General thoughts on Guild's GAD line?

[CountGrishnackh]

Look nice, all solid wood and whatnot...suprised to learn they are made in China? Wow. Haven't played one yet, anyone have a opinion on them?

[VengefulTikiGod]

Everyone here seems to gush over their tone quality, though I have yet to play one myself.

[Mel Bay]

I've owned a GAD 50 for just over one year. It's superb. Sounds nice and deep, good midrange, all over a nice Guild sound. At the price, it's a great buy. I've also admired a few of the GAD jumbos I've seen. The only downside I know of is the poly finish; it's a good guitar line and deservers nitrocellulose.

[EvilTwin]

I love my GAD-25. I've run our of multi-syllabic adjectives to describe how much I dig it.

 

I've compared the new "Bluegrass" Guilds (USA) vs. the GAD series (China), and the Chinese guitars really do compare favorably.

 

I'm not going to say they're better, but the USA-made guitars certainly aren't three times as good, as their price would indicate. IMO, of course.

 

The "Bluegrass" guitars are phenomenal in their own right, but they aren't the night/day difference from the Asian guitars people have gotten used to. The Chinese-built instruments are catching up to us.

[guitarist21]

General thoughts = Awesome guitars. Very similar to the Epiphone Masterbilt line.

 

Ellen

[rjoxyz]

I have the GAD G212 12 string dread. Very nice build quality/fit and finish. Tone is excellent with the right set of strings. Incredible value for around $700-750, as is the entire line.

[Sisyphus2]

Got a gad 30 - lovely sound and quality is fine. It did come with some very minor flaws which Ive fixed. When i compare it to a similar sized Martin I own -the sound is different but its just as good.

Some have concerns about buying from places like China............

[Etienne Rambert]

I wonder if they have a custom shop?

 

It would be worth a trip.

 

What city in China are they made in?

[drnihili]

Of all the guitars I played while looking, the GAD series was the only thing that tempted me away from Walden (I wasn't able to play a Masterbilt). Very nice guitars. But I did choose a Walden in the end.

[Harmonycat]

Those guitars built in the Grand Rewards Factory in China are all very good guitars. It is a great basic design.

 

The Guild GAD series, The Aria AD-80 series, the Washburn Timbercraft series and the Johnson Carolina II series are all built there.

 

The bodies are all the same size, the necks are all the same profile although the Aria has a Martin Style volute, the fretboards are the same with either one of the two different snowflake patterns, the nuts and saddles are all bone and all the same. They are all poly coated. All the constuction details are the same. They feel the same.

 

They come in Englemann or Sitka and in all Solid EIR or Mahogany.

 

The headstocks, bridges, pickguards, and finishes with accents are different.

 

They are basically all the same guitar with variations, so they do not all sound the same. But there are striking similarities, particularly in their clean articulate response.

 

I own the Washburn Satin finished D-52SW Sitka over Mahogany and the Aria AD-80 Englemann over EIR in High Gloss finish.

 

I have played the GAD-50 as well. It is Sitka/EIR and the Johnson is Englemann/EIR. The Washburn D-56SW is Sitka/EIR.

 

Greg Rich's answer was that "like Walmart everybody wants their own brand name."

 

Anyone who has played all of these cannot help but notice that these guitars are all Brand Labelled versions of the same model.

 

They are all extremely good value for the money.

 

It is like ice cream....pick a flavour.

[JasonA]

Ummm.... no.

 

The neck profile on the Carolinas is not at all like the GADs. In fact, the two levels of Carolinas have different neck profiles from each other. Greg Rich says the all solid Carolina 000s have a profile modeled directly after a Martin 000-28EC.

 

And the scale is shorter on the Carolina 000 than on the GAD-30. They are definitely not the same guitar with some cosmetic differences. I own both, and the Carolina has a much more Martinish vibe IMO, whereas the GAD-30 has a crisper more modern tone. Both great guitars though.

[EvilTwin]

Ummm.... no. The neck profile on the Carolinas is not at all like the GADs. In fact, the two levels of Carolinas have different neck profiles from each other. Greg Rich says the all solid Carolina 000s have a profile modeled directly after a Martin 000-28EC. And the scale is shorter on the Carolina 000 than on the GAD-30. They are definitely not the same guitar with some cosmetic differences. I own both, and the Carolina has a much more Martinish vibe IMO, whereas the GAD-30 has a crisper more modern tone. Both great guitars though.

 

People can argue night and day about different guitars "being exactly the same" with tiny differences.

 

I don't think it applies to the Chinese guitars any more than American guitars.

 

I've looked at the bracing in my Guild. I've compared it to photos of American Guilds. It looks like the same scheme.

 

I doubt other Asian guitars have the same bracing.

 

So sure, the same cache of wood may be used among a few different brands, and they may get the same finish. But in a state-of-the-art factory, it's not going to be difficult to make the changes that define the brands -- bracing schemes, trim, headstock, bridge and neck shapes, etc.

 

It's like saying all the whiskey from the Heaven Hill distillery must be the same. If you've tried Rittenhouse and Evan Williams, you know that's not true.

[Harmonycat]

 

Ummm.... no. The neck profile on the Carolinas is not at all like the GADs. In fact, the two levels of Carolinas have different neck profiles from each other. Greg Rich says the all solid Carolina 000s have a profile modeled directly after a Martin 000-28EC. And the scale is shorter on the Carolina 000 than on the GAD-30. They are definitely not the same guitar with some cosmetic differences. I own both, and the Carolina has a much more Martinish vibe IMO, whereas the GAD-30 has a crisper more modern tone. Both great guitars though.

 

 

The Dreads.....GAD-50, not those. I don't know anything about the 000 stuff. But thanks..cause I just learned something about them.

To be honest I can only suspect the Johnson since I have never had one in my hands.

 

But the other three I have. I would love to see the bracing patterns. I should see if I can take some pictures, since I tried to look with a dental Mirror before unsuccessfully.

 

 

BTW: I should add that the tuners are different.

[Fr. O'Blivion]

I have the GAD G212 12 string dread. Very nice build quality/fit and finish. Tone is excellent with the right set of strings. Incredible value for around $700-750, as is the entire line.

 

I've also got a GAD G212. Extremely nice guitar for the money. Traditionalists will (correctly) say that it's not a Westerly or Tacoma killer, but it's not supposed to be. Great attention to detail, tone, looks and playability. I bought a new blem/second model (tiny really-have-to-look-for-it finish "bubble" on the back) for $540. High marks from me I'm actually toying with the idea of getting another . . . .

 

Rjoxyz, which strings have you found give you the best tone on yours? I haven't experimented much yet (Elixir Nano's for now.). Thanks.

[Harmonycat]

These guitars are not at the level of the better USA, Canadian, or Japanese,(Yairi), guitars. Just not nearly as sophisticated or refined.

 

But they are very good guitars that compete very well with the Mid and Lowerline Norman, and S&P products.

 

In short, they are damn fine instruments. I wish my first guitars had been as good as what these guitars are.

[PAC]

I have three, GAD-50e - GAD-30e - GAD-G212e. I have to agree with others above on fit, finish, quality and sound; each have been better than expected but now it's what I've come to expect from the GAD series. Of the three, I probably enjoy playing the G212 most but reach for the 30 more often to practice or play. If I feel like strumming folk or folk-rock then it's the G212 or 50.

 

I may try out the GAD jumbo models later this week. The GAD series have convinced me that my "next" guitar will most likely be a Guild for the foreseeable future.

 

PAC

[Mel Bay]

Well, here's an interesting notion. I paid $600 for my GAD 50. It was on sale; listed at $675. Now, if you look around, and are willing to pay another $700, you can get an EXCEPTIONAL Guild Tacoma. . . and why not? Better made, nicer stuff all around. And you don't have nagging worries about helping along a nation that oppresses Christians and uses child and prison labor. IF you're buying in the long-term, I'd say, get yourself a D-40 or D-50. I regret I didn't hold off. If I had to do it again today, I'd wait, add the extra money and get the superb guitar.

 

Interesting that Saga/Blueridge raised the price on their GAD 50 comparable, the BR 160, to $995 list. Where's the logic in this? Isn't this just asking someone to walk past you and buy a nice Guild Tacoma?

[rjoxyz]

 

I've also got a GAD G212. Rjoxyz, which strings have you found give you the best tone on yours? I haven't experimented much yet (Elixir Nano's for now.). Thanks.

 

 

Right now, I am finding that GHS 85/15 "Vintage Bronze" strings add some "body" to balance the "shimmery" 12 string sound. I will likely try some others in time, but string experimentation is a real pain with a 12 string. At some point, I will probably try to find a coated string to settle on as I do not like changing strings on the 12 with nearly the same frequency as a 6 string.

[Terry Allan Hall]

 

Right now, I am finding that GHS 85/15 "Vintage Bronze" strings add some "body" to balance the "shimmery" 12 string sound. I will likely try some others in time, but string experimentation is a real pain with a 12 string. At some point, I will probably try to find a coated string to settle on as I do not like changing strings on the 12 with nearly the same frequency as a 6 string.

 

 

Try Elixer Poly lights...balances things out nicely on all 3 of my 12-strings (Taylor 355 and 2 Guild F-212XLs).

[rjoxyz]

Try Elixer Poly lights...balances things out nicely on all 3 of my 12-strings (Taylor 355 and 2 Guild F-212XLs).

 

I have 2 sets of exactly those, sitting on the shelf right now. Also have a set of DR ExtraLife's I want to try. I had a set of the Elixer lights on an old Alvarez 12 I had and felt they were a tad too light, with a little less bass than I like. They may be totally different on the Guild. The GHS's I have on there now and the DR's are a slightly heavier "light" than the 10-47 Elixers. I will definitely give the Polywebs another try though.

 

I actually enjoy changing strings (more frequently than necessary) on my 6 strings, but have some weird aversion to the hassle of changing and re-tuning on the 12.

[Etienne Rambert]

I have a lower opinion of the PRC than do most. I have represented Chinese asylum-seekers in the US. I had a woman tell a story about her forced abortion in court. The judge was so sickened, he just raised his hand and said,

 

"I've heard enough Mr. Ellis. I'm going to grant this case."*

 

So Mel Bay has a point. But I also know that China is a HUGE country. In fact, there are many different Chinas. What happens in one province is quite different from what happens in another province.

 

I'd prefer not to buy from China. But US made guitars are so over-priced, that a GAD is a no-brainer for me. BTW, I have not seen a new Guild D-50 for $1375. I hope he's correct about that price.

 

It may be worth $700 more to buy American. But what if the D-50 is priced $1900? I see they retail for $2299. How much are they really selling for? Below $1500, they are less overpriced than other US-brands. But they are still no bargain.

 

This one costs $1725 - not counting tax & shipping. That's not just $700 more. It's a thousand one hundred dollars more.

 

 

*The government appealed & lost.

[rkyochim]

I love my GAD-30 and it does have the build quality and materials comparable to American and Japanese higher-end models....I have also played a few of the Rosewood dreadnought models which I really like....one question though??? Does anyone know where to find the new GAD-000 12 fret model???????????????

[Bernie P.]

As much as I like my GAD JF30 I've decided to sell it.It really is a great git but I prefer a wider neck.I can let you have it for 600 and that includes the upgraded Canadian made HSC that comes std with the U.S. made guilds.They sell for 900 with the stock green tweed case.I just got it a couple weeks ago and never registered it so you'll also have the full warranty coverage as well.Both the git/case are dead mint.Solid spruce antique burst top with solid flamed maple back/sides/hog binding all around.It's a beautiful guitar!!!

[EvilTwin]

 

Well, here's an interesting notion. I paid $600 for my GAD 50. It was on sale; listed at $675. Now, if you look around, and are willing to pay another $700, you can get an EXCEPTIONAL Guild Tacoma. . . and why not? Better made, nicer stuff all around. And you don't have nagging worries about helping along a nation that oppresses Christians and uses child and prison labor. IF you're buying in the long-term, I'd say, get yourself a D-40 or D-50. I regret I didn't hold off. If I had to do it again today, I'd wait, add the extra money and get the superb guitar. Interesting that Saga/Blueridge raised the price on their GAD 50 comparable, the BR 160, to $995 list. Where's the logic in this? Isn't this just asking someone to walk past you and buy a nice Guild Tacoma?

 

 

The USA-made Guilds really are something. But I've played 'em side by side with the Cinese GAD's.

 

The Bluegrass dread I played was great. I would say it was better than the GAD's I compared it to. But it wasn't twice as good, IMO.

 

The Chinese-built guitars are exceptional. If I had to do it over again, I'd still want my GAD-25.

[Mel Bay]

EvilTwin, well, that's good to know. I've started gassing for a D-50.

 

Still hate the poly finish; my arm sticks to it, not so much grip on the neck, etc.

 

Does your GAD 25 have a mahogany sound, comparable to, say Martin D-15? I"ve been curious about mahogany, all mahogany, guitars lately.