The Complete Guild Guitar Price Guide 2026: New York Heritage, American Acoustic Excellence

Last updated: January 2026

When Richie Havens opened Woodstock in 1969, strumming his Guild D-40 with such intensity that he broke strings, he wasn't just making history—he was demonstrating why Guild had become the choice of discerning acoustic players. When Kim Thayil needed a guitar that could handle Soundgarden's down-tuned heaviness, he reached for a Guild S-100 Polara and played it for over 30 years.

Guild Guitars represents a uniquely American story: founded in 1952 by jazz musicians who assembled former Epiphone craftsmen, evolved into an acoustic powerhouse rivaling Martin and Gibson, and continues today as a brand that rewards players who know where to look. This guide breaks down Guild pricing across their entire catalog, from vintage Hoboken rarities to modern USA production.

Guild Guitar Market Overview 2026

Guild occupies a fascinating market position: legacy brand with devoted following but lower mainstream visibility than Martin or Taylor. This creates value opportunities for informed buyers—you often get more guitar for your money.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Guild Price: $1,200 (up 4% from 2024)
• Active Listings: Approximately 2,200 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 580 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $300 (entry acoustics) to $8,000+ (vintage Brazilian rosewood models)

The Guild market is stratified by era: Hoboken-era instruments (1952-1966) are most collectible, Westerly-era (1967-2001) offers excellent value, and modern production provides quality at accessible prices.

Understanding Guild's Manufacturing Eras

The key to understanding Guild values is knowing where and when the guitar was made. Each era has distinct characteristics:

Manhattan/Hoboken Era (1952-1966)

The earliest and most collectible Guilds were built first at 536 Pearl Street in Manhattan, then in Hoboken, New Jersey starting 1956. These instruments feature:

• Hand-built construction by former Epiphone craftsmen
• Brazilian rosewood on premium models (pre-1969)
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Lowest production numbers

Value Premium: Hoboken Guilds typically command 30-50% premium over equivalent Westerly models.

Westerly, Rhode Island Era (1967-2001)

Following Avnet's 1966 acquisition, production moved to Westerly. This 34-year period produced the majority of vintage Guilds:

• Consistent high quality through the 1980s
• Transition from Brazilian to Indian rosewood (late 1960s)
• Some of the finest 12-string guitars ever made
• Factory closure in 2001 marked end of an era

Value Assessment: Westerly Guilds offer the best value-to-quality ratio for vintage buyers.

Fender Era (1995-2014)

Fender's 1995 acquisition led to multiple factory relocations:

• Corona, California (2001-2004)
• Tacoma, Washington (2004-2008)
• New Hartford, Connecticut (2008-2014)

Value Note: Quality varied during this period; research specific production locations before buying.

Córdoba Era (2014-Present)

Córdoba Music Group's 2014 acquisition brought renewed focus:

• New USA production in Oxnard, California (2015+)
• Led by renowned luthier Ren Ferguson
• Westerly Collection imports offer accessible entry
• Newark St. electric guitars revive classic designs

Guild USA Acoustic Guitar Pricing

D-55 Series: The Flagship ($4,199-$4,699)

The D-55 is Guild's most iconic guitar—a dreadnought that has stood toe-to-toe with Martin D-28 and Gibson J-45 for 60+ years.

Current D-55 Specifications:

• Top: AAA Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid Indian rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany with walnut center strip
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Bracing: Scalloped Adirondack spruce
• Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose

D-55 Pricing:

• New USA D-55: $4,199-$4,699
• Used (2016+): $2,800-$3,500
• Westerly-era D-55: $2,000-$3,500
• Hoboken D-55 w/Brazilian: $5,000-$8,000+

F-55 Series: Premium Jumbo ($4,199-$4,699)

The F-55 offers Guild's jumbo body with rosewood construction:

F-55 Specifications:

• Top: AAA Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid Indian rosewood
• Body: Jumbo shape
• Same premium appointments as D-55

F-55 Pricing:

• New USA F-55: $4,199-$4,699
• Used (2016+): $2,800-$3,400
• Vintage Westerly: $2,200-$3,800

D-40 Series: Mahogany Excellence ($2,599-$2,699)

The D-40 gained legendary status when Richie Havens played one at Woodstock:

D-40 Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid African mahogany
• Bracing: Scalloped Adirondack spruce
• Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose

D-40 Pricing:

• New USA D-40: $2,599-$2,699
• Used (2016+): $1,800-$2,200
• Vintage Westerly D-40: $1,200-$2,000
• Vintage Hoboken D-40: $1,800-$2,500

D-20/M-20 Series: Entry USA ($1,599-$1,699)

All-mahogany construction at USA price point:

D-20 Specifications:

• Top: Solid mahogany
• Back/Sides: Solid mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Finish: Satin

D-20/M-20 Pricing:

• New USA: $1,599-$1,699
• Used (2016+): $1,100-$1,400

Guild 12-String Guitars: Industry Standard

Guild is widely regarded as the premier maker of 12-string acoustic guitars. Their F-512 and F-212 models have defined the 12-string sound for generations.

F-512: The Ultimate 12-String (~$4,399)

F-512 Specifications:

• Top: AAA Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid Indian rosewood
• Body: Jumbo 12-string
• Scale: 25.5"

F-512 Pricing:

• New USA F-512: ~$4,399
• Used (2016+): $3,000-$3,600
• Vintage Westerly F-512: $2,500-$4,000
• Vintage with Brazilian rosewood: $5,000-$8,000+

F-212/D-212 Series

More accessible 12-string options:

• Used F-212: $1,500-$2,500 (depending on era)
• Westerly Collection 12-strings: $600-$900 (import)

Expert Tip: For 12-string buyers, Guild is often the best value—their 12-string expertise means even mid-range models compete with premium offerings from other brands.

Westerly Collection Pricing (Imports)

The Westerly Collection offers Guild quality at import prices:

Archback Series

Guild's signature arched back design provides enhanced projection:

Model Pricing:

• OM-250E Limited Archback: ~$899 (orchestra, rosewood)
• M-260E Deluxe Archback: ~$699 (compact, mahogany)
• OM-240CE Archback: ~$599 (cutaway, mahogany)
• BT-240E Archback: ~$599 (baritone jumbo)

Standard Series

Traditional builds at accessible prices:

Model Pricing:

• D-240E: ~$449-$549 (dreadnought with electronics)
• F-240E: ~$449-$549 (jumbo with electronics)
• D-140: ~$349-$399 (acoustic only)

Used Westerly Collection: $250-$450 (excellent condition)

Newark St. Electric Guitar Pricing

The Newark St. Collection revives Guild's electric heritage:

Starfire Series (Semi-Hollow)

Starfire I DC/SC ($499-$749 new):

• Double or single cutaway
• Mahogany center block
• Guild LB-1 Little Bucker pickups
• Entry semi-hollow excellence

Starfire III ($1,399 new):

• Enhanced appointments
• Rock-focused voicing
• Bigsby available on some models

Starfire VI Flamed Maple ($1,749 new):

• AAA flamed maple top, back, sides
• Premium finishes
• Highest-tier current production

Used Pricing:

• Starfire I: $350-$500
• Starfire III: $900-$1,100
• Starfire VI: $1,200-$1,400

Aristocrat Series

M-75 Aristocrat ($999-$1,199 new):

• Compact hollowbody
• Vintage-inspired design
• Warm jazz tones

Aristocrat HH ($849 new):

• Chambered solid body
• Reduced weight
• Versatile humbucker voicing

Used Pricing: $600-$850 (excellent condition)

S-100 Polara

Kim Thayil's signature model, available in standard and signature versions:

• Standard S-100: ~$1,199
• Kim Thayil Signature: ~$1,499-$1,699
• Vintage S-100: $800-$1,500

Vintage Guild Valuation Guide

Hoboken Era (1952-1966) Values

The most collectible period, especially with Brazilian rosewood:

Dreadnoughts:

• D-50 Brazilian rosewood: $3,000-$5,000
• D-40 mahogany: $1,800-$2,500
• D-35: $1,500-$2,200

Jumbos:

• F-50 Brazilian rosewood: $3,000-$5,000
• F-47 Brazilian: $3,500-$5,500
• F-30: $1,200-$1,800

Small Bodies:

• F-20 Troubadour: $800-$1,200 (sunburst premium)
• M-20: $900-$1,400

Westerly Era (1967-2001) Values

Best value vintage Guilds:

Dreadnoughts:

• D-55 (Indian rosewood): $2,000-$3,500
• D-50 (Indian rosewood): $1,500-$2,500
• D-40: $1,200-$2,000
• D-25: $600-$1,000

Jumbos:

• F-50: $2,000-$3,200
• F-47: $1,800-$2,800
• F-30: $800-$1,400

12-Strings:

• F-512: $2,500-$4,000
• F-412: $2,000-$3,000
• F-212: $1,200-$1,800

Factors Affecting Vintage Value

1. Production Location: Hoboken > Westerly > Fender-era
2. Tonewood: Brazilian rosewood = 2-3x premium
3. Condition: Original finish, minimal repairs critical
4. Documentation: Original case, paperwork add 10-15%
5. Neck Reset History: Common but affects value
6. Bracing Integrity: Check for loose braces, bridge issues

Where to Buy Guild Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $1,350)

• Best selection of vintage Guilds
• Strong community knowledge
• 5.2% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Vintage, USA models, 12-strings

eBay (Average Price: $1,100)

• Larger selection, variable quality
• More auction opportunities
• 3.5% price trend
• Best for: Budget finds, parts guitars

Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $1,200)

• 45-day return policy
• Physical inspection possible
• 4.0% appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy, trades

Vintage Dealers (Average Price: $2,800)

• Expertise in authentication
• Higher prices, higher quality
• 8.5% appreciation on premium vintage
• Best for: Investment-grade instruments, Brazilian rosewood

Tips for Buying Used Guild Guitars

1. Verify Production Era: Serial numbers tell the story—research manufacturing location
2. Check Neck Angle: Vintage Guilds often need resets; factor $300-$500 into budget
3. Inspect Bracing: Look through soundhole for loose braces or previous repairs
4. Bridge Condition: Bellying and lift are common on older models
5. Truss Rod Function: Test adjustment—some vintage rods are at limit
6. Original Parts: Original tuners, pickguard, and nut add value

Guild vs. Martin vs. Gibson: Market Comparison

For buyers considering premium American acoustics:

Guild Advantage: Lower brand premium means similar quality at better prices. Guild's acoustic excellence is well-documented but less marketed, creating value for informed buyers.

Investment Potential: Which Guilds Appreciate?

Strong Investment Candidates

Hoboken-era with Brazilian Rosewood:

• D-50, F-50, F-47: Consistent appreciation
• 12-strings with Brazilian: Rare, highly sought

Signature and Limited Models:

• Richie Havens D-40: Modest but steady appreciation
• Kim Thayil S-100 Signatures: Growing collector interest

Early Westerly (1967-1975):

• Transition-era instruments gaining recognition
• Brazilian rosewood cutoff creates natural scarcity

Models for Players (Value, Not Investment)

• Modern USA D-20/D-40: Great players, typical depreciation
• Westerly Collection imports: Excellent value, minimal appreciation
• Newark St. electrics: Stable resale, not investment pieces

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Guild

For Beginners ($300-$600)

Acoustic Recommendations:

• D-140: Solid entry dreadnought
• D-240E: Electronics for versatility
• Used Westerly Collection: Excellent value

What to Prioritize:

• Solid top construction
• Comfortable neck profile
• Working electronics if needed

For Intermediate Players ($800-$2,000)

Acoustic Recommendations:

• Used D-40: USA quality at used prices
• OM-250E Archback: Orchestra versatility
• Vintage Westerly D-25/D-35: Excellent value

Electric Recommendations:

• Starfire I DC: Semi-hollow excellence
• Aristocrat HH: Chambered versatility

What to Prioritize:

• Solid woods throughout
• Quality bracing
• Era-appropriate features

For Professionals/Collectors ($2,500+)

Acoustic Recommendations:

• New USA D-55/F-55: Flagship quality
• USA F-512: Ultimate 12-string
• Vintage Hoboken models: Investment potential

Electric Recommendations:

• Starfire VI Flamed: Premium semi-hollow
• Kim Thayil S-100: Collectible signature
• Vintage M-75 Aristocrat: Original 1950s design

What to Prioritize:

• USA manufacture
• Premium tonewoods
• Original condition for vintage
• Documentation and provenance

Famous Guild Players and Their Guitars

Guild's artist roster spans genres:

• Richie Havens: D-40 (Woodstock icon)
• Kim Thayil: S-100 Polara (Soundgarden)
• Muddy Waters: S-200 Thunderbird
• Eric Clapton: D-55 (studio work)
• Paul Simon: F-30 (early recordings)
• Sheryl Crow: Various Guild acoustics

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Guild guitars as good as Martin? A: Yes, particularly for players seeking warm, balanced tone. Guild's dreadnoughts and jumbos have won blind tests against Martin. The main difference is brand recognition—Martin commands higher resale value due to market awareness, but sonically Guild competes at every level.

Q: Why are Guild guitars less expensive than Martin or Taylor? A: Lower brand recognition means less "name tax." Guild's smaller scale and lower marketing presence keep prices competitive. This creates excellent value for informed buyers who prioritize sound and craftsmanship over brand cachet.

Q: Are vintage Guilds a good investment? A: Hoboken-era instruments with Brazilian rosewood have shown consistent appreciation. Westerly-era Guilds are currently undervalued compared to equivalent Martin and Gibson vintage instruments, suggesting upside potential.

Q: What's the best Guild for fingerstyle? A: The M-20 (small body) and OM-250E (orchestra) excel for fingerstyle. For USA quality, the M-20 at $1,599-$1,699 offers exceptional value. The arched back design enhances clarity and note separation.

Q: Where are modern Guild guitars made? A: USA models are built in Oxnard, California. Westerly Collection imports come from Asia (Indonesia, China). Newark St. electrics are Korean-made. All lines maintain Guild quality standards under Córdoba ownership.

Q: What makes Guild 12-strings special? A: Guild pioneered and perfected the jumbo 12-string design. Their F-512 is widely considered the benchmark. The combination of body size, bracing pattern, and neck design creates the shimmering, balanced tone that defines great 12-string sound.

Conclusion

Guild represents one of the guitar industry's great secrets: a brand with 70+ years of American craftsmanship that consistently delivers premium quality without premium pricing. Whether you're seeking the thunderous projection of a D-55, the legendary shimmer of an F-512 twelve-string, or the semi-hollow warmth of a Starfire, Guild offers instruments that compete with—and often exceed—more recognized brands.

For vintage buyers, Guild offers perhaps the best value in American acoustic guitars. A Westerly-era D-50 delivers tone comparable to a Martin D-28 at a fraction of the price. For new buyers, the USA-made D-40 at $2,599 offers handmade American quality that would cost significantly more from competitors.

Guild isn't the most famous name in guitars. But for players who prioritize sound over status, craftsmanship over marketing, Guild represents exceptional value at every price point. That's been true since Alfred Dronge assembled his team of master craftsmen in Manhattan in 1952, and it remains true today.

For the most current pricing and availability, always verify with authorized Guild dealers or the official Guild website. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions and model availability.

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• Taylor Guitar Price Guide
• Gibson Guitar Price Guide
• Epiphone Guitar Price Guide