In the '60s and '70s, Guild was an accessible choice for simple, unassuming and affordable American-made flat-tops. These well-made guitars inspired everything from protest songs to rock and roll epics. Although they capture much of the same mojo and refined tone you expect from a vintage guitar, today's collector market just doesn't prize these instruments as much as other brands (that may be perceived as more high end). But that's not such a bad thing, is it? These great-sounding guitars are some of the best value you'll find in any shop.
Guild introduced the D-40 in 1963, and through the '70s and '80s, it remained Guild's top-of-the-line Mahogany dreadnought. It has a 25-1/2" scale length, and the body measures 15-3/4" wide. While other guild dreadnoughts had arched laminate backs, most D-40s feature flat mahogany backs that are solid.
This 1972 Guild D-40 "Bluegrass Jubilee" was made in Westerly, Rhode Island. It is in playable condition with just the right amount of wear (especially around the pickguard, on the back, and the back of the neck—see photos). Its bridge has been re-glued, and it sports a non-original saddle, but it plays well with medium action. Its original frets are clean with plenty of life left, and it still has its original tuning machines, too. Under the hood, a previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini pickup, and it has a strap button drilled into the heel.
In Guild catalogs, the D-40 was known as the "Bluegrass Jubilee." For a Spruce-top Mahogany dreadnought, that's an apt description—this '72 D-40 would be a great flat-pickers guitar, but it would also accompany voice well. Its tone is warm and rich with more subtlety than cut—honestly, it'll shine in every setting. This D-40 includes a vintage Guild case that may be original, but for some reason it has the warranty card from a 1985 D-212 Sunburst.