| Comments | Here’s a bit of North American guitar history. Guild was originally formed around 1952 in New York, quickly moved to Hoboken, New Jersey and in 1966 with the sale of the company to Avnet, moved to Westerly, Rhode Island. Guild started to struggle in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and in 2005 was sold to Fender. Production moved briefly to Corona, California, and then in 2004, to Tacoma, Washington – after Fender bought what was left of the Tacoma Guitar company. Finally, at least so far, after Fender purchased the Kaman Music Corporation, Guild production moved back east to New Hartford, Connecticut. |
This is a 2006 – 2008 Guild Tacoma CV-1 Acoustic, and it has unique features. It’s based on traditional acoustic shapes, but the neck joint uses a graphite neck block and bolt system. Fender had apparently applied for patents on this system, but they weren’t granted. Variations on this type of bolt-together arrangement (except for the graphite block) is now found on many quality guitars, including Taylors, Collings, and LaSiDo. Many independent builders also use versions of the bolt-together joint.
The reason is that nearly all acoustics of a certain age are going to require a major piece of work called a neck reset. This need arises because over time, string tension effectively lowers the neck angle, and the action goes up to a point where the saddle can’t be lowered enough. On guitars with conventional glued dovetail or tenon joints, this work is expensive and is done by techs with high skill levels; on some instruments, some finish work is also needed. With the bolt-secured arrangements, the work can be done in a few hours with no finish work required. In short, this is a really good idea with lots of practical benefits and no significant tonal downside.
Guild produced the CV line in Tacoma between 2006 and 2008, using a patent-applied for neck joint system. There were some quality control issues related to the joint adjustment, however, and when production moved to New Hartford, Connecticut, the line was discontinued and the remaining instruments were sold off for ‘refurbishing’. These instruments, and this is one, have a USED stamp on the back of the head and the original serial number was either blacked out or covered over. Consequently, the precise date can’t be determined.
This specific guitar shows none of the quality control issues. The neck set is good, and the guitar sounds really good. It’s loud with lots of projection and clear, clean articulation. Tonally, it has a wide range with full but not overwhelming bass, full midrange, and sparkling highs.
Serial Number311480111 reapplied to label; the original serial number is unknown so precise dating isn’t possible, but these were made between 2006 and 2008. Built in Tacoma, Washington, USA.Pricing$850 CAD with original case.NeckMahogany neck with unbound rosewood fingerboard, small mother of pearl dot markers. The neck joint is a bolt together type using a graphite block, providing strength, excellent tonal transmission, and relatively simple adjustability. When the time for a neck reset comes, as it does for nearly all guitars of a certain age, the reset will be simple.FretsOriginal frets with some wear.BodyLarger Orchestra type body, with spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Rosewood bridge.FinishOriginal gloss finish in decent shape with some wear, dings and scratches.Hardware/electronicsAll original hardware, Gotoh open back tuners; shoulder mount, reinforced strap pin; graphite neck block, Tusq saddle.Playability/ActionPlays well as is with some saddle left; as noted above, when a neck reset is eventually needed, it’s going to be a straightforward task.CaseOriginal Guild hardshell case.
You can preview our videos now on Our YouTube Channel!
You can now Visit our Facebook page!
