Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unveiled in 1978, the Guild D-55NT Acoustic Guitar is a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring legacy of Guild's master luthiers. This vintage-inspired model is renowned for its rich, full-bodied sound and exquisite attention to detail, perfect for both professional musicians and avid collectors alike. The D-55NT is crafted from premium solid Sitka spruce for the top, paired with solid Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a resonant, balanced tone that shines on stage or in the studio. Its elegant appointments include a bound ebony fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl and abalone V-block inlays, adding visual flair to its exceptional playability.

The guitar's premium features are complemented by a hand-scalloped bracing pattern, which enhances the instrument's projection and sustain, making it ideal for a wide range of playing styles. With a history that echoes through its strings, the Guild D-55NT offers a classic sound that has captivated guitarists for decades.

Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, the D-55NT's smooth neck and comfortable profile ensure hours of enjoyable playing. Its timeless design and superior craftsmanship make it a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality acoustic guitar with a storied heritage.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with solid Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Hand-scalloped bracing for improved projection and sustain
  • Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl and abalone V-block inlays
  • Vintage-inspired design with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship
  • Known for its rich, balanced tone suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model D-55
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1974 - 1986
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic guitar?

The 1978 Guild D-55NT features a spruce top with rosewood back and sides, providing a rich, resonant tone ideal for a variety of playing styles.

Is the 1978 Guild D-55NT suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Guild D-55NT's dreadnought body shape and ebony fretboard offer excellent projection and clarity, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

Does the 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic guitar have a built-in pickup?

No, the 1978 Guild D-55NT does not have a built-in pickup, as it is a purely acoustic model designed for natural sound projection.

How does the neck profile of the 1978 Guild D-55NT affect playability?

The mahogany neck of the Guild D-55NT provides a comfortable grip with a smooth finish, enhancing playability for both strumming and intricate fingerwork.

What is the primary sound characteristic of the 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic guitar?

The Guild D-55NT is renowned for its warm, balanced tone with strong bass response and clear trebles, making it versatile for various music genres.

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

1977 Guild D-55NT Indian/Sitka at Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1977 Guild D-55NT Indian/Sitka at Dream Guitars by Dream Guitars

1977 Guild D-55NT Indian/Sitka at Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild D55 1976 played by Tom Punt | Demo by TFOA Demos

Guild D55 1976 played by Tom Punt | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic.

Setup and maintenance

  • A straight edge should ideally end just proud of the bridge; up to 1.5mm deviation is acceptable without extensive saddle shaving.

    Source
  • Shaving the bridge by 1-2mm is a common practice if the neck angle is off, due to the robust build of vintage Guilds.

    Source
  • Nickel strings like Martin Retro can warm up the tone, reducing brightness and enhancing bass resonance, particularly effective for 60s/70s folk sounds.

    Source

Build quality

  • Guild D-55NTs from this era feature oversized bridges, approximately 10mm thick, allowing for significant adjustment.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest negotiating the price to $1500-1700, accounting for the potential future cost of a neck reset, estimated at $900-1200.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha A1M, with its spruce top and mahogany back and sides, is noted for its boomy bass, surpassing other models in the sub-$600 range for bass response.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A 12-fret dreadnought design is suggested for enhanced bass response, with models like the Martin D-21S offering a deeper, more resonant tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Playing near a corner can enhance perceived bass response due to sound reflections, making the guitar sound fuller and boomier to the player.

    Source

Other

  • Some users report that individual guitars, even within the same model, can vary significantly in tone, suggesting the importance of testing specific units before purchase.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton said that he has used this guitar for writing and recording. Lee Dickson recalls that Clapton has owned this guitar since the late 1970s.

See how Robin Pecknold uses 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic

Robin Pecknold

Singer, Guitarist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video for the song 'I Am All I Need/Arroyo Seco/Thumbprint Scar', Robin Pecknold can be seen using a Guild F-50R with a double scratchplate. The R in F-50R is significant as it stands for Rosewood - this model has a rosewood back and sides, whereas the standard F-50 has a maple back and sides, also known as a F-50 BL (for blonde).

See how John Martyn uses 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic

John Martyn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via The Official John Martyn Website

In the late 70’s he started to use a Guild D55NT acoustic guitar and toured with this for a few years. Not sure why he would switch from his Martin’s but it is a glorious sounding guitar Small Hours was recorded using a D28 but from then on when Outside In was toured he used the Guild.

See how Tracy Lawrence uses 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic

Tracy Lawrence

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

At this show in Ashland, KY, Tracy Lawrence played a Guild D-55NT guitar.

See how Dan Peek uses 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic

Dan Peek

Guitarist

America

...
Verified via YouTube

We can clearly see Dan playing a Guild D-55 during the Musikladen show.

Album Usage

The 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1978 Guild D-55NT Acoustic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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james_scott_bullard

james_scott_bullard

Gear IQ 102

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