Hello -
Well the old 1965 D-40 is now in my possession, safe and sound after being shipped all the way across the country.
My impressions - it certainly has had the snot played out of it. It's one of those guitars that I wish could tell its story - is all the wear and tear from good, honest playing time, or was the guitar abused and beaten-up? In any case, it has an excess of character!
One thing I noticed right off the bat is that it is NOT your typical "built like a tank" Guild dreadnought. The guitar is actually quite light and has a nice thin neck. The action is very low and I may need to have the action adjusted for my rather heavy attack. I suspect the bridge was shaved at some point. It also has a small crack just below the treble side of the bridge which seems unstable and may need to be cleated.
But the D-40 is no slouch in the tone department - it has a very pleasing woody tone, much as I would expect from an well-seasoned 'hog guitar. I wouldn't describe it as a cannon, but it has plenty of presence and punch.
So I'm going to let the old gal settle into being an East Coast axe and give her plenty of break-in time before I have any work done on her. I'm pretty confident she's going to be a keeper. Steve and "refret", thanks for giving me the opportunity to own a great old Guild.
Regards -
Dan
Well the old 1965 D-40 is now in my possession, safe and sound after being shipped all the way across the country.
My impressions - it certainly has had the snot played out of it. It's one of those guitars that I wish could tell its story - is all the wear and tear from good, honest playing time, or was the guitar abused and beaten-up? In any case, it has an excess of character!
One thing I noticed right off the bat is that it is NOT your typical "built like a tank" Guild dreadnought. The guitar is actually quite light and has a nice thin neck. The action is very low and I may need to have the action adjusted for my rather heavy attack. I suspect the bridge was shaved at some point. It also has a small crack just below the treble side of the bridge which seems unstable and may need to be cleated.
But the D-40 is no slouch in the tone department - it has a very pleasing woody tone, much as I would expect from an well-seasoned 'hog guitar. I wouldn't describe it as a cannon, but it has plenty of presence and punch.
So I'm going to let the old gal settle into being an East Coast axe and give her plenty of break-in time before I have any work done on her. I'm pretty confident she's going to be a keeper. Steve and "refret", thanks for giving me the opportunity to own a great old Guild.
Regards -
Dan
