I just inherited a vintage D40 from a family member that passed away and was hoping someone could help shed some light on it, I know it is a D40 from the sticker but the serial number begins with a CVM and I can not seem find any info on serial starting with these letters. I also cannot seem to find info on a red version of it further adding to my confusion. I am not sure if it was a limited run, custom, or even refinished. I have next to no knowledge of Guilds other than my research on this forum today so any help would be greatly appreciated
Vintage red D40 Need help identifying
- Thread starter Mmckeon99
- Start date
GardMan
Enlightened Member
Welcome to LTG! Looks to me like your D-40 is from the Corona, CA factory, probably built in the early-mid 2000s, after Guild left Westerly, RI and before Fender moved them again to Tacoma, WA. I am sure that others could give you a better estimate of the build date if you provided the SN...
It would have solid spruce (likely Sitka) top and solid mahogany back and sides, with rosewood fretboard and bridge.
It would have solid spruce (likely Sitka) top and solid mahogany back and sides, with rosewood fretboard and bridge.
SFIV1967
Venerated Member
Welcome to LTG! Depending on the serial number your Guild D-40 was built in the Fender factory in Corona/CA either in 2002 or in 2003.
Just as example, a serial number CVM000386 and anything smaller (and some higher) were built in 2002 and CVM 000646 was already built in 2003. Just to give a rough idea. Our resident Guild expert Hans Moust can date the year exactly if you provide the number.
Here's what the 2003 catalog said about the D-40, so yours has a "Trans Red finish", where Trans stands for transparent. This was a standard catalog finish for the model. But not too many exist in that color from Corona I'd say.
All solid wood. A very fine guitar!
Ralf
Just as example, a serial number CVM000386 and anything smaller (and some higher) were built in 2002 and CVM 000646 was already built in 2003. Just to give a rough idea. Our resident Guild expert Hans Moust can date the year exactly if you provide the number.
Here's what the 2003 catalog said about the D-40, so yours has a "Trans Red finish", where Trans stands for transparent. This was a standard catalog finish for the model. But not too many exist in that color from Corona I'd say.
All solid wood. A very fine guitar!
Ralf
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SFIV1967
Venerated Member
Now that's just in between the numbers I had, so only Hans can answer, stay tuned. I still bet it is from 2002 as only the early models had that special Fender "Hand-Crafted" marking on them. The D-40 shipped in quite high volume in 2002.
In the meantime, here are the full specifications:
Model Name: D40
Model Number: 380-0100-(Color#)
Category: Traditional Dreadnought Guitars
Body Style: Dreadnought
Scale Length: 25 5/8"
Top: Solid Spruce
Bracing: Hand Shaved
Back: Solid Mahogany Back
Sides: Solid Mahogany Sides
Neck: Mahogany
Width at Nut: 1-11/16"
Fingerboard: Rosewood (12" Radius)
Frets: 20
Bridge: Rosewood
Hardware: Chrome
Tuning Machines: Grover Chrome Plated Die-cast Tuners
Pickups: Optional
Controls: N/A
Pickup Switching: N/A
Finish: High Gloss (Nitro-cellulose Lacquer)
Colors: (806) Black, (821) Natural, (837) Antique Burst, (838) Red Transparent
Other Features: Pearl Dot Position Inlays,
Multiple Bindings,
Classic Guild Rosette,
Tortiose Shell Pickguard
Case: Includes C4520 Deluxe Hardshell Case, p/n 3501075207
U.S. MSRP: $1,499.99
Options: D40 with Fishman Matrix Natural 1 Transducer, p/n 380-0105, $1,899.99
Strings: Replace with Guild L350 Phosphor Bronze, p/n 3500350000, Gauges .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, .053
Source: U.S.
Introduced: 1/2002
Discontinued: 12/2003
Ralf
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Bonneville88
Senior Member
Mmckeon99, welcome to LTG! Been reading with interest,
as I have the same guitar - yours is only the 2nd one I've seen.
Serial on mine is CVM000880.
Noting Ralfs observation, my guitar does not have the "Hand-Crafted" stamp.
My guitar is not high-gloss, it's a satin finish, looks to be the same sheen as some other
Corona instruments I have.
as I have the same guitar - yours is only the 2nd one I've seen.
Serial on mine is CVM000880.
Noting Ralfs observation, my guitar does not have the "Hand-Crafted" stamp.
My guitar is not high-gloss, it's a satin finish, looks to be the same sheen as some other
Corona instruments I have.
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lcjones
Member
Welcome to the club. An amazing gift to receive. Boy, am I ever a sucker for a red guitar! That is a stunning D40. My 74 D25 Cherry and 80 D212 Cherry are both much darker.
Love my reds!
Nice guitar! Enjoy it! I certainly can't add anything to Ralf's post!
walrus
walrus
Thanks again everyone for your help I think that's about all the info I could have hoped for short of the guy who made its name and ssn. I agree the red is beautiful, my uncle had a ton of guitars most of which were sold off so we had no idea which one was left for us and we could not be happier.