Vintage Guild Acoustic

[Dhamas]

So I was gifted this guitar from my step grandmother. I was told it was bought in the 70’s. I can’t find anything on it at all. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Dave.

 

[PreacherBob]

Greetings welcome! Your D40C SN dates to 1981. I believe the month day and year will be stamped inside on the neck block. I’m sure others will chime in shortly. Nice guitar!

 

[sailingshoes72]

Welcome to LTG. That's a good looking D-40C with a beautiful spruce top. The back and sides are solid mahogany. It is one of Guild's high quality dreadnaught guitars from that era. The FACTORY SECOND stamp in red indicates that there was a minor issue with the guitar in final production. Usually this doesn't affect the sound or structural integrity of the instrument and is often just a flaw in the finish. As PB noted in post #2, if you look inside the sound hole towards the neck, there should be a date stamped on the bevel of the neck block.

 

[PreacherBob]

Here is a late 70s D40C add. Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, 1 11/16” nut width, built in the early Westerly Rhode Island factory. I didn’t see a label inside yours, maybe fell out some time ago. It’s the iconic mahogany workhorse for Guild, but not many with the cutaway like yours. No real concern over the “Factory Second” stamp inside. Most were repaired before leaving the factory, but stamped to void a warranty and generally sold at a discounted price. Value is certainly a matter of perspective but I think about $1500 in very good condition is the fair market value today.

 

[chazmo]

^ Agreed with Bob. $1500 in VG condition, Dhomas, and no issues with the factory second stamp...

If you choose to sell, please consider our marketplace, but you'll need to join us for a while and post a bit before you can. Best wishes.

 

[Dhamas]

This guitar was given to me by my step grandmother who is currently dying of cancer. I’d never sell it. Thanks for all the info guys. I appreciate it.

 

[chazmo]

I'm sorry to hear about your step-GM, but I'm happy to hear you'll keep the guitar. Never sell the sentimental ones.

Anyway, it looks great from what I can tell, but I might be seeing something at the end of the fingerboard where neck dive occurs (because of the shifting of the neck block). I'm not sure from the photo. Anyway, I'd have that looked at carefully if you want it preserved for posterity.

 

[Dhamas]

I plan to take it somewhere and have it cleaned up and restrung. I’m terrified to do anything to it on my own. I’ve been playing that guitar off and on since I’ve been alive lol. Last year during a visit she brought it to me and said it’s yours. I actually cried. I’ve been playing it but now I’m torn on if should continue doing so.

 

[SFIV1967]

1981 catalog and March 1, 1981 price list:



Ralf

 

[Br1ck]

Time for a thorough checkup. Do everything needed at once and have a worry free 29 years.

 

[ReevesRd]

Nice D-40C! Welcome to LTG.

 

[Stuball48]

Play it - doubt anything would please her more.

 

[Fender1980]

It's a very nice guitar and thoughtful gift.

If it had a factory blemish or two, your grandmother kept it in great shape.

Do you play?