D35 or D40? I'm Stumped!

Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Looking at a guitar dated to 1972, missing label. Headstock looks like a D35, but binding is white like a D40.

I know there were variations at times, but the wood headstock with the gold decal makes me think 35. Of course, the binding may have been replaced at some point I guess. Is it possible it's a 40?

Thanks,
Bill
 

SFIV1967

Venerated Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2010
Messages
18,442
Reaction score
8,956
Location
Bavaria / Germany
Guild Total
8
Welcome to LTG! Yes, it would be a D-40. Here's a 1972 D-40 (S/N 62664) headstock, they had no Chesterfield inlay for some time.

1614534377427.png


Also compare the rosette, that should tell you 100%.

D-35 left vs. D-40 right:

1614534672856.png
1614534726624.png


1972 serial numbers are from 61464 to 75602.

Ralf
 
Last edited:
Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I have read that a neck reset for Guild can be higher than other builders. Is that true and who do members go to?
 

SFIV1967

Venerated Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2010
Messages
18,442
Reaction score
8,956
Location
Bavaria / Germany
Guild Total
8
I have read that a neck reset for Guild can be higher than other builders. Is that true and who do members go to?
That's a claim many repeat, it's mostly due to the wider neck pocket a Guild usually has compared to like a Martin. But in general luthiers who know it know very well how to reset a Guild. It depends a bit where you are located, we have members almost everywhere, so for sure can give good advise, so let us know in which general area you are located. (And yes, Jacobs Custom Guitars is great, he actually worked in the Guild factory in Westerly).
Ralf
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Thanks folks, I hope to check it out later today. Your advice is very much appreciated.
Bill
 

JohnG.

Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2020
Messages
180
Reaction score
56
Location
NJ
Guild Total
3
Is this the one in NY with the lifted bridge?
 

Br1ck

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2014
Messages
1,671
Reaction score
1,414
Location
San Jose, Ca
FYI, my D 35 has a rosette like the D 40 pictured above, minus the outer ring. 7 ply with the middle ring thicker black. 1970.
 

JohnG.

Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2020
Messages
180
Reaction score
56
Location
NJ
Guild Total
3
Im sorry, that was a good price. Hang in there you will find one.
 
Top