I bet the necks are really different on these two guitars. American Guild acoustic necks remind me of an electric guitar neck with the 12" fretboard radius. The Chinese Guild necks have a 16" radius which is much more flat. I prefer a more rounded fretboard.
Man, you are one of the best reviewers on youtube. The Alamo videos in general are most informative and excellent. Thank you for this one, a great comparison. I think that the Guild F55 is from another universe and retains value like crazy.
I'd like that comparison too. I have the F1512 and it's superb for the price. I'm not good enough to seriously consider the price hike for the F-512, but would still be cool to hear.
There is a fullness and a smoothness that is there with the F-55 vs the F-150. The high E string seems to be painfully bright (stab you in the ear bright) on the F-150 compared to the other stings, and the bass notes seem weaker. There is more strength across the entire range with the F-55, and while the high E string was still noticeable, it did not overpower the rest of the strings like the 150 does. If I had not seem them on the video, I would have guessed the 150 was Grand Auditorium sized (smaller than a dreadnaught) instead of the jumbo that it is. T he F-150 is probably a good value guitar in terms of what it gives you. If you were buying for a teenager or someone who just performs in a hobby band, the 150 is probably a very reasonable option for a "good" guitar. If you were buying for someone who is performing professionally (yourself or spouse for instance), or for someone with very good ears, then F55 is probably the better choice.
Chris, I really appreciate your comments about the factors that go into making a better guitar (and a more expensive guitar), but especially regarding the strings. My first reaction to the F150 was that I heard a "brushy" sound which I attributed to the strings. Changing up the strings might make a huge difference. Also, is the F55 four times better? Well, if it gives you joy, and by contrast the F150 gives you doubt, then the F55 is infinitely better. Thanks for the comparison. 😊
$1,000 is a "cheap guitar"? Dang. My daughter recently started playing guitar and we went from a $200 guitar to a $1,500 guitar. We were both amazed at the jaw-dropping difference in sound between the two. We live in San Antonio so maybe I will visit your shop when it's time for a upgrade. I actually know where your shop is and have been in there a few times over the years.
many thanks for the great videos , and their is a clear winner, for those with deep pockets, but can you do a similar video on guild D55. vs. D150ce? please
Guild makes such great guitars. You can hear much better balanced tone and articulation from the US model. That being said, the import is no slouch and sounds wonderful, but there is definitely a difference. $3000 more of a difference? Well, if you're looking for a lifetime instrument then, yes, the US made is the way to go.
I can't agree more with both your views and Chris's demo Amazing how much better the USA Guild sounded and it looks spectacular also I recently purchased the Guild USA M40 and I am so glad I went with the USA versus the overseas I have spent most of my life in the westerly area and the area and have friends that worked in the Guild westerly facility facility in the seventies eighties and nineties
@@glennhedman1415 If money is a major factor the overseas guitar is a great choice , I have been playing 54 years and I felt the tones on the American made one were a little smoother and more mellow. Maybe it is my hearing but both had great sound.
The best acoustic guitar I've ever owned was a Guild JF30. USA not the later gad model. Sadly, it was stolen. I've had a Gibson j35 and HP415 and a Taylor 310. All good. But the guild was my favourite.
The upper model Asian made Guilds are surprisingly nice. The D-150CE and F-250-CEs that I played recently were absolutely killer too for the price. That said, the US F-50 (maple) is my holy grail of acoustics.
Nicely done demo videos, well scripted and recorded, and they promote your store nicely. I appreciate them and think you come off as honest and interested in your work. I think it is instructive you played better, with more frills, chills and thrills on the more expensive, better sounding model - as if it brings more out of you than the lower cost model. Like a new pair of basketball shoos, you ran higher and faster on the better one. Coincidence? I think not! JR
I hear more sustain and fuller bass on the more expensive one. Are the neck profiles the same? I've played both import and USA made D versions and the necks were different. That might be a decision factor for me. Thanks Chris
I wonder if buying a $4k guitar instead of a $1k is just a guarantee of quality thing? Maybe the differences between two $4k guitars is consistently negligible but differences between two $1k guitars is greater, meaning hunting out the best put together $1k guitar might take several trials of that same model. That might be an interesting comparison video… a shootout between two high end instruments of the same make/model. 🤷♂️
The difference isnt subtle, but im going with the unpopilar opinion that the f-150 sounded better on the video. I'd probably feel different if i was playing them in person, but in the video the expensive guild was quieter and more dull sounding. Weird.
Considering that it's 2022 & everything is and will be getting more expensive by the day, the f150 is a really good deal considering it's all solid wood & the fretboard/bridge are indeed rosewood, not that anemic Laurel, & it sounds great. I wish these were made anywhere else in the world but... I get it. Also, these Guilds tend to have wide skinny necks and that's something I'm after because the larger neck profiles that I prefer are causing issues with the dexterity in my hands.
At least half the cost of the F55 is because of its origin. Wages in the US are way more than in China. Build that same guitar in China and the cost difference would be dramatic. As for the nut width, personally I prefer a 1-3/4” over the 1-11/16” as for sound, there is no way a $3,000 difference. Pretty guitar but money wise this is a no brained. Buy 2 F150s, gig with one, practice with the other and you still have that extra $2,000 in your pocket, if you even had it in the first place. Just my thoughts, and as always, everything is subjective
@@theinvisibleman2070 The price of the instrument is no gage of the price of greatness. Gladys Presley spent $7.75 for Elvis’ first guitar that gave him the inspiration to began his climb to fame. If anyone could spend $20,000 on a great guitar and achieve greatness, they would do it.
I wish Guild did something like what Gibson has done with their recent Epiphones, where they chuck up the price a bit, but then give you a guitar that’s as close to the American equivalent as an imported guitar can get.
Please ask Guild to bring back the F-130ce. I have one and I love it so much, I never play it (too afraid to ruin it). If they bring back the F-130ce I will buy immediately another one.
I have a road series Martin I paid $1200 for about 10 years ago and it sounds and plays so good, the question is what does a $4000 Martin do that mine wont do? Also could you guys do a nylon string guitar video? You guys are the best.
Not a lot of difference. What you need to do is replace the bridge pins on cheaper guitar, and change the strings. Since these are all solid woods scalloped bracing, differences are very minimal. A little bit of ageing would make them both sound good in a few years time. Expensive one has expensive pickup though.
Rather than hearing the "they are what they are" saying about the China made guitar I would have liked to hear something being mentionend about how a cutaway influences the sound. Spoiler: It doesn't make it richer. But may be considering that fact would have melted down by some amount the not further specified lead of the US made Guild.
I would love to hear a shoot out between the Guild F-55E, Gibson SJ-200 and another higher end jumbo of your choosing.
I bet the necks are really different on these two guitars. American Guild acoustic necks remind me of an electric guitar neck with the 12" fretboard radius. The Chinese Guild necks have a 16" radius which is much more flat. I prefer a more rounded fretboard.
Man, you are one of the best reviewers on youtube. The Alamo videos in general are most informative and excellent. Thank you for this one, a great comparison. I think that the Guild F55 is from another universe and retains value like crazy.
Hi Chris I just bought this Guild F-150ce from you all other day waiting on it come to me in east tenn can't wait get it
Well said. I would LOVE to see a comparison of the Guild Westerly 12 strings to the F-512!!!!
Yes, Both versions (maple and rosewood) please.
I'd like that comparison too. I have the F1512 and it's superb for the price. I'm not good enough to seriously consider the price hike for the F-512, but would still be cool to hear.
There is a fullness and a smoothness that is there with the F-55 vs the F-150. The high E string seems to be painfully bright (stab you in the ear bright) on the F-150 compared to the other stings, and the bass notes seem weaker. There is more strength across the entire range with the F-55, and while the high E string was still noticeable, it did not overpower the rest of the strings like the 150 does. If I had not seem them on the video, I would have guessed the 150 was Grand Auditorium sized (smaller than a dreadnaught) instead of the jumbo that it is.
T he F-150 is probably a good value guitar in terms of what it gives you. If you were buying for a teenager or someone who just performs in a hobby band, the 150 is probably a very reasonable option for a "good" guitar. If you were buying for someone who is performing professionally (yourself or spouse for instance), or for someone with very good ears, then F55 is probably the better choice.
I actually preferred the the sound of the Cheaper one
Chris, I really appreciate your comments about the factors that go into making a better guitar (and a more expensive guitar), but especially regarding the strings. My first reaction to the F150 was that I heard a "brushy" sound which I attributed to the strings. Changing up the strings might make a huge difference. Also, is the F55 four times better? Well, if it gives you joy, and by contrast the F150 gives you doubt, then the F55 is infinitely better. Thanks for the comparison. 😊
$1,000 is a "cheap guitar"? Dang.
My daughter recently started playing guitar and we went from a $200 guitar to a $1,500 guitar. We were both amazed at the jaw-dropping difference in sound between the two.
We live in San Antonio so maybe I will visit your shop when it's time for a upgrade. I actually know where your shop is and have been in there a few times over the years.
my dude 200 dollars is a decent dinner here in nyc not a guitar
@@soofitnsexy that's because New Yorkers have gone insane. 😂
It's cheap for an all solid wood guitar.
many thanks for the great videos , and their is a clear winner, for those with deep pockets, but can you do a similar video on guild D55. vs. D150ce? please
Guild makes such great guitars. You can hear much better balanced tone and articulation from the US model. That being said, the import is no slouch and sounds wonderful, but there is definitely a difference. $3000 more of a difference? Well, if you're looking for a lifetime instrument then, yes, the US made is the way to go.
I can't agree more with both your views and Chris's demo Amazing how much better the USA Guild sounded and it looks spectacular also I recently purchased the Guild USA M40 and I am so glad I went with the USA versus the overseas I have spent most of my life in the westerly area and the area and have friends that worked in the Guild westerly facility facility in the seventies eighties and nineties
@@glennhedman1415 If money is a major factor the overseas guitar is a great choice , I have been playing 54 years and I felt the tones on the American made one were a little smoother and more mellow. Maybe it is my hearing but both had great sound.
The best acoustic guitar I've ever owned was a Guild JF30. USA not the later gad model. Sadly, it was stolen. I've had a Gibson j35 and HP415 and a Taylor 310. All good. But the guild was my favourite.
Bought a J-65 true westerly 20 years ago and it is still one of my favorites.
The more expensive one sounds more rich in tone but they both still sound really good
The upper model Asian made Guilds are surprisingly nice. The D-150CE and F-250-CEs that I played recently were absolutely killer too for the price. That said, the US F-50 (maple) is my holy grail of acoustics.
Got the f 240 ce and love it. I have 33 guitars, 5 being Guilds and the f 240 is currently my favorite of all.
Good review. Well said. Both great guitars.
Nicely done demo videos, well scripted and recorded, and they promote your store nicely. I appreciate them and think you come off as honest and interested in your work. I think it is instructive you played better, with more frills, chills and thrills on the more expensive, better sounding model - as if it brings more out of you than the lower cost model. Like a new pair of basketball shoos, you ran higher and faster on the better one. Coincidence? I think not! JR
I just bought a vintage Guild F-55. I will never ever part ways with this guitar. It is one of my forever guitars for sure.
Thanks for comparison videos really enjoy them!!
what gauge strigs are best, or that comes with these guitars.? As a beginner I do not yet know enough about strings..
That F150 is stunning
I hear more sustain and fuller bass on the more expensive one. Are the neck profiles the same? I've played both import and USA made D versions and the necks were different. That might be a decision factor for me. Thanks Chris
I wonder if buying a $4k guitar instead of a $1k is just a guarantee of quality thing?
Maybe the differences between two $4k guitars is consistently negligible but differences between two $1k guitars is greater, meaning hunting out the best put together $1k guitar might take several trials of that same model.
That might be an interesting comparison video… a shootout between two high end instruments of the same make/model. 🤷♂️
the sound difference is huge!
The difference isnt subtle, but im going with the unpopilar opinion that the f-150 sounded better on the video. I'd probably feel different if i was playing them in person, but in the video the expensive guild was quieter and more dull sounding. Weird.
Considering that it's 2022 & everything is and will be getting more expensive by the day, the f150 is a really good deal considering it's all solid wood & the fretboard/bridge are indeed rosewood, not that anemic Laurel, & it sounds great. I wish these were made anywhere else in the world but... I get it. Also, these Guilds tend to have wide skinny necks and that's something I'm after because the larger neck profiles that I prefer are causing issues with the dexterity in my hands.
At least half the cost of the F55 is because of its origin. Wages in the US are way more than in China. Build that same guitar in China and the cost difference would be dramatic. As for the nut width, personally I prefer a 1-3/4” over the 1-11/16” as for sound, there is no way a $3,000 difference. Pretty guitar but money wise this is a no brained. Buy 2 F150s, gig with one, practice with the other and you still have that extra $2,000 in your pocket, if you even had it in the first place. Just my thoughts, and as always, everything is subjective
@@theinvisibleman2070 The price of the instrument is no gage of the price of greatness. Gladys Presley spent $7.75 for Elvis’ first guitar that gave him the inspiration to began his climb to fame. If anyone could spend $20,000 on a great guitar and achieve greatness, they would do it.
I wish Guild did something like what Gibson has done with their recent Epiphones, where they chuck up the price a bit, but then give you a guitar that’s as close to the American equivalent as an imported guitar can get.
Please ask Guild to bring back the F-130ce. I have one and I love it so much, I never play it (too afraid to ruin it). If they bring back the F-130ce I will buy immediately another one.
I have a road series Martin I paid $1200 for about 10 years ago and it sounds and plays so good, the question is what does a $4000 Martin do that mine wont do? Also could you guys do a nylon string guitar video? You guys are the best.
Oh please, please, somebody make a short scale jumbo. (Beside the Gibson J185, which so far is the Holy grail for me.)
Not a lot of difference. What you need to do is replace the bridge pins on cheaper guitar, and change the strings. Since these are all solid woods scalloped bracing, differences are very minimal. A little bit of ageing would make them both sound good in a few years time. Expensive one has expensive pickup though.
If I'm going to pay $4,000 for a guitar, it had better kiss my mama goodbye for me.
Worth every penny of 4k
Hard to believe the f55 has a 1-11/16" width neck. Too narrow for my liking. Should be 1-3/4"
f55 IS MORE COMPRESSED AND SOUNDS A HAIR MORE PROFESSIONAL. BUT SAVE TH 4K!
Rather than hearing the "they are what they are" saying about the China made guitar I would have liked to hear something being mentionend about how a cutaway influences the sound. Spoiler: It doesn't make it richer.
But may be considering that fact would have melted down by some amount the not further specified lead of the US made Guild.
Well, the last 10% cost 3000.- Thats the deal, there is no shortcut
F150 IS LOUDER AND A LITTLE BRIGHTER.
They are not going to complete with themselves. It’s not just about American labor.
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I wish I had $1000 for a guitar and you're calling it a cheap guitar? Get real.
For a guitar with any quality in construction and materials, yes $1k is very much on the cheaper end...
I wouldn't call $1,000 cheap.
I agree. World we live in. At least 1k still gets us a good axe.
Get a better job