D40 questions

[Cashdog]

Hey guys. New member here, and proud owner of a 73 D25.

I've been on the prowl for another Guild lately, and have found a 77 D40 a couple towns over. Original owner says it's in great shape, just the normal wear and tear. Had the bridge reglued, saddle
and nut replaced back in the 90's. Under bridge pickup was installed at that time, but that's not really anything I need as I only play acoustic right now. Had it refretted a couple years ago. Asking $1200. Seems reasonable, especially if he would take a little less, but I wanted to see what people here thought.

I've read about some of the changes In construction Guild made in the mid seventies, so I'm assuming this one will probably be a little heavier than my D25. How would the neck compare?

If you were in my position would you want this one, or am I better of holding out for a rosewood dread since the D25 is all Hog. I've also located a D50 BS nearby, but that ones gonna cost a little more.

Thanks for the help.
Mark

 

[bluesypicky]

Welcome Cashdog!
You already have a bastion of the Guild brand with the D25, and let me ask since 1973 is a transition year for the D25, is yours a flat or arched back?
The D40 is certainly another bastion that I am very interested in, as a mahogany sound lover. I have never owned one but know a few that did, and who regret having sold/traded/let it go.
I can only assume here, again based on what I heard, that the D40 sound is very different from an all hog D25.
I know you will get better feedback from D40 owners, or past owners (Dave?) soon.....

 

[dreadnut]

$1,200 sounds a bit steep to me. My advice would be to keep your eyes open for a DV-52, a rosewood dread with deluxe appointments, that can often be had for under $1,000. They were only produced in the '90's, and only at the Westerly, RI factory. You can read lots of threads about the DV-52 here at LTG, several of us think this is the best deal going in the vintage market.

Plus, I enjoyed getting a rosewood model as opposed to another mahogany.

Not that there is anything wrong with a D-40, either, they're real workhorses and they have great tone.

 

[bluesypicky]

Couldn't agree more with Dread's DV 52 statement....... :wink:

 

[Cashdog]

Blues - my D25 is the flat backed version.

I have read a few threads on here regarding the DV-52, only trouble is I can't find one locally. I guess if they come that highly recommended I shouldn't be to worried about not getting my hands on it first. I was originally thinking D50 or D55, but then I found the D40 pretty close by.

I don't think I have to explain to anyone on here how difficult it is to wait for the right deal once the bug bites. I passed up a real nice F112 a week or two ago. Looked real nice all over till I noticed the 5-6" parallel cracks on the back of the neck. The GAS has only gotten worse since that one.

 

[killdeer43]

The GAS has only gotten worse since that one.

Welcome to the gang of the GASsed, Cashdog.
The main problem with GAS is that it never gets better and there's no known cure. 12-step programs are useless for this malady.
On the other hand, when you're here, you know you're not alone! :wink:

Guilded and GASsed,
Joe

 

[bluesypicky]

Blues - my D25 is the flat backed version.

That makes us flattie brothers.... Mine is a year older than yours, but I know in 73, some arched backs started popping up until they became the only option in 74.
A far as your conundrum, I say go see the D40 and if you really fall in love with it (I think like Dread that it is a bit steep at $1200) then try getting it at the best price you can, and then, start looking for a DV52!

 

[6L6]

Absolutely LOVE my '74 D-40 (bought it new!).

I agree that $1200 is on the high side. $850 is more in the proper range.

6

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

You have an great Hog Guild in your D-25.
A DV52 or a D50 in Rosewood would be a nice companion for it.
A D40 would also be a very nice addition but for me, I like to have guitars with different woods.

 

[Pike]

Hi Cashdog, I have owned two D40's, a '76 and my present second version '99. The '99 is lighter, more resonant, and better sounding than the '76 was. I also played a Tacoma built D40, which was again lighter and better sounding than the '76. Hope this helps...

 

[dreadnut]

Aw what the heck, just get one of each! :lol:

You thought you were coming here for help? We'll just add more fuel to the GAS fire

 

[Cashdog]

Sounds like everybody thinks 1200 is a little high. Guess I'll find out if he's willing to come off of that very much. It is about a 2 hour drive, but he's heading my direction in a couple weeks so we were going to try and meet somewhere. If the price is firm I guess I won't bother with that one.

So who's ready to sell their DV52?

 

[bluesypicky]

So who's ready to sell their DV52?

Good luck with that one..... but from what I heard, your chances to scoop one up around here are slim ......

 

[Cashdog]

Yeah, that's kinda what I figured.

 

[JerryR]

Welcome Cashdog - your flatback D25 is more like the D35 than the later archback 25 (except that has a spruce top), and the D40 is like teh D35 but with more 'extras'. Assuming you live in the US of A the $1,200 is probably a high price, although over here it would be a good price

 

[Nigel Wickwire]

Here's a link to a Tacoma D-50, for sale by an LTGer:

http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=16366&start=0

This is a very good price IMHO.

I'd put this D-50 up against a DV-52, any day.


Food for thought...........


Cheers,

~nw

 

[Pike]

I'd put this D-50 up against a DV-52, any day.

I hate to say it, but honestly the Tacoma D50 I played (hand picked by Chuck at Apple music) sounded better than both the Westerly and Corona D50's and both DV52's I owned. Actually the '80 Westerly D50 was so quiet, I didn't keep it very long at all.

 

[Cashdog]

Thanks for all the input guys. I've been in contact with Kevin about his D50 and it sounds like quite a deal. Only thing I'm fighting with on that one is the DTAR. I don't have any need to plug it in, and probably wouldn't ever use it.

 

[evenkeel]

Only thing I'm fighting with on that one is the DTAR. I don't have any need to plug it in, and probably wouldn't ever use it.

Even if you never plug her in I'd not worry about the Dtar. Very well thought of systems that will likely help with re-sale value should that ever come to pass.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Only thing I'm fighting with on that one is the DTAR. I don't have any need to plug it in, and probably wouldn't ever use it.

Even if you never plug her in I'd not worry about the Dtar. Very well thought of systems that will likely help with re-sale value should that ever come to pass.

My 05 D-55 came with a pick up.
I don't use it but as you stated, it may help with resale one day.