What is the body size of the Guild OM-140CE?

The OM-140CE features an Orchestra (OM) body size. This is a mid-sized design that offers a balance between portability and projection, making it more compact than a dreadnought.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of the OM-140CE?

The guitar is built with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany for the back and sides. This all-solid construction ensures a rich, resonant tone that typically improves as the wood ages.

Does the Guild OM-140CE include a case or bag?

Yes, this specific model comes bundled with a Guild gig bag. This provides basic protection and portability for the instrument during transport.

Which pickup system is installed in this guitar?

The OM-140CE is equipped with a Guild/Fishman GT-1 pickup system. It features discreet volume and tone controls located inside the soundhole to preserve the guitar's aesthetic.

What type of nut and saddle does the OM-140CE have?

The guitar uses a genuine bone nut and saddle. Bone is often preferred over plastic for its durability and its ability to provide better string vibration transfer to the bridge and neck.

Is the OM-140CE suitable for fingerpicking?

Yes, its balanced voice and clear highs make it excellent for fingerpicking. The Orchestra body shape is widely regarded by players as one of the best designs for articulate note definition.

How does the Venetian cutaway affect playability?

The Venetian cutaway provides a curved scoop out of the body at the neck joint. This allows the player's hand to easily reach the higher frets for lead lines or advanced chord voicings.

What is the scale length and fretboard material?

The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. These components contribute to a traditional feel and warm tonal response common in high-quality acoustic guitars.

Does this guitar have solid or laminate sides?

The Guild OM-140CE features all-solid construction, meaning both the back and the sides are made of solid African mahogany rather than laminated layers.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Guild OM-140CE is typically priced around £780 in the UK market. This price point includes the integrated electronics and the accompanying bag.

Are the electronics visible on the side of the guitar?

No, the Fishman GT-1 system is designed to be discreet. The controls are mounted inside the soundhole rim, avoiding the need for a large plastic preamp box to be cut into the mahogany side.

What kind of finish is applied to the OM-140CE Natural?

This model features a gloss finish in a Natural colour. The gloss protects the solid wood while highlighting the grain of the Sitka spruce and African mahogany.

Gear article

Guild OM-140CE Natural Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Guild OM-140CE is a versatile orchestra-sized acoustic-electric guitar featuring an all-solid wood construction. It combines a solid Sitka spruce top with solid African mahogany back and sides to provide a balanced tonal profile suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming.

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Overview and Construction

The Guild OM-140CE is designed as a mid-sized workhorse instrument that sits between smaller parlour guitars and larger dreadnoughts. Its primary construction consists of a solid Sitka spruce soundboard paired with solid African mahogany for the back and sides. This all-solid wood approach is a hallmark of the Guild Westerly Collection, intended to provide resonance and longevity.

The instrument features a Venetian cutaway, which grants the player easier access to the upper frets. Aesthetic and functional premium appointments include a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, a bone nut and saddle for improved vibration transfer, and mother-of-pearl decorative elements. The guitar is finished in a Natural gloss.

Electronics and Performance

For live applications, the OM-140CE is equipped with the Guild/Fishman GT-1 pickup system. This system is designed to maintain a discreet profile, with the volume and tone controls mounted inside the soundhole rather than being cut into the side of the guitar. The system aims to deliver a natural amplified tone that reflects the acoustic character of the spruce and mahogany body, making it suitable for stage use across various genres.

Sound Profile and Playability

The 'Orchestra' body shape provides a balanced voice that avoids the excessive bass boom often found in larger guitars. Its tonal character is defined by:

Highs: Clear and articulate, benefitting fingerstyle clarity.
Mids: Focused and punchy, helping the guitar cut through a mix.
Lows: Warm and controlled, providing a solid foundation without muddiness.

Because of this balance, the OM-140CE is equally effective for players who switch frequently between flatpicking, strumming, and intricate fingerstyle techniques.

Target Audience and Comparisons

The OM-140CE is positioned for intermediate to professional players who require an all-solid wood instrument at a competitive price point, typically around £780. While brands like Fender or Gibson offer various accessories such as the Fender Vintage Precision Bass Pickup Cover or the Gibson PRTR-040 Truss Rod Cover, the Guild OM-140CE serves as a complete performance solution including a bag. It compares favourably to laminate-sided alternatives by offering the increased harmonic complexity associated with solid African mahogany.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body size of the Guild OM-140CE?: The OM-140CE features an Orchestra (OM) body size. This is a mid-sized design that offers a balance between portability and projection, making it more compact than a dreadnought.
What tonewoods are used in the construction of the OM-140CE?: The guitar is built with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany for the back and sides. This all-solid construction ensures a rich, resonant tone that typically improves as the wood ages.
Does the Guild OM-140CE include a case or bag?: Yes, this specific model comes bundled with a Guild gig bag. This provides basic protection and portability for the instrument during transport.
Which pickup system is installed in this guitar?: The OM-140CE is equipped with a Guild/Fishman GT-1 pickup system. It features discreet volume and tone controls located inside the soundhole to preserve the guitar's aesthetic.
What type of nut and saddle does the OM-140CE have?: The guitar uses a genuine bone nut and saddle. Bone is often preferred over plastic for its durability and its ability to provide better string vibration transfer to the bridge and neck.
Is the OM-140CE suitable for fingerpicking?: Yes, its balanced voice and clear highs make it excellent for fingerpicking. The Orchestra body shape is widely regarded by players as one of the best designs for articulate note definition.
How does the Venetian cutaway affect playability?: The Venetian cutaway provides a curved scoop out of the body at the neck joint. This allows the player's hand to easily reach the higher frets for lead lines or advanced chord voicings.
What is the scale length and fretboard material?: The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. These components contribute to a traditional feel and warm tonal response common in high-quality acoustic guitars.
Does this guitar have solid or laminate sides?: The Guild OM-140CE features all-solid construction, meaning both the back and the sides are made of solid African mahogany rather than laminated layers.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Guild OM-140CE is typically priced around £780 in the UK market. This price point includes the integrated electronics and the accompanying bag.
Are the electronics visible on the side of the guitar?: No, the Fishman GT-1 system is designed to be discreet. The controls are mounted inside the soundhole rim, avoiding the need for a large plastic preamp box to be cut into the mahogany side.
What kind of finish is applied to the OM-140CE Natural?: This model features a gloss finish in a Natural colour. The gloss protects the solid wood while highlighting the grain of the Sitka spruce and African mahogany.