Founded by guitarist and music store owner, Alfred Dronge, the history of Guild Guitar Company demonstrates dedication and belief in great American values. After a brief, rocky start, Dronge went on to build a strong company with an iron-clad reputation. To carry out his vision, Dronge opened the first Guild workshop in 1952. He began working with three master luthiers, Gilbert Diaz, Carlo Greco and Fred Agusto. These three, known as The Three Amigos, were known for their dedication to the trade and stunning quality work.
 
It wasn’t long before the fine woods and quality craftsmanship of Guild archtop, jazz guitars caught the eye of local, prominent musicians. After just four years, and the introduction of a flat top jumbo acoustic model, the company was off to a promising start. Soon, they were forced to move across the river to a larger facility in Hoboken.
 
In 1956, Guild was gaining notoriety and began working with renowned jazz artists Johnny Smith and George Barnes to develop a signature series. With the folk music trend of the 1960s, Guild catered to the market for acoustic folk and blues guitars. The release of the Dreadnought series and the Guild 12-string model was a huge success for the company and introduced new competition into the industry.
 
Throughout the 1960s, Guild began to fervently pursue the electric guitar market. The introduction of the Starfire line of semi-acoustic guitars and basses was a huge success. Music icons such as Bob Weir, Jerry Garcia, Jack Cassidy all used Starfire models for their performances of the day. Exceptional quality and craftsmanship are enduring motivators that continue to embody the original vision for the company. Driven to meet the needs of musicians, Guild guitars were fervently hand-crafted by dedicated luthiers.
 
In 2008, Guild picked up operations at a facility in New Hartford, Connecticut where each guitar was handmade to completion on-site. Most recently in 2011, Guild released cutaway, acoustic-electric versions of all models from the Standard Series. The 18 volt, under-saddle pickup system and languid venetian cutaway are notable features on this line.
 
Beginning in Winter 2012, the Guild Special Run (GSR) Series will be released, which features limited edition versions of some of Guild’s most revered designs. The GSR Series is a unique, dreadnought shape with mahogany back and sides, complemented by the solid Englemann spruce top. For beginners, the Guild Traditional Series is an ideal choice. It serves as a lasting reminder of the daring vision and dedication that serves as the backbone of Guild’s reputation.

Keep Rockin’!!!
Guild by Sean Davis taken on March 17, 2010
Bruno Mars by dwimp taken on October 19, 2011
Avril Lavigne by JBicalho taken on August 2, 2011