Fueled by reader requests for an overview of currently available small-body guitars, Acoustic Guitar invited manufacturers to send us samples of their small-body instruments with list prices between $500 and $1,000. We ended up with 11 guitars that are surprisingly diverse in sound and feel, some inspired by vintage instruments and others with more modern body and neck shapes, materials, and appointments. In checking out these guitars, I was assisted by Pete Madsen, a San Francisco Bay Area fingerstyle blues guitarist, teacher, and frequent Acoustic Guitar contributor. Here’s our review of the Guild M-120.
First introduced in 1959, Guild’s all-mahogany M-20 became a favorite for bluesmen and folkies alike, and the company’s current M-120 is modeled on that instrument. With an all-mahogany body, the guitar differs from the other instruments in this review, which all have spruce tops. The M-120’s 13 3/4-inch wide body is slightly smaller than a Martin 00 and, combined with a short 24 3/4-inch scale, is quite compact overall. The craftsmanship, fit and finish, and selection of materials are superb; the mahogany used on the body has attractive figuring. The guitar’s neck feels narrow and slim and has a rounded profile. Mahogany-top guitars often have a somewhat compressed voice with a strong midrange, and the M-120 fits this stereotype; Madsen immediately said that it had “that classic vintage mahogany sound.” What it might lack in dynamics and complexity, compared to a spruce-top instrument, it makes up for with a bluesy growl and assertiveness that would sound great for slide playing or recording parts on a sonically busy track. With its vintage mojo and great playability, the M-120 is not only an unusual sounding and looking guitar for entry-level players, it will also be of interest to experienced players looking for classic all-mahogany tone at an affordable price.
SPECS: Solid mahogany top, back, and sides. Two-piece mahogany neck with dovetail joint. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Scalloped X-bracing. 24 3/4-inch scale. 1.6875-inch nut width. 2 1/8-inch string spacing at saddle. Chrome open-back tuning machines. D’Addario EXP light-gauge strings. Made in China.
PRICE: $739.99 list/$530 street.
MAKER: Guild Guitars: (480) 596-7195;guildguitars.com.
See all 11 Affordable Small-Body Flattops.
FAQs
Concert-size acoustic guitars like the M-120 are renowned for their unique, balanced tone, which makes them ideal for both live solo performance and recording. The M-120 is part of Guild's famous Westerly series acoustic guitars, a favorite among guitarists here at Sweetwater. Limited-time Offer!
Is the Guild M 120 a good guitar? ›
Concert-size acoustic guitars like the M-120 are renowned for their unique, balanced tone, which makes them ideal for both live solo performance and recording. The M-120 is part of Guild's famous Westerly series acoustic guitars, a favorite among guitarists here at Sweetwater. Limited-time Offer!
Is Guild better than Taylor? ›
While Guild makes good guitars, Taylor is considered to have higher and more consistent quality instruments. It's right up there with Martin.
Are Guild Guitars made in China? ›
Where are Guild Guitars made? Guild USA acoustic models, currently including the M, D, F, and F twelve-string body shapes, are proudly made in our Oxnard, California factory. The Westerly Collection acoustic guitar models are made in China by our skilled factory partners.
Are Guild Guitars a good guitar? ›
They make good guitars, but are they worth the hype? In short, absolutely. Guild Guitars makes some incredible acoustic guitars. Whether you're looking for a punchy sound that will stand out in a jam session or a mellow, dark guitar that'll evoke a woodsy spirit, you're sure to find a Guild that'll suit your needs.
What famous musicians play Guild Guitars? ›
GUILD THROUGH THE YEARS
- Barry Gibb. Buddy Guy. Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) David Byrne. Doyle Dykes. Duane Eddy. Eric Clapton. ...
- Jeff Buckley. Jerry Garcia. John Denver. Lovin' Spoonful. Kim Thayil. Laura Marling. Mississippi John Hurt. ...
- Richie Havens. Scott Matthews. Sharon Van Etten. Sheryl Crow. Slash. Stevie Ray Vaughan. St.
The Guild brand continued steadily until 1995, when it was bought by Fender, the ensuing years were a turbulent time for the brand, but it still managed to churn out quality instruments. In 2001, production was moved from moved from Rhode Island to Fender's HQ at Corona, CA.
Do guild guitars have bolt on necks? ›
Currently the M-20, M-25, M-40, D-20 and also the normal D-40 (satin finish) have that Mortise and Tenon bolt on neck. The Traditional models like D-40, D-55, F-55,... have the traditional Dovetail neck joint. The picture you posted above is a rare proof of the shape of the Mortise and Tenon joint.
Why is Taylor guitar the best? ›
On the other hand, Taylor guitars are known for their modern approach to guitar building, combining traditional elements with innovative designs and construction methods. This result in instruments with excellent build quality and attention to detail as well.
Why is Taylor's version better? ›
Taylor's Version has a higher energy score and higher loudness, but lower acousticness. One example of this is in the second pre-chorus. There are additional instruments in the background (most noticeably a cello), adding more fullness to Taylor's Version.
In 2014, Guild is acquired by Cordoba Music Group from Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
Is Guild owned by Yamaha? ›
The Yamaha Guitar Group, a subsidiary of the Yamaha Corporation, has announced the acquisition of the Córdoba Music Group, which owns Córdoba Guitars, Guild, DeArmond Pickups and several other brands.
Are Guild Guitars solid wood? ›
Inspired by this golden era, Guild Westerly Collection guitars feature premium all-solid woods, arched back designs, and a lightweight Guild case or deluxe gig bag at an affordable price.
What is the #1 guitar brand? ›
1) Fender Stratocaster: The Stratocaster is famous for its comfortable contoured body, three single-coil pickups, and distinctive tremolo system, making it one of the most versatile Guitars ever created.
Who owns Guild Guitars? ›
Yamaha Guitar Group is the new owner of the Córdoba Music Group, which includes the portfolios for Cordoba Guitars, Guild Guitars, and DeArmond Pickups, among other brands.
Who makes the best guitars in the world? ›
The best electric guitar brands
- Gibson. Year founded: 1902. ...
- Epiphone. Year founded: 1873. ...
- Fender. Year founded: 1946. ...
- Squier. Year founded: 1890. ...
- Ibanez. Year founded: 1908. ...
- Gretsch. Year founded: 1883. ...
- Yamaha. Year founded: 1887. ...
- Jackson. Year founded: 1980.
Metallica's Guitars
Both Hetfield and Hammett have used numerous ESP signature guitars since the early '90s, all equipped with active EMG pickups. James Hetfield's MX Explorer copies have been a mainstay since the late '80s, but his current ESP Snakebyte signature model is arguably his most used on-stage instrument.
What guitar is used in playing God? ›
Designed for a Modern-day Master
First debuted in the video for Polyphia's “Playing God,” the Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Signature Nylon acoustic-electric guitar is a bold reimagining of the crossover nylon string, loaded to the brim with performance-minded features and futuristic nuevo flamenco tone!
How big is the Guild m120? ›
Built with solid African mahogany top, back and sides, the M-120's 24 ¾” scale length and 1 ¾” nut width on a vintage shaped Guild neck make this concert size guitar easy to play.
What are Guild Guitars known for? ›
April 1953
The first Guild Guitars are produced at 536 Pearl Street in New York City. Due to Al Dronge's passion for jazz music, Guild concentrates solely on the production of full-depth hollow body electric guitars for their first year.
