GEAR REVIEW
GUILD ’ S M-25E CONCERT ACOUSTIC / ELECTRIC GUITAR | Eric Dahl
KEY FEATURES
• American Made
• Solid African Mahogany Top , Sides and back
• LR Baggs Element VTC electronics built-in
• Concert body shape is small but loud
• Good value price wise
Small bodied concert and parlor sized acoustic guitars continue to be the rage right now and for obvious reasons . They are more accommodating to place your arm over when strumming , they are more supportive frequency wise under vocals and they ’ re lighter and more portable . Guild guitars is a brand , in my humble opinion , that has never gotten the credit or attention it really deserved . Launched in New
York City the guitar company has gone through a number of owners and incarnations , but now the guitar manufacturer seems to be hitting its ’ stride . The new Guild M-25e exceeded my expectations as soon as I took it out of the case .
The original M-25 acoustic came out in the 60 ’ s and was popular with folk music artists of the time . Having played the vintage models , I must say I prefer the neck profile and sound quality of the newer guitar . Guild ’ s were and are incredible classic / vintage guitars , but they were also known for being overbuilt . Which is great for a guitar to last for a very long time , but when that meant increased wood mass and bracing ratio to tonality it can adversely affect the sound quality .
The new M-25e carries the traditional Guild logo on the headstock but it was also developed with modern musicians in mind . The details truly stand out on this guitar , like the glass top with California Burst finish . The back and sides are a Satin finsih creating a nice aesthetic . The deluxe Guild open-back button tuners , rosewood bridge and fretboard and bone nut and saddle say quality . It is an understated instrument when you view it on a guitar stand . But in a Praise Team , Church or Youth minister music leadership role the Guild M-25e can cut through and provide a different sound to support the Christian lyrics and vocals . With a 20-fret mahogany neck the Guild is easy to navigate . The LR Baggs electronics provide the inside sound hole volume and tone that I personally prefer so that it doesn ’ t take away from the guitar ’ s aesthetic or wood mass . A nod to the past is Guild ’ s continued use of a flat neck heel instead of a rounded one like many of their acoustic guitar competitors . For increased fretboard access this can be a plus .
Still , pictures don ’ t do the M-25e justice visually and I am a firm believer that you don ’ t know any guitar until you personally sit and play it . The Adirondack Spruce bracing could possibly explain how Guild achieved this much volume