Madeira by Guild Acoustic Guitar | Information

Madeira by Guild acoustic guitar

This Madeira by Guild acoustic guitar article presents a compilation of historical information and date estimates along with quality and value speculations.

Much of the information in this article is offered without any tangible proof.  Still, it represents a synthesis of the best information the web has on Madeira by Guild.

Madeira by Guild | Import Line

Madeira was an import-line by the legendary guitar manufacturer Guild.

Good quality American made guitars are expensive. And, there are a large number of beginner and/or budget-minded guitarists who are simply priced out. To capture a share of the budget market, many American manufacturers have a separate, more affordable line of guitars. Since production of these guitars is offshore, where labor is cheaper, they are sometimes referred to as import-lines. It is worth noting that import-lines might also include some fairly expensive guitars.

Typically, import-lines are sold under a different label from their American counterparts. For instance:

import-line-guitars

Madeira by Guild | Historical Information

Definitive historical information about Madeira by Guild is scarce.  Especially in regards to original materials with printed dates, etc…

MadeiraMan on collectorsweekly claims he bought his Madeira in 1970. The book Guitar Stories: The Histories of Cool Guitars by Michael Wright says that Guild introduced its Japanese-made Madeira guitars in 1973. However, he also states that, “it’s not known how long the Madeira acoustics lasted, but quite possibly through the ‘70’s.”

This latter concession by Michael Wright alludes to the limited nature of definitive information on Madeira. At least one online source references a price sheet (2182-D) with a date of March 1, 1982. Furthermore, the Faas Corporation supposedly discontinued the Madeira line shortly after purchasing Guild in 1988.

madeira-by-guild-ads-1974-1975

Michael Wright said the ad on the left appeared in the summer of 1974. Various eBay sellers claim the ad on the right appeared in 1975, 1978 and 1979.

The guitars were first made in Japan based on existing Guild designs.  Kasuga probably build the Japanese versions. Kasuga was one of the oldest stringed instrument manufactures in Japan (open approx. 1935 – 1995). The quality of guitars built by Kasuga was very good.

Production later moved to Korea.  Legend has it that the Japanese workshop used pre-machined materials that were made in the USA by Guild.  There doesn’t seem to be a consensus regarding those assembled in Korea—maybe some used materials from the US, maybe not.  Needless to say, the Japanese versions are preferred.

madeira-made-in-japan-1

The gum-labels “Made in Japan” or “Made in Korea” are usually missing.

The label inside the sound hole is commonly used to determine whether a Madeira was assembled in Japan or Korea.  Japanese imports generally had an oval label that reads, “Adjusted and Distributed Exclusively by Guild.”  Square labels that state, “Designed, Warranteed and Distributed Exclusively by Guild” generally reference a Korean import.

madeira by guild oval label japan

Made in Japan version with oval label. This A-30M guitar had a curved-top headstock.

Some Korean imports also have an oval labels that have “Made in Korea” printed on it.  Some square labels said assembled in Korea.  Both of the examples below were from Korean imports that featured a double raised or “bump on a bump” headstock-top.

madeira-by-guild-korean-square

An oval Label with MADE IN KOREA printed on it.

madeira-by-guild-korean-square

Label says ASSEMBLED IN KOREA. “The A-10:12 was part of the Madeira line during the late ’80s / early ’90s. It retailed for Can. $349 during 1989” -Hans Moust at letstalkguild.

Model Designations

Madeira by Guild’s model designation uses a two (sometimes three) part alphanumeric system that includes a prefix, a series number and sometimes a suffix.

The prefix indicates the type of acoustical guitar:

  • A = Acoustic.
  • C = Classical.
  • P = Professional Series.

Generally, the series number that follows the prefix increased with the quality and price.

The suffix, when present, indicates the type of wood or finish:

  • B = All Black, Mahogany.
  • M = Maple or Mahogany (let the color of the wood be your guide).
  • R = Rosewood.
  • S = Solid Spruce Top (usually paired with M or R and placed last).
  • SB = Sunburst.

Madeira by Guild | Date Estimates

Determining the exact age of a Madeira by Guild guitar is difficult unless you have an original receipt.  It is relatively certain Madeira was in production from the early ’70’s to early ’80’s. And, according to Michael Wright’s book, the Madeira name was also resurrected in the early ’90’s.

You can narrow down the age of an acoustic steel string by looking at the headstock. There are at least three basic headstock designs on Madeira steel string acoustics.  The first generation had a Martin Style headstock with a flat top.  The second generation featured a rounded or curved top. Less seen—on the steel string acoustics—is the double raised top.

madeira-by-guild-headstocks

Various steel string acoustic headstocks of Madeira by Guild.

All early Japanese guitars have the flat-topped headstock. The book Guitar Stories: The Histories of Cool Guitars displays a Madeira ad from the summer of 1974. The ad shows an A-30M with a flat top. A catalog, reportedly from 1975, shows that all steel string acoustics featured the curved top. The same catalog shows that all classical guitars feature a double raised or “bump on a bump” top.

Speculations abound that assembly moved from Japan to Korea in the 1980’s. Quite possibly, the switch to Korea happened around ’79 or ’80.

Therefore, a steel string acoustic with a flat-top is probably from the years 1973 and 1974 (or earlier). A curved top (with an oval label) is likely from 1975 to 1979. A curved top (with a square label) is probably from the 1980’s.

Quality and Value of Madeira

Most people overlook Madeira even though they are good quality.  Often times they are an incredible bang for the buck.  The quality depends on who you ask, model series, country of origin and how much it was worn down, cared for, or upgraded.

Madeira by guild ad compilation

“Madeira, Quality in the Guild Tradition: If you’re looking for a moderately priced instrument you can be proud to own, look at Madeira first.”

Internet claims:

“They all had one thing in common though: they sucked. We sold a lot of them to people unable to afford a Guild. The guitars were Korean-made, long before Korea got their act together as guitar makers… The really low-end acoustic was the A-1.” -Posted by Drumbob.  Source.

“The Madeira is a fine instrument that will last a lifetime if taken care of. Very close to the USA Guilds…NOTHING sold in today’s market for under $1000 will compare with a 70s-80s Madeira, Epiphone, Yamaha, Hondo, Alvarez, or Suzuki. My 35 years of guitar experience knows this to be true.” -Posted by Bill.  Source.

“I owned a Guild Madeira in 1976, my first guitar, and it was pretty much a terrible instrument in every way I can think of.” -Posted by Billgennaro. Source.

“For sound and tonal quality as well as playability the upper grade Madeira’s are definitely comparable to Gibson, Guild and Martin models that cost well over $1,000!” -Posted by Wyzrdofahs.  Source.

“Having repaired several, I offer this as hopefully a way to save you some bucks: If it’s more than $100, don’t waste your money” – Posted by Terry Allan Hall. Source.

“…darned good entry level guitar… It was seven years later, when I bought a Guild GF-55, that I finally had a guitar good enough in tone and playability to adequately replace it.” -Posted by JTFoote. Source.

madeira-by-guild-ads

“We lay our reputation on the line every time we ship out a Madeira, because we want you to think of Guild when you’re ready to move up.”

Are Madeira by Guild Solid Body or Laminate?

Laminates are generally regarded as undesirable in an acoustic top because laminates inhibit resonance.  Still, there are some acoustic builds that defy the “tone-killer” rule.  The inner ply of Madeira laminates could be solid poplar, soft maple, larch, or alder.  The woods Guild used for lamination back in the day certainly were not low quality composites.

The Madeira by Guild 1975 catalog does not specifically state whether or not a top is laminate—that goes for the sides and backs as well. For example, the A-30M states “Natural spruce top” and “Maple sides and back.”

Does the word “Natural” mean solid and when “Natural“ is not used it means laminate?  Probably not.  Typically, guitar manufacturers specify when solid wood is used. The “Natural” designation could indicate the inner ply is not a cheap composite material (i.e. all three plys in the laminate are solid wood).

It is safe to say that most Madeira guitars used laminate tops unless the suffix of the model designation ends with the letter S.  As stated previously, the S at the end of the suffix designates a solid spruce top.  There are reports (here and here) that back this up by stating the A-30MS had a solid top. Hans Moust even said that model A-12AS featured a solid spruce top.

Terry Allan Hall said he came across some where only the rosette was solid wood.  He probably saw what Madeira calls a “semi-solid” spruce top.

Solid tops are easily identifiable by examining the edge of the sound hole. The wood grain will travel to the other side if the wood is solid.  Sometimes, as is the case with my A-30M Madeira, identification isn’t easy for everyone.

A-30M madeira by guild guitar soundhole

This A-30M appears to have grain-lines going down although it is laminate.

Determining if the sides and back are solid is a bit trickier. A laminate can have thin sheets of tone-wood veneers on either side. The result can be perfectly matched grain, inside and out. Therefore, laminate guitar sides and back can look like solid wood.

Here is the trick: solid wood sides will usually have internal bracing. If it lacks vertical bracing going up the sides, it is surely a laminate. Note: Even on laminate sides, you will see vert-pieces at the neck and front because those are joining pieces, etc… If it does have solid wood sides, the back is most likely solid as well.

Knowledgeable guitarists on Internet forums say all Madeira’s have laminate sides and backs.

madeira by guild guitar

No vertical brace in this image. Shine a flashlight in the soundhole and examine the sides. On a laminate, the only vertical braces you might see are at the neck and front positions.

How much did they originally cost?

The quality and price increased along with an increase in the series number. For instance, in 1975 the dreadnought A-15 retail list price was $140 while an A-30M was $340. The professional series, designated by the letter P, were the top of the line. Keeping with the dreadnought examples, the P-500 had a retail list price of $430 in 1975.

The following table shows full retail prices for various years along with adjusted prices for inflation. $1.00 in 1975 has the same purchasing power as $4.49 does on December 2016.  $1.00 in 1979 is equal to $3.33 in 2016.  $1.00 in 1982 is equal to $2.50 in 2016.

madeira-price-list

Data compiled from musictoworshipby and a catalog with a purported date of 1975.

The inflation adjusted price might be a shocker.  However, the Madeira by Guild inflation adjusted price is comparable, although slightly higher, to its old competitor Yamaha. Dollar for Dollar, a new and modern Yamaha is more affordable than an inflation adjusted Madeira.  And, the modern Yamaha probably wins the day when comparing specs. That doesn’t mean it sounds better.

madeira-by-guild-vs-modern-yamaha

madeira-by-guild-vs-yamaha

How much do they sell for today?

Yes, they are rare and they are Guild’s import line. However, don’t expect the “rare” factor to increase the price, cost or value. It is not rare in that way.  Madeira by Guild guitars sell for, and are worth, whatever someone is willing to pay.

Many knowledgeable guitarist would howl at an A-30M priced at $500.  Others say a good A-30M (one with minimal fret wear, clean body, etc…) is a grab at $200-$250.  According to limited data on the Internet, most A-30’s sell for between $100-$200 and sometimes that includes a hardshell case. Bargains for beaters or scuffed-outs fall between $50 and $100.  You’d have to adjust accordingly if your Madeira is a lower series than the A-30.

madeira by guild sold price list

This isn’t an exhaustive study. Data came from eBay’s completed listings, worthpoint, Buya and Reverb.

I have heard that you should treat an A-30M like an $800 guitar, even though you may have bought it for $200 with a case. Basically, you can find good quality Madeira by Guild guitars that are an incredible bang for the buck.  Or, maybe you get one that is terrible.

Madeira by Guild Acoustic Guitar

Madeira by Guild ad from 1972

Vintage Guitar and Bass claims this is a Madeira by Guild ad from 1972.

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12 thoughts on “Madeira by Guild Acoustic Guitar | Information

  1. Pingback: Guild Burnside Lance | GAD's Ramblings

  2. Nice compilation of information, photos and charts. I see you used my Price/inflation chart – it was fun to calculate, and I was interested in seeing what today’s dollars would get you. Wish I had more catalogs/information/factory specs – but I believe you did a great job of bringing together information from Madeira-aficionados. Several of my observations were also from (almost) daily checking for deals on eBay.

  3. Thanks for compiling all the information available on the Madeira in one place. I bought an A30 in 1975 and still own play and continue to be impressed by it. Bought on recommendation of music store owner as I could not afford the Martin D28 I was wanting at approx. $750 at the time. I would be horrified to see my Madeira sold for so little. Had mine to a luither a few years ago. He was like “oh an old Madeira”, then he started to play it and his mouth dropped open, enough said.
    I like to go to guitar stores and play their high end guitars. Most do not impress me sound wise or the way they feel and would not trade my Madeira for any I’ve tried so far. No I’m not emotional about the guitar just honest about the one I own. Well if I could afford it I might go for that 1970’s era Martin D 28, lol. Thanks again.

  4. I had an early model A30M for years. Played and sounded wonderful. I never humidified it so it eventually bellied so it wasn’t usable any more. These were wonderful acoustics if well taken care of. I have some beautiful acoustics and this was right up there sound and quality wise. I remember when I purchased it at E U Wurletser in Boston. I was friendly with the sales guy and he steered me to the Madeira saying “this is a nice guitar”

  5. I have an odd situation. I am a drummer, and have been since the 1950’s. In the very early seventies my wife bought a Japanese made flat headstock Madiera A-20. Being a drummer I took interest only for about a month and felt guilty every time I spent time practicing it instead of my drums. As a result it was packed in it’s case and only taken out about once every ten years or so, and then put away for the next decade. For this reason I have a guitar that looks practically brand new – there is basically no wear. Now my question is this: Will that have any noticeable effect on the price? And, Where would you suggest I go to try to determine a far asking price. It plays beautifully and if the value isn’t much I’ll most likely keep putting it back in the closet until perhaps one day when one of my grandchildren may want to have it. Thanks, MICK

  6. Ran across a Madeira Golden West H155A acoustic at a very low price. Open tuners, rounded head stock. Korean or Japanese made? Thanks.

  7. Wow..this is some much appreciated info here. Madiera info is so hard to find…Thank you!!
    I actually have a Madiera by Guild 3/4 size classical guitar w a label that indicates it is an AL-75…evidently a laminate. There is no indication whether it was made in Japan or Korea. I would have purchased it in about 1973, new..and paid about $150 as I recall.
    Haven’t played it in years and it’s in excellent condition.
    Sure would like to know anything else anyone knows or could find out about it..and how it would be valued today.
    I happen to be in ATX too, Chris, so if you want to know more or know someone who could look at it and tell me more we could make that happen.

  8. I own an A-30MS Madeira purchased in or around 1980. The grain from the back and sides is clearly visible inside though there is no vertical bracing.

  9. I bought one in the early ’70’s at a local guitar shop in Pasadena, Texas. The reason I bought was the very thick sound box. It was subsequently stolen while working in California many years later, but as I recall, that thing was so thick that I spent years looking for a case for it. The Rowland Heights Sheriff’s Office told me that if I wanted it back, to go look at local pawn shops. The first one I went to had an unplayed, Yamaha FG-336SB for $100. which I bought and never regretted losing the Madiera. Have you heard anything about the thick boxes?

  10. I have a Guild Maderia A30MF #41090 . Can anyone tell me
    what the F is for in the serial number? I can’t find any info on any sites. Thank You JB

  11. Does anyone know how the neck is joined to the body? Mine needs a reset, but I don’t know what kind of joint it is. Made in Japan in the early seventies. A-30M

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