So what exactly is the difference between the D-40 and D-35?

adorshki

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Does a 70 D 40 have different binding from a 70 D 35? My 70 D 35 has, from the inside, w/b/w thin strips plus a thicker black binding on the outside. It is interesting that threads like this make you take a good look at your guitar. Prior to this, I couldn't have told you.
As far as I know, D40's always had a white layer on the outermost edge (including the back binding):
1970-guild-d-40nt-bluegrass-jubilee-nat-8XrfprQ.jpg


Also D40's had fancier rosettes:
1970-guild-d-40nt-bluegrass-jubilee-nat-Wkzq4gs.jpg


D35:
pZ3Vw0B.jpg
 
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Br1ck

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The pics above seem to validate the D 35s got the inferior spruce, like my D 35's bearclaw. Look at those tone killing stripes in the spruce!
 

adorshki

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The pics above seem to validate the D 35s got the inferior spruce, like my D 35's bearclaw. Look at those tone killing stripes in the spruce!
😀
Seriously though I don't think the stripes are tone killers, just variations in lignin concentration. Lignins are the second-most concentrated element in wood after cellulose.

I suspect the stripes may be one of the fine distinctions between AAA and AA, though, as my AA D40 has stripes and magnificent silking, albeit there's a couple of wide bands that have a more ribbon-like appearance, so it's not as consistent across the top as the AAA F65ce which is totally consistent and has no stripes.

Also seem to recall hearing that color gets darker the closer to the heartwood, and the closer to the heartwood the better the suitability for tops, in any case. Somebody please correct me if I'm mistaken there.

Truth to tell I actually like the D40's top more, aesthetically, as it's much more interesting to look at. I once called it "whole grain" vs. the F65ce's "white bread" top. :)
 
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Neal

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My ‘73 D-35 has significant bear law in the top. I have always liked it, but realize that it was considered a flaw back then.

it also has black binding.
 

Grassdog

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1. D40 has a Chesterfield in headstock.

I don't think all D40's had Chesterfield headstocks. I used to own a '73 D40 which had the Guild dome top decal on the headstock, just like a D25 or D35. I've been trying to figure out if there was any rhyme or reason as to why some were given Chesterfields and some were not. Other than the headstock, I think all D40's had the same appointments.
 

Westerly Wood

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My new to me F30R has a sweet chesterfield. Just sayin. 😀

Really, one of nicest acoustics ever owned.
 
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