Any Information on D40

[Bikerdave]

I have never been in a forum before and am entirly new to this, but I am so glad I found you.I have been reading through a lot of the topics and it is so informative. Isn't the internet just a great tool.

I have acquired a Guild D40 No. 103342 and would like to find out a little bit more about it. The label says "Made in USA" but which factory and what year? It seems to be quite an old one and it has certainly been well used but has a fantastic full sound and beautiful clarity.

I would really like to know what wood is used for the top. The back and sides appear to be mahogany? I think!.... and the top has a deep orangey colour. Did Guild use adirondack for the tops back in the day? I am sure it will be a spruce of some sort.

I have seen picture of a 1974 Bluegrass Jubilee Guild and mine looks very similar though I suspect if it was one of these the label would indicate as such.

Anyway whatever it is I am just enjoying playing it, strumming mostly, but it has a great volume.

I was at one time going to part ex it in my local shop for a new Yamaha acoustic/electric but when the dealer said he'd do a straight swop, no problem, I got to thinking I had something special as indeed I'm sure I have, so I won't be parting with it any time soon.

I'de be grateful for any input on this guitar and could forward pics if neccessary.


Thanks a lot,

David

 

[BenF]

Guild website does indicate that your SN is 1974.

Welcome, from another newbie.

 

[twocorgis]

I have never been in a forum before and am entirly new to this, but I am so glad I found you.I have been reading through a lot of the topics and it is so informative. Isn't the internet just a great tool.

Welcome aboard David from the land of Corgis! Stick around; you'll like it here.

I have acquired a Guild D40 No. 103342 and would like to find out a little bit more about it. The label says "Made in USA" but which factory and what year? It seems to be quite an old one and it has certainly been well used but has a fantastic full sound and beautiful clarity.

I would really like to know what wood is used for the top. The back and sides appear to be mahogany? I think!.... and the top has a deep orangey colour. Did Guild use adirondack for the tops back in the day? I am sure it will be a spruce of some sort.

I have seen picture of a 1974 Bluegrass Jubilee Guild and mine looks very similar though I suspect if it was one of these the label would indicate as such.

Your serial number would date that guitar to 1974. It was built in the now gone Westerly Rhode Island plant that has become the stuff of legend in Guild circles. It has a Spruce top, and Mahogany back and sides, and is the same guitar that Richie Havens (amongst others) plays, and is a fine instrument. I have its Rosewood brother, the D50.

I was at one time going to part ex it in my local shop for a new Yamaha acoustic/electric but when the dealer said he'd do a straight swop, no problem, I got to thinking I had something special as indeed I'm sure I have, so I won't be parting with it any time soon.

Good job you didn't do that! I wouldn't swap a D40 for a Yamaha anything. Not that Yamahas are bad mind you; in fact they're excellent guitars for the money in most cases, but they're not the measure of any USA made Guild in my estimation. Hold onto it, and maintain it lovingly!

I'de be grateful for any input on this guitar and could forward pics if neccessary.

By all means, post pictures! Everybody here loves pictures. :lol:

 

[taabru45]

If you do ever have the thought of selling it, let the guys and gals here know 1st...then watch, I might remind you of a feeding frenzy, all of a sudden people will need one, and welcome...don't sell it. Buy more... :lol: :lol: :lol: Steffan

 

[killdeer43]

Another welcome, Dave, from the Northwest corner.
You'll have a good time here, so just stay tuned and stay IN tune.

Steffan's right about selling anything Guild....start right here, first! :wink:
Joe

 

[6L6]

I've owned my '74 D-40 since new. Serial #105676.

Incredible guitar in every respect!

Welcome to the Forum.

6

 

[eastcoastbuzz]

Welcome David,

Hang on to that guitar! The more you play it - the better it will sound! Enjoy!!

Greg

 

[adorshki]

HI DAVE, yep welcome aboard from another D40 owner!

 

[Scratch]

D40s rock. Welcome aboard David...

 

[Dr. Spivey]

Hi Dave, welcome to LTG.

D40's are one of Guild's most popular models. One of the best all purpose guitars out there.

I have seen picture of a 1974 Bluegrass Jubilee Guild and mine looks very similar though I suspect if it was one of these the label would indicate as such.
David

The Bluegrass Jubilee means nothing special, at least in the case of Westerly D40's. Guild gave most of their guitars a name and a model number. The name is normally not on the label.

 

[Bikerdave]

Well thanks everyone for all your input on my guitar. everyone here seems so friendly and knowledgeable.

I am especially pleased to hear it was built in the Westerly Rhode Island plant as I have heard so much about the legend that is Westerly.

I have been busy putting some pics together and have used photobucket for this.

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You can view them all at

http://s775.photobucket.com/albums/yy38 ... ild%20D40/

Thanks again

 

[killdeer43]

Dave,

That's a great looking D40 and it appears that it might have some serious MOJO embedded within.
If you ever get tired of it...... :wink:

Enjoy,
Joe

 

[chicagowineguy]

Wow that D40 appears to be in great shape! You have a beauty...don't let her go!

 

[evenkeel]

Welcome to the gang. Great looking D-40. Lets stick a pic up for all to see...

 

[Bikerdave]

Thanks evenkeel.

I was going to post a pic in my reply but didn't know how to do that. Can you enlighten me as to how to go about posting a pic.

Thanks

 

[killdeer43]

Thanks evenkeel.

I was going to post a pic in my reply but didn't know how to do that. Can you enlighten me as to how to go about posting a pic.

Thanks

Try this link, Dave.

http://www.letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18375

That should lead you there eventually.

Joe

 

[JerryR]

Hi David groesu y LTG

 

[dogberry]

I was at one time going to part ex it in my local shop for a new Yamaha acoustic/electric but when the dealer said he'd do a straight swop, no problem, I got to thinking I had something special as indeed I'm sure I have, so I won't be parting with it any time soon.

David

Oh man. When I read that part of your post, my heart stopped, and didn't restart until I got to the part when you said you're not parting with it. Don't sell, swap or otherwise let go of that D40 - unless it's to one of us! Welcome to LTG, and enjoy that guitar - it's a keeper.
Dogberry

 

[sweetie82om]

Hi David,

Welcome to LTG as well from another newbie, and I live about a mile from the ole Westerly plant.

I just bought a westerly-made D-40 'burst, and can say that I'll never part with it - I just love it!

-Dana

 

[Bikerdave]

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