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.
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.
3. Other than the seam separation, binding is tight.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
8. Though certainly not beauteous, the crack is solid, smooth, and conveniently located under one's arm. Possibly resprayed top?
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.)
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...