Read Time 2 Minutes
“Newark St. models are handcrafted instruments with authentic Guild electric tone and superior feel.” – Guild Guitars website
If you are looking for a contemporary axe with vintage vibe, then consider the Guild Guitars “Newark St. ™ Collection.” Guild, which is also known for making legendary acoustics, revealed its latest line of electrics at Winter NAMM 2013.
Revival of some famous models
The “Newark St. ™ Collection” marks the return of seven Guild oldies but goodies from the 50s and 60s. Note that there are actually eight models in the “Newark St. ™” series; however, one of them is a bass, so we left it out of this review. By the way, “Newark Street” in New Jersey was the location of Guild during its former heyday.
Though they are gathered under a specific banner, each “Newark St. ™” guitar possesses its own style and character.
What makes this round of Guild electrics so appealing?
According to Guild, “Premium features include authentic Guild body shapes, arch radii and neck profiles; authentically vintage-style pickups and hardware; improved playing action ideal for today’s alternative styles; and more.”
Another aspect of the “Newark St. ™ Collection” to consider is cost. Though the newest Guilds fall into the $1,650 or lower category, it’s still a bit steep for most pickers to pay. Nevertheless, based on today’s prices, Guild does not appear to be out of line.
Comparison
Here it is, the “Newark St. ™ Collection,” presented for your review. Take a look below and see what you think. Send us your thoughts about Guild™’s latest creations.
|
A-150 Savoy™
|
X-175B Manhattan™ w/Bigsby® |
Starfire III ™w/ Bigsby®
|
Starfire ™ IV |
M-75 Aristocrat™
|
X-175 Manhattan™
|
S-100 Polara™
|
| Image | Image | Image | Image | Image | Image | Image |
|
Body/Tone- wood: Hollow, solid spruce top with laminated flame maple back and sides |
Body/Tone- wood: Hollow, laminated spruce top with laminated maple back and sides
|
Body/Tone-wood: Extra-thin hollow, laminated mahogany all the way around |
Body/Tone-wood: Semi-hollow, laminated mahogany all the way around |
Body/Tone-wood: Hollow, laminated spruce top with solid mahogany back and laminated mahogany sides |
Body/Tone-wood: Hollow, laminated spruce top with laminated maple back and sides |
Body/Tone-wood: Solid mahogany |
|
Scale Length: 24.75″ |
Scale Length: 24.75″ |
Scale Length: 25.75″ |
Scale Length: 24.75″
|
Scale Length: 24.5″ (the shortest in the collection) |
Scale Length: 24.75″ |
Scale Length: 24.75″ |
|
Neck: 3-piece Mahogany/ Maple/ Mahogany |
Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/ Maple/ Mahogany |
Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany |
Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/ Maple/ Mahogany |
Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/ Maple/ Mahogany
|
Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/ Maple/ Mahogany |
Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany |
|
Electronics: DeArmond® 1000 “Rhythm Chief” Floating Archtop pick-up |
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Frequency Tested” Single-Coils, at neck and bridge |
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Anti-Hum” Dual-Coils, at neck and bridge
|
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Anti-Hum” Dual-Coils, at neck and bridge |
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Frequency Tested” Single-Coils, neck and bridge |
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Frequency Tested” Single-Coils, at neck and bridge |
Electronics: 2 Guild® “Anti-Hum” Dual-Coils, neck and bridge |
|
Vibe: Classic Jazz |
Vibe: Blues, Rock |
Vibe: Vintage Rocker, Rockabilly |
Vibe: Rock, Blues |
Vibe: Jazz, Rock, Blues
|
Vibe: Jazz, Blues, Big Band |
Vibe: Rocker, metal or just about anything else |
|
$1,649.99 |
$1,599.99 |
$1,599.99 |
$1,549.99 |
$1,499.99 |
$1,449.99 |
$1,299.99 |
