GUILD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, WESTERLY, 1987

Founded in New York City in 1952 The Guild Guitars Incorporated originally focused on the manufacture of electric and arch-top jazz guitars. By 1956 production had been moved out of Manhattan across the Hudson River to Hoboken New Jersey. The swift growth of folk music in American popular culture forced an alteration in Guild’s production with an emphasis into flat-top acoustic guitars. Guild was highly successful in making this production shift and managed to excel in a market that was deeply competitive and demanded high quality standards in its product. Guild instruments were recognized then as now for being well-made utilitarian instruments for the professional player. Of special note is the quality of Guilds 12-string guitars. In the 1960s these instruments were far superior to any competitors’ 12-string on the market and achieved a dedicated following among professional and amateur musicians. Guild 12-string guitars remain highly regarded to this day.