George M. Guild

Biography

George M. Guild entered into partnership with C. C. Briggs, Sr. in 1861, forming George M. Guild & Company; after their long partnership was later dissolved, the Guild piano continued under his name. Numerous patents were taken out for mechanical improvements to the instrument, and Guild himself is said to have been thoroughly practical in most respects. Among the inventions credited to his faculties are a stringing and tuning scheme, and a sounding-board and back arrangement described as an adaptation of an old theory to more modern conditions, later imitated in modified form by other firms. His instruments, sold to the trade at prices under those of the leading pioneer firms, were aimed at appealing to the masses, and the text credits the Guild piano as being, for its price and grade, up to the times, built by competent workmen of good material.

Highlights

• Partnered with C. C. Briggs, Sr. in 1861 to found George M. Guild & Company
• Inventions credited to him include a stringing and tuning scheme and a sounding-board and back arrangement
• Instruments sold to the trade at prices under the leading pioneer firms, aimed at the masses

Source

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 173, 174.

Public domain.