Need info on early seventies D40

[Wilmywood]

Re using an .010 set on a flattop, I use them on all my acoustics. It’s my preference given my light fingerpicking style. I of course still have to like the sound of the guitar, and if it sounds good with .010s, you can pretty much be assured it’s a stellar example of the breed. Added bonus: You’ll probably never need a neck reset!

I agree. Anyone who says .010s don't sound good on a flattop has never heard my '72 G37 with D'Addario .010s on it.

AND the neck is in great shape after 51 years!

 

[chazmo]

From the very beginning Guild gave guitars "Model names". Here the example of the December 1963 price list.



During the 70's Guild marketing dropped those names, hence the 1975 price list I showed you in post #8 above does not show those names.
The Guild Tacoma, WA factory restarted calling the D-40 as in the past, here the example of the February 2007 pricelist (and you see they refered to the 1963 model).



Ralf

Just to add a little bit to this... When Tacoma brought back the "Bluegrass Jubilee" and "Bluegrass Special" names for the D-40 and D-50, respectively, they were using exclusively red spruce (Adirondack) tops, not Sitka, which is what was used formerly. However, the Richie Havens signature D-40 was the only one out of Tacoma that had a Sitka spruce top. The situation became a bit more complex in New Hartford when the Standard Series was introduced, as I think all D-40 and D-50 Standards have Sitka (I'm not 100% sure). I'm not sure about the New Hartford Richie Havens model. But, I'm pretty sure that the "Bluegrass..." models from New Hartford were also red spruce.

This is rather confusing, I know, but just be aware when you look at these guitars post-Westerly that you might be looking at red spruce tops. I mean, it's great to me, but pay attention.