There’s a deep intuition inside all guitar gamers to twang every now and then – certainly, it’s in our very nature. Guild is aware of this and is providing the Surfliner DLX to assist tame that primal urge.

An offset double-cut with humbucker/single/single pickup array and twang bar (naturally), the Surfliner is not a reissue. In any case, Guild has been constructing solidbodies because it launched the S-50 Jet Star in 1963, so it’s way more a distillation of concepts. Let’s twang it.

Out there in assorted groovy colours (Glacier Blue, Scarlett Crimson, Evergreen, Rose Quartz, Black Metallic), the Surfliner DLX has a poplar physique and Guild’s first roasted-maple neck. Like a Fender, it has a 251/2″ scale, although its fretboard is somewhat Gibson-like, being certain rosewood with pearloid block inlays that match its pickguard. The {hardware} is shiny nickel with a Guild Floating Vibrato Tailpiece, tune-o-matic bridge, and locking tuners. Two black tophat knobs with chrome caps management Quantity and Tone, whereas a five-way selector manages two DeArmond Aerosonic single-coils and one Guild HB-2 humbucker with Alnico II magnets within the bridge.

In hand, the Surfliner Deluxe has a beefy poplar physique with a bigger, C-profile neck. The 2-piece roasted maple neck and rosewood board really feel snug and the setup is strong for a guitar on this value class.

Whereas its gown and playability are each worthy, the Guild’s standout high quality is its extra-spanky tone, even clear. Utilizing the five-way change positions 2 and 4 are notably carbonated, making the Surfliner DLX’s effervescent persona excellent for every kind of taking part in: surf/instro, storage, funk, punk, and far more. The vintage-style vibrato dials in a level of Jazzmaster wiggle, nice for single notes or chords.

General, the Surfliner is a enjoyable, inexpensive import that, whereas hefty, provides punchy electronics that can convey a smile to any twanger’s face. Add the snazzy metallic end, sparkly pickguard, and chrome {hardware}, and you’ve got a looker in your palms. Maybe better of all, your pockets will admire that its price ticket has simply three digits. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s September 2025 concern. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited