Some people say they love a Woody tone, until they hear a guild and then it's "boxy or canny". I for one love it. Guild has the woodiest mellowest tones. Guild M20, d20, 40, 55.... Very unique tones. I've heard martins that sound like Gibson's and Gibson's that sound like martins, but I've never heard anything sound like a guild except a guild
Martins in general have a "scooped" midrange where the Guild does not. People are just more used to the Martin sound. I like them both I have one of each. My Guild though is a D40 Bluegrass Special.
Guild has always been known for its midrange voice. This is why it has always been loved by folkies. Just because you prefer one or the other tone emphasis does not devalue the other. This is all about personal taste. Life doesn't always need to be a chest thumping contest.
It's funny, everyone here seems to be convinced that Guild d40's have an emphasis on the midrange. Now working in the music business and recording studios for many many years, I always believed Guild d40's had the most transient bass and low-end of almost any dreadnaught. I really think the secret is in the top-wood and the bracing. There really is nothing like it--or nothing like it at the price you can get them for. As a luthier too for over 35 years I haven't been able to get Martins to play as comfortable as Guilds. SOME of that may be my personal preference, but Guilds have taken less time to work on to achieve more comfortable action. I still respect Martins and their workmanship, don't get me wrong, but the choice to me is a no-brainer, especially when you want a transient low-end from a dreadnaught that'll sound great on almost any mic. ~JSV
0:30 D-18 strumming 3:19 D-40 strumming 1:56 D-18 Fingerpicking 4:41 D-40 Fingerpicking I like being able to click on the time stamp and easily compare the tones
Ian, your videos of the D40 Traditional is what made me fall in love with the guitar, and subsequently my wife surprising my with a somewhat crowd funded among family and friends D40 Traditional Sunburst for my 30th birthday this year! It's unbelievable.
I can hear why someone would prefer the D-40, but for me, the D-18 is the sound I prefer… the individual notes and strumming sound more balanced and defined. The Guild, to my ears, has more low end, but the midrange definition seems a bit less forward than the D-18. Granted, some of this could be subtle mic placement differences, etc., but I do think the D-18 hits home for me. Both are lovely sounds, and it’s great to have access to videos like these! Thank you!
Another Great comparison. I absolutely love the Guild. Bright, woody, punchy. I also absolutely love the Martin. One of each of these, too. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them, but it would be better to have one of each!
Thanks, Ian, for the fine comparison. I have a 1967 Guild D-40 (Hoboken - SN#: AJ-850) which I purchased, used, from Gerber Music (Syracuse, NY) for $175 in 1970. It had a 4" hairline crack on its Adirondack spruce top, far below and behind the bridge and close to the binding, which has never grown or worsened even after 3 cross-country hitch-hikes, way back when - once in the middle of February - in just a hard cardboard case. I have often 'dreamed' of owning a Martin guitar, given Martin's more than 180 year history/pedigree and the fact that Martin guitars were often the choice of many of my musical heroes, e.g. Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, etc.. I am not a professional musician but, what I can attest to from owning this seasoned instrument, and listening to the comparison you provided, is that, for my purposes, I prefer the sound/tone of the Guild D-40. Although both are beautiful instruments, I thought the Martin's EQ was equal (no pun intended) across the strings. Were I a more competent 'player', relying more on leads/fills, I think the Martin's EQ and treble brightness would be advantageous. In my case, being more of a 'strummer'(voice and harp), with some occasional runs, hammers and two-stops, rarely venturing beyond the 7th fret, I relish the warm depth/body/volume of the bass and mids inherent in the construction of my beautifully constructed Guild D-40 dreadnought. Thanks, again, for your demo.
I just purchased a D-40 and love it. This was one of the videos that I checked out because It was a toss up for me. These videos are great, BTW Ian! I decided I was going to buy one of these guitars. At several stores, I played both and both were very close in sound and feel (both fantastic). At the last store where I bought the D40, I really looked at both in detail at the fit and finish. I didn't do this at the previous stores because I was not quite ready to buy yet. The D-40 won hands down. Meticulous craftsmanship. Two D-18's at this last shop, both had several misses in the manufacturing/QC process. I'm not bashing Martin guitars AT ALL. I love them. BUT, the neck at the body had a gap on one of them and on both, the neck inlay dots were not aligned properly. They were not centered or perfectly straight and you didn't have to look close, it was apparent. Maybe these were the exception, but at that moment, I didn't want to spend my hard earned dollars for an American made expensive (for me) instrument. Not steering anyone away from Martin, just make sure to inspect it and don't assume its good to go. Take a look at Guild, the quality coming out of California is superb.
These two guitars sound wonderful. I would bet it would be very hard to pick them from each other on a blind test. I own a Martin D-35 and a Guild D-55. This video reminds me why I have both.
From an interview with Jackson Browne years ago, implying a bit of snobbery and insecurity over acoustic guitars and conventional wisdom. "Browne moved on to another famous American acoustic brand, picking up a Guild that became the mainstay of his classic '70s recordings. A Martin gifted to him around the same time proved less successful, however. “After that I bought a guitar that I think was called a D-40, which was a Guild. I really loved that and it was a Dreadnought, too. I bought that from a friend and it was what I played on a lot of my first record. At one point, I was gifted a Martin D-45, but it just didn’t work for me. David Crosby had actually told my record company president, ‘Buy the kid a good guitar,’ and then he told them what to get [laughs]. So they just bought this guitar for me and I just never played it and eventually I sold it." Moral? Go with what speaks to you and stop trying to impress people with a headstock.
So true, Tom! I've owned several expensive US made guitars. Gibsons, Martins, Guilds... but the one and only keeper for me is my japanese made Yamaha FS5 with a L.R. Baggs Anthem SL pickup installed. It's the best and most right guitar for me.
@@mikkeljulius7313 I own a LL16D and a FG3. Replaced the urea nut and saddle on the LL16D with Tusg and having a bone saddle put on the FG3. Buffalo horn pins on both. They are both great guitars on their own. Regardless of price.
Me too. Actually the D-140 has the 1 3/4 and 16 radius, much more comfortable especially when I need to play first position. A very good guitar(the D-140) but just lacks some of the depth of the D-40.
Nice!! I sold my 2013 D18 to buy my 2018 D40T. Both fantastic, but I've always had a soft spot for Guilds, and the Oxnard Guilds are terrific. The modern D40T has new specs not seen in previous production from previous factories.
Great point. I think Guild workers (who came from Epiphone and Gretsch) moved across the Hudson to Hoboken from NYC. After that, many moves involved the company training new workers. Also the earlier lighter models meant a bit more warranty work making some later construction less likely to settle. So while there has always been a Guild tone, some slight changes would emerge with especially cross-continent moves. Tacoma workers also brought their legacy to Guilds built there (I love my DM-9). Cordoba has some of the old equipment, but Ren Ferguson also updated a lot of equipment when Oxnard was opened. They also took a year to bring guitars into production. My new D20 sounds better than many old D25s I remember. Cordoba has committed to resurrecting and improving the classic Guild sound, but technology is helping with more consistent tolerances and tone. I happened to like my D20 more than Martin's D15. I'm not dissing Martin, a great guitar and company. I love the Guild tone and it can stand next to the D15 with no embarrassment.
I wouldn't begrudge anyone who says the d-18 sounds better or is "king of the dreadnoughts." But the d-40 sounds great *and* is easy to play, whereas the Martin really makes you work hard for proper mids and single-string articulation. Imo, this Guild is a great blend of Martin-esque tone and strumming with Gibson action and articulation.
With a little eq you could get these to sound very similar in a mix. I think day to day it would be nice to have the extra bass of the Guild in a live room.
Both have their own incredible, unique tone. I am extremely hard-pressed to say that one is better than the other... unless you want to argue price. In that case, Guild wins hands down ;-)
In this shootout, with these guitars, it's Guild. Played a borrowed Martin in a bluegrass band and loved it. Owned a Guild D50 in the late 70s...and sold it. Bought a new Taylor 810...and was totally dissatisfied with it...so I sold it. Now own a used Taylor 410...and love it. What do I play live ? A Takamine EF341 that I bought new in 1995, and still play today. My favorite 'campfire' guitar is a well worn 1993 Seagull S6.
I am a big Martin fan and owner, and wow that Guild sounds amazing. As with any Martin comparison, many people in the comments voting Martin simply because of the name, that's why I like the blind comparisons, it's great to see people's minds changed when a brand name isn't involved.
I’ve said this for a long time. Take the name out of the game and it’s a whole different game. People actually listen to the sound instead of reading the headstock. I have a 86 D25 spruce/mahogany and a 93 DV52 spruce/ rosewood. I have them for the way they sound and play. Great unsung guitars.
I just bought a used Guild D40 today before I saw this video, I am really looking forward to it. I also own a Martin HD-28. I bought the Guild for when I go camping and to garage jams, I hope it works out. I keep the Martin at home, its sort of my "Steinway" it is the best tone I've heard on an acoustic, although I am told that there are other brands that make Martin appear ordinary.
Nothing ordinary about a HD-28 especially as it ages, I have played some guitars that sound head and shoulders over a HD-28 but I would consider them exceptional instruments. If you ever get the chance try and play either a Collings dread or a Dana Bourgeois guitar
Hello! congratulations on your video! I have a question: given the difference in scale length, is the Guild harder to play than the Martin? thank you so much!
Got a 36 vintage D18 bought it used back in '56 when I was a teen age snot nosed kid that makes everything else seem pale by comparison. Insurance requirements keep that old D18 at home most of the time. Judging from the sound on the video, I like the D40 Traditional a little better than the new D18. Guilds has taken a giant step forward when they hired Ren Ferguson to set up and supervise production upon their move to Oxnard, CA. I always liked Guilds, bought a D25 a long time ago, sometime in the late 60's, bought it by the weight, found the lightest one and bought it. I must say that Guilds have always been variable in quality of sound historically, but with the move to Oxnard, they are much. more consistent than anything available today including Martin, if you don't buy from a custom shop or an independent luthier. If I were buying today, I would choose the D40 Traditional, again, buying by weight, even if the consistent high level of production is so good. For my first line guitar though, nothing beats the Old D18. I may buy a Guild D40 though to take to jams and to Bluegrass Festivals. The insurance Co. requirements are making taking the D18 with me to Festivals. too expensive, causing me to use the Guild D25 since '68 for these outings, not a bad thing, it is a good easy playing great sounding instrument. I do like the D40 Traditional though, wonder how it would sound with good Medium gauge strings when it is really driven by a firm touch and a good stiff pick in a Bluegrass jam? It is always nice to have just one more guitar. Hm, maybe a Santa Cruz RS?
I have just changed my laptop speakers and checked this out a second time. With less quality speakers (more trebly) the Guild comes out better regards balance and quality of tone. Don't know if this means anything. Perhaps someone else could experiment between really top-notch speakers. But thanks for the demo Ian.
J’ai une d35 depuis 1974 le manche manque de largeur pour moi ,aujourd’hui le son c’est beaucoup amélioré ,il est plus précis mais garde ce côté un peu sale . C’est certainement la plus intéressante des vintage car elle vaut moitié d’une d 18 de la même année ,mais j’ai les deux et je préfère la d 35 sauf pour la largeur du manche!
Why does my Guild D40 not sound as good as what you are showing. To me the Guild D40 just does not have any reverb, sounds flat. I still play it and anjoy playing it but I have been playing my Alvanez and it sound so much better. Still not happy with my Guild D40 just has no punch. The back board feels and looks like playwood. Any sugestions would be great to hear.
A year late but the D40 and the D40 Traditional are totally different guitars, the one in this video is the D40 Traditional, not the regular D40. Its confusing, they should have called this model the D45 or something, and it's about a $1000 more than the regular D40. They have completely different bracing designs, neck joints and finishes. Different sound. And to further complicate things, there's a D40 Traditional from before Oxnard started building them, that one is also different from the current Traditional lol.
Thank you my friend. I so have some plans to expand into lessons at some point. UA-cam is new for me but I have a lot of plans to expand the channel. Thanks for tuning in.
Guild for rhythm... Martin better for nuance playing. Guild seems to throw sound a little harder at the mic. Maybe it’s the extra mids in Guild. Martin has the glasslike Martin sound. Man I dunno. I have a Martin and a Guild. It’s the same predicament every time. It’s a new Martin DCPA4 and a vintage Guild D35... same differences in sound nuance. I can say my Guild vibrates through me more playing.
I had Martin's all my life, I've owned more Martin's than I can count on my fingers. But when I picked up my first guild everything changed. Guilds to me have deeper Lows higher highs and more sustain.
Guild. warmer, more "direct" and not as many overtones, that is what I am looking for as I have Collings and a few others that have such incredibly complex overtones. For me, that is what creates the inspiration for the next note, not the striking of the string by itself. So, since I already have that, I am looking for a different presentation, not one that does it better because that can't happen. Just one that offers a different presentation and inspiration in performing some of the same material. The Guild wins it for me. Don't get me wrong, Martin makes very fine guitars. I am a fan and have demo'd them at festivals and know some good people who work there. That being said, throw a Taylor 517 Builders Edition Grand Pacific into the mix then it becomes Oh Ohhhh. . . .
The Martin, to me, clearly sounds like the more distinct and uniquely sounding instrument. Not to say that the D-40 sounds poor (it’s extremely well balanced string to string and has a fantastic low-end presence) but the D-18 has a bit more personality to it. I own a Guild D-55 and would choose it over most Martins any day, but in this match-up I’m really liking the Martin.
I have a $50 Yamaha that I bought in 1993 that sounds like this. It’s all about perception. Only in the classical guitar world does vintage and build matter.
I have a 1979 Guild D 40. I don't like the neck shape and the top is fairly easy to overdrive. A bit too Boomy for strumming, but a nice flat picking machine. This Guild sounds similar. The Martin was more jangly, but I would take the Martin in this comparison.
Martin D-18: Very, very good. Guild D-40: Even better IMO. However, this, like everyone's opinion here, are so subjective to people's ears it's not even funny.
Just found your channel Ian. Wonderful playing and I really enjoyed this comparison. Will pass this on to the Acousticguitarforum folks for their enjoyment. Watched many of your other videos, the audio and visual are excellent. How did the weight of the Guild seem to you, and could you feel any vibration of its sound coming thru the back or neck?
Hi Daryl! Thanks for the kind words. This particular D40 was pretty middle of the road in terms of weight. It's very resonant, so yes I could feel some the sonic goodness emanating from this big ol box....
@@ianmeadows6351 Dear Ian, I bought a Mahogany toned Sitka topped D25 Guild back in '68. Bought it from a large shop that had 4 of them, it is on it's 2nd set of tuners and frets. It was the lightest one and the best sounding one as well. Guild, even back then had trouble with consistency though I have always liked them and the unique sound they produced, choosing which one to buy by weight worked out well for me. It wasn't the guitar my '36 D18 is, (nothing is!) but it was and is great sounding, and just the thing to drag to Jams and Bluegrass Festivals, I still use it for a "Drag Around" guitar. Can you believe I have to let the insurance company know when I take the D18 out of the house anymore, the prices that '30's vintage D18's fetch these days is just unbelievable. The D18 in the video sounds good, but I liked the Guild a little better, wonder how it would sound when strung up with some good medium gauge strings and driven with a good stiff, well rounded, Blue Chip pick or a good Tortoise shell pick if you could find one? I suspect that the Guild would really blossom when it is driven hard in a good Bluegrass Festival jam. Since Guild moved to CA, they have become much more consistent, Ren Ferguson really knows how to set up a production shop doesn't he? Heck, I may just buy a Guild D40 Traditional, a guy just can't have too many guitars, there's always room for one more, I wonder how a Santa Cruz RS will compare with the guitars I have? Hmm.
Doug, I think they're pretty close. I might gravitate towards the Martin but that's just because I have more experience with the d18, it feels familiar. Very subjective, and dependent on the quality of the setup. These are both excellent guitars.
@@ianmeadows6351 The Guild def has a more balanced and compressed tone typical of the D-40, whereas the Martin definitely has a strong bass and treble end with a mid-scoop. I'd own both and play different genres, with bluegrass definitely on that D-18. Guilds are great for 60-70s era folk fingerstyle and classic acoustic rock tones. Just add a J-45 and you'll be covered in the D guitar category :)
@@ianmeadows6351 The difference is between build philosophies as well. Martin is favored among bluegrass player due to that Martin bass. It is a tight sounding instrument with punch. Guild has always been about pronounced mids. Almost the opposite of the Martin. The Guild definitely chimes more. They are both great instruments and Ren Ferguson has done much to give Guild the quality consistency they needed. Get the one that fits your style and speaks to you.
The Martin is weak in Bass response thin in the mid-range and it is very trebley. The Guild seems much better balanced across all strings. Maybe a shade stronger in mid-range but overall better balance than the Martin
So how does the Guild do with heavier strumming? I ask because sometimes, like on some Gibson models, the guitar sounds pretty overwhelmed by pick strumming, they lose clarity and start buzzing a bit, but I've never played a Guild before. Amazing channel, btw
I own a Gibson J45 and a J15 as well as a D18. Gibby’s aren’t as loud as either the D18 or the D40 and you can overdrive the tops, but play them within their capabilities and they are magic.
I have a 1970's D40 and the heavy strumming is pretty mellow with the top end and also little to no rattle, it's all still pretty warm - the low end does get very boomy though, you physically feel it in your body. The plunks of the strings hitting on harder strumming and picking are pretty nice, you can get hints of that around 5:40 on harder plucked strings.
@@ianmeadows6351 thanks Ian!!! It's a pleasure hearing you play. You should check out the m20 too. Hog tops are amazing it really benefits from the shorter scale, both the "000" and 00 15m have that longer om scale I actually wish the sm had a short scale , dig the slotted headstock.
About 30 years ago when I had it re-fretted the tech offered to go in through the sound hole with a special made sander and remove just a little bit of material from the bracing. I was reluctant but said OK. That raised the volume ever so slightly. I get lots of complements on the deep mellow tone and the effortless volume I get from that old guitar. Soon to be 57 years old.
In this video, I'd have to give it to the Martin.....but I actually own a Guild D-40 Traditional.....and it sounds quite a bit different from this one....strings, maybe......I absolutely love that guitar. Have never regretted the purchase....
Used to have a guild d40c and it was amazing. Fell on hard times about 10 years ago and traded it for a car. I now own a martin that I love and am always torn as to whether I should buy another d40 or keep it in the past.
The Guild sounds pretty damn good but im wondering if I really should get one after Cordoba took over from Fender. Music store about 2 hours away said they were going to get some Guilds from their distributor but each one developed a humidity crack in the store and had to be sent back and they got more in and same thing happened
The new versions are considerably lighter. I have a D20. It is not really the old D25. I love it. But I wonder if the guitar was opened up too soon and the store was not adequately humidified.
Some people say they love a Woody tone, until they hear a guild and then it's "boxy or canny". I for one love it. Guild has the woodiest mellowest tones. Guild M20, d20, 40, 55.... Very unique tones. I've heard martins that sound like Gibson's and Gibson's that sound like martins, but I've never heard anything sound like a guild except a guild
Martins in general have a "scooped" midrange where the Guild does not. People are just more used to the Martin sound. I like them both I have one of each. My Guild though is a D40 Bluegrass Special.
Guild has always been known for its midrange voice. This is why it has always been loved by folkies. Just because you prefer one or the other tone emphasis does not devalue the other. This is all about personal taste. Life doesn't always need to be a chest thumping contest.
@@pmscalisi a marvellous guitar. Like Martin's mahogany D18 it has graced many recordings and stages.
Exactly. Woody is how to best describe it. Especially with monel strings.
It's funny, everyone here seems to be convinced that Guild d40's have an emphasis on the midrange. Now working in the music business and recording studios for many many years, I always believed Guild d40's had the most transient bass and low-end of almost any dreadnaught. I really think the secret is in the top-wood and the bracing. There really is nothing like it--or nothing like it at the price you can get them for. As a luthier too for over 35 years I haven't been able to get Martins to play as comfortable as Guilds. SOME of that may be my personal preference, but Guilds have taken less time to work on to achieve more comfortable action. I still respect Martins and their workmanship, don't get me wrong, but the choice to me is a no-brainer, especially when you want a transient low-end from a dreadnaught that'll sound great on almost any mic.
~JSV
0:30 D-18 strumming
3:19 D-40 strumming
1:56 D-18 Fingerpicking
4:41 D-40 Fingerpicking
I like being able to click on the time stamp and easily compare the tones
Ian, your videos of the D40 Traditional is what made me fall in love with the guitar, and subsequently my wife surprising my with a somewhat crowd funded among family and friends D40 Traditional Sunburst for my 30th birthday this year! It's unbelievable.
Wow Derek, that is awesome! Enjoy that guitar!
Lucky guy! Don't get a gift like that too many times in your life!
She's a keeper (the Guild) 😉!
I can hear why someone would prefer the D-40, but for me, the D-18 is the sound I prefer… the individual notes and strumming sound more balanced and defined.
The Guild, to my ears, has more low end, but the midrange definition seems a bit less forward than the D-18.
Granted, some of this could be subtle mic placement differences, etc., but I do think the D-18 hits home for me.
Both are lovely sounds, and it’s great to have access to videos like these! Thank you!
Another Great comparison. I absolutely love the Guild. Bright, woody, punchy. I also absolutely love the Martin. One of each of these, too. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them, but it would be better to have one of each!
Oops! - Forgot to mention the great Richie Havens who, probably more than anyone, put the Guild D-40 'on the map'.
Thanks, Ian, for the fine comparison. I have a 1967 Guild D-40 (Hoboken - SN#: AJ-850) which I purchased, used, from Gerber Music (Syracuse, NY) for $175 in 1970. It had a 4" hairline crack on its Adirondack spruce top, far below and behind the bridge and close to the binding, which has never grown or worsened even after 3 cross-country hitch-hikes, way back when - once in the middle of February - in just a hard cardboard case. I have often 'dreamed' of owning a Martin guitar, given Martin's more than 180 year history/pedigree and the fact that Martin guitars were often the choice of many of my musical heroes, e.g. Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, etc.. I am not a professional musician but, what I can attest to from owning this seasoned instrument, and listening to the comparison you provided, is that, for my purposes, I prefer the sound/tone of the Guild D-40. Although both are beautiful instruments, I thought the Martin's EQ was equal (no pun intended) across the strings. Were I a more competent 'player', relying more on leads/fills, I think the Martin's EQ and treble brightness would be advantageous. In my case, being more of a 'strummer'(voice and harp), with some occasional runs, hammers and two-stops, rarely venturing beyond the 7th fret, I relish the warm depth/body/volume of the bass and mids inherent in the construction of my beautifully constructed Guild D-40 dreadnought. Thanks, again, for your demo.
I bought a D-40 in 1967 SN# AJ-2058, still playing it, built like a tank.
I was there in 1991. Amazing store. I wonder if it's still open.
Raitt, Cash and Prine played Guilds as well. There is a time and place for each tone. They are not interchangeable instruments.
Le plaisir des oreilles a écouter.
La douleur des yeux à regarder le prix.
C'est la vie.
Two fine American guitars and equally fine playing sir.
Thank you for the kind words my friend
The Guild has a deep, mellow sound, the Martin sounds crisp & even. Can’t go wrong with either one. They great but different. 3:59
I just purchased a D-40 and love it. This was one of the videos that I checked out because It was a toss up for me. These videos are great, BTW Ian! I decided I was going to buy one of these guitars. At several stores, I played both and both were very close in sound and feel (both fantastic). At the last store where I bought the D40, I really looked at both in detail at the fit and finish. I didn't do this at the previous stores because I was not quite ready to buy yet. The D-40 won hands down. Meticulous craftsmanship. Two D-18's at this last shop, both had several misses in the manufacturing/QC process. I'm not bashing Martin guitars AT ALL. I love them. BUT, the neck at the body had a gap on one of them and on both, the neck inlay dots were not aligned properly. They were not centered or perfectly straight and you didn't have to look close, it was apparent. Maybe these were the exception, but at that moment, I didn't want to spend my hard earned dollars for an American made expensive (for me) instrument. Not steering anyone away from Martin, just make sure to inspect it and don't assume its good to go. Take a look at Guild, the quality coming out of California is superb.
When ever you buy a martin, buy one from the custom shop. They build the best martins
Dont
Ian, I never buy a guitar without watching your channel first, great job 👍 thank you, Mate...
Another vote for the Guild!
These two guitars sound wonderful.
I would bet it would be very hard to pick them from each other on a blind test.
I own a Martin D-35 and a Guild D-55.
This video reminds me why I have both.
I have a 1974 Guild D40, so I'm partial to them. The Martin certainly sounds good, but I'm happy with my Guild.
Guilds are awesome.... Especially old Guilds!
Martins are very good. So is my 56 year old D40 Guild. It doesn't a back seat to anyone
Love the tone on that guild d40
From an interview with Jackson Browne years ago, implying a bit of snobbery and insecurity over acoustic guitars and conventional wisdom.
"Browne moved on to another famous American acoustic brand, picking up a Guild that became the mainstay of his classic '70s recordings. A Martin gifted to him around the same time proved less successful, however.
“After that I bought a guitar that I think was called a D-40, which was a Guild. I really loved that and it was a Dreadnought, too. I bought that from a friend and it was what I played on a lot of my first record. At one point, I was gifted a Martin D-45, but it just didn’t work for me. David Crosby had actually told my record company president, ‘Buy the kid a good guitar,’ and then he told them what to get [laughs]. So they just bought this guitar for me and I just never played it and eventually I sold it."
Moral? Go with what speaks to you and stop trying to impress people with a headstock.
So true, Tom! I've owned several expensive US made guitars. Gibsons, Martins, Guilds... but the one and only keeper for me is my japanese made Yamaha FS5 with a L.R. Baggs Anthem SL pickup installed. It's the best and most right guitar for me.
@@mikkeljulius7313 I own a LL16D and a FG3. Replaced the urea nut and saddle on the LL16D with Tusg and having a bone saddle put on the FG3. Buffalo horn pins on both.
They are both great guitars on their own. Regardless of price.
Man I love the D-40 and I'm a Martin guy. Have a D-18. If they had a 1.75 nut I would get one.
Me too. Actually the D-140 has the 1 3/4 and 16 radius, much more comfortable especially when I need to play first position. A very good guitar(the D-140) but just lacks some of the depth of the D-40.
Nice!! I sold my 2013 D18 to buy my 2018 D40T. Both fantastic, but I've always had a soft spot for Guilds, and the Oxnard Guilds are terrific. The modern D40T has new specs not seen in previous production from previous factories.
All the newer Guilds I have played have been great, congrats on finding a special guitar!
Great point. I think Guild workers (who came from Epiphone and Gretsch) moved across the Hudson to Hoboken from NYC. After that, many moves involved the company training new workers. Also the earlier lighter models meant a bit more warranty work making some later construction less likely to settle. So while there has always been a Guild tone, some slight changes would emerge with especially cross-continent moves. Tacoma workers also brought their legacy to Guilds built there (I love my DM-9). Cordoba has some of the old equipment, but Ren Ferguson also updated a lot of equipment when Oxnard was opened. They also took a year to bring guitars into production. My new D20 sounds better than many old D25s I remember. Cordoba has committed to resurrecting and improving the classic Guild sound, but technology is helping with more consistent tolerances and tone. I happened to like my D20 more than Martin's D15. I'm not dissing Martin, a great guitar and company. I love the Guild tone and it can stand next to the D15 with no embarrassment.
The Guild is a really woody sounding guitar. Very unique.
I wouldn't begrudge anyone who says the d-18 sounds better or is "king of the dreadnoughts." But the d-40 sounds great *and* is easy to play, whereas the Martin really makes you work hard for proper mids and single-string articulation. Imo, this Guild is a great blend of Martin-esque tone and strumming with Gibson action and articulation.
Bought the Guild D40 Triditional about a month ago love it. Got a Martin D28 reamangined too so I think I'm set now.
With a little eq you could get these to sound very similar in a mix. I think day to day it would be nice to have the extra bass of the Guild in a live room.
Both have their own incredible, unique tone. I am extremely hard-pressed to say that one is better than the other... unless you want to argue price. In that case, Guild wins hands down ;-)
I’m thinking of switching to Guild. It has beautiful old school deep sound. Very vintage sounding guitar. Specially the picking.
The D18 has the “twang” factor . The Guild has warmer mids and is definitely louder.
I have a D18 and a J45. I would love to have the D40 as well.
That would be the trifecta of cool mahogany dreads!!!
Have had both. Just have the Guild D40 now. Your mileage might very.
In this shootout, with these guitars, it's Guild. Played a borrowed Martin in a bluegrass band and loved it. Owned a Guild D50 in the late 70s...and sold it. Bought a new Taylor 810...and was totally dissatisfied with it...so I sold it. Now own a used Taylor 410...and love it. What do I play live ? A Takamine EF341 that I bought new in 1995, and still play today. My favorite 'campfire' guitar is a well worn 1993 Seagull S6.
I actually prefer the guild (never thought i would). Fuller, more rounded sound in my opinion!
Why would you never think you would?
@@ClaytonWillisMusic just always leaned Martin I guess
Both are pretty damn good
I am a big Martin fan and owner, and wow that Guild sounds amazing. As with any Martin comparison, many people in the comments voting Martin simply because of the name, that's why I like the blind comparisons, it's great to see people's minds changed when a brand name isn't involved.
I’ve said this for a long time. Take the name out of the game and it’s a whole different game. People actually listen to the sound instead of reading the headstock. I have a 86 D25 spruce/mahogany and a 93 DV52 spruce/ rosewood.
I have them for the way they sound and play. Great unsung guitars.
Orrrrrr… Martin got that name by sounding better.
That Guild has a sound that I really like!
I just bought a used Guild D40 today before I saw this video, I am really looking forward to it. I also own a Martin HD-28. I bought the Guild for when I go camping and to garage jams, I hope it works out. I keep the Martin at home, its sort of my "Steinway" it is the best tone I've heard on an acoustic, although I am told that there are other brands that make Martin appear ordinary.
Take note the D40 and D40 Traditional are completely different guitars, but both awesome in different ways. How do you like the D40?
@@Derek-rv3ee really nice. Not quite as good as my Martin but close.
Nothing ordinary about a HD-28 especially as it ages, I have played some guitars that sound head and shoulders over a HD-28 but I would consider them exceptional instruments. If you ever get the chance try and play either a Collings dread or a Dana Bourgeois guitar
Hello! congratulations on your video! I have a question: given the difference in scale length, is the Guild harder to play than the Martin? thank you so much!
Guild D40..solid, full and completin the sound spectrum.
Martin on this one.
does the D18 have med. p.b. Martin Lifespan strings? Guild have light gauge (12-53) EXP16?
Got a 36 vintage D18 bought it used back in '56 when I was a teen age snot nosed kid that makes everything else seem pale by comparison. Insurance requirements keep that old D18 at home most of the time. Judging from the sound on the video, I like the D40 Traditional a little better than the new D18. Guilds has taken a giant step forward when they hired Ren Ferguson to set up and supervise production upon their move to Oxnard, CA. I always liked Guilds, bought a D25 a long time ago, sometime in the late 60's, bought it by the weight, found the lightest one and bought it. I must say that Guilds have always been variable in quality of sound historically, but with the move to Oxnard, they are much. more consistent than anything available today including Martin, if you don't buy from a custom shop or an independent luthier. If I were buying today, I would choose the D40 Traditional, again, buying by weight, even if the consistent high level of production is so good. For my first line guitar though, nothing beats the Old D18. I may buy a Guild D40 though to take to jams and to Bluegrass Festivals. The insurance Co. requirements are making taking the D18 with me to Festivals. too expensive, causing me to use the Guild D25 since '68 for these outings, not a bad thing, it is a good easy playing great sounding instrument. I do like the D40 Traditional though, wonder how it would sound with good Medium gauge strings when it is really driven by a firm touch and a good stiff pick in a Bluegrass jam? It is always nice to have just one more guitar. Hm, maybe a Santa Cruz RS?
I have just changed my laptop speakers and checked this out a second time. With less quality speakers (more trebly) the Guild comes out better regards balance and quality of tone.
Don't know if this means anything. Perhaps someone else could experiment between really top-notch speakers.
But thanks for the demo Ian.
Does Guild age its wood before production? The Guild sounds much more "lived-in", it seems to mellow the transients and reinforce the lower harmonics.
It's the rosewood fretboard. Martins use ebony which will have a louder transient. Gibsons also use rosewood and have that same mellow attack.
I think it has to do more with bracing styles than woods. The d18s are forward shifted
hahaha - Mellow attack - Sounds like a hillbilly folk band name..
J’ai une d35 depuis 1974 le manche manque de largeur pour moi ,aujourd’hui le son c’est beaucoup amélioré ,il est plus précis mais garde ce côté un peu sale .
C’est certainement la plus intéressante des vintage car elle vaut moitié d’une d 18 de la même année ,mais j’ai les deux et je préfère la d 35 sauf pour la largeur du manche!
Why does my Guild D40 not sound as good as what you are showing. To me the Guild D40 just does not have any reverb, sounds flat. I still play it and anjoy playing it but I have been playing my Alvanez and it sound so much better. Still not happy with my Guild D40 just has no punch. The back board feels and looks like playwood. Any sugestions would be great to hear.
A year late but the D40 and the D40 Traditional are totally different guitars, the one in this video is the D40 Traditional, not the regular D40. Its confusing, they should have called this model the D45 or something, and it's about a $1000 more than the regular D40. They have completely different bracing designs, neck joints and finishes. Different sound.
And to further complicate things, there's a D40 Traditional from before Oxnard started building them, that one is also different from the current Traditional lol.
How much better is a Guild D-40 than a Guild DC5E? Or are they pretty close to equal? That's what I have. A DC5E. 1990 I think
You should do some lessons on those runs you do!!! Why do u only have 53 subscribers? Your talented sir!!
Thank you my friend. I so have some plans to expand into lessons at some point. UA-cam is new for me but I have a lot of plans to expand the channel. Thanks for tuning in.
I like the Guild. It has a big tone but damn, that Martin bluegrass tone makes it tough to choose.
Except the sample here seems to miss the classic Martin bass. It is perfectly balanced. Who woulda thunk.
Agreed the Guild sounds twice the size of the Martin here.
Suddenly sounded like Dave Van Ronk when you started fingerpickin on that D-40.
Post 2012 D18 also has a 1 3/4 inch nut width with high performance taper
Guild acoustic is my next guitar
I don't own either of these. But the Guild sounds better. I want one.
They would sound GREAT paired in a duet. The Martin head n shoulders on my ears.
How old is each guitar? The martin sounds like it is more "mature" .... Is there an age difference? And how much has each been played ?
Could have a lot to do with bracing. I Dont know about the guild but the d18 has forward shifted braces
Hi mate, lovely sounding clips👌 can you remember what gauge and type of string on the Martin? Thanks
Guild for rhythm... Martin better for nuance playing. Guild seems to throw sound a little harder at the mic. Maybe it’s the extra mids in Guild. Martin has the glasslike Martin sound.
Man I dunno. I have a Martin and a Guild. It’s the same predicament every time. It’s a new Martin DCPA4 and a vintage Guild D35... same differences in sound nuance. I can say my Guild vibrates through me more playing.
Interesting take Steven. Thanks for tuning in.
I'll take one of each.🍺👍
I had Martin's all my life, I've owned more Martin's than I can count on my fingers. But when I picked up my first guild everything changed. Guilds to me have deeper Lows higher highs and more sustain.
They are excellent guitars
Guild scale is a bit longer, and the body is wider and a bit deeper.
Guild. warmer, more "direct" and not as many overtones, that is what I am looking for as I have Collings and a few others that have such incredibly complex overtones. For me, that is what creates the inspiration for the next note, not the striking of the string by itself. So, since I already have that, I am looking for a different presentation, not one that does it better because that can't happen. Just one that offers a different presentation and inspiration in performing some of the same material. The Guild wins it for me. Don't get me wrong, Martin makes very fine guitars. I am a fan and have demo'd them at festivals and know some good people who work there. That being said, throw a Taylor 517 Builders Edition Grand Pacific into the mix then it becomes Oh Ohhhh. . . .
Are you using new strings on both, and if so, are they the same or different? Thanks.
Daddario ej16 on both, both changed within the last four weeks
The Martin, to me, clearly sounds like the more distinct and uniquely sounding instrument. Not to say that the D-40 sounds poor (it’s extremely well balanced string to string and has a fantastic low-end presence) but the D-18 has a bit more personality to it. I own a Guild D-55 and would choose it over most Martins any day, but in this match-up I’m really liking the Martin.
I own a Trad. D-40 and agree with you 100%, at least in this comparison........
I have a late 74 D40 and a 1983 D-18....The Martin is my fav...but each example is different.
I would love to own a D-18.
Said pretty much every guitarist.
Martin 0:01
Guild 2:55
0:07
3:00
0:12
3:05
0:28
3:19
I have a $50 Yamaha that I bought in 1993 that sounds like this. It’s all about perception. Only in the classical guitar world does vintage and build matter.
Nice what flat pick and thickness are you using here
I have a 1979 Guild D 40. I don't like the neck shape and the top is fairly easy to overdrive. A bit too Boomy for strumming, but a nice flat picking machine.
This Guild sounds similar. The Martin was more jangly, but I would take the Martin in this comparison.
Martin D-18: Very, very good. Guild D-40: Even better IMO. However, this, like everyone's opinion here, are so subjective to people's ears it's not even funny.
Just found your channel Ian. Wonderful playing and I really enjoyed this comparison. Will pass this on to the Acousticguitarforum folks for their enjoyment.
Watched many of your other videos, the audio and visual are excellent.
How did the weight of the Guild seem to you, and could you feel any vibration of its sound coming thru the back or neck?
Hi Daryl! Thanks for the kind words. This particular D40 was pretty middle of the road in terms of weight. It's very resonant, so yes I could feel some the sonic goodness emanating from this big ol box....
@@ianmeadows6351 Dear Ian, I bought a Mahogany toned Sitka topped D25 Guild back in '68. Bought it from a large shop that had 4 of them, it is on it's 2nd set of tuners and frets. It was the lightest one and the best sounding one as well. Guild, even back then had trouble with consistency though I have always liked them and the unique sound they produced, choosing which one to buy by weight worked out well for me. It wasn't the guitar my '36 D18 is, (nothing is!) but it was and is great sounding, and just the thing to drag to Jams and Bluegrass Festivals, I still use it for a "Drag Around" guitar. Can you believe I have to let the insurance company know when I take the D18 out of the house anymore, the prices that '30's vintage D18's fetch these days is just unbelievable. The D18 in the video sounds good, but I liked the Guild a little better, wonder how it would sound when strung up with some good medium gauge strings and driven with a good stiff, well rounded, Blue Chip pick or a good Tortoise shell pick if you could find one? I suspect that the Guild would really blossom when it is driven hard in a good Bluegrass Festival jam. Since Guild moved to CA, they have become much more consistent, Ren Ferguson really knows how to set up a production shop doesn't he? Heck, I may just buy a Guild D40 Traditional, a guy just can't have too many guitars, there's always room for one more, I wonder how a Santa Cruz RS will compare with the guitars I have? Hmm.
do you have a preference in terms how each feels to play? Guild sounds better to my ears.
Doug, I think they're pretty close. I might gravitate towards the Martin but that's just because I have more experience with the d18, it feels familiar. Very subjective, and dependent on the quality of the setup. These are both excellent guitars.
@@ianmeadows6351 The Guild def has a more balanced and compressed tone typical of the D-40, whereas the Martin definitely has a strong bass and treble end with a mid-scoop. I'd own both and play different genres, with bluegrass definitely on that D-18. Guilds are great for 60-70s era folk fingerstyle and classic acoustic rock tones. Just add a J-45 and you'll be covered in the D guitar category :)
@@ianmeadows6351 The difference is between build philosophies as well. Martin is favored among bluegrass player due to that Martin bass. It is a tight sounding instrument with punch. Guild has always been about pronounced mids. Almost the opposite of the Martin. The Guild definitely chimes more. They are both great instruments and Ren Ferguson has done much to give Guild the quality consistency they needed. Get the one that fits your style and speaks to you.
The Martin is weak in Bass response thin in the mid-range and it is very trebley. The Guild seems much better balanced across all strings. Maybe a shade stronger in mid-range but overall better balance than the Martin
So how does the Guild do with heavier strumming? I ask because sometimes, like on some Gibson models, the guitar sounds pretty overwhelmed by pick strumming, they lose clarity and start buzzing a bit, but I've never played a Guild before.
Amazing channel, btw
Hi Josh. I'd say the Guild does just fine with heavier strumming. No issues.
I own a Gibson J45 and a J15 as well as a D18.
Gibby’s aren’t as loud as either the D18 or the D40 and you can overdrive the tops, but play them within their capabilities and they are magic.
I have a 1970's D40 and the heavy strumming is pretty mellow with the top end and also little to no rattle, it's all still pretty warm - the low end does get very boomy though, you physically feel it in your body. The plunks of the strings hitting on harder strumming and picking are pretty nice, you can get hints of that around 5:40 on harder plucked strings.
Please PLEASE demo the new Martin Dss17!! I'd love to hear it against the similarly priced/spec'd guild d40 , thanks!! Happy New year!!!
Ill see what I can do Zeb. Happy New Year to you!
@@ianmeadows6351 thanks Ian!!! It's a pleasure hearing you play. You should check out the m20 too. Hog tops are amazing it really benefits from the shorter scale, both the "000" and 00 15m have that longer om scale I actually wish the sm had a short scale , dig the slotted headstock.
I have a westerly made guild jf-30 and Im taking it to the grave with me
westerly guilds were made with magic
I have an early Hoboken NJ D40. I'll put it up against any guitar...………..and win
@@danryan347 wow that must be so awesome.
i love guilds. underrated
About 30 years ago when I had it re-fretted the tech offered to go in through the sound hole with a special made sander and remove just a little bit of material from the bracing. I was reluctant but said OK. That raised the volume ever so slightly. I get lots of complements on the deep mellow tone and the effortless volume I get from that old guitar. Soon to be 57 years old.
Which neck feel did you prefer?
Guild is the better guitar of the two. Period.
Nope it isn't...period.
@@gforce7four Yes it is. Period.
You're both right. Period. Buy both, comma semicolon ;)
Guild 2:55
Martin 00:01
I feel I may need another D-40
In this video, I'd have to give it to the Martin.....but I actually own a Guild D-40 Traditional.....and it sounds quite a bit different from this one....strings, maybe......I absolutely love that guitar. Have never regretted the purchase....
How different does yours sound?
0:06 vs 3:00 0:28 vs 3:19 1:53 vs 4:36
Please do compare d55 vs d18 martin
D-18 more balance, classic tone, very tough to beat out one of the best dreads there is.
True enough John
Except it loses here.
@@kommi1974 Nope it wins here
The Guild has it here.
Got Guilds y Martins y love them both…y classical guitars too
Used to have a guild d40c and it was amazing. Fell on hard times about 10 years ago and traded it for a car. I now own a martin that I love and am always torn as to whether I should buy another d40 or keep it in the past.
guitars need friends to keep them company. get another guild.
Nice guitars. I would walk in the guitar store and buy the....GUILD. More soul and overall a better sound
Martin stands out and sparkles. No comparison.
The Guild sounds pretty damn good but im wondering if I really should get one after Cordoba took over from Fender. Music store about 2 hours away said they were going to get some Guilds from their distributor but each one developed a humidity crack in the store and had to be sent back and they got more in and same thing happened
The new versions are considerably lighter. I have a D20. It is not really the old D25. I love it. But I wonder if the guitar was opened up too soon and the store was not adequately humidified.
@@tomformanek3312 they keep their acoustics in a separate room with a closer door and humidifiers in the room so that shouldn't have been the problem.
Guild D-40 лучший!
One of the few tests where the guitars seem to be equal in quality and similar in sound. Glad I'm not choosing. I'm more of a 000 guy
There are no wrong choices with these two! Both are excellent
Martin clarity, volume, chimey and woody sound is difficult to defeat in the case u just want to buy the guitar
D18 but want to dash off and buy a Guild ... why is that?
Cuz Guilds are sweet!
I really hear the difference in the coated strings (Guild) and the brighter Martin strings.
how do you know the D40 has coated strings?
Guild was a little more canny when he went too the finger picking..preference I'd say.
Martin : genuine mahogany (central amerika) Guild : Afrikan mahogany (Khaya) and a bigger body
The Guild straight up wins here imo. The Martin has a large amount of low mids but the D40 is very full and balanced.
Once again, Guild KOs another opponent. Wahi' Valleys
Again Martin for balance, projection , resonance.....the D-18 sounds like a piano!!!
It's a good one, no doubt...
Next Godin metropolis
To me, the Guild (aka the Poor Man's Martin) sounds fuller and livelier than the Martin
Is it Vandersteen speakers?
the guild is more balanced actually..hmm
Martin. best acoustics ever made
They sure are purty
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2:55