First introduced in 1968 as a special, top-tier model, the D-55 Guild guitar quickly garnered acclaim, leading to its inclusion in Guild’s regular production line by 1974. Famously played by Tommy Smothers of the Smothers Brothers Show throughout the late 1960s, the Guild D-55 ascended to become an icon of acoustic guitars, celebrated for its rich sound and premium craftsmanship. The highly anticipated 2017 Guild D-55 re-release marked a significant moment for acoustic aficionados, bringing back this legendary instrument with enhanced features and unwavering quality.
The D-55 Guild guitar stays true to its prestigious origins, retaining all the hallmarks that made the 1968 model exceptional. It boasts a AAA Sitka spruce top, renowned for its clarity and projection, paired with solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, delivering warmth and rich harmonic complexity. The ebony fingerboard and bridge contribute to the guitar’s articulate response and sustain, while the nitrocellulose finish allows the instrument to resonate freely, enhancing its tonal character over time.
Internally, the Guild D-55 guitar incorporates scalloped Adirondack bracing, further optimizing the top’s vibration and resulting in a louder, more responsive instrument. An improved dovetail neck-joint, meticulously hand-fitted, ensures exceptional stability and resonance transfer, making this generation of the D-55 the lightest, loudest, and best-sounding iteration to date.
The headstock of the D-55 Guild guitar is instantly recognizable, fully bound and adorned with Guild’s signature “Peak and Shield” inlay combination over a distinguished figured ebony overlay. Complementing the headstock, the ebony fingerboard is also fully bound and inlaid with Guild’s iconic abalone and pearl “V-Blocks,” along with multi-line “railroad track” purfling along both the bass and treble sides, showcasing exquisite attention to detail. The fingerboard is set upon a solid mahogany neck, featuring an elegant walnut center seam that extends from the heel to the headstock, adding to both the structural integrity and visual appeal.
The nitrocellulose finish of the D-55 Guild guitar is available in natural or Antique Burst, each hand-sprayed to achieve minimal thickness and maximize resonance, promising to enhance the guitar’s sonic beauty as it ages. For players seeking amplified performance, an optional LR Baggs pickup system is available. Each Guild D-55 guitar includes a hand-signed certificate of authenticity and is shipped with Guild’s premium humidified hardshell case, ensuring its protection and preservation. The Guild D-55 guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a legacy reborn, offering unparalleled sound and craftsmanship for discerning guitarists.
