Need help getting info on a D40

[Bltprf502]

Well, I was in one of my favorite used guitar shops today and they had a nice D40 with sunburst and pickup and included factory case. It has some checking which I personally like. The saddle was interesting..probably stock but I am new to Guild so don't know. The saddle slot in the bridge looks normal, but the top of the saddle looks wide almost like the saddle has a roof or something. Pretty sure it Tusq. The shop guy thinks its a 90's model as it does have the Fender logo on the neck below the headstock. The serial number is CVM000386. The set up was not great, but I am good at fixing that. Being that serial did not bear a year code I was familiar with can anyone tell me its year? Is $800 too much to pay for this guitar? I'm not sure what the newer ones are in used value. The retail is quite high from what I can see on a brand new one....

Thanks for the help!

 

[adorshki]

CVM s/n's are absolutely Coronas, 2002-2005-"ish" while moving to Tacoma. I'm a proud owner of one of those D40's myself, s/n CVM000894. According to resident expert Hans Moust that places production of mine between late 'o3 to early 'o4 so I'm guessing yours is probably very early Corona production, like 2002. That's NOT a bad thing!
I know what you mean about the surprisingly thick saddle, mine has one too. As for set up, I originally thought that mine was set up a little high and stiff 'cause it was harder to play than my D25 which had the definitive "plays like butter" action right out of the box. I called it the "Fender setup" because it reminded me of an '82 Fender F210 acoustic that I'd once owned. (Stolen, which led me to Guilds in my search to replace it!) It actually took me about 4 years to finally figure out that all the set up specs were exactly the same as the D25's and according to Guild specs, but the neck itself was very slightly thicker (in cross section depth) than my (Westerly) D25's. Take a real close look at the neck and tell me if you can actually see it get a bit thicker right around the 3rd fret....
That's a Corona D40 all the way, all right!
If you played it I'm sure I don't need to say a thing... :lol:

 

[Bltprf502]

I found this on the web a few minutes ago where someone asked a similar question about a guitar that was only a few away from the one I was looking at.

The original Guild D-40 model was discontinued in 1991, and reintroduced in 2003. Guild moved to Corona in 1995, when they were acquired by Fender. So, yours can’t be older than 2003. At some point in 2005, Guild moved production of its Traditional and Contemporary series models to Tacoma, Washington, so it’s likely that yours is no newer than 2005.

Guild serial numbers are very difficult to trace, since they numbered instruments by model, not by general overall sequence. They also changed numbering systems frequently. I suspect that the “C” indicates Corona. The “VM” could be a date code of some kind, and the 000229 is probably the number of that particular model.

Guild has several versions of the D-40 available, and the “VM” might be a designation for a specific D-40 version, in which case, yours might be the 229th specimen of that particular version, not necessarily the 229th D-40 reissue.

You can find some history and some limited serial number information at http://www.guildguitars.com, but unfortunately, you won’t find your serial number there. There is a link to contact Guild, and you might try that. If you are the original owner, you should be covered by Guild’s warranty.

A recent edition of the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars prices a 100% condition D-40 of any age at $1275, and $950 for excellent (but not 100%), and $650 for average condition.

The current basic D-40 “Bluegrass Jubilee” has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1999, although they actually sell for substantially less. The fancier Richie Havens acoustic and acoustic-electric D-40 versions have a street price (new) of around $1350 - $1500. The slightly more basic model probably retails around $1200.

It’s a nice guitar. Hope this helps. Take care of it, and Have Fun with it,

Bill

 

[taabru45]

That's a Corona D40 all the way, all right!
If you played it I'm sure I don't need to say a thing... :lol:


......Except maybe, pass the plum sauce.........its a personal thing around here sometimes....there are some of us who along with our Guilds, love Chinese.... :wink: Steffan

 

[adorshki]

I found this on the web a few minutes ago where someone asked a similar question about a guitar that was only a few away from the one I was looking at.

Guild moved to Corona in 1995, when they were acquired by Fender. So, yours can’t be older than 2003.

Just flat out wrong!!! We already know that s/n is lower than mine, which was PURCHASED NEW IN Oct. 'o4!! Guild Production finished in Westerly in '01. Production was already up and running in Corona in '02. Trust me I KNOW because of my F65ce and letter from Fender and email from Hans Moust.

"Guild serial numbers are very difficult to trace, since they numbered instruments by model, not by general overall sequence. They also changed numbering systems frequently. I suspect that the “C” indicates Corona. The “VM” could be a date code of some kind, and the 000229 is probably the number of that particular model."

Kinda true but exaggerated and further degraded by speculation. We know s/n histories are flawed but that comment about "VM" and 000229 being a model number is garbage. The basic truth is there ain't no official records since just before the close of Westerly.

"Guild has several versions of the D-40 available, and the “VM” might be a designation for a specific D-40 version, in which case, yours might be the 229th specimen of that particular version, not necessarily the 229th D-40 reissue.

Again pure speculation. Mine's a Richie Havens and there were only two models of D40's anyway.
And every Corona s/n I've seen is "CVM", it's how you know it's a Corona!
Yeah I got a little hot here but on this one I KNOW what I'm talkin' bout! And you deserve to know ACCURATE info about that '40!
And $800 seems a little high if its got checking. Good Luck whatever you do!

 

[Bltprf502]

This has a GORGEOUS SUnburst finish... Between a vintage style and Tea burst... Hard to explain.. Wonder what Guild called it? Is the price too high?

 

[adorshki]

oops

 

[adorshki]

This has a GORGEOUS SUnburst finish... Between a vintage style and Tea burst... Hard to explain.. Wonder what Guild called it? Is the price too high?

Probably "Antique Burst", the letters could be right behind the model # on the label.
See my post above for more info...

 

[adorshki]

oops again. :lol:

 

[Guest]

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[adorshki]

oops

oops again. :lol:

:lol: hmmm...wasn't feeling well earlier, but feel better now...thinking maybe a touch of 'foot in mouth' disease?...you know what mama said :wink:

Went in to "edit" my post but hit "quote" instead. Twice. :lol:
"Hoof'n'mouth". One of Cosby's finest. Up there with "Noah" and "Why is there air?" Yep, trying to give you a nostalgia attack and see if you can find 'em,if the names don't cause instant recall! Have a great one, I'm off for the weeknend now!
WAIT, ALMOST FORGOT! HOW's THE '16??? Do you like that slender little neck? You know I'm a notorious neck man myself! :lol: (not a veer since it reflects back on observations about fat necks on other guitars mentioned in this thread) :lol:

 

[Guest]

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[Bltprf502]

Wow. An American made guitar with solid woods and a sunburst is priced too high at $800? Man there must be some bargains out there. I have been a member of the Tacoma forum for a while and I can see why theirs gets killed in value with the plagued finish issues, but the Guild? Interesting. As I said I am here to learn.. Seems to be an interesting cult with some detailed specifics. Also seems like some bargains to be had....

 

[hansmoust]

The shop guy thinks its a 90's model as it does have the Fender logo on the neck below the headstock. The serial number is CVM000386.

Hello Bltprf502,

Welcome! The D-40 you've been looking at is definitely from 2002

The basic truth is there ain't no official records since just before the close of Westerly.

Hello adorshki,

There were complete records available in Westerly going back to the '70s up till they closed in 2001. They were the actual ledgers that were kept by the person who was in control of the serial numbers in the finishing dept. It's just that the subsequent Guild owners never bothered to go back to this original material and consequently the 'official' serial number lists are seriously lacking.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Bltprf502]

Thanks Hans! I've heard great things about you and your knowledge of Guild guitars. I appreciate the post regarding my interest.

 

[Bltprf502]

A few more questions?

I was curious as to what the top wood was made of when I played it. It was set up with extra light because the original owner was much older and only played plugged in a church. Like I said, it needs a set up and at least 12-54 strings maybe 13-56.... That said the grain was pretty wide on the outer portions and fin grained on the inside like it should be. Are the Adi spruce or Sitka? It appears they have been both over the years. The new 2010 D40 has Adi from what I have see on the web. We no longer have a new, stocking dealer around here. Thanks again for the help

 

[yettoblaster]

My FMIC Tacoma made D40 is Adirondak. They have spec'd red Spruce for quite a while.

Mine has some wide grain at the perimeter and some darker streaks here and there. Good cross-silk too. Red spruce braces too on these. Sounds great. Different from Sitka or Engleman.

My ol' '61 J-45 was Adirondak with bearclaws, but my Guild is very straight grained.

 

[Bltprf502]

So are the Corona's Adi or Sitka?

Hey Yettoblatser... You live in SC... Do you own one? I mean a SCGC guitar? I have a D/PW custom with Carpathian spruce top. Its a Bluegrass machine for sure.

 

[yettoblaster]

So are the Corona's Adi or Sitka?

Hey Yettoblatser... You live in SC... Do you own one? I mean a SCGC guitar? I have a D/PW custom with Carpathian spruce top. Its a Bluegrass machine for sure.

I assume the Corona's were Adirondak too, as well as the last of the Westery made ones.

No, sad to say I've never owned a SCGC guitar, though I have played (and loved) tons of them at Sylvan Music, where I used to teach. Never could quite get the money together though I really believe they're worth every penny.

Back when Richard and Bruce started their shop and were still doing repairs a lot (before their model F hit, and later the Tony Rice), I frequently would hang out there on Saturdays if they were there and play their latest stuff, which was always a treat. I played their first F models, H models, and Tony Rices.

When Eric Clapton ordered an F model that really put them on the map, and later the Japanese bought a LOT of Tony Rice models, which sustained them during an otherwise lousy acoustic market and allowed them to expand into being a real factory with employees and all.

Over the years I have spoken to Richard Hoover on occasion at maybe an odd SCGC Christsmas party, or on the street, but he's quite busy now and so I haven't interacted with him much lately.

At one time we spoke about me getting on a waiting list for a "second," but I'm not sure they even do that anymore.

I do love their stuff though. If I had the dough I'd hoard them! And there's not many guitars I say that about.

It's just that it always seemed I was gigging, and that requires an electric (for me). So all my money went that way. Now however, I'm enjoying my D40 immensely. It's got me well covered for as much acoustic playing as I do. 'Coarse, that could change. :wink:

 

[Bltprf502]

Cool story. I hope you get one. If you are teaching at Sylvan you deserve one more than I do. I have had 5 of them (not at once) but have had a Tony Rice, H13, VJ, OMPW and now a custom D prewar. I love the one I have now, but my fave was the OMPW. My least favorite was the Tony Rice. My buddy had a HD-28 that just whipped the pant's off the TR I had. It was a used 2000 model that I traded for even. I had it a whole month before it was gone. I like the pre wars for sound and value. They are nice guitars, but not all of them for me. I am a dread and OM/OOO guy for the most part. I have a killer, very payed in Larrivee C-03 that is a great guitar that does not fit in either of those, but great for an all around guitar that plugs in well. My D prewar and my D28 compliment one another and not too much of a repeat at all. The Carpathian topped Cruz dread is loud clear and sounds vintage (for a modern guitar) and great for group picking. The D28 is a 91' model very warm, versatile, good in front of a mic and just sustain for days. Its one of the "good ones" I love mahogany, but as of now don't have a hog flat picker. For hog's I have a 65' M20, 2010 Silver Creek T-160 (Amazing for what it costs) and a Martin D-16GT that was a gift in 2007 from my parents. Its pretty good and has matured, but its pretty fundamental and will be my Son's some day to learn on. I was a late in life learner (been playing 5 years) and they bought it for me. I have been tickled pink with the 16, but as I said it aint no Cruz. For me different days, different guitars. It's a bad habit, but it keeps me out of trouble.