NGD: 67 D-40

Sats

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Just purchased a 1967 D-40 from the nice folks at Guitar Hangar in CT.
Oh my! This is the 'punchiest' Guild I've ever owned – loud, bright (in a good way), articulate, and lightweight.
This 4.8 pounder will knock you out!

Guild_67-D-40-1.png

And... how 'bout that label..!

Guild_67-D-40-2.jpg
 

Heath

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Interesting, I have a ‘66 but with the “newer” Hoboken label.
 

HeyMikey

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Oh my. A Hobo D40. That looks like a really nice one. Not something you see hanging around every day.

Must see more pictures…
 

hansmoust

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Just purchased a 1967 D-40 from the nice folks at Guitar Hangar in CT.
Oh my! This is the 'punchiest' Guild I've ever owned – loud, bright (in a good way), articulate, and lightweight.
This 4.8 pounder will knock you out!

And... how 'bout that label..!
Hello Sats,

Beautiful instrument! Without being able to look at some of the details I would think that this guitar was repaired or restored by Guild around 1970. Can you show us some close up photos of the front of the body and both sides of the headstock?

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

Sats

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Sorry for the delay in posting! (And hope this isn't too long.)

OK, 10 pics to follow, and perhaps a clue for Hans...

1. Haven't taken this to my luthier yet (shoutout to Guitarhouse Workshop in Columbus, OH), but the top is pretty solid, other than
the (repaired) crack in the left lower bout. Appearance of the crack and surrounding finish differs depending on the light.

1967_D-40_1.jpg

2. No cracks here, though might have a loose brace somewhere. The dark spot near the neck joint is there (not a shadow).
Don't know its cause.

1967_D-40_2.jpg

3. Other than the seam separation, binding is tight.

1967_D-40_3.jpg

4. A little wear around the sound hole, and though it doesn't show much, the pickguard has let go in a couple of spots.
OK for now though.

1967_D-40_4.jpg

5. Everything seems intact with the headstock. No signs of repair. Veneer is well attached. I haven't checked under the truss rod cover. (FYI, I received the guitar, played it that evening, then have been out of town, so haven't really gone through it yet.)

1967_D-40_5.jpg

6. Again, all seems well. The little marks below the volute are a string of dots(?) pressed into the finish (not sure what would cause that), but the finish itself and wood beneath look OK to me.

1967_D-40_6.jpg

7. Bridge is solid, no bellying. Saddle is low, though overall action is good by me. I'm not seeing a reset in the immediate future, thankfully. You can see a little better where the pickguard is lifting.

1967_D-40_7.jpg

8. Though certainly not beauteous, the crack is solid, smooth, and conveniently located under one's arm. Possibly resprayed top?

1967_D-40_8.jpg

9. And about the clue for Hans:
(If I may presume), your post makes me think that the label was replaced if/when the guitar was repaired by Guild.
This pic shows a possible bit of glue residue (maybe?) that would coincide with the size and position of the original label.
Very interested in hearing your conclusions!
(Disclosure: I slightly darkened the residue spot in Photoshop to make it more visible.)

1967_D-40_9.jpg

10. And a bit of indulgence: Since I was taking pictures of the D-40 for this post, I took another of my collection Guild dreads.
I am so thankful!
Starting at noon in the photo:
- 1975 D-35
- 1966 D-44
- 1972 D-44M
- 1980 D-40
- 1967 D-40 (shown above)
- 1974 D-40
- 1968 D-25
Each has its own voice. Even among the D-40s: the 67 is light, bright, and punchy; the 74 has a more modest balance, and is very articulate; and the 80 is a bruiser - not as much definition, but a big midrange punch! I love them all...

1967_D-40_10.jpg
 

GardMan

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Looks like a replacement bridge? '67 should have a thru saddle....
 

Norrissey

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That looks like an absolutely wonderful set of Guild dreads thanks for sharing . . . but you left out the DV-52!
 

dpc915

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Amazing. I had my eye on that ! Congrats
 

HeyMikey

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Nice review and pictures a they show the guitar well. That “Wheel of Guilds” photo is very cool. Frame and hang it!
 

BradHK

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Beautiful Guitar! I also love the “Wheel of Guilds”.

Those tuners are my favorite Guild branded tuners. I have them on a 1970 Starfire IV and they look and work great. The tuner buttons (to me) look like they are shaped like the profile of the top of the Guild headstock. What year were these tuners used? I thought they were used from around 1969-1973 or so but these look original and this is a 1967. That‘s earlier than I thought but I learn something new about vintage Guilds every day!
 

hansmoust

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Hello Sats,

Beautiful instrument! Without being able to look at some of the details I would think that this guitar was repaired or restored by Guild around 1970.
Already noticed the placement of an earlier label in your first photo. As I said, I believe that your D-40 was repaired by Guild during 1970 and most likely it did get the replacement bridge that is on there now; the new label was most likely placed at that same time.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

beecee

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I like those tuners!!

Beautiful spruce top too!!

Enjoy!
 

D30Man

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That top has a tint to it that almost gives it a cedar-esque appearance. Love the grain and the look overall. Great find! Congrats!!!
 
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