Guild Guitars

The Guild Guitar Company, founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge and George Mann, started in Manhattan, New York, focusing on electric and acoustic guitars. Initially staffed by former Epiphone workers, Guild gained prominence in the 1960s, especially with its acoustic dreadnought models, which competed with Martin guitars. Notable musicians, including Richie Havens at Woodstock and members of the Grateful Dead, popularized Guild guitars during this era.

In 1966, Guild moved production to Westerly, Rhode Island, and expanded its electric guitar line with the Starfire series. However, economic pressures in the late 1970s led to challenges for the company. After various ownership changes, Guild was acquired by Fender in 1995, but production moved between facilities, including a temporary shift to California and later Tacoma, Washington.

In 2014, Fender sold the Guild brand to Cordoba Music Group, which established a new manufacturing facility in Oxnard, California. Production resumed in 2016 with new models, continuing Guild’s legacy in guitar craftsmanship.