Bob Marley’s Favorite Songwriting Guitar Gets Reworked by Guild

Guild A-20 Marley
Guild A-20 Marley (Image credit: Guild)

As far back as the 1960s, Guild acoustic guitars have been spotted in the hands of world-famous songwriters such as Paul Simon and Tim Buckley. While they are among some of the most underrated quality vintage guitars available, the brand continues to build flat-tops of outstanding value.

In tribute to Bob Marley, Guild have just launched the A-20 Marley as part of their Westerly Collection – a nod to the songwriter’s Madeira A-20 dreadnought he used to pen many of his famous hits throughout the ‘70s. 

Much like Martin’s Sigma brand Guild’s Madeira range of imported guitars were less expensive than their US-built counterparts. Similarly, Guild’s Chinese-made A-20 Marley is currently priced at a very reasonable $555. 

Guild Madeira ad

(Image credit: Guild)

Constructed using a solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, 25½ inch scale mahogany neck, and mahogany back and sides the A-20 Marley features a 20-fret Pau Ferro fingerboard and Pau Ferro bridge. Subtle in its appearance an inlay at the 12th fret reads “Marley” while a natural satin polyurethane finish completes the guitar’s classic understated look.

“Wherever Daddy went, his guitar was right beside him,” recalls Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley. “The guitar he used at home for his songwriting through the ‘70s was a Guild. We found a way to recreate this guitar for a new generation so they could share in the same joy my father had.”

For more information on the A-20 Marley visit Guild's website here.

Rod Brakes

Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as GuitaristTotal Guitar, Guitar WorldGuitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.