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 GUILD | | HISTORY: 1995-PRESENT | In 1995, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) of Scottsdale, AZ bought Guild, which was the financial assistance they needed to continue producing guitars. Gradually throughout the late 1990s, Guild grew back into a commercial and financial success with the introduction of more acoustic guitars as well as the resurgence of electric guitars. In 1997, Guild opened a new Custom Shop in Nashville, TN. In 1999, Robert Benedetto signed a formal agreement with FMIC to redesign both the Artist Award and X700 Stuart Models, which were produced in Westerly, RI. While the trademark Guild harp-style tailpiece remains, a MOP "Benedetto" logo was inlaid in the 19th fret on both models. In 2001, all Guild guitar production was moved to Corona, CA because the Westerly location needed a complete overhaul of its facility. In 2004, FMIC bought the Tacoma guitar company in Tacoma, WA mainly for a location to build acoustic guitars. By 2006, all electric Guild production was disc. (excluding the Johnny Smith Award) and FMIC decided to use the Guild trademark strictly on acoustic guitars, where production was merged with the newly acquired Tacoma plant. Also in 2006, after seven years of a partnership, FMIC and Benedetto amicably split ways. In late 2007, FMIC purchased Kaman Music Corporation and in early 2008, they moved production of Guild acoustic guitars from the Tacoma, WA factory to Kaman's manufacturing facility in New Hartford, CT.
Reference source for early Guild history: Hans Moust, The Guild Guitar Book; contemporary history courtesy Jay Pilzer; Bendetto model information courtesy of Cindy Benedetto. | |
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