Guild M-20 Concert - Natural Finish Review

Gem in a plain package

I have never been happier with any other guitar I have owned over the last 50+ years. Build is immaculate. The neck is a bit on the slim side - appropriate to an instrument of this size. Yes, it is small (between a Martin O and OO, I think) but does not at all sound boxy. So comfortable to hold and play. A sweet, very resonant, dark mahogany tone - just what I was looking for!… read more The thin nitro-cellulose satin finish lets the top really sing. Beautiful fretboard, well set up. Excellent fretwork. Really wonderful to play fingerstyle. 1.75" nut, 2.25" at bridge - lots of room for your digits. 24.75" scale is my preference. Yes, this might make some lower tunings a bit iffy (that's physics) but I haven't really noticed this so far; I still have other guitars with long necks for that. Honestly, there is no one guitar that can do it all no matter what some folks say. But this one does all I have asked of it. A good strummer, too. I don't think it would be possible to buy a guitar with much less visual bling. Unadorned except for pearloid dots on the fretboard, Western-ish pickguard, and simple, mother-of-pearl logo on the headstock. No fancy binding or purfling, very simple rosette. But the wood itself - naked under that satin finish - is rich and lush. A handsome guitar. There is something about it all that says "Stop looking - come and play me." Like it better be a player, to be so plain. And then you do play and you fall in love. Thank you, Guild. And thank you, Sweetwater.

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Everything I Expected

Really wanted an all solid Mahogany acoustic for a while now. It was between the M-20 and the Martin 000-15M for me. After endless research and video reviews I went with the M-20. It was set up perfect right out of the box. It plays and sounds exactly the way I expected it to. Could not be any more pleased with my purchase.

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Fantastic guitar

I am extremely impressed by this guitar. The setup was great straight out of the box. The slightly shorter scale length along with the setup make it a joy to play. The tone is warm and well balanced. This guitar works well for both finger picking and flat picking. As for the craftsmanship, it is flawless, it is extremely well made. I have other guitars, however this one has quickly… read more become a favorite. Josh was very helpful with this purchase, I would highly recommend this guitar and Sweetwater.

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Mahogony Monster!!!

They say dynamite comes in small packages and after strumming the very first chord on the M-20 I can see why. The sound out of this O size monster is mind-boggling. I own a Guild D55 but also needed a smaller travel size guitar to tote around to worship sessions and while on the road. Truly amazed at wood grain and quality. Not sure if these get graded but I would vouch to say this… read more would be somewhere in the AAA to AAAA range. The grain on mine is absolutely gorgeous and the fit and finish are of boutique quality. The Nut and Saddle are carved perfectly and the strings are not buried too far in nut just about 3 quarters which is perfect. The intonation is spot on right out of the box. This thing is a finger pickers dream but also has very warm compressed and balanced tone. I have found my little companion for life. I have great suspicion this guitar could be a collector's item in the future. The price is well worth the quality and craftsmanship of this little surprise. I love its modest and stripped down but classy and old style looks. Guild has definitely brought the Mojo back with this instrument. If you are on the fence or even looking at Martin's do yourself a favor and consider this guitar as you will be in shock and awe!!!

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Superb instrument

I've been looking for a while for a good acoustic guitar, having played electrics almost my whole life. In my searches I kept coming back to this guitar. I've had it about a month now and I have to say it just keeps sounding better and better. It's beautiful to look at and is very easy to play even for someone whose fingers are used to light gauge electric strings. I love it.

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