I know the D4 wasn't one of the exotic Guild models, but there are some strange characteristics I can't seem to find answers for. First, on the serial number label inside, it's referred to as a "D4-NT". Also, according to Guild, the serial number doesn't match any D4s built. Second, it's an acoustic/electric, but I can't get any answer from anyone at FMI about the electronics (the front shoulder strap button doubles as the receptacle for the amplifier cable plug. Third, my D4-NT has a satin finish. I purchased the guitar in 1994. Can anyone answer any of my questions? Thanks!
My Mysterious D4
- Thread starter DutchsFan
- Start date
Qvart
Senior Member
DutchsFan said:
The electronics sound like they were added. "NT" stands for "natural top." Satin finish is standard. What's the serial number?
hansmoust
Enlightened Member
DutchsFan said:
Hello DutchsFan,
Welcome! I might be able to help you with some of your questions.
First, the NT-suffix as part of the model designation stands for a D-4 with a 'Natural Top'.
You need to give me the complete serial number to help you with any information about that. As far as the electronics are concerned, it sounds like they were added after the guitar left the factory.
The 'satin finish' was standard for the D-4. If it had a 'gloss' finish, the model designation would have been D4-NT-HG ( for 'high gloss').
Sincerely,
Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl
The serial number of my D4-NT is CF006703. When I bought the guitar new from the dealer, he said it as an acoustic/electric.
When looking inside the sound hole, I can't see any wiring. To be honest, I haven't used a small mirror to peak at the backside of the strap stub. If it's aftermarket, it's the cleanest and most discreet installation I've ever seen.
When looking inside the sound hole, I can't see any wiring. To be honest, I haven't used a small mirror to peak at the backside of the strap stub. If it's aftermarket, it's the cleanest and most discreet installation I've ever seen.
Qvart
Senior Member
DutchsFan said:
That's one for Hans since it's just beyond the ending number for '93 and they changed the letter prefix in '94.
hansmoust
Enlightened Member
DutchsFan said:
First the serial number: That's a number for the second half of 1993. There's an ink-stamped date on one of the beveled edges of the neckblock, which should be visible through the soundhole; it's usually on the treble side. This is not the date of manufacture, but the date the rim was completed in the 'body shop'. Anyway, I would think the date in your guitar should be somewhere around July or August 1993.
Second the transducer:
DutchsFan said:
When you mentioned that, I more or less assumed that they had added a strap button on the shoulder of the guitar, that doubled as the output jack for the transducer. Guild would never do that. Now that I think about it, you probably mean that they added a 'shoulder strap' button, that doubled as an output jack, to the 'bottom' of the guitar.
The D4 was available with a Fishman transducer ( with or without a pre-amp). If that was the case, the model designation on the label should read D4-E-NT ( 'E' for electric). Sometimes, when they had an order for a guitar with a transducer, they would take an already finished acoustic from inventory, a transducer was installed in 'final assembly, and the guitar would be shipped to the dealer without the 'E' being added to the label. It should not have happened but sometimes it did.
If you find the ink-stamped date on the neckblock, let us know what it says!
Sincerely,
Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl