$699, what a great price! Holy smokes! This is the best guitar channel on RU-vid. Both of you are very knowledgeable and give honest reviews. The OM 120 just may be the one for me.
@@lhvent Actually he didn't. The Guild M20 that is associated with him was just a prop for the album cover shot. It belonged to the photographer who took the picture.
I loved what you said @15:40 regarding guitar size and playing style. I had known about the traits of different sizes, but your explanation of the why was a revelation for me. Please continue to include educational tidbits like these to your reviews.
For the first time, yesterday I found a D120 at a music store. I was blown away by it's beautiful tone and volume. I had already taken a big risk and bought a stunning looking Epiphone Masterbilt Excellente (made in Indonesia) from a Reverb store, and was so disappointed by the lack of volume. It's a very big dreadnought. It didn't fit into any of my dreadnought cases, and I was shocked that such a big guitar could be so lacking volume. So I put a hold on this D120, and I'm thinking about selling the Epiphone at what will probably be a BIG financial loss. It's tough that so many music stores now have so much less inventory, at least, where I live. It makes it impossible to hear a guitar "in person". But I have always loved Guild guitars, and I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to hear this one "in person" I think this D120 is going to be mine tomorrow...
I just bought an M120 today and its such a pleasing guitar to play for me as a pure finger picker, im going to say it may turn out to be the best guitar ive owned so far. When ive tried all mahogany guitars in the past they always sounded hard and somewhat dull, but now i realize thats because the ones ive tried were big guitars made for a pick and not fingers. Im so glad i found this great review, thanks guys.
My first real guitar was a brand new Guild M20 (for Christmas 1963); and, I’ve never considered letting her go. I’ve accumulated several Taylor’s, Fender’s, and Martins. The Guild is sweeter than ever! Thanks for sharing the updates- Joe T.
Agree so much. This summer I was able to find a natural Guild M-20, US Made. Probably the only one for sale in Europe at that time. It's SOOO delicious looking and sounding. Woody, warm and punchy and so distinct in it's tone and appearance. The aesthetic and feel of the guitar is one of a kind. A companion for the rest of my life.
great work gents, proud Guild owner here, owner of a USA D-50 & D-25, and an import F-150ce. You hit the nail on the head Chris about Guild owners being in the know; the select few musician friends I have that own one all feel like we have a little “best kept secret” or hidden gem lol cuz they sound so darn good. But yea keep up the great content 🤘🏼
I think Guild is incredibly underrated. People always think of Gibson, Martin, and Taylor (rightfully so, I think they are all fantastic in their own ways) but they don’t give Guild enough credit. I visited Nashville back in December, and I stopped by Carter Vintage Guitars. I played a fairly new, Cordoba made rosewood F-55, and that thing was top quality, and the sound was so brilliant and unique. It wasn’t as bright and modern sounding as a Taylor, it wasn’t as old and woody sounding as a Martin, and it wasn’t as chimey and bell-like as a Gibson. It sounded most like a Gibson, but it had a noticeably different presence. It felt simpler, humbler, although, perhaps a bit warmer and punchier actually. It was also surprisingly light for being a jumbo. Always a pleasure to hear more about Guild, thank you!
I bought a used M-120 a year or so ago & still absolutely love it! I recently took out the pickup & find it's a touch louder and generally a better, less rattly guitar (you can't really avoid the wiring bumping around inside the body). I bought it as an alternative to my 70s Guild D50 and it fits the bill perfectly. Small instead of large body. All mahogany instead of spruce/rosewood. It's a fantastic little couch guitar that sounds equally good being strummed or fingerpicked. The one upgrade I did was to change the stock tuners to Kluson Prestige 18:1s. The higher ratio makes for smoother, more solid tuning stability & the white plastic buttons look more the part to me. Kinda like an M20 & a bit less bling.
I recently purchased the Guild OM120 from Alamo Music, for $699 this is the bargain of the guitar world; A fantastic playing instrument, wonderful tonality and excellent feel up and down the fretboard… how could you go wrong! and the folks at Alamo were very helpful,thank you and thank you again!
In the early 60s I had been to the Guild Factory in Hoboken NJ a few times . It was an very old factory building in at the time a very, very run down NJ town right across the Hudson River from NY city. My brother had a Guild 12 string that had and still is a beautiful sweet sound not brassy and chimney as a lot of the 12s out there. The action and playability were incredible, action was so soft and close to the fret board very easy to play but had this warmth and in the right hands was able to be expressive as it was in brothers hands. He left it to me when he passed and I have since given it to his son who doesn’t play but I truly believe guitars are held so close to the body, in almost an embrace especially acoustic guitars they absorb the “spirit “ of the person it belonged too. So now my nephew has some of his fathers spirit in his home with his family. My mom and my sister had Guild classical guitars which were Guild Mark ll very vibrant playable instruments I also have those. Me I was a Martin and Fender guy for the most part still am in fact I still have my Martin D18 which I received on my 16th birth a day in 1969 plays and sounds wonderful and seems to get better as time passes. I also have a Goya wah wah pedal from 68 at that time Guild had acquired the Goya name and why they branded a pedal with the Goya name since they were mainly an acoustic guitar maker and mostly classical style instruments I never got. Still have the pedal and after countless garage bands early on in my life it still works. I had an issue with it when it was a couple of months old brought it to the Hoboken NJ Guild factory the guy who was at the front counter took it to his work bench and I watched him pull it a part and did some soldering magic and 1 hour later I was on my way home with the repaired pedal. What a lot of younger people now don’t realize back in the day there were not a lot of choices, most of the cheaper guitars were mostly junk and their were not as many guitar brands out there so Guild, Gibson, Fender, Martin and Epiphone were the main players in that business and although cheaply priced in todays market they were considered very costly then. My brand new Martin cost a WOPPING $250.00case and tax included. Sorry to go on with a trip down my memory lane but it’s a lazy day here in NC. Be well stay safe and play your guitar because it can’t play it self.
Man, I LOVE the sound of these!! I think they would record beautifully. I think an M-120 or an OM-120 is in my future. (I already have a dreadnaught Martin D-18 , so I'm covered there.) The smaller bodies really have a gorgeous tone. Very nice job with this demo guys!
I'm glad you guys discussed sizes and playing style factoring into what size you need. Not enough people do this. Everyone always just says that small guitars are thinner sounding. It depends on how you play or are playing at the time, and I'm glad you guys emphasized this.
Your comment beat me to it. I recently realized (duh!) that I get way more response and volume from finger-picking my Guild OM-120 than my new slope-shoulder dread Martin. The vice versa is that I can strum the heck out of the dread but need to back off on the OM.
@@jimmerritt1171 Oh man you just got a Martin DS-17? I've been eyeing one of those for the last year or 2 debating. I just got a Gibson L-00 Rosewood last summer that I'm in love with and have had a Martin D-15M for over 10 years now that I love. How do you like the Martin? I'm a light strummer usually and not very heavy handed I also finger pick too so the L-00 was perfect for me. Then I use my D-15M when I want to strum more and get a bit more volume with a heavier hand.
@@williamcatalano1762 I like the DSS-17 a lot. I bought it used from GC in excellent condition for $400 less than new. They picked up the shipping charges after a couple screw-ups and allow 45 days to return. How can I explain? It has a beefy sound, not sparkly. I actually traded in a Road Series D-13e (solid spruce/siris) that I just never bonded with. I also have a Yamaha LS-16 and Breedlove Oregon OM that offer different tones.
@@jimmerritt1171 So it's more mid focused not a ton of high end shimmer? I don't know if it would be all that different than my D-15M then to be honest, not enough to justify buying it. I adore the look of them a lot though especially the Whiskey sunset model. I even like the tuning machines a lot on them. Never tried a Yamaha or Breedlove. Almost bought a Breedlove all solid concertina in torrified European spruce top with Mahogany back and sides last summer, but sweetwater couldn't get any in and I ultimately ended up with the L-00. I just wanted a smaller body guitar for the couch that wasn't super expensive but all solid wood. Really screwed that up didn't I? Got the Gibson for 5 times as much lol
@@williamcatalano1762 I presently have 7 acoustics, 4 electrics, 3 amps and a dozen FX pedals. I have bought, played, then traded-in at a loss, many others. I just keep upping my game, whereas it seems you went all in for it with the Gibson. Kudos to you, sir.
Personally, I think these guys have the best reviews one can find. They always make some interesting and super valid points such as how your type of playing might influence your guitar choice, model etc. which is something I never really thought about even though I always struggled on understanding why Dreadnaughts just don't suit me even though I love them 🙂
Guild guy here. Dudes, did you SEE these guitars in the cherry finish a few years back! I snatched up a D-120 in cherry and when I opened the case after it arrived, I was stunned at how good it looked. Excellent Guild video! And now I know why my finger picking is so low sometimes! But dang it now I have to consider getting an M-120 LOL.....and I was going to try to save up for a D-40 or (gulp) D-55
I love this channel! It feels honest at 100%. Not biased at all and great infos! I also love Guild guitars. I own a Guild JF50 that I got brand new in 1988. That IS a guitar IMHO!
I just did the same thing, mainly because the local shop where I have done business forever had a 000-15m and didn't have a Guild OM-120 that I could actually play... Having said that, the Guilds I have played are amazing! The D-20 has the deepest, warm, tone but I'm not comfortable playing a Dreadnaught...
A amazing coincidence that I was actually playing my m120 when this was uploaded and I came across this video! I love mine and for a long time was my only acoustic. It's now 10 years old. It sounds wonderful for late night noodling, it's not too loud. It still plays amazing. I was hooked on Guild from this guitar.
This happens a lot to me on various other items....I wonder if it is a coincidence. Laptop camera? PS I also own the m-120....what a thing it is. Those who know know.
Thanks guys, that was the best explanation I've heard of how the shape/size of the guitar top correspond to each other to produce volume. Great break down!
Cooper smiles! Great intro. I thought Cooper was going to ask Chris, "Where should they go to find the podcast, Chris?" Where only the finest podcasts are sold, found, or archived... My guitarist friend and a music leader for the contemplative service was concerned that his old Guild F50R could wear out, so he picked up a second one last year. Then...a few months ago he had to call his wife during her workday, so she knew something really serious was happening at home, and he bought a 1976 F50R with her (how could she not?) approval. Great guitars, and sheesh, you guys are pushing me over the edge since the incredibly cheap Ibanez gig bag that should fit any concert body solid wood guitar and back-ordered for weeks will arrive by mail on Monday. My SIL plans to sell his Breedlove AC25 (since he has the two concerts I gave him, Academy 12e and a Breedlove B-stock, plus a parlor) dreadnought as they're moving to Port Angeles, WA, near the NW corner of the continental US. Got home from Kalispell and the Bitterroot valley yesterday, so I have lots of catching up to do, even without these attractions. 🙄
This was an Excellent video! Well organized, well spoken. Not too formal, and yet, Very educational. And yes, Guild Guitars haven’t had the best run over the years, but recently, with Cordoba, they’ve tried to really turn that around and start anew. Beautiful look and sound. Also a fantastic demo on how a body size affects sounds, All Other Things being equal.
Back in 1972, a Guild all mahogany dreadnaught was the first “good” guitar that I ever played, after a few years of Harmonys and Arias. Shockingly great sound. I used to rest my ear on the upper bout while strumming the few cowboy chords that I knew, letting them ring. And ring. And ring. Will never forget that guitar.
Played guild all my life. Love them. Ordered this guy and a new fender paramount. Fender blew my mind. I sent the guild back. I didnt think that was going to happen. Preference is just that. Both are good, but fender finally made a great acoustic. I think…so far, well see how it ages. Build quality was just much better. Figured id share.
@@lowellcalavera6045 glad you were able to noodle with one as well. Yea, its interesting…is there anything sonically “special” about it? Nah, probably not. But its just a super solid/well made guitar and sounds inherently “really good”. Take care and enjoy playing whatever you’re loving as well!
Fantastic demonstration and shared legacy - thank you for this! I'm saving for all mohogany Westerly 12-string dreadought. So warm and lush. Many thanks for this video!
I really want to see them do a comparison of that guitar and the Jumbo F-1512. There was a picture I saw of Tom Petty back in the 90's or early 2000's I think and he was playing a top back and sides mahogany Guild 12 string. So cool haha
They do make electric models , I have both the D-120 ce which is a cutaway and the D- 1212 which isn't a cutaway 12 string . I bought the 6 string in 2017 when I decided to start playing for my wife to sing at church. It has been a great guitar to which I get lots of compliments for it's sound and quality of build from my friends who play higher end guitars. As a beginner , it was easy to play and helped with my confidence , it does have warmth in the way it sounds that really compliments my wife's voice that I was praying for . The 12 string is her favorite, being with the limitations of my playing for now , with more contemporary gospel music . I flip the bass e strings that made for a better desirable sound to us . Would love to have a Jumbo all Mahogany Guild !
Thanks to Chris and Cooper. This is a great video. I really appreciate the way you have discussed the differences in sizes and type of playing styles. I know I am not a heavy strummer and the way Cooper played these and discussed how you guys discussed each mahogany size and how they sounded, strumming or picking was spot on. I’ve know I liked all mahogany small body (00 and 000) guitars and your video helps explain why. Thanks again
I bought OM-120 as another guitar after seeing this video. And moreover, I was not punished by my friend 🙂. She said only "wow" il looks and sounds perfect! I started to play after some 40 years last December, after I (almost) retired three years ago. Thank you guys for your videos, including this one, your videos are really comprehensive!
Honestly a main thing that’s selling me on these guitars is how quickly you moved into teaching about guitars and not critiquing the guitar in your hands. It says there’s nothing that fails your essential, or even basic checkpoints, so you could start appreciating the intentional differences in guitars, not lamenting the accidental ones.
I really appreciate your attention to Guild Guitars. I have been a fan of Guild for 45 years. They are incredible instruments, thank you for sharing your experience with us
I have the D-120. Solid mahagony was all the old delta blues musicians could afford and probably responsible for their sound along with the primitive recording equipment of the time. You can really dig in (which the old blues muscians probably had to for recording) and get a good old timey blues sound out of them.
I am a beginner guitar player. I didn’t know the type of sound that I liked until I heard this 120 series guitars from guild. I bought the OM 120. I would love to learn the song that Cooper was playing on these three guitars. Thanks for the demonstration. It was a big help.
Great review! Always liked Guild and noticed through the years several musicians using the brand. The Parlor sized guitar looks nice for a good travel or living room/bedroom guitar. Going over their specs it looks like they checked each box, as you noted, including what is needed. I'm sure they will age nicely too.
Got hold of a GUILD M-20 and it's one sweet guitar. I had a Fishman Matrix pick up installed to gig out with my band. Guilds are nice guitars . Nice review /playing on the different models Cooper.
Ha! I LOL’d when he said let me get some sand paper. I have the D120 an I sanded that nasty gloss right off. Might be in my head but I think it sounds better now. Great playing and sounding guitar.
Yes I've just done the exact same thing, sanded it down to a satin finish - pretty sure it sounds identical to the d20 which is twice the price and now they look almost identical! Im sure as well that it changed the tone but could be a placebo!
I would love to see a comparison of all-solid mahogany/sapele OM/000s: the Guild OM-120, the Martin 000-10e, and the Alvarez Masterworks MFA66SHB (or the larger MG66CE), please.
Im a proud owner of three USA Guilds. Lovely guitars, a G 37 (all maple dreadnought), D 17 all mahogany and a D4 12 string. They are all from the late 70's and 80's.
Thanks and congratulations for this informative review (another one!) As a beginner and for strumming what should be your advice...this om or a fender paramount pm3 ? (Except the neck's width) Thanks from france(!)
I had 2 of guild om 120's I really loved them but the bridges kept lifting because they glue it right on the polyurethane, very disappointing, but the guitar sounded and played awesome
Great demo. I was thinking of buying the dreadnought version, but I think the om model sounds best. I noticed the volume dropped off when you played the dreadnought. I thought you were playing lightly at first on the d120.
Discovered Guild in your recent review of the relatively new USA M25e. This video embarrasses me; these guitars are soo good. Now I really need to do something very nice for my wife. Thank you (I think).
what do you think about a guitar that is all made of mahogany, is it better to use 80/20 because mahogany certainly has a slightly warmer sound, so in order to find the balance with 80/20
Plenty of affordably priced all solid wood guitars: Fender Paramount, Epiphone Masterbilt, Alvarez Masterworks, Faith, Eastman entry line, and a bunch of others
There's two songs you always play in the demos: a bluegrass picking' tune that starts with two hammer-on open G chords and then a walkup to C, and also a very pretty fingerpicking tune. What are those tunes??
I wonder how these compare to the Orangewood mahogany guitars? Might they be made in the same factories? Orangewoods are certainly not the best guitars you can buy, but they are an amazing value for the money. Never played a Guild.
Question: Does anyone know how good the ladder bracing is compared to X-bracing? I have heard the ladder has better tones but may go out of tune, and the tp may not hold up from cracking. What do you think?
The om-120 definitely sounds more versatile for the artist, but to a sound engineer I would much rather mix the d-120 for them cow boy chord... I love the om-120, but my ear hears this piercing 4khz on some the less bodyful chords... Whereas the d-120 is damn near consistent in tonal characteristics in-between every chord change! If I had the money, I'd buy the d-120 for my cowboy chords. And the m-120 for those finger pickers that come into the studio... Each guitar is a tool, in a studio setting pick the best tool for the job.