by jwebsmall »

Jamie,

the GAD-25 is one sweet sounding guitar! I almost bought one on
impulse but I didn't need another acoustic.

Which ASAT model were you referring to as untouchable?
I've been studying different ASAT models intensely lately.

John
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suave eddie
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by suave eddie »

I've always felt that Guild acoustics are under-appreciated. I had an original D-25 (all mahogany flat back) back in around 1970. Always regretted selling it during tough times.
Currently have a '92 Westerly D-55. Awesome guitar--I'd put it up against any Martin or Gibson. Huge tone and great string to string balance.

I don't have any experience with the new import line of Guilds, but I'm not surprised by your reports.
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darwinohm
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by darwinohm »

Blarg, a very nice looking Guild. It looks like a KOA top. I wonder how they can make such nice looking instruments for the money. They must use a veneer on the top but is sure is nice. Great addition.!-- Darwin :happy0065:
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blargfromouterspace
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Re: Got a new guitar

Post by blargfromouterspace »

jwebsmall wrote:Which ASAT model were you referring to as untouchable?
I've been studying different ASAT models intensely lately.
The ASAT Classic. Any variation, but I find the Bluesboy particularly versatile.


Darwin - According to the specs its all solid. I guess that should mean no veneer but to be honest I think there may well be one, or some other skulduggery. Close up there's something not quite natural about it but I can't quite figure it out for myself.

Eddie - If you come across any of the import line I'd love to know what you think of them.
-Jamie