This is one of the most amazing sounds I have heard from an acoustic guitar. Such a full bodied sound, with each note having a very sharp and defined tone. Always love watching these videos, and it's a great way to begin researching to make the purchase for my second, and long-term acoustic guitar.
Great sounding, and I want one. A few years ago I bought my first OOO sized guitar - a big bigger than this one - but I find that I prefer the smaller body to a dread these days. And many people like to dismiss smaller bodied guitars as "boxy sounding", which can be the case with any guitar shape. A smaller body will generally give you a more balanced tone across all strings, and better midrange to cut through in a mix. I've found it's something to be embraced. Take what a guitar gives you and see what you can do with it. The M20 sounds fantastic, regardless of the Nick Drake myth/misinformation/whatever.
I started playing guitar in 1959 and my first guitar was a Guild M20. If I can't find or afford a vintage '50's M20 this new USA made M20 is on my shopping list.
As far as I know, the M20 is very unusual in that it has a 12" neck radius. What other acoustic guitar has that? Not even Guild's own M120 replicates this. I wonder why Guild went with a 16" radius on the Westerly version. Maybe the saddle on the M20 requires more care to work the tighter radius into it, and the M120 saddle is essentially off the shelf standard?
Hi Tony. As usual you've done a very fine demonstration. A correction, though, to help put an old rumor to sleep: Nick Drake never recorded with a Guild M-20. An old acquaintance, Brian Ebin Parker Wolfe, has been in touch with Nicks family for a very long time, and here's an email reply (that Brian has allowed me to use) to someone who asked about Nick & the M-20 rumor. "I get these emails and calls from time to time over the years. First off, Nick never owned or played an M-20 Guild, he just posed with one (confirmed by family and estate). Nick recorded all three studio LP's with a Martin D-28 (only live picture of Nick confirms D-28). Some time 1973 he bought a new 000-28 which he used on the final demos. It is not know at this time where his D-28 is (though I have my suspicions). Nick also owned a Yamaha Classical that he used from time to time. I hope this helps you. What are you putting this "document" together for? Be well, Brian
I just read on an acoustic guitar site article that the Guild M-20 on the album belonged to the photographer Nigel Waymouth and Drake played either a D-28 or Levin Dreadnought.
I wasn’t there obviously, but I can tell you in the biz it’s common knowledge that Nick didn’t play a Guild, he played a Martin and a Levin. The Guild belonged to the photographer. I’ve never heard a musician ever say Nick played a Guild. Everyone knows what everyone plays/played. Richard is… well… he’s Richard. Grain of salt with him. Also, read the biography. That sets it straight. A little. 😉
Robert Kirby: "I NEVER SAW NICK PLAY ANYTHING OTHER THAN A MARTIN D28 (or his classical Spanish) UNTIL DURING PINK MOON WHEN HE SOLD EVERYTHING AND GOT THE MARTIN 00018 WHICH BRIAN NOW HAS;" (from the forums of nickdrake.com).
This shows that even Robert Kirby can be wrong. According to the book, Nick Drake "Remembered for A While" on page 302, It was actually a 1972 Martin 000-28, serial # 313942. A 000-18 and 000-28 look very similar and I can see how he might have mistaken one for the other.
That doesn't really prove anything. He probably just played a martin a lot when writing and performing but maybe he played a guild when he was recording since it was a studio prop. Nick Drake's tone is usually very mahogany sounding. Also, Tony is very sensitive to guitar tones and nuances so why would he instantly associate it with Nick Drake?
Tony absolutely "nailed" the uniqueness of the M20 and what makes it such a fantastic fingerstyle guitar. I am fortunate to have one of the last M20s made in the Westerly, RI shop, and has the fancier headlock and high gloss finish. Mine appears to be heavily braced and has a "dead" tone which I love. I call it "the coffee table with strings ." If you are a fingerstyle player, I highly recommend the M20.
I've had mine about two weeks. Tremendous value. My guitar repair man -- with a Guild certificate -- says it's the best Guild build that has seen in decades. This guitar is not about volume. With nickels on it, the tone is very clear and balanced. Tons of sustain.
@@terrymattingly6843 I absolutely agree. I own both the Martin 000-15sm and the new (California) Guild M20 and they are both outstanding. LOVE mahogany guitars!
I too know as well that the Nick did not use the M-20. That being said, I understand why Tony was so excited when he played the M-20. "Angeline The Baker" played by Tony on the guild M-20 is probably the best sounding recording I have heard out of the dozens I have listened to him review! Maybe it's just coincidence, maybe Nick Drake had some dead strings on his Martin when he recorded some of his songs that day, but the M-20 as recorded by Tony for "Angeline the Baker" is very reminiscent of at least a few Nick Drake tunes. If it inspired Tony I am not gonna rain on his parade, because the tone he got for that particular song is awesome. So at the end of the day it doesn't really matter if Nick Drake recorded with an M-20 or not. What matters is that Tony got a nice tone out of the guitar and it made him happy.
@@joshfletcher917 Search for the article "Great Acoustics: Guild M-20; the ‘Nick Drake Guitar’- or Not?" on the March/April 2019 issue of _Acoustic Guitar_ . It says: "After Nick Drake appeared seated with a Guild M-20 on the cover of his 1971 album, _Bryter Layter_ , the instrument became closely associated with the singer-songwriter and his particular approach to the six-string . . . But as it happens, the instrument wasn’t his-it (as well as the dandyish footwear in the foreground) belonged to Nigel Waymouth, the photographer who shot the album cover-it’s likely Drake played a Martin D-28 or Levin dreadnought." Nobody really knows for sure what guitar Nick played on his albums.
@@terrymattingly6843 Yes, bigger bodied guitar like Martin D-28 would have reverb in guitar track that is lacking from first recording. Since he played guitar and singed live it would be guitar impossible to hide that bigger body reverb. Even with capo high the D-shape guitar just sound different. I have owned Guild M-20 from 1967 (as i remember it correctly) and it did sound just like the guitar on Five Leaves Left especially on River man, Three hours and Cello song.
As far as I know, the M20 is very unusual in that it has a 12" neck radius. What other acoustic guitar has that? Not even Guild's own M120 replicates this. I wonder why Guild went with a 16" radius on the Westerly version. Maybe the saddle on the M20 requires more care to work the tighter radius into it, and the M120 saddle is essentially off the shelf standard?
Nah nope who’s to say he didn’t just use it? His sister knows the Nick that’s at home. Not the nick that was in the studio. She wasn’t there for the recording so it’s likely that an m20 may have been used or very possible.
@@nonaaame550 his sister says in her book that the guitar used in the picture was not his guitar, so it could have very well been another small body mahogany, but why would he borrow a guitar for a photo when he has the same one at home?
@@nonaaame550 I'm saying that his sister said definitively that the guitar he used in that picture wasn't his, not saying that he couldn't have used another small body mahogany at home but it likely wasn't an m20
I’m 70 years old now. My avatar is me playing my 1937 Martin 0-17 it is a wonderful guitar. I’m going to buy one of these Guild M-20. I did just recently but a Taylor ad22e. It is a fantastic sounding and playing guitar. But the special thing about my new guitar is the V bracing. The V bracing is fantastic stable and the sound is fantastic
My cousin just got my oldest guitar as a token of thanks, a '65 M-20. Oddly enough, it shares the same backface, lower bout repair as Paul Pigat's similar, 1965 model guitar. He shared those very details with myself, talking before a CBC gig in Raincouver.
Double-checked, the specs do say the saddle is bone (nut too). I currently have a 000 that I love (EIR/Adi top); but have been thinking about picking up a hog. Thus, I'd been leaning towards a 000-15m, or maybe a 00; then Martin came out w/ their 17 series, and I've been diggin' what I've been hearing about them, too (note that the 17 has a Sitka top w/ the mahogany back, not a hog top). I do like Nick Drake, I can get the excitement over something tangential to him; but, if a Martin is still a better guitar than the Guild, I'd rather get the Martin. The problem is: I've got several good Martin dealers close by, I can get my hands on a 15 and a 17, no prob: but I've yet to find anyone stocking the M20; one shop had some of the Westerlys in from a couple of years ago, but since they didn't sell particularly well when they were being compared against Taylors and Martins, they didn't order up again (kinda a pain the way a dealer has to stock X amount of gear from a company in order to get anything from said company). And yeah, I could just order one online, but... I would rather spend some A/B/C time w/ the three together. Or, maybe I A/B the Martins, then A/B the winner of the Martin shootout against the Guild. But, until I get my hands on an M20 to try in person, but, you have had all three pass through your hands (and, you know what you're looking at with them), would it be possible to get you to say something comparing them?
people think nick drake played a guild because of his heavy bottom end, he was renowned for playing dead strings, hence it could have been many auditorium guitars. lets put it down to a good guitar with 70s studio tools, the height of analogue ( meaning more natural than anything ) recording.
2024 - Searching for a smaller body Guitar due to physical limitations, was THRILLED to find Tony Polecastro Review on this one! Tony's VAST knowledge of all Guitars Acoustic is without compare. I've actually learned & still learning from Tony via TAC - 30 Day Challenge - phenomenal Program. FINALLY can say I play Guitar thanks to him. Now, with this Review which I trust whole heartedly, I've narrowed my search.
The GUILD M20 had such a great sound, just the right amount of bass for me. I missed out on the chance to buy one back in 1976, another guy grabed it before I could get the money together. My Levin that I bought at the factory in Gothenberg got busted by the airline so I needed a new guitar. Ended up buying a Lowden G7 with almost the same sound.
Nick Drake didn't own a M20 guitar nor did he record with one, the person who took the photo album had a guitar there and thats why the guitar was on the cover. The m20 in the photo was the photographers guitar, not nick drake's guitar. Nick Drake owned a D-28 and used old and worn out nickel strings
Great value in a mahogany guitar. Pretty close to my Martin 000-15sm for a lot less money. Those that knew Nick Drake have stated that he never owned or recorded with an M20, it was just in the studio at the time and used for the album cover shot.
Thank you for doing this demo. I know this has been filmed a loooooong time ago, but I want to ask you something and maybe you remember and can therefore answer me. Do you remember what strings you used on this guitar? And if you do remember, would you be so kind to share this information? I’d be very grateful. 😊 Thanks in advance.
I have all of Nick Drake’s stuff & I heard him when you started playing. Guild has always been my favorite acoustic guitar. I don't like big jumbo booming guitars - I have a Little Martin which is just great. I'm going to get it out & play it then put my headphones on & listen to you for comparison. It might be time for an upgrade. 🙂 You did a great review. Thanks and be safe. 👍☮️🌞🦠😷🎸🎶🎵
I played one of these up guitars in a store today...loved it. I own a Taylor GS mini...looking to find another small body guitar to play, (better on my shoulder). The Nick Drake connection is cool. I'm trying to learn 'Place to be' at the moment. Thanks for the great review!
Just wanted to say big big thanks for the time and energy.. I stopped playing music publicly for 30plus years .. so your descriptions and enthusiasm are inspiring 👍👍👍👍👍👍✅
I heard a guy playing one of these in a shop in Beacon and the tone blew my mind, along with the volume this thing generated. I was playing locally made dreadnaught (which still needed to open up a bit) and the little M-20 totally blew me out of the water in terms of sonic space. It just filled the room and that guy was seriously a wizard on it.
Yeah so I see other ppl commented on that too ... but the gtr on the cover of Bryter Later was the photographer's and not Nick Drake's. No matter though. Beautiful guitar.
Reading comments regarding "comparisons" to other guitars/brands. Best to try ( if possible) the guitars (Brands) you're interested in. Martins , Guilds , Gibsons, Fenders, Taylors, etc. They all have their own voice ....... can sound, and feel different within "the brand" / size / model also. I recently tried 2 Taylor GS Mini's , both Koa.....one hit me.....the other didn't. Same with Guild. Tried 2 USA Guild M-20....one hit me.....the other didn't . Go with the one that "speaks to you". .... :-) Thanks Tony for reviewing all these guitars. It's a big help !
Hi Tony Great review as always. Fantastic guitar. I was wondering what is your view on Guild Westerly line up. I have been looking at them before I seen this review. They come with bone nut and saddle but sides and backs are laminated. I would love one of the proper American ones but my budget won't stretch that far. Any feedback would be much appreciated. William from Belfast. Love Acoustic Tuesday by the way big fan. Cheers Tony
I bought a Martin 00-15 the other year, not really expecting the American guild M20 series to happen, let alone at such an affordable price. A little envious now...
Tony - your forethought to play the same tune on each demo, recorded the same way showed brilliant insight. Doing so, has been a great benefit to players. Thanks.
Before i really got into acoustic guitars, i wouldnt have had an appreciation for this guitar. I probably would have said it sounded a bit congested or boxy. But now that i'm an addict of everything acoustic guitar related, i can say this guitar sounds amazing. So rich in sound and it looks beautiful. One acoustic guitar manufacturer i just cant stand behind, however, is gibson. They sound like cardboard, if cardboard had a sound.
I'll also add, and i'd like to get some opinions on this, i dont think anyone should buy this guitar as their first good quality acoustic. This is for someone who has a go-to sitka top guitar with either mahogany or rosewood back and sides, because that's the sound our ears are familiar with and expect from an acoustic guitar. Buying this one as the first may not please the buyer since it's a more specific sound. Still, though, GREAT GUITAR. Thank you Tony.
jamziz22 We all have different tastes. I happen to love slope shoulder Gibsons, can't get enough of that sound. To me it's rich and inspiring. The M20 is cool but it sounds like a cigar box.
100% agreement that this is a niche guitar. Have spruce and rosewood H & D dread, Martin spruce and mahogany dread and Martin all mahogany as my last purchase. All mahogany is an acquired taste (like olives) and a nice changeup from the standard wood combos. BTW my Martin didn't come alive until I added bone saddle and pins and changed to Medium strings.
Been waiting for this review Tony! I bought a M120 about six months ago and love it, but kinda wish I'd been more patient and waited for the USA M20 to be available.
I owned both just recently. I preferred the M-20 for recording; there was a bit more clarity on the low e, and it had a very unique upper midrange coarseness that sounded amazing. Even though the bass was clear, the low mids weren't as rich as my 00-15M, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; the Martin sounds a bit congested in the low mids, and it tends to mask the lower fundamentals. The Martin sounded like it had a little more body overall, but the longer scale length makes it a bit too punchy, which is the opposite of my desires from a mahogany guitar (why didn't they keep it short scale like the vintage models?) That said, I ended up selling the Guild and keeping the Martin. Unlike the rest of the sane world, I'm not a fan of the Guild's 1¾" nut. Nonetheless, I was so taken by the Guild in all other respects, that I decided to get a beaten old M-20 from the 60s that had a thinner nut and looked more open to abuse.
Great guitar but the Guild in the picture of Brighter Later was not used by Nick Drake. It belonged as did the shoes to the photographer. Nick played an old Levin. Best Dave
Is the M-20 a “bluesy” guitar? I played both an M-20 and M-25. The M-20 was more bluesy… bass notes were much more prominent. The M-25 was a more balanced all around guitar. Not sure if this is typical of the two instruments or not. THe M-25 is described as being an upgrade version (I thought mainly in terms of binding, etc vs. quality of guitar) so I would have thought they would play very similarly.
Hi Tony - I recently picked up this M-20 in sunburst, what a great guitar!!! Can you tell me what mic you are using to record, it really captures the tone quite well -)
Great review Tony! Thanks. I was wondering, I have a few acoustic electrics here, which I love cause I can just plug into anything and play, amps etc., processors, if you got such a Guild, lacking electronics, can you easily install a soundhole pickup/preamp, and run that out to an acoustic amp or whatever? I doubt I'm buying a Guild anytime soon, and I'm a lefty, but I'm dying to own a similar mahogany parlour guitar.
Tony, I am torn between the Guild M20 and the Martin 00016sm. Never held either as no music store in my area ever has one on display. Sam Ash, GC and several local shops. I have a Martin D16 and want a smaller bodied mahogany. I play Classic country and Folk mostly. Finger style and light strumming. What would YOU prefer if u could only have one?
I saw Gabrielle give a talk about Nick a couple of years ago and they had the guitar he played on Bryter and it was a Martin - insured for a million quid. Daisy Vaughn played it and sang one of his songs in Spanish and it made me cry. www.caughtbytheriver.net/2015/08/08/nick-drake-port-eliot-festival/
They really did "nail it." It has good clarity and punch, without the bass being muffled and while still having that woody quality. I've been listening to a bunch of all hog reviews today and the only other one that really found that sweet spot for me was the Bourgois L-DBO. The Taylors have a nice sound profile too but it's too modern/Taylor sounding and loses that woodiness. The Martins, Collings, SCGC, etc. are really hit and miss depending on who is playing what.
I have the D20, sounds even better than this one. The tones are unreal. Top to bottom, flawless. Couldn't recommend this guitar more to anyone thinking about owning one.
There is so much confusion on this guitar. I own an earlier Hoboken NJ M20 guitar. It is AMAZING. My brother just bought a new one from alifornia and we compared. You are Correct, they Nailed it ! Although there is slight differences, but none that matter too much Great going guild. If anyone really interested, I contend Nicks guitar was an earlier hoboken as if you own one you can Hear it ! not a westerley. And as far as people saying it wasnt the guitar he used they are Completely out of thier minds and have NO CLUE of that particular sound. I even contend it may have been a first guitar of nicks. Affordable and sweet. His Guitar.. No other guitar has that sound except an M20…
Problem is this really does sound better than the D15 - 25s…. Not sure why. But it just does. Thought for sure the D-25 might have more oomph. But not sure it does frankly. But regardless this is definitely not a strumming guitar. Very precious sounding.
The Guild M-20 was never used by Nick Drake. The Guild M-20 was owned by the photographer who took the album cover shot on Byter Later. He also owned the shoes in the photo. Drake played a Levin Dreadnaught, a classical Yamaha, Martin D28/0018, Yamaha red label FG. Some still think that he may have used a Guild M-20 at some point, but there is no proving these claims
It's almost irrelevant now, since the Guild M20 will give you a beautiful, warm sound no matter what, and it's never overly bright to my ears, at least from most demos I've heard thus far. Nick also often played or recorded with more "dead" worn strings, supposedly, so that is a factor as well. Martin, or otherwise. Nick could have made almost any good acoustic sound fantastic.
@@marccarter1350 It’s irrelevant because nobody seems to know if Nick actually used the Guild, although Richard Rhompson seemed to be adamant that he saw Nick using it. Who knows?
@@thiscorrosion900 The album cover and recording of the song were not on the same day! He never owned a Guild. I have owned a M-20, plus a D-20. I Play reasonably well. The D-20 is closer in sound to what Nick recorded.
Nick Drake 👍 I've doing a research about what guitars are using/used to play Nick Drake, James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel. They are one of my favourite musicians and their music style is my style, at least that's what i want to achieve :)
the most close sound for achieving Nick Drake sound would be the Martin 000-28 (ADIRONDACK SPRUCE TOP) , and another fact no one talks about the strings he used , which is the most interesting , the sound strings are similar half nylon and half acoustic strings , i wouldnt be surprised if he used to put nylon strings in the low strings and acoustic strings in the high strings , so it would be half nylon half acoustic on a Mahogany body with Adirondack top
The M-20 Nick Drake holds on the album cover belonged to the photographer; so did the pair of shoes in the foreground, but nobody is trying desperately to wear shoes like "Nick Drake wore" :P The guitar on the album, we will never know for sure, but most think it was a detuned D-28 with dead strings. Nick owned either a Martin or Levin dreadnought, played several others, and probably owned (or played) some 000 Martins. There is not much evidence to say he ever owned an M-20, and the only evidence of him recording with one (which he probably didn't) is the album cover (which, again--it was a photo, not an album-making-production photo, and the guitar and shoes absolutely belonged to the photographer)
Wow I can't believe how full sounding that small bodied hog guitar sounds. Do you know if they are selling them with half way decent pickups installed. Wow, I haven't heard many sound any better.
1958 (silhouette label). Then 1959-1960 (ghost label). The script logo ones are interesting, and the heels attach to the back of the body and will irritate any luthier you take them to!
As a big fan of Nick Drake i was able to find a Guild M-20 made in 60's about 10+ years ago and can confirm that 1) this new version sound pretty similar and 2) Nick Drake used that guitar on Five leaves left and Bryter layter. I think his guitar string then were more muddy or Drake didnt change them often as they sound pretty dull. He also used a lot of open tunings with capo so strings were quite loose and low on fretboard (you can hear string hitting frets on some songs). But the main sound was coming from his fingers. When i got the 60's M-20 it was very delicate and frail. I was afraid of tuning it to standard with set of 012 strings so i used 011 or kept the guitar in open tuning (with less tension). Also the years had made the guitar more open sounding and it vibrated like grazy. I eventyally sold it local fingerstyle player and musician who i thing has made few records with it. It was just too frail for my needs. BTW, Martin 00-15 is quite similar but sounds more like Martin in general.
@@YASUNBEY913 I would recommend original 60s M-20 if you can find one but i havent played this new version. Martin 00-15 is still fine guitar is a good alternative.
@@stuartanthony Guitarist Richard Thompson has stated that only guitar he saw Nick playing during the first two records was small bodied Guild (M-20). I believe this is the most accurate memory since he´s guitarist himself and guitar players notice things like this. I have always believed story is that he played M-20 on most songs on first two records. Then he sold it and bought Martin thats is played on Pink Moon (with classical guitar) and the last songs records in studio. Althought a good guitarist usually sound similar what-ever they play but when i have listened closely with headphone the guitar in first two records sound a lot like Guild M-20. It could be possible that its some other guitar with capo even D-shaped guitar.
I've been playing a good deal of Nick again lately, a few of those tunings will have the low E string down at least a step or two, and even with the capo on, you will get slack, it's almost unavoidable.
Really tough choice there... I like the Guild for it's clarity and the Martin for it's pronounced low end warmth... So i guess it depends on which of those would suit your playing better :-)
If I had the chance to buy a vintage m-20, would it be better to go with that than the new one? How does the sound of these new ones differ from vintage ones?
Depending on how much money you want to sink in repairs and neck resets. They're both pretty solid. I think they use the same wood thickness (and overall machinery) as the originals. The only difference is the neck profile and nut width (and the age of the wood). Basically, it all comes down to a preference for a 1 3/4" nut or a 1 5/8" nut (and trust me, you'll feel the difference). If you like the smaller nut and don't mind sinking $400+ in a neck reset, potential crack cleating, fret leveling, and a but/saddle adjustment, then a vintage model is always an option. Be aware, though, starting in 1970, the M-20 was briefly made with a longer scale length.
I thought no one knew what Nick Drake actually used in brighter later, the guild was only used for the photo shoot.. maybe not. But it does sound exceptionally similar to his tone. Aged nickel bronze strings also help.
I am curious if this is a better guitar than the Martin 00-15, or 000-15 which as far as I can tell is the same size. I am thinking of purchasing the Martin 00-15E Retro, but would also buy this without much persuasion.
I watch this review so frequently, it's ridiculous. I am having such a hard time deciding whether I want to purchase this bad boy or the Martin 000-15sm. I go back and forth constantly and I just don't know which to choose! The Martin just seems to have a slightly more "open" sound, a little less boxy, but at the same time, this Guild has such a distinct tone that I don't think you can find anywhere else. Someone please choose for me!
Sorry Urban myth bust. Wasnts nicks guitar and M20 wasnt used on Bryter layter .........it belomged to the photographer for album sleeve cover along with the shoes...so just photo props.....it is a cool guitar though.
Fake shoes and Guitar eh ? 🤣🤣😂😂…You are so wrong ! Listen, I even contend it may have been one of his first guitars being a parlor and all. I own a 1964 M20. My brother just bought a new USA m20 and we compared. Both sound great ! there is a difference and if you LISTEN and playa vintage hoboken m20 open chords, light touch etc you will hear Nicks m20 sound. Absolutely no doubt about it. It wasnt a Martin etc.. It was a GUILD M20 !
Agree, we have a new M-20, we also thought Nick did not play it on the album but my wife having played it for a couple of years and listening to the album it has the tone 100%, we now believe he did play the M-20 on the album
Wow, some of these comments are WAY beyond stupid. Does it really matter that Nick Drake played a Guild? All I can say is if you want to NOW capture his tone on many recordings the Guild M-120 is one of the best ways to go for little money.
Low ends are focused, has the perfect amount of sustain (imo) and looks good. Beautiful sound. Can anybody tell me where I can find a similar looking/sounding guitar for
I came across this guitar recently and I'm intrigued. I am interested in a concert body guitar. Can anyone recommend one to consider in addition to this Guild? Thinking bang for buck. Thanks
This is one of the most amazing sounds I have heard from an acoustic guitar. Such a full bodied sound, with each note having a very sharp and defined tone. Always love watching these videos, and it's a great way to begin researching to make the purchase for my second, and long-term acoustic guitar.
Yep. From the first few notes you played, especially in the bass. It's THAT tone. Weren't you tempted to play "one of these things first"?
I love the boxy sound! Such a welcome vacation from typical spruce and rosewood sound
Great sounding, and I want one. A few years ago I bought my first OOO sized guitar - a big bigger than this one - but I find that I prefer the smaller body to a dread these days. And many people like to dismiss smaller bodied guitars as "boxy sounding", which can be the case with any guitar shape. A smaller body will generally give you a more balanced tone across all strings, and better midrange to cut through in a mix. I've found it's something to be embraced. Take what a guitar gives you and see what you can do with it.
The M20 sounds fantastic, regardless of the Nick Drake myth/misinformation/whatever.
Bought one. I love it. I’ve owned hd28v, d18ge, and this is my favorite by far
I started playing guitar in 1959 and my first guitar was a Guild M20. If I can't find or afford a vintage '50's M20 this new USA made M20 is on my shopping list.
3:04 Angelline the Baker
3:25 Freight Train
3:47 Last Steam Engine Train
4:15 Big Sandy River
4:35 ?
4:54 ?
Nice pickin :)
I just got this guitar today. It is heavenly. I just can not believe the tone coming from that box. Wow just wow blown away by small bodied tone.
I played one of these the other day. Honestly, I haven’t played a more comfortable and great sounding guitar
As far as I know, the M20 is very unusual in that it has a 12" neck radius. What other acoustic guitar has that? Not even Guild's own M120 replicates this. I wonder why Guild went with a 16" radius on the Westerly version. Maybe the saddle on the M20 requires more care to work the tighter radius into it, and the M120 saddle is essentially off the shelf standard?
@@garyives1218 Don't pretty much all Gibson and Epiphone acoustics have a 12" radius?
@@FloyDZeD It does look like that is the case. Yes, even the Epiphones, thanks
Hi Tony. As usual you've done a very fine demonstration. A correction, though, to help put an old rumor to sleep: Nick Drake never recorded with a Guild M-20. An old acquaintance, Brian Ebin Parker Wolfe, has been in touch with Nicks family for a very long time, and here's an email reply (that Brian has allowed me to use) to someone who asked about Nick & the M-20 rumor. "I get these emails and calls from time to time over the years. First off, Nick never owned or played an M-20 Guild, he just posed with one (confirmed by family and estate). Nick recorded all three studio LP's with a Martin D-28 (only live picture of Nick confirms D-28). Some time 1973 he bought a new 000-28 which he used on the final demos. It is not know at this time where his D-28 is (though I have my suspicions). Nick also owned a Yamaha Classical that he used from time to time.
I hope this helps you. What are you putting this "document" together for?
Be well,
Brian
Richard Thompson and Pegg both said they saw Drake in studio with a small guild
Adrianna, yes, as in ‘posed with’, but not recorded with.
I just read on an acoustic guitar site article that the Guild M-20 on the album belonged to the photographer Nigel Waymouth and Drake played either a D-28 or Levin Dreadnought.
I wasn’t there obviously, but I can tell you in the biz it’s common knowledge that Nick didn’t play a Guild, he played a Martin and a Levin. The Guild belonged to the photographer. I’ve never heard a musician ever say Nick played a Guild. Everyone knows what everyone plays/played. Richard is… well… he’s Richard. Grain of salt with him. Also, read the biography. That sets it straight. A little. 😉
@@transcendenttv i'm agree with you. His last guitar was a 000-28 Martin from 1972. It's belongs to her sister Gabrielle.
not used on Bryter Later! he used a Martin, the photo on the cover was a borrowed guitar as a prop. He never played a Guild on record
Nick Drakes family and the engineer on the records. Never played that Guild
Robert Kirby: "I NEVER SAW NICK PLAY ANYTHING OTHER THAN A MARTIN D28 (or his classical Spanish) UNTIL DURING PINK MOON WHEN HE SOLD EVERYTHING AND GOT THE MARTIN 00018 WHICH BRIAN NOW HAS;" (from the forums of nickdrake.com).
Do you know who Robert Kirby was? There is NO evidence he played an M20. Watch that video.
This shows that even Robert Kirby can be wrong. According to the book, Nick Drake "Remembered for A While" on page 302, It was actually a 1972 Martin 000-28, serial # 313942. A 000-18 and 000-28 look very similar and I can see how he might have mistaken one for the other.
That doesn't really prove anything. He probably just played a martin a lot when writing and performing but maybe he played a guild when he was recording since it was a studio prop. Nick Drake's tone is usually very mahogany sounding. Also, Tony is very sensitive to guitar tones and nuances so why would he instantly associate it with Nick Drake?
Tony absolutely "nailed" the uniqueness of the M20 and what makes it such a fantastic fingerstyle guitar. I am fortunate to have one of the last M20s made in the Westerly, RI shop, and has the fancier headlock and high gloss finish. Mine appears to be heavily braced and has a "dead" tone which I love. I call it "the coffee table with strings ."
If you are a fingerstyle player, I highly recommend the M20.
As a life long Rhode Islander, I'd love to find a true "Westerly" Guild M20! I own a new M20, made in California, But it's just not the same...
I've had mine about two weeks. Tremendous value. My guitar repair man -- with a Guild certificate -- says it's the best Guild build that has seen in decades. This guitar is not about volume. With nickels on it, the tone is very clear and balanced. Tons of sustain.
How does it compare to a 00-15
@@scottkeefer5390 I haven't played that guitar. I have played 000-15sm and love it. That was the other guitar I seriously considered. Two classics.
@@terrymattingly6843 I absolutely agree. I own both the Martin 000-15sm and the new (California) Guild M20 and they are both outstanding. LOVE mahogany guitars!
I too know as well that the Nick did not use the M-20. That being said, I understand why Tony was so excited when he played the M-20. "Angeline The Baker" played by Tony on the guild M-20 is probably the best sounding recording I have heard out of the dozens I have listened to him review! Maybe it's just coincidence, maybe Nick Drake had some dead strings on his Martin when he recorded some of his songs that day, but the M-20 as recorded by Tony for "Angeline the Baker" is very reminiscent of at least a few Nick Drake tunes. If it inspired Tony I am not gonna rain on his parade, because the tone he got for that particular song is awesome. So at the end of the day it doesn't really matter if Nick Drake recorded with an M-20 or not. What matters is that Tony got a nice tone out of the guitar and it made him happy.
Agreed
What makes you so sure Nick didn’t use an M-20?
@@joshfletcher917 Search for the article "Great Acoustics: Guild M-20; the ‘Nick Drake Guitar’- or Not?" on the March/April 2019 issue of _Acoustic Guitar_ . It says:
"After Nick Drake appeared seated with a Guild M-20 on the cover of his 1971 album, _Bryter Layter_ , the instrument became closely associated with the singer-songwriter and his particular approach to the six-string . . . But as it happens, the instrument wasn’t his-it (as well as the dandyish footwear in the foreground) belonged to Nigel Waymouth, the photographer who shot the album cover-it’s likely Drake played a Martin D-28 or Levin dreadnought."
Nobody really knows for sure what guitar Nick played on his albums.
Then again, Richard Thompson (who played on the LP) said that Drake played a "small Guild" in some of these sessions.
@@terrymattingly6843 Yes, bigger bodied guitar like Martin D-28 would have reverb in guitar track that is lacking from first recording. Since he played guitar and singed live it would be guitar impossible to hide that bigger body reverb. Even with capo high the D-shape guitar just sound different. I have owned Guild M-20 from 1967 (as i remember it correctly) and it did sound just like the guitar on Five Leaves Left especially on River man, Three hours and Cello song.
As far as I know, the M20 is very unusual in that it has a 12" neck radius. What other acoustic guitar has that? Not even Guild's own M120 replicates this. I wonder why Guild went with a 16" radius on the Westerly version. Maybe the saddle on the M20 requires more care to work the tighter radius into it, and the M120 saddle is essentially off the shelf standard?
Richard Thompson, who was there, says that Nick played a Guild M-20 on Bryter Layter
His own sister said that it wasn't his guitar
Nah nope who’s to say he didn’t just use it? His sister knows the Nick that’s at home. Not the nick that was in the studio. She wasn’t there for the recording so it’s likely that an m20 may have been used or very possible.
@@nonaaame550 his sister says in her book that the guitar used in the picture was not his guitar, so it could have very well been another small body mahogany, but why would he borrow a guitar for a photo when he has the same one at home?
Nah nope he had an m20 at home? I’m not quite understanding what you’re saying are you agreeing with me or?
@@nonaaame550 I'm saying that his sister said definitively that the guitar he used in that picture wasn't his, not saying that he couldn't have used another small body mahogany at home but it likely wasn't an m20
I’m 70 years old now. My avatar is me playing my 1937 Martin 0-17 it is a wonderful guitar. I’m going to buy one of these Guild M-20. I did just recently but a Taylor ad22e. It is a fantastic sounding and playing guitar. But the special thing about my new guitar is the V bracing. The V bracing is fantastic stable and the sound is fantastic
My cousin just got my oldest guitar as a token of thanks, a '65 M-20. Oddly enough, it shares the same backface, lower bout repair as Paul Pigat's similar, 1965 model guitar. He shared those very details with myself, talking before a CBC gig in Raincouver.
Double-checked, the specs do say the saddle is bone (nut too).
I currently have a 000 that I love (EIR/Adi top); but have been thinking about picking up a hog. Thus, I'd been leaning towards a 000-15m, or maybe a 00; then Martin came out w/ their 17 series, and I've been diggin' what I've been hearing about them, too (note that the 17 has a Sitka top w/ the mahogany back, not a hog top). I do like Nick Drake, I can get the excitement over something tangential to him; but, if a Martin is still a better guitar than the Guild, I'd rather get the Martin. The problem is: I've got several good Martin dealers close by, I can get my hands on a 15 and a 17, no prob: but I've yet to find anyone stocking the M20; one shop had some of the Westerlys in from a couple of years ago, but since they didn't sell particularly well when they were being compared against Taylors and Martins, they didn't order up again (kinda a pain the way a dealer has to stock X amount of gear from a company in order to get anything from said company). And yeah, I could just order one online, but... I would rather spend some A/B/C time w/ the three together. Or, maybe I A/B the Martins, then A/B the winner of the Martin shootout against the Guild.
But, until I get my hands on an M20 to try in person, but, you have had all three pass through your hands (and, you know what you're looking at with them), would it be possible to get you to say something comparing them?
people think nick drake played a guild because of his heavy bottom end, he was renowned for playing dead strings, hence it could have been many auditorium guitars. lets put it down to a good guitar with 70s studio tools, the height of analogue ( meaning more natural than anything ) recording.
2024 - Searching for a smaller body Guitar due to physical limitations, was THRILLED to find Tony Polecastro Review on this one! Tony's VAST knowledge of all Guitars Acoustic is without compare. I've actually learned & still learning from Tony via TAC - 30 Day Challenge - phenomenal Program. FINALLY can say I play Guitar thanks to him. Now, with this Review which I trust whole heartedly, I've narrowed my search.
Gorgeous-sounding guitar. Has the 60s folk vibe in spades.
The GUILD M20 had such a great sound, just the right amount of bass for me. I missed out on the chance to buy one back in 1976, another guy grabed it before I could get the money together. My Levin that I bought at the factory in Gothenberg got busted by the airline so I needed a new guitar. Ended up buying a Lowden G7 with almost the same sound.
Nick Drake didn't own a M20 guitar nor did he record with one, the person who took the photo album had a guitar there and thats why the guitar was on the cover. The m20 in the photo was the photographers guitar, not nick drake's guitar.
Nick Drake owned a D-28 and used old and worn out nickel strings
What are your thoughts on the Guild M25
Great value in a mahogany guitar. Pretty close to my Martin 000-15sm for a lot less money. Those that knew Nick Drake have stated that he never owned or recorded with an M20, it was just in the studio at the time and used for the album cover shot.
In fact the Guild M20 was in the studio of the photographer who has made the cover of Bryter Layter. The guitar would have been left by Eric Clapton.
@@gillesserrigny6324 Apparently it was the photographers guitar. He lent it to Nick to hold for the photoshoot.
Thank you for doing this demo. I know this has been filmed a loooooong time ago, but I want to ask you something and maybe you remember and can therefore answer me. Do you remember what strings you used on this guitar? And if you do remember, would you be so kind to share this information? I’d be very grateful. 😊
Thanks in advance.
I have all of Nick Drake’s stuff & I heard him when you started playing. Guild has always been my favorite acoustic guitar. I don't like big jumbo booming guitars - I have a Little Martin which is just great. I'm going to get it out & play it then put my headphones on & listen to you for comparison. It might be time for an upgrade. 🙂 You did a great review. Thanks and be safe. 👍☮️🌞🦠😷🎸🎶🎵
Nick Drake was truly one of a kind with his own unique style 😮
I played one of these up guitars in a store today...loved it. I own a Taylor GS mini...looking to find another small body guitar to play, (better on my shoulder). The Nick Drake connection is cool. I'm trying to learn 'Place to be' at the moment. Thanks for the great review!
Oh wow. THAT sound. It's very special. Nice demo.
Nice review, I've had the ME version (with pickup) for a few years. It's incredible, feels really odd going back to dreadnaught.
Just wanted to say big big thanks for the time and energy.. I stopped playing music publicly for 30plus years .. so your descriptions and enthusiasm are inspiring 👍👍👍👍👍👍✅
I heard a guy playing one of these in a shop in Beacon and the tone blew my mind, along with the volume this thing generated. I was playing locally made dreadnaught (which still needed to open up a bit) and the little M-20 totally blew me out of the water in terms of sonic space. It just filled the room and that guy was seriously a wizard on it.
hey Tom.. I knew I'd run into you reading the comments on a guild video!!
Not so.....Richard Thompson, who accompanied Nick in his first two albums, said “I only ever saw Nick play his small-bodied Guild guitar.
just ordered one, i'm so excited !!!
oh! she's a beauty man! sounds phenomenal!
Yeah so I see other ppl commented on that too ... but the gtr on the cover of Bryter Later was the photographer's and not Nick Drake's. No matter though. Beautiful guitar.
Reading comments regarding "comparisons" to other guitars/brands. Best to try ( if possible) the guitars (Brands) you're interested in. Martins , Guilds , Gibsons, Fenders, Taylors, etc. They all have their own voice ....... can sound, and feel different within "the brand" / size / model also.
I recently tried 2 Taylor GS Mini's , both Koa.....one hit me.....the other didn't. Same with Guild. Tried 2 USA Guild M-20....one hit me.....the other didn't . Go with the one that "speaks to you". .... :-) Thanks Tony for reviewing all these guitars. It's a big help !
Hi Tony Great review as always. Fantastic guitar.
I was wondering what is your view on Guild Westerly line up. I have been looking at them before I seen this review. They come with bone nut and saddle but sides and backs are laminated. I would love one of the proper American ones but my budget won't stretch that far.
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
William from Belfast.
Love Acoustic Tuesday by the way big fan.
Cheers Tony
I bought a Martin 00-15 the other year, not really expecting the American guild M20 series to happen, let alone at such an affordable price. A little envious now...
Tony - your forethought to play the same tune on each demo, recorded the same way showed brilliant insight. Doing so, has been a great benefit to players. Thanks.
Before i really got into acoustic guitars, i wouldnt have had an appreciation for this guitar. I probably would have said it sounded a bit congested or boxy. But now that i'm an addict of everything acoustic guitar related, i can say this guitar sounds amazing. So rich in sound and it looks beautiful.
One acoustic guitar manufacturer i just cant stand behind, however, is gibson. They sound like cardboard, if cardboard had a sound.
I'll also add, and i'd like to get some opinions on this, i dont think anyone should buy this guitar as their first good quality acoustic. This is for someone who has a go-to sitka top guitar with either mahogany or rosewood back and sides, because that's the sound our ears are familiar with and expect from an acoustic guitar. Buying this one as the first may not please the buyer since it's a more specific sound. Still, though, GREAT GUITAR. Thank you Tony.
Yep, in fact, folks who might know seem to agree he played the studio's old D-28 on that album with dead strings tuned all over the place.
jamziz22 We all have different tastes. I happen to love slope shoulder Gibsons, can't get enough of that sound. To me it's rich and inspiring. The M20 is cool but it sounds like a cigar box.
totally agree with you on everything you wrote :)
100% agreement that this is a niche guitar. Have spruce and rosewood H & D dread, Martin spruce and mahogany dread and Martin all mahogany as my last purchase. All mahogany is an acquired taste (like olives) and a nice changeup from the standard wood combos. BTW my Martin didn't come alive until I added bone saddle and pins and changed to Medium strings.
Been waiting for this review Tony! I bought a M120 about six months ago and love it, but kinda wish I'd been more patient and waited for the USA M20 to be available.
How does the M20 compare against the Martin 00-15m?
Tzvi Feifel I have the 000-15m. Love it. But I’d trade it for m-20 in a heart beat. That small body with a big body sound is just amazing
@@elliottazim really? I just bought the ooo15 yesterday.. Should I check tho this out?
Alex James I’m just a fan of the smaller body accompanied by that deep rich tone. I’d for sure check out the m-20 first!
I owned both just recently. I preferred the M-20 for recording; there was a bit more clarity on the low e, and it had a very unique upper midrange coarseness that sounded amazing. Even though the bass was clear, the low mids weren't as rich as my 00-15M, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; the Martin sounds a bit congested in the low mids, and it tends to mask the lower fundamentals. The Martin sounded like it had a little more body overall, but the longer scale length makes it a bit too punchy, which is the opposite of my desires from a mahogany guitar (why didn't they keep it short scale like the vintage models?)
That said, I ended up selling the Guild and keeping the Martin. Unlike the rest of the sane world, I'm not a fan of the Guild's 1¾" nut. Nonetheless, I was so taken by the Guild in all other respects, that I decided to get a beaten old M-20 from the 60s that had a thinner nut and looked more open to abuse.
@@GenteelCretin 1-3/4" is standard Martin (and high end Taylors) nut width though. The 000-15m is one of the few Martins that is 1-11/16".
Great guitar but the Guild in the picture of Brighter Later was not used by Nick Drake. It belonged as did the shoes to the photographer.
Nick played an old Levin. Best Dave
Is the M-20 a “bluesy” guitar? I played both an M-20 and M-25. The M-20 was more bluesy… bass notes were much more prominent. The M-25 was a more balanced all around guitar. Not sure if this is typical of the two instruments or not. THe M-25 is described as being an upgrade version (I thought mainly in terms of binding, etc vs. quality of guitar) so I would have thought they would play very similarly.
Hi Tony - I recently picked up this M-20 in sunburst, what a great guitar!!!
Can you tell me what mic you are using to record, it really captures the tone quite well -)
that thing sounds amazing
Sold me on the first note. Wow!
A lovely melancholy tone. Thank you for these videos.
Sounds incredible. Do you like it better than the Martin 00-15m?
Great review Tony! Thanks. I was wondering, I have a few acoustic electrics here, which I love cause I can just plug into anything and play, amps etc., processors, if you got such
a Guild, lacking electronics, can you easily install a soundhole pickup/preamp, and run that out to an acoustic amp or whatever? I doubt I'm buying a Guild anytime soon,
and I'm a lefty, but I'm dying to own a similar mahogany parlour guitar.
Tony Polecastro the wizard of the acoustic gears! Go ahead man!!
Tony, I am torn between the Guild M20 and the Martin 00016sm. Never held either as no music store in my area ever has one on display. Sam Ash, GC and several local shops. I have a Martin D16 and want a smaller bodied mahogany. I play Classic country and Folk mostly. Finger style and light strumming. What would YOU prefer if u could only have one?
I saw Gabrielle give a talk about Nick a couple of years ago and they had the guitar he played on Bryter and it was a Martin - insured for a million quid. Daisy Vaughn played it and sang one of his songs in Spanish and it made me cry.
www.caughtbytheriver.net/2015/08/08/nick-drake-port-eliot-festival/
King Harold what guitar is he holding?
You might dig this video about the real M20 :) ua-cam.com/video/BMIDS2LBpNo/v-deo.html
They really did "nail it." It has good clarity and punch, without the bass being muffled and while still having that woody quality. I've been listening to a bunch of all hog reviews today and the only other one that really found that sweet spot for me was the Bourgois L-DBO. The Taylors have a nice sound profile too but it's too modern/Taylor sounding and loses that woodiness. The Martins, Collings, SCGC, etc. are really hit and miss depending on who is playing what.
I have the D20, sounds even better than this one. The tones are unreal. Top to bottom, flawless. Couldn't recommend this guitar more to anyone thinking about owning one.
There is so much confusion on this guitar. I own an earlier Hoboken NJ M20 guitar. It is AMAZING. My brother just bought a new one from alifornia and we compared. You are Correct, they Nailed it ! Although there is slight differences, but none that matter too much Great going guild. If anyone really interested, I contend Nicks guitar was an earlier hoboken as if you own one you can Hear it ! not a westerley. And as far as people saying it wasnt the guitar he used they are Completely out of thier minds and have NO CLUE of that particular sound. I even contend it may have been a first guitar of nicks. Affordable and sweet. His Guitar.. No other guitar has that sound except an M20…
Problem is this really does sound better than the D15 - 25s…. Not sure why. But it just does. Thought for sure the D-25 might have more oomph. But not sure it does frankly. But regardless this is definitely not a strumming guitar. Very precious sounding.
Wow! That's just as nice as the Gibson Red Spruce model you reviewed last year.
Very nice guitar! Looks like Martin 000-15M.
I have a martin 15-00 with Monel strings. It’s wonderful 😃
which strings do you use on this guitar? brand / gauge
I also would like to know
Great tone.!!
Great review as always.!!
Great sounding small-bodied guitar!
The Guild M-20 was never used by Nick Drake. The Guild M-20 was owned by the photographer who took the album cover shot on Byter Later. He also owned the shoes in the photo. Drake played a Levin Dreadnaught, a classical Yamaha, Martin D28/0018, Yamaha red label FG. Some still think that he may have used a Guild M-20 at some point, but there is no proving these claims
It's almost irrelevant now, since the Guild M20 will give you a beautiful, warm sound no matter what, and it's never overly bright to my ears, at least from most demos I've heard thus far. Nick also often played or recorded with more "dead" worn strings, supposedly, so that is a factor as well. Martin, or otherwise. Nick could have made almost any good
acoustic sound fantastic.
@@thiscorrosion900 Maybe to you, it's irrelevant, but to some others it's not. Go else where and close something else down. It's not welcome here!
@@marccarter1350 It’s irrelevant because nobody seems to know if Nick actually used the Guild, although Richard Rhompson seemed to be adamant that he saw Nick using it. Who knows?
@@thiscorrosion900 The album cover and recording of the song were not on the same day! He never owned a Guild. I have owned a M-20, plus a D-20. I Play reasonably well. The D-20 is closer in sound to what Nick recorded.
@@marccarter1350 Ok, I believe you.
How about reviewing the Cort L450C? Seems to be on the opposite end of the price scale yet still features solid top and back mahogany...
Another great review Tony. Mahogany is contagious over at TAC!
Nick Drake 👍
I've doing a research about what guitars are using/used to play Nick Drake, James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel. They are one of my favourite musicians and their music style is my style, at least that's what i want to achieve :)
For its size, it sounds good.
I must have this guitar.
What guitar are you holding in your lap at the end when you give your advertisement (around 5:15) ???
That's what I was wondering! Did you ever figure it out?
the most close sound for achieving Nick Drake sound would be the Martin 000-28 (ADIRONDACK SPRUCE TOP) , and another fact no one talks about the strings he used , which is the most interesting , the sound strings are similar half nylon and half acoustic strings , i wouldnt be surprised if he used to put nylon strings in the low strings and acoustic strings in the high strings , so it would be half nylon half acoustic on a Mahogany body with Adirondack top
To have his personal sound, Nick Drake was using dead strings.
really a unique sounding instrument. i would like to own one, but if i only had to own one guitar, i would never choose this one.
Small-bodied, all 'hog guitar: my next guitar.
The M-20 Nick Drake holds on the album cover belonged to the photographer; so did the pair of shoes in the foreground, but nobody is trying desperately to wear shoes like "Nick Drake wore" :P The guitar on the album, we will never know for sure, but most think it was a detuned D-28 with dead strings. Nick owned either a Martin or Levin dreadnought, played several others, and probably owned (or played) some 000 Martins. There is not much evidence to say he ever owned an M-20, and the only evidence of him recording with one (which he probably didn't) is the album cover (which, again--it was a photo, not an album-making-production photo, and the guitar and shoes absolutely belonged to the photographer)
Wow I can't believe how full sounding that small bodied hog guitar sounds. Do you know if they are selling them with half way decent pickups installed. Wow, I haven't heard many sound any better.
I have a m20 made in 1953 the year guild started
Killer!!! I have been lusting after some vintage ones lately :-)
I think the M20 was first made in 59 in Hoboken actually.
1958 (silhouette label). Then 1959-1960 (ghost label). The script logo ones are interesting, and the heels attach to the back of the body and will irritate any luthier you take them to!
I wonder how this compares with the martin dreadnought Junior. Or are they pretty different?
hi tony, i have a question, is it possible to carry on this guitar onto plane? Coz i'm not so sure about the size, it's a bit longer than GS mini.
As a big fan of Nick Drake i was able to find a Guild M-20 made in 60's about 10+ years ago and can confirm that 1) this new version sound pretty similar and 2) Nick Drake used that guitar on Five leaves left and Bryter layter. I think his guitar string then were more muddy or Drake didnt change them often as they sound pretty dull. He also used a lot of open tunings with capo so strings were quite loose and low on fretboard (you can hear string hitting frets on some songs). But the main sound was coming from his fingers.
When i got the 60's M-20 it was very delicate and frail. I was afraid of tuning it to standard with set of 012 strings so i used 011 or kept the guitar in open tuning (with less tension). Also the years had made the guitar more open sounding and it vibrated like grazy. I eventyally sold it local fingerstyle player and musician who i thing has made few records with it. It was just too frail for my needs.
BTW, Martin 00-15 is quite similar but sounds more like Martin in general.
xxx yyy woukd you recommend martin oe the guild?
Sorry but Nick did not record with a Guild M20 ua-cam.com/video/BMIDS2LBpNo/v-deo.html
@@YASUNBEY913 I would recommend original 60s M-20 if you can find one but i havent played this new version. Martin 00-15 is still fine guitar is a good alternative.
@@stuartanthony Guitarist Richard Thompson has stated that only guitar he saw Nick playing during the first two records was small bodied Guild (M-20). I believe this is the most accurate memory since he´s guitarist himself and guitar players notice things like this. I have always believed story is that he played M-20 on most songs on first two records. Then he sold it and bought Martin thats is played on Pink Moon (with classical guitar) and the last songs records in studio. Althought a good guitarist usually sound similar what-ever they play but when i have listened closely with headphone the guitar in first two records sound a lot like Guild M-20. It could be possible that its some other guitar with capo even D-shaped guitar.
I've been playing a good deal of Nick again lately, a few of those tunings will have the low E string down at least a step or two, and even with the capo on, you will get
slack, it's almost unavoidable.
Great..... now I need one....
Tony, which would you choose, this guitar or a Martin 00-15?
Really tough choice there... I like the Guild for it's clarity and the Martin for it's pronounced low end warmth... So i guess it depends on which of those would suit your playing better :-)
@@tacguitar I am stuck with same dilemma. Would one be more suited to strumming than picking?
Is his name Tony Polecaster?
is this a bad guitar to get as a beginner?
Tony, could you review the Martin 00-15e Retro?
How is it compared to Martin 00015M?
If I had the chance to buy a vintage m-20, would it be better to go with that than the new one? How does the sound of these new ones differ from vintage ones?
Depending on how much money you want to sink in repairs and neck resets. They're both pretty solid. I think they use the same wood thickness (and overall machinery) as the originals. The only difference is the neck profile and nut width (and the age of the wood).
Basically, it all comes down to a preference for a 1 3/4" nut or a 1 5/8" nut (and trust me, you'll feel the difference). If you like the smaller nut and don't mind sinking $400+ in a neck reset, potential crack cleating, fret leveling, and a but/saddle adjustment, then a vintage model is always an option. Be aware, though, starting in 1970, the M-20 was briefly made with a longer scale length.
I thought no one knew what Nick Drake actually used in brighter later, the guild was only used for the photo shoot.. maybe not. But it does sound exceptionally similar to his tone. Aged nickel bronze strings also help.
I am curious if this is a better guitar than the Martin 00-15, or 000-15 which as far as I can tell is the same size.
I am thinking of purchasing the Martin 00-15E Retro, but would also buy this without much persuasion.
any Furch/Stonebridge coming up?
I watch this review so frequently, it's ridiculous. I am having such a hard time deciding whether I want to purchase this bad boy or the Martin 000-15sm. I go back and forth constantly and I just don't know which to choose! The Martin just seems to have a slightly more "open" sound, a little less boxy, but at the same time, this Guild has such a distinct tone that I don't think you can find anywhere else. Someone please choose for me!
Id love to know this too Tony!
If you're planning on playing on stage or with a strap the guild is best. Martin has no electronics and only 1 strap button
I’m in your boat… The 000-15SM has my heart, but the M20 is tugging at my strings (see what I did there?:-).
Sorry Urban myth bust. Wasnts nicks guitar and M20 wasnt used on Bryter layter .........it belomged to the photographer for album sleeve cover along with the shoes...so just photo props.....it is a cool guitar though.
Fake shoes and Guitar eh ? 🤣🤣😂😂…You are so wrong ! Listen, I even contend it may have been one of his first guitars being a parlor and all. I own a 1964 M20. My brother just bought a new USA m20 and we compared. Both sound great ! there is a difference and if you LISTEN and playa vintage hoboken m20 open chords, light touch etc you will hear Nicks m20 sound. Absolutely no doubt about it. It wasnt a Martin etc.. It was a GUILD M20 !
Agree, we have a new M-20, we also thought Nick did not play it on the album but my wife having played it for a couple of years and listening to the album it has the tone 100%, we now believe he did play the M-20 on the album
Wow, some of these comments are WAY beyond stupid. Does it really matter that Nick Drake played a Guild? All I can say is if you want to NOW capture his tone on many recordings the Guild M-120 is one of the best ways to go for little money.
Any chance you could do a comparison the Guild M20 and Guild M120 mahogany?
Low ends are focused, has the perfect amount of sustain (imo) and looks good. Beautiful sound.
Can anybody tell me where I can find a similar looking/sounding guitar for
Guild m-120s are they same but made in Asia
Who pays all your bills?
I came across this guitar recently and I'm intrigued. I am interested in a concert body guitar. Can anyone recommend one to consider in addition to this Guild? Thinking bang for buck. Thanks