With a convention going again greater than 70 years, Guild Guitars was there from the start of rock and roll, on the peak of folks, and thru the Summer season of Love. The corporate’s devices introduced distinctive styling, and it boasted a distinguished roster of gamers.

In a nod to its previous, Guild’s refreshed variations of U.S.-made traditional acoustics contains the brand new D-50 Commonplace.

Lengthy a favourite of gamers from all genres, the D-50 marries a stable Sitka spruce high to rosewood again and sides. The Commonplace makes use of scalloped Adirondack-spruce bracing. Guild’s Classic Gloss end is nitrocellulose the corporate says has qualities of each satin and gloss; certainly, it’s clean and close-pored, however with a delicate satiny floor. The outcome seems clear and sharp, however feels prefer it’s had among the shine performed out of it. Sporting a 255/8″ scale on its rosewood board, its open-back tuners are fashionable, the white binding contrasts properly with the attractive rosewood, and the again middle stripe is a traditional contact.

Match and end on our tester had been exemplary, fret work was clear, and the nut had clearly been serviced by skilled palms. Arrange with medium-low motion, it might not have been excellent for each participant, however getting up and down the C-shaped neck was a pleasure. Although new (and thus a bit of stiff), it was properly resonant and loud sufficient to play alongside seasoned cohorts, its tone noticeably mid-forward with restrained lows and pleasant-if-subdued highs. It’s a good assumption that after the guitar opens up, bass will develop and highs will ring brighter. Both manner, it was a riot to play – the motion was quick and the fretwork faultless. The one situation was enthusiastic strumming needed to be dialed again to keep away from fret rattle – a small value to pay if “quick and imply” is the modus operandi.

The large takeaway from the brand new D-50 is its nice total stability. This can be a versatile field that ought to match nicely within the palms of quite a lot of gamers. It seems like a standard-issue bluegrass cannon or a singer/songwriter companion, however its sonic potential is much broader. Provided in Pure and Vintage Burst, its case has a built-in humidifier. Altogether, it’s a package deal that’s straightforward to understand.

This text initially appeared in VG’s December 2023 situation. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.