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A top-shelf dread’ built for dueling with a D-28 offers appealing tone alternatives.

Balanced voice. Cool interplay between low and low-mid registers. Nice attention to detail.

Loud but lacks a little push in bass frequencies. “Vintage gloss” finish looks more satin than gloss.

$2,799.

Guild D-50 Standard
guildguitars.com

4.5
4.5
4.5
4

Selling a USA-built rosewood-and-spruce in the vicinity of $3K is cruel, nasty business. Gibson and Taylor both make enticing, attractive options in the form of the Hummingbird Studio Rosewood, Songwriter Standard, and Grand Pacific models. And anyone who dares get tangled in this cage match must face off with the most legendary rosewood-and-spruce dreadnought of all, the Martin D-28. Guild has always had a seat at this table thanks to the D-50 and D-55. Both models moved in and out of the lineup as Guild changed hands over the last few decades. Now, with Cordoba at the controls, the D-50 Standard is back in the fold.

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Designed to offer the ultimate Marshall Plexi emulation and fully-customizable amp-in-a-box experience.

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High-end playability distinguishes an entry-level Taylor that shines, for less than 800 bucks.

Crazy playability that matches much more expensive instruments. Excellent fit and finish. Super comfortable.

Midrange can dominate in strumming situations. Expression System 2 electronics highlight midrange emphasis.

$799

Taylor 112ce-S
taylorguitars.com

4.5
5
4
5

There’s nothing new about Taylor building great, affordable guitars. Even instruments like the modest GS Mini always feel inviting and capable of inspired musical moments. The build-quality in these Tecate, Mexico-constructed guitars always impresses, too. But taking a spin with the new 112ce-S suggests that Taylor has reached another level of balance to go with their sense of affordable guitar craft.

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