Guild GAD-50 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case)
With the Guild GAD-50 you can get great acoustic tone. The GAD-50 features Rosewood back and sides and a solid Spruce top with scalloped bracing.
Overall User Ratings (based on 60 ratings)
Submitted October 29, 2008 by a customer from worldlynx.net
"Guild just put the sub $1K market on notice."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Gets a 10 for the terrific value, playability, and sound. This is an unbeatable guitar for the price, and a great guitar at double the price. Low action, fast neck, great volume and projection, excellent finish and construction...what more could you ask for ? A free tweed case? Oh yeah, it comes with that too!
Sound
This is the best part about this great guitar. The intonation and evenly matched sound from each string. Its just a butery smooth guitar. Plenty of volume if you dig in, yet precise and controlled. No fret buzz or other weird sonic artifacts. The Rosewood really makes the sound project well from this beauty. I played many acoustics in this price range (above and below) including Taylors, Martins, Epiphone master builts, Takimini's, etc and none of them could come close. The sound of this guitar is much closer to a Taylor sound than it is a Martin. Not low end biased, but just a warm even tone.
Features
Doesnt have strap buttons? Comes with an awesome tweed case, has excellent tuners, extremely playable neck. Look, some people like to have all of the intricate Mother of Pearl and abalone inlays and flamed maple this and that. This guitar is all about playability, sound, and durability. You get more than what you pay for in those categories.
Ease of Use
For some reason this guitar is one of those that you pick up and just feel "at home" with. It, for whatever reason, is just easier to play. Maybe its the lower action, or the smooth, fast neck. Either way, its a real joy to play and keps you coming back for more.
Quality
Only gave it a 9 because there are even better quality finishes out there. For the money though, you will not find a better quality guitar. Building overseas certainly keeps the cost down. If this guitar were made in the USA or by another big name (martin, taylor, gibson) I could certainly see it commanding prices around the 2K mark.
Value
You wont find a better value. This truly is a topo of the line instrument in both construction, materials, and sound. Terrific value.
Manufacturer Support
Marked a 10 as I've never had to contact them.
The Wow Factor
As I stated earlier, I've played many acoustics even more expensive than this one, but as soon as I heard the tone of this guitar, I was hooked. You will be too.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist, jam session junky, music lover.
Musical Style:
very diverse.
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Submitted October 21, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com
"Hands Down the Best Dreadnaught in This Price Range"
I am extremely satisfied with this guitar. I will upgrade my electric in the same price range well before I ever consider upgrading this guitar. I would easily have to spend 4-5x what I spent on this guitar to get a meaningful upgrade, and most of that would just be for brand recognition versus an actual improvement in sound quality. As long as the sound continues to age well, I see no reason to ever get rid of the instrument even if I get another dreadnaught.
Sound
I love the sound of this guitar. Rich and warm rounded tone with great sustain; exactly what you would expect from a quality dreadnaught. After only a year of owning it, the sound is really maturing nicely. I can't wait to hear it 5 years down the road. I would put my guitar up against any acoustic two and possibly three times the price. I get comments all the time that it's the best sound they've heard from a spruce top/chinese-made/non-gibson product. You get much more than you pay for in the sound the department.
Features
I love the simplicity of the guitar. The rosewood back and sides really make a difference in the sound, plus it looks gorgeous. Nothing flashy, just a great workhorse with great sound. The one downside some people will note is that it is not a Gibson. I don't care one bit, and if you play one I think you'll agree, but some people still think if we buy Chinese goods the commies win. It doesn't have the name recognition of a Gibson, but it hasn't disappointed me at all.
Ease of Use
After a basic guitar setup and getting the action where I wanted it and getting a good set of strings on there, this is a top quality instrument for the price.
Quality
When I first received it there was a small piece of wood that was rolling around inside, but after fishing that out, I haven't had any problems and don't expect any. Very well made and solid. The case is also of very good quality to come with the guitar and looks great.
Value
This is where the GAD 50 really shines. It is hands down the best valued dreadnaught in the price range. Gibson quality at a fraction the cost as long as you don't mind the 'made in China' sticker.
Manufacturer Support
No experience, hopefully won't need it.
The Wow Factor
Aesthetically not the most appealing guitar of all time. I personally love the simplicity, though the inlays and pickguard give it a unique and distinctive look. However, the real appeal in this guitar is the sound and value.
Musical Background:
hobbyist/student
Musical Style:
blues rock
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Submitted April 28, 2011 by a customer from hawaii.rr.com
"FEEL THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE GUILD GAD-50"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
I've told my friends I'm still in the market for a Martin. But after owning this Guild I'm thinking this is all I need. Time will tell but I have a feeling this one is going to put to thought to rest.
Sound
The sound produced by this Guild GAD-50 is stunning. The resonance just keeps on humming for eternity. Low and high end is balanced perfectly. The high quality sounds that this guitar produces unleashes my own creativity and character of style. It is pure acoustical dream!
Features
A step from laminated guitars to solid wood makes all the differences in the world. Tonal qualities are instantly apparent. The MOP craftsmanship is absolutely beautiful. The woods have a glow that to me changes under different lighting like they're alive. This guitar has a character of its own. The wood bindings are accurately inlaid and outstanding. The machines feel great and hold it's tone nicely.
Ease of Use
The GAD-50 will bring the talent out of you instantly. When the sounds are good your going to be playing good. It's fast neck is very comfortable and that translate to more creative playing. Playability overall is a dream. Price for price this is the one to own. I'll never part ways with this one.
Quality
How would you best describe a Guild quality guitar. It's simply the best to me. It screams high end in every way. Just sitting in the living room displayed enhances the feeling of the house.
Value
Value for value you can't go wrong with the GAD-50. Competitively it's right up there with any comparable high quality guitar.
Manufacturer Support
I just bought mine recently and haven't honestly had to contact the company. I don't anticipate I ever will have to. She built too well to me for anything to go wrong. Just use TLC and she'll be around a long time.
The Wow Factor
She's alive and the character stands out just looking at it. I'm glad I purchased it. It's glow under different lighting is amazing. I guess it's the quality of the woods used.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist 41years
Musical Style:
Blues, Rock, Country, Jazz, Slack
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Submitted December 13, 2004 by a customer from excite.com
"Can't Touch Anything Better for the Price"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Every few years, I like to upgrade my acoustic guitar (when $$$ permits). Always thought I would someday own a Martin D-18, but after owning this Guild, it looks like I may be in the market for a Guild F50 instead.
Sound
For the price, nothing touches the sound of this guitar. The solid rosewood back and sides really add a wonderful tone to the spruce top.
Features
Tweed hardshell case is a great bonus for no charge. Compared to Alvarez MD90 - same construction (solid spruce top, solid rosewood sides and back), same price but you get the free case and a better sound with the Guild.
Quality
Beautiful wood and great looking MOP inlays on the fingerboard.
Value
As I said earlier, can't beat this guitar for the price. Similar price guitars with similar construction don't include the AWESOME tweed hardshell case.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
Don't know how "Sexy" a standard drednaught guitar is, but the wood on this guitar is beautiful. The MOP inlays on the fretboard are nicer than anything else I looked at in this price range.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Country
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Submitted December 6, 2009 by a customer from hotmail.com
"I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!"
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You can tell by the appearance, sound and quality materials used that is guitar is a quality instrument that will give you years of pleasure. Plus, I got a great tweed hardshell case for free with the guitar. For the money, you cannot beat this guitar. I love it!
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sound
In one word? UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Just received my new Guild and with temperatures in the teens, I left it in the box and set it my closet to warm up 24 long agonizing hours before opening and playing. I didn't have a chance to play my GAD-50 before I ordered it but did my homework and during those long 24 hours was wondering how a guitar made and coming all the way from China with factory strings would perform and sound. Especially since owning a Martin JC-40. Finally, it was time and as soon as it was tuned, I strummed my favorite cord (the E) and knew before the vibrations stopped that I had a winner. The strength of the lower strings blended beautifully with the mids and upper that I had to remind myself that I wasn't playing my Martin and at a third of the price!
Features
-Dovetail Neck Joint
-Ornate Mother-of-Pearl Position Inlays
-Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement
-Abalone Side Dot Position Inlays
-Mother-of-Pearl Headstock Logo
-Ebony Bridge Pins with MOP Dots
-Ebony End Pin with MOP Dot
-Bone Nut and Saddle
-Mahogany Body Bindings
-Tortoise Shell Pickguard
-Back Center Wood Mosaic Inlay
-Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
-Bracing: Guild Scalloped
-Back: Solid Indian Rosewood
-Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
-Neck: 1 Piece Mahogany
-Width at Nut: 1 11/16 Inches
-Fretboard: Indian Rosewood (12 Inch Radius)
-Scale Length: 25 1/2 Inch
-Number of Frets: 20
-Machine Heads: Grover Rotomatic Die-cast Tuners
-Bridge: Indian Rosewood Pin Bridge
-Hardware: Chrome
-Electronics: None
-Finish: High Gloss (Polyester)
-Strings: Replace with Guild L350 Phosphor Bronze,
Gauges .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, .053
-Case: Includes Deluxe Hardshell Case
-Introduced: 1/2004
Ease of Use
As mentioned earlier, I just received my Guild and haven't had much time with her. However, I find the action low enough for my tastes for right now. I will probably go in and get it set up a little lower and put a new set of EXP's on her.
Quality
All inlays, construction, fit, finish and hardware are perfect! The construction is much better than any of the Martin's or Taylor's in this price range, and they actually give you less features in this price range than the Guild. It is made in China, but from inspecting it closely I don't see anyone, anywhere doing a better job.
Value
I started out looking and playing guitars that were 2x and 3x's the price of the GAD-50, but in these economic hard times I couldn't justify the cost and starting looking for an all solid wood guitar for now more than $750. I found it and the Guild was it. Solid Sitka Spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. Bone nut and saddle, rosewood bridge, grover rotomatic tuners, great MOP inlay on the fretboard, mahogany binding, etc. These are the SAME features that were on the $2000+ Larivee's, Gibson's, Taylor's and Martin's and the sound is just just as good in many and better in some!!
Manufacturer Support
No experience.
The Wow Factor
Not as "sexy" looking as a Martin D-45 but, better than looking than almost every other guitar in this price range.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Christian, Rock, Pop
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Submitted February 12, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"great guitar...great price....great company...ordered the guitar on monday nite late...and had it thursday....can beat it!!!"
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this most likely will be my last guitar....no need for another....had a yamaha fg240 and an fg 275....have sold both
Features
nice looking guitar and sounds great
Ease of Use
slim neck and low action.....can play all day
Quality
just got the guitar but it looks great and really well built....
Value
have several friends that have martins and gibsons......would take this guitar over any of the ones Ive played....you wont beat it for the price nor the sound
Manufacturer Support
fast shipping and product was exactly as described and presented...
The Wow Factor
no bells and whistles on this....just a great looking gluitar that sounds good....nice pearl inlay on neck and the guild logo
Musical Background:
hobbist
Musical Style:
country
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Submitted January 10, 2013 by Garrett Bekker in Glen Ridge, NJ
"Not many better guitars, at any price"
taught myself how to play over last 5 years, after playing bass. started with a Takamine Jumbo, which was a nice guitar and in the same price range. Starting looking around for an upgrade as my skills improved. Was set on a Martin or Gibson Humminbird, and was willing to spend $3500. A sales guy at a local store told me to try out this guitar. It was made in China, which immediately turned me off, but I decided to try it anyway. Immediately I was blown away by the sound and playability of this guitar. Still, I really had my heart set on a Martin, and went back and forth for a few weeks. Ultimately I couldn't get away from this guitar. I have small hands, and the thin neck felt perfect in my hands. the looks were pretty basic, though the headstock and inlays are beautiful IMHO. but I couldn't get over the sound. Nice, warm and balanced tone, slightly on the bright side like a Taylor, but also powerful resonation. I've had this guitar for about a year and a half now, and love it even more. I often stop in guitar stores to see if I can find anything that comes close. A few Martins and Taylors have sounded pretty good, but nothing below $3000. Any Martins or Taylor near this price range come with inferior materials and sound, IMHO, and you're basically just buying the name.
After I bought the guitar, the sales guy told me the Martin rep bought one so he could try to figure out how Guild made such an awesome sounding guitar for $750. Unfortunately, they replaced this version with the GAD 150, which is basically the same though with less quality materials from what I've heard. the only 2 minor drawbacks are that it's not the sexiest looking guitar (thought I love the headstock and inlays), and no electrics, though I never used the electrics on my Takamine anyway.
Musical Background:
playing 5 years, mainly jamming at home by myself
Musical Style:
everything - from Nirvana to Neil Young to country
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Submitted November 29, 2006 by a customer from ucla.edu
"Love my Guild"
9 not a 10 because it didn't come with stap buttons, and it still needs a real pickguard. Before you go hating on Asian (this is Chinese made!) guitars even one more time, pick this up, get tuned up, and check it out.
Sound
This was easily the best-sounding acoustic I played under $1000 and I played a lot, which is why I picked it. It has tons of character, great harmonics, and huge volume. Not a Martin sound or a Taylor sound, but something else entirely and very nice. Very well suited for banging away with a pick, it also does a surprisingly good job with more folk and classical stuff.
Features
The guitar is not fancy looking but is made with top quality materials all around: grover tuners, bone nut and bone compensated saddle, solid woods, ebony pins, etc. I removed the stupid clear pickguard and eventually will put a Guild pickguard on it. Case is a nice tweed hsc, probably couldn't stand getting run over by a truck but is nice hard case at a price point that often means a gig bag.
Ease of Use
Ease of Use? What a weird question. It's a freaking acoustic guitar. It's easy to use if you can play the guitar and hard to use if you can't. It came with a pretty low action but needed a setup as usual. Intonation was perfect out of the box.
Quality
This thing is made from top quality materials. If it were made in the US it would probably cost as much as a Gibson because it's made from all the same stuff. Looks like it's going to last forever.
Value
A great deal if you're loooking for max sound on a real all-solid acoustic. Clearly outplays the Epiphone masterbuilts and the lower-end Martins. Only thing close was a Breedlove Atlas, which was also great but just a different sound.
Manufacturer Support
No idea.
The Wow Factor
Awesome, just what I needed. I'm not sure how an orange acoustic guitar can be 'sexy' in the absence of a sexy person playing it, but I think it's awesome nonetheless.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Country, Blues, Folk
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Submitted August 31, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
Guild GAD-50 Dreadnought Customer Review
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer purchased this specific product from us.
Sound
exact reproduction of the Guild D-50NT I bought in 1972. Full body sound, perfect fretwork, and that strong tension needed for volume control. High quality case also. Great wood selections
Features
high quality case.
Ease of Use
very good
Quality
good hardware and woods
Musical Background:
musician
Musical Style:
American mix
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Submitted November 6, 2011 by a customer from gmail.con
"I don't care if it's from China. This baby is NICE."
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If I were a very well paid pro, might see the need for more but for anything else this is it.
Sound
No it's not your 2-3k guitar, best for under 2000.00 I've ever seen.
Features
Just beautiful.
Ease of Use
setup great out of the box
Quality
Beautiful, not a problem anywhere.
Value
more than worth the price
Manufacturer Support
no need yet
The Wow Factor
Divorce the Tak, have sex with this.
Musical Background:
Hobbist
Musical Style:
Blues, country, old rock
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Submitted March 2, 2006 by a customer from rcn.com
"Musicians Take A Hard Look Here"
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It will be some time before I outgrow this guitar. It has become my best musical friend - we work together and I enjoy every moment. We sit down, get a quick (often unnecessary) tune, and off we go. How can you do better than that?
Sound
This instrument has excellent tone and balance. I am especially impressed by it's intonation and it's ability to shape bass, mid-range and treble tones into an overall sound. It seems to be happiest with medium weight strings that have a couple of days on them - the cumulative sound is warm and friendly.
Features
Flash and sparkle are not this instrument's gig. All of the various elements come together easily with workman-like purpose to play music. To be blunt, this one has all the tools without being a showboat. The neck deserves special notice since it plays with ease, is marked clearly and well and exibits the kind of strength needed for a guitar that's going to be used.
Ease of Use
This guitar is just so nice to play. Chords and patterns that were so hard with other instruments seem easier with this guitar in my lap. I've become more ambitious in my playing with this guitar.
Quality
I found some very minor surface blemishes, but to be fair, I found nothing without really making an effort. Structurally, this thing is a beast, robust and dependable. It will not let you down.
Value
Really, really hard to beat for the price. Spending hundreds, maybe thousands more might give you a flashier guitar, but you'd have to be an expert or professional player to hear the difference between this one and higher priced instruments. In the sub-$1000 category, I can't imagine you'd do better than this one.
Manufacturer Support
No experience.
The Wow Factor
Do you play music or do you show off? If you play music, this is your piece.
Musical Background:
serious hobbyist
Musical Style:
Folk Rock
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Submitted December 17, 2008
"The best for the $ doesn't make it good"
If it weren't already marred I'd have already gotten rid of it. If my old Yamaha FG-335 (no solid top,new price in 1976 $200) weren't suffering from age and handling I would choose it hands down over this "Guild". I can only wonder what a real Guild, made in the real Guild factory would sound like. I know what the price tag would look like, but buying a "less expensive model" of a big-name company (like the newer, cheaper Martins) is certainly not the answer. I'm convinced there are NO really good sounding guitars for under $1000.
Sound
I don't get all the raves. The guitar sounds tinny and has very little/no bass sustain.
Features
The materials used are impressive; the result less so.
Ease of Use
Its easy to play.
Quality
I find it not well made. One of the strap pegs was not fixed tightly to the body of the guitar. The FIRST time I played it with a strap said-peg popped out and my brand new Guild hit the wooden floor full force. Made a sick sound and left a fine scar on the solid top. Thanks, Guild for the Chinese factory workmanship.
Value
Well, it does cost less than $1000...it sounded the best of its price range. I alway wanted a "Name" guitar- my cheap little Yamaha never turned anyone's head (but mine once I got used to this Guild)As a left-handed player, you learn not to be too selective, that your model of the SAME guitar often costs more, the one you want isn't to be had- regardless of what the catalogue says, etc. The best for the money doesn't make it good.
Manufacturer Support
What are they going to do...replace my guitar? I see the opening of a Chinese factory as a blatant capitalistic move with nothing to do with the manufacture of a quality product. Inferior quality sold under a traditionally strong name. Guess I've learned my lesson.
The Wow Factor
Give me a break.
Musical Background:
Still active sometimes, full time hobbyist. I play every day since I can remember.
Musical Style:
rock
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Submitted March 16, 2006
"For the price, look no further."
Sound
beautiful sound, rich mids and highs. Loud and round
Features
no flash, just beautiful sound and playability
Ease of Use
great.
Quality
haven't had it long, but can't see a problem with it. Built like a tank, yet subtle and crisp
Value
for the price range, can't be beat. Outdid every other guitar I played for the price, from Martins to Taylors
Manufacturer Support
haven't had to.
The Wow Factor
sweet looking, nice retro sunburst top, ooohh
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