First introduced in 1968 as a special-order top-of-the-line model, the D-55 was so well-received that Guild added it into the regular production line by 1974. Famously played by Tommy Smothers on the Smothers Brothers Show in the late 1960s, the D-55 grew in both popularity and longevity over the decades.
The most anticipated return of a Guild acoustic to date, the 2017 Guild D-55 is back and better than ever. The D-55 remains true to all the premium appointments of its 1968 predecessor, including a AAA Sitka spruce top, solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and nitrocellulose finish. Internal refinements include scalloped Adirondack bracing as well as an improved dovetail neck-joint, hand fit to make this generation of D-55 the lightest, loudest, and best-sounding yet. The D-55 showcases Guild’s most recognizable headstock which is fully bound and features the Guild “Peak and Shield” inlay combination over a figured ebony overlay. The matching ebony fingerboard is also fully bound and inlayed with Guild’s iconic abalone/pearl “V-Blocks” and multi-line “railroad track” purfling on the bass and treble sides. The D-55’s fingerboard is set on an all-mahogany neck with beautiful walnut center seam running the length of the heel to headstock.
The D-55’s nitro finish is available in natural or Antique Burst and is hand sprayed for minimum thickness and maximum resonance that will only get better with age.
An LR Baggs Anthem pickup system is fitted and each guitar includes a hand-signed certificate of authenticity and ships with Guild’s Premium humidified hardshell case.
Body
Body Shape D - Dreadnought
Body Top Solid Sitka Spruce
Top Bracing Pattern Scalloped X
Soundhole Diameter 4" (102mm)
Rosette Abalone and ABS Ring
Top Purfling Inlay Black and White ABS
Body Sides Solid Indian Rosewood
Body Back Solid Indian Rosewood
Body Binding White ABS
Neck
Neck Material Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip
Scale Length 25 5/8" (651mm)
Neck Shape C Shape
Nut Width 1 11/16" (43mm)
Neck Thickness 1st Fret 21mm
Neck Thickness 9th Fret 22.5mm
Truss Rod Dual Action
Truss Rod Wrench 8mm Socket Wrench
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 12" (305mm)
Fingerboard Inlays V-Blocks - Mother-Of-Pearl and Abalone
Frets Total 20
Fret Type Jescar 43080
Finish
Color Antique Burst (ATB)
Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Hardware
Bridge Material Ebony
Bridge String Spacing 2 1/8" (54mm)
Bridge Pins Bone
Saddle Material Compensated Bone
Hardware Finish / Plating Gold
Nut Material Bone
Tuning Machines Gotoh SE700 Open-Gear in Gold
Endpin Endpin Jack
Pickguard Tortoiseshell
Electronics
Electronics LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls
Other
Strings D'Addario EXP16 - Coated Phosphor Bronze Light (.012 - .053)
Included Case Guild Premium Humidified Archtop Wood Case
Upper Bout Width 11 5/8" (295mm)
Lower Bout Width 16" (406mm)
Body Depth Upper Bout 4" (101mm)
Body Depth Lower Bout 5" (127mm)
Body Length 20" (508mm)
Overall Length 41 3/4" (1061mm)