Have had my Guild 8-string since last January (2023) and absolutely love it. I tune mine A-A, and it sounds great. I do take slight exception with your aversion to those external battery compartment/jack plates: I've used Shallar style strap locks for decades now (ever since my keyboard guy picked up my Les Paul standard by the strap, dropped it, and broke the headstock off.) ALL of my favorite straps are fitted with them, so when I have a guitar with an end-pin jack, I have to add an extra locking strap pin next to the jack, which looks kinds funky. I love that I can just replace the stock ones and use whatever strap is at hand. All in all, a wonderful and versitile instrument. I had a different (6-string) baritone acoustic before, and the sound was kind of muddy with big open chords, but not this one. Tuning machines have a bit of play, but once they're tuned, it holds the tune quite well. Fit and finish is exemplary. When I capo it up to standard tuning (7th fret in my case) it sounds amazingly full, and on the resultant ultra-short scale, I can play those Alan Holdsworth chords with ease!
Jeremey, I totally agree with you regarding what Guild are doing these days . I work in Music retail and sell a vast range of acoustic instruments. Guild is a no brainer for bang for buck and great quality. I personally own All Solid 12 F1512 and it plays beautifully. Great review mate.
I received one of these a couple weeks ago after waiting almost six months on backorder. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Everything you said here was spot on. I can't believe the price vs. quality on this instrument. The tone of it is outstanding--so balanced and articulate in every frequency, from bass to treble. On the one I received, the fit and finish is easily on par with instruments in the $2000+ price range. After I received mine, it did need a small adjustment to the truss rod, which tightened smoother than any other guitar I own. After doing that, the setup and action was dead-on with Guild factory spec. I took a few thousandths off a couple of the nut slots to get it exactly to my liking, but that's typical of any factory setup in my experience, so I don't consider it a knock. It has a voice that is unique and inspiring, and has quickly become the acoustic I reach for. This is one that will stay with me for life.
Just watched this video last week. I was so intrigued by it that I immediately searched for it at the local music stores in San Diego and found one. I bought it and I’m very glad I did. It sounds and feel great and I can’t seem to put it down whenever I play it. I stuck a tonewood amp on it and it opened it up some more. Review was right on, thanks!
I got one of the first on the market. Had it shipped to me from California where Guild is currently located. Love this guitar! Set up very well out of the box. The two octave strings bring the guitar alive. My string choice is Martin Lifespan Baritone with the added 2 single strings. Guild hit a Home Run with the 8 String Baritone.
Jeremy, thanks for the great video. I recently dove into the world of Baritone guitars. I discovered your TH-cam channel through the video you did on Bobby Driver. I'm a student of Bobs as well, and also I remember you from the store in H'burg. Your videos are very informative and very credible. Thank you. Keep it up brother.
Hey Jeremy, #1/ I know you were so stoked to get this guitar into your hands but If it helps, always take the guitar cord out when not playing it (assuming you bought your demo) I am sure you know the battery will drain if it is plugged in and of course she will sit in your stand evenly. #2/ I also have the exact same GEORGE GRUHN POSTER!!! Being a Nashville based musician and local customer, Mr. Gruhn even signed my poster. Love Mr. G. #3/ Great video and well done with this fantastic guitar. I own as well and love it so much. As with my 6 string electric Baritone , SENN by Eastwood. #4/ You are a super nice guy, love your video's. Good luck and thanks. Peace/love , Jodi Anna.
Mr Jeremy Sheppard, this guitar makes you a guitarist !! I've seen a lot of your video's, but for the first time I watched you playing from ease. Jer and a baritone, a golden combination... Greetings from holland.
I dissappeared into the wonderfulness of a Guild 2512 12-string last year and don't think I've left my Acoustic Paradise since ;-) It was less than $500 new and I can't count how many song ideas and songs I've written on it and frankly how much fun it's been. I get excited by new, groovy electric guitars, but place a great new acoustic in my hands - especially if it's affordable like these Guild models - and I'm in tone and songwriting heaven...
I have a Guild F150 Westerly and it's awesome too with solid Spruce and Solid Rosewood. I'd like to get a Guild F260 jumbo one of these days with Laminate Maple with the arched back.
Wearing Huss and Dalton shirt with a Guild guitar.? Yes Stringjoy would help with strings, and adjust the stand. Music Villa did a review of both the 8 and 6 string Baritone guitars. Thanks for the review AND enthusiasm.
Great review. Great sounding guitar. I have just built a jumbo 6 string baritone and waiting for the French polish to cure . If I like it as much as I think I will I might just make an 8 string. Only drawback is needing 2 sets of tuners, what to do with the leftover 4 tuners. Lol.
Definitely sounds good... Without having played an 8 string baritone my suspicion is that, when finger picking, those doubled octave strings in the middle would feel distractingly unexpected to the touch. Did you find yourself at all wishing it was just a 6 string bari or are those mid octaves not as out of context feeling as I'd suspect?
I love my Guild f2512e Deluxe 12-string. Compared it to a Martin 12-string from the 70s and frankly the Martin wasn't that much better! It's amazing what they can do these days. This 8 String guitar is an interesting bird, a bit like Big Joe Williams guitar. Wonder what else you could do with an 8 string, got to try it some time...
@@JeremySheppard A jumbo hard case can be bought for 60 bucks delivered on Amazon. I have hands on experience with Guild F412/512, so i know the 8 string headstock will fit jumbo cases. Great Vid!!
Got my case for my Guild 8 string Baritone from Guitar Center. Any Jumbo Acoustic case should fit the guitar. I would rather buy a case after market than have the guitar shipped with a cheap gig bag. Had that happen twice in the past and bought hard cased for both.
It sounds wonderful, of course at that price point I knew it was from China.Im really impressed with the sound I know on a phone, but I've played an other Baritone before and I took to it a fish does to water.Thank you for the review and happy picking ! After posting the first part of my comments I purchased this Baritone sorry to say I had to return it. had two issues with it.It would not tune in B tuning the 5th string popped when doing so.And the high E string when played had a nuance that was not meant to be there.So I got a full refund. Not sure I will reorder one so quickly.
Design flaw of this guitar is the bridge pin of the B string is stuck and would not come out because they use acoustic bridge pins and the 70 gauge bass string is too large for it. I had to return mine
There is just nothing wrong with a laminated back and side. In fact, they will be stronger and more stable. And you won’t have bulky back braces cluttering the inside of the guitar.
I know in the sixties I think it was Vox that made an octave up electric guitar and it doesn't seem like an incredibly useful instrument but it does look like it it would be fun in a band situation and cover frequencies that are not being covered. Kind of like this instrument. Could you drop the tuning on this into this too and actually E if you wanted to? What is the purpose of the two extra strings are they like an octave to the standard don't like on a 12-string or they tended Unison or they are completely different note all together and you actually have eight strings tuned date different pitches
I helped Santa Cruz develop their baritone strings. A bit of beta testing is all, but I assure you they are wonderful to work with. Email them, explain the 8-string baritone issue, and they will help you out. Might be relatively expensive, but I don't expect something truly outrageous.
@@JeremySheppard Well, it sounds like you made out well anyway! Quite frankly, I wish I was a more serious guitar player. I always wanted a Guild, Gibson, Martin, Taylor or an Ovation. Instead, I've owned Fender, Epiphone, Dean, Yamaha and Takamine. The nicest of them was definitely the Takamine or the Dean. Honestly, I can't really talk smack about any of them. They all have served a purpose at one point, one way or another. The Yamaha is what I currently have and I just play for a local open mic every Tuesday. Well, if I ever get serious about guitar again and I have the money, I'll probably go with one of the higher brands as mentioned. Maybe even a Breedlove or Jean Larrivee.
@@JeremySheppard back in the sixties box made an instrument the basically was an octave 12-string it was a short scaled electric instrument it was tuned an octave higher than a standard 12 string guitar I was interested if anybody made it acoustic version by the way that baritone 8-string is fantastic
@@JeremySheppard what do you think of the idea of a Taylor ce4 performance guitar? I'm mostly an electric player I play tell leaves and I playlist balls and I'm looking for something that I could use the whole night for lead playing and not have to bring an electric guitar and the Dreadnought acoustic I've had for years and years it's a little thick and it's kind of based on A Martin d-18 rd28 or whatever so there's no cutaway and no upper access how far up the line do you think I need to go to get something that's really going to be a long-term Joy To Own and play like a 414ce Eeyore up to a 714ce? I'm not that familiar with their models
What about standard tuning? Or say standard tuning a half step or full step down? Also, do you have to use such heavy gauge strings? I use extra lights or lights on all my guitars.
@@JeremySheppard Thank you for your response and info. I think I'll stick with my 1971 Martin 000-18 and my 1994 Lowden F24. I enjoy your Channel. Thanks for all the great videos that you post.
I think we all know what you mean about being in a rut Jeremy? Keith Richards has a Guild ten string if I’m right and he knows his stuff. I think I speak for everyone on here that your guitar reviews are always very honest.
Jeremy, I'm with you...Guild is coming after that...middle market????...sector. Whatever. I bought their F2512e 12 string. It was like $499. I thought...eh, how bad can it be? More like how awesome! It's a huge guitar, no doubt. That thing is a boomer! It is so much fun...check it out if you get a chance. I still don't quite believe it.
@@JeremySheppard Thank you for the answer. People say, there has also been a similar guitar by Taylor, but, I suppose, more expensive. I like watching the Alvarez videos; their guitars sound good. Thanks for your videos; always interesting. Greetings from Germany.
@@JeremySheppard No problem, I feel like I'm the one who started with the snark. I just know I'd never plug it in anyway, and those plastic elements are an eyesore to me. Also, leaving out the PU should shave 100$ off the price, so that would be great!
Have had my Guild 8-string since last January (2023) and absolutely love it. I tune mine A-A, and it sounds great. I do take slight exception with your aversion to those external battery compartment/jack plates: I've used Shallar style strap locks for decades now (ever since my keyboard guy picked up my Les Paul standard by the strap, dropped it, and broke the headstock off.) ALL of my favorite straps are fitted with them, so when I have a guitar with an end-pin jack, I have to add an extra locking strap pin next to the jack, which looks kinds funky. I love that I can just replace the stock ones and use whatever strap is at hand. All in all, a wonderful and versitile instrument. I had a different (6-string) baritone acoustic before, and the sound was kind of muddy with big open chords, but not this one. Tuning machines have a bit of play, but once they're tuned, it holds the tune quite well. Fit and finish is exemplary. When I capo it up to standard tuning (7th fret in my case) it sounds amazingly full, and on the resultant ultra-short scale, I can play those Alan Holdsworth chords with ease!
I've wanted one of these for a long time. I got one last week and I absolutely LOVE it!
Jeremey, I totally agree with you regarding what Guild are doing these days . I work in Music retail and sell a vast range of acoustic instruments. Guild is a no brainer for bang for buck and great quality. I personally own All Solid 12 F1512 and it plays beautifully.
Great review mate.
I received one of these a couple weeks ago after waiting almost six months on backorder. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Everything you said here was spot on. I can't believe the price vs. quality on this instrument. The tone of it is outstanding--so balanced and articulate in every frequency, from bass to treble. On the one I received, the fit and finish is easily on par with instruments in the $2000+ price range. After I received mine, it did need a small adjustment to the truss rod, which tightened smoother than any other guitar I own. After doing that, the setup and action was dead-on with Guild factory spec. I took a few thousandths off a couple of the nut slots to get it exactly to my liking, but that's typical of any factory setup in my experience, so I don't consider it a knock. It has a voice that is unique and inspiring, and has quickly become the acoustic I reach for. This is one that will stay with me for life.
Just watched this video last week. I was so intrigued by it that I immediately searched for it at the local music stores in San Diego and found one. I bought it and I’m very glad I did. It sounds and feel great and I can’t seem to put it down whenever I play it. I stuck a tonewood amp on it and it opened it up some more. Review was right on, thanks!
Great review! I'm definitely getting this guitar!
I got one of the first on the market. Had it shipped to me from California where Guild is currently located. Love this guitar! Set up very well out of the box.
The two octave strings bring the guitar alive.
My string choice is Martin Lifespan Baritone with the added 2 single strings.
Guild hit a Home Run with the 8 String Baritone.
Jeremy, thanks for the great video. I recently dove into the world of Baritone guitars. I discovered your TH-cam channel through the video you did on Bobby Driver. I'm a student of Bobs as well, and also I remember you from the store in H'burg. Your videos are very informative and very credible. Thank you. Keep it up brother.
Thanks, Jason! I'm glad we're connected. I'm working at hometown now, come say hi sometime.
Thanks for sharing your insights with me! Very informative!
Hey Jeremy, #1/ I know you were so stoked to get this guitar into your hands but If it helps, always take the guitar cord out when not playing it (assuming you bought your demo) I am sure you know the battery will drain if it is plugged in and of course she will sit in your stand evenly. #2/ I also have the exact same GEORGE GRUHN POSTER!!! Being a Nashville based musician and local customer, Mr. Gruhn even signed my poster. Love Mr. G. #3/ Great video and well done with this fantastic guitar. I own as well and love it so much. As with my 6 string electric Baritone , SENN by Eastwood. #4/ You are a super nice guy, love your video's. Good luck and thanks. Peace/love , Jodi Anna.
Mr Jeremy Sheppard, this guitar makes you a guitarist !! I've seen a lot of your video's, but for the first time I watched you playing from ease. Jer and a baritone, a golden combination...
Greetings from holland.
I dissappeared into the wonderfulness of a Guild 2512 12-string last year and don't think I've left my Acoustic Paradise since ;-) It was less than $500 new and I can't count how many song ideas and songs I've written on it and frankly how much fun it's been. I get excited by new, groovy electric guitars, but place a great new acoustic in my hands - especially if it's affordable like these Guild models - and I'm in tone and songwriting heaven...
I have a Guild F150 Westerly and it's awesome too with solid Spruce and Solid Rosewood. I'd like to get a Guild F260 jumbo one of these days with Laminate Maple with the arched back.
Wearing Huss and Dalton shirt with a Guild guitar.? Yes Stringjoy would help with strings, and adjust the stand. Music Villa did a review of both the 8 and 6 string Baritone guitars. Thanks for the review AND enthusiasm.
Great review. Great sounding guitar. I have just built a jumbo 6 string baritone and waiting for the French polish to cure . If I like it as much as I think I will I might just make an 8 string. Only drawback is needing 2 sets of tuners, what to do with the leftover 4 tuners. Lol.
great recording guitar! it sounds so FULL and rich
Definitely sounds good... Without having played an 8 string baritone my suspicion is that, when finger picking, those doubled octave strings in the middle would feel distractingly unexpected to the touch. Did you find yourself at all wishing it was just a 6 string bari or are those mid octaves not as out of context feeling as I'd suspect?
I’d watch a video of this on your channel. Maybe you should review it! Cool to see you here Tim.
I love my Guild f2512e Deluxe 12-string. Compared it to a Martin 12-string from the 70s and frankly the Martin wasn't that much better! It's amazing what they can do these days. This 8 String guitar is an interesting bird, a bit like Big Joe Williams guitar. Wonder what else you could do with an 8 string, got to try it some time...
Baritone guitars are very cool! I like the Walden baritone too.
Nice but getting a case that fits? How many more dollars for a decent hardcase to be included..
Valid point for sure. I was looking at those this weekend. I'm going to buy one of these.
@@JeremySheppard A jumbo hard case can be bought for 60 bucks delivered on Amazon. I have hands on experience with Guild F412/512, so i know the 8 string headstock will fit jumbo cases. Great Vid!!
Got my case for my Guild 8 string Baritone from Guitar Center. Any Jumbo Acoustic case should fit the guitar. I would rather buy a case after market than have the guitar shipped with a cheap gig bag. Had that happen twice in the past and bought hard cased for both.
Sounds awesome, my dude. Always fun to find a muse in an unexpected place!
would that sound good playing 'southern cross' .... i like it
It sounds wonderful, of course at that price point I knew it was from China.Im really impressed with the sound I know on a phone, but I've played an other Baritone before and I took to it a fish does to water.Thank you for the review and happy picking ! After posting the first part of my comments I purchased this Baritone sorry to say I had to return it. had two issues with it.It would not tune in B tuning the 5th string popped when doing so.And the high E string when played had a nuance that was not meant to be there.So I got a full refund. Not sure I will reorder one so quickly.
Design flaw of this guitar is the bridge pin of the B string is stuck and would not come out because they use acoustic bridge pins and the 70 gauge bass string is too large for it. I had to return mine
I've never ever owned a Guild but now I'm keen. Great video as always 👍
Love it! I’ll always recommend guild. Never fails
There is just nothing wrong with a laminated back and side. In fact, they will be stronger and more stable. And you won’t have bulky back braces cluttering the inside of the guitar.
I know in the sixties I think it was Vox that made an octave up electric guitar and it doesn't seem like an incredibly useful instrument but it does look like it it would be fun in a band situation and cover frequencies that are not being covered. Kind of like this instrument. Could you drop the tuning on this into this too and actually E if you wanted to? What is the purpose of the two extra strings are they like an octave to the standard don't like on a 12-string or they tended Unison or they are completely different note all together and you actually have eight strings tuned date different pitches
The extra strings are octaves
Very innovative but id prefer a nstural satin finish
I helped Santa Cruz develop their baritone strings. A bit of beta testing is all, but I assure you they are wonderful to work with. Email them, explain the 8-string baritone issue, and they will help you out. Might be relatively expensive, but I don't expect something truly outrageous.
So Jeremy, almost two years later, did Guild end up letting you keep the guitar?
I ended up buying one from Guild and they gave me a case.
@@JeremySheppard Well, it sounds like you made out well anyway!
Quite frankly, I wish I was a more serious guitar player. I always wanted a Guild, Gibson, Martin, Taylor or an Ovation. Instead, I've owned Fender, Epiphone, Dean, Yamaha and Takamine. The nicest of them was definitely the Takamine or the Dean.
Honestly, I can't really talk smack about any of them. They all have served a purpose at one point, one way or another. The Yamaha is what I currently have and I just play for a local open mic every Tuesday.
Well, if I ever get serious about guitar again and I have the money, I'll probably go with one of the higher brands as mentioned. Maybe even a Breedlove or Jean Larrivee.
So does anyone make a octave 12 string acoustic? Octave higher? So the towns are verging on mandolin territory
12 strings have an octave up close to mandolin range. Is that what you mean?
@@JeremySheppard back in the sixties box made an instrument the basically was an octave 12-string it was a short scaled electric instrument it was tuned an octave higher than a standard 12 string guitar I was interested if anybody made it acoustic version by the way that baritone 8-string is fantastic
@@JeremySheppard what do you think of the idea of a Taylor ce4 performance guitar? I'm mostly an electric player I play tell leaves and I playlist balls and I'm looking for something that I could use the whole night for lead playing and not have to bring an electric guitar and the Dreadnought acoustic I've had for years and years it's a little thick and it's kind of based on A Martin d-18 rd28 or whatever so there's no cutaway and no upper access how far up the line do you think I need to go to get something that's really going to be a long-term Joy To Own and play like a 414ce Eeyore up to a 714ce? I'm not that familiar with their models
Ever look at Joe veillette Guitars? the veillette avante gryphon is a cool instrument th-cam.com/video/j1mVSVxoUPg/w-d-xo.html
What about standard tuning? Or say standard tuning a half step or full step down? Also, do you have to use such heavy gauge strings? I use extra lights or lights on all my guitars.
This guitar would never do standard tuning. It is a 27-in scale length. To play it in standard you would capo to the 5th fret.
@@JeremySheppard Thank you for your response and info. I think I'll stick with my 1971 Martin 000-18 and my 1994 Lowden F24. I enjoy your Channel. Thanks for all the great videos that you post.
John Denver’s Guild F612 12 string was a 26 1/4”scale length, tuned down 1 step. That would be a stretch(no pun intended) for this baritone.
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Fixed it, sorry. Here it is: imp.i114863.net/a1n5PY
Such a cool instrument! Great review
Haven't watched the entire video, but my first question is when will Ernie Ball have a Paradigm set of strings for this guitar?
I'm not sure. Dadarrio has a couple sets.
I think we all know what you mean about being in a rut Jeremy? Keith Richards has a Guild ten string if I’m right and he knows his stuff.
I think I speak for everyone on here that your guitar reviews are always very honest.
its not laminated, there are simply more layers of wood than usual
Exactly. Just a piece of wood with veneer stuck on the front and back.
What is the "DADGAD" tuning you have it set up with?
get one of these to the tallest man on earth right now
Never heard of an 8 string acoustic. Pretty epic sounding.
Taylor has offered them for several years.... this is the first one that is affordable.
Jeremy, I'm with you...Guild is coming after that...middle market????...sector. Whatever. I bought their F2512e 12 string. It was like $499. I thought...eh, how bad can it be? More like how awesome! It's a huge guitar, no doubt. That thing is a boomer! It is so much fun...check it out if you get a chance. I still don't quite believe it.
They really are. The $300-$800 range is theirs to take with guitars of this quality.
Alvarez has a similar guitar with a similar price.
I've heard that. I'm sure it's comparable. I've always loved Alvarez
@@JeremySheppard Thank you for the answer. People say, there has also been a similar guitar by Taylor, but, I suppose, more expensive. I like watching the Alvarez videos; their guitars sound good. Thanks for your videos; always interesting. Greetings from Germany.
Only time a guitar repelled me...sonically. Looks great.
Buying strings for this must be annoying lol
Would be wonderful if they could offer it without the pickup for people who like, you now, acoustic guitars.
It works as a guitar unplugged. Hahah...sorry for my snarky comment.
@@JeremySheppard No problem, I feel like I'm the one who started with the snark. I just know I'd never plug it in anyway, and those plastic elements are an eyesore to me. Also, leaving out the PU should shave 100$ off the price, so that would be great!