Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,277
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Guild D40 6 String". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Guild D40 6 String is a tribute to classic craftsmanship, echoing the legacy of Guild's iconic dreadnoughts. Crafted in Guild's Oxnard, California factory, this acoustic powerhouse is designed by renowned luthier Ren Ferguson. The guitar boasts an all-solid-tonewood construction, with a robust solid Sitka spruce top complemented by solid mahogany back and sides, delivering an expansive tonal range ideal for both solo performances and vocal accompaniment.
The D40's C-profile mahogany neck feels substantial yet comfortable in your hands, and its Indian rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability. The inclusion of scalloped Sitka spruce bracing enhances the guitar's power and responsiveness, making each strum resonate with clarity and depth. Premium features like a bone nut and saddle, a tortoiseshell pickguard, and vintage-style open-gear nickel tuning machines with cream buttons add to its classic charm.
Notably, the D40 comes with an elegant thin satin varnish finish that not only adds to its timeless appearance but also allows the guitar's natural sound to blossom. Each Guild D40 is accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, ensuring you're holding a piece of musical heritage in your hands. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate hobbyist, the Guild D40 stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and enduring sound quality.
Key Features:
- All-solid-tonewood construction with a solid Sitka spruce top
- Solid mahogany back and sides for a rich, warm tone
- Scalloped Sitka spruce bracing for enhanced power and responsiveness
- Comfortable C-profile mahogany neck with Indian rosewood fingerboard
- Bone nut and saddle, 1.6875-inch nut width
- Vintage-style open-gear nickel tuning machines with cream buttons
- Thin satin varnish finish
- Crafted in Guild's Oxnard, CA factory
- Includes humidified hardshell case and hand-signed certificate of authenticity
Product specs
| Brand | Guild |
| Model | USA D-40 |
| Finish | Antique Burst, Black, Natural, Red Transparent |
| Year | 1999 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Natural, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Guild D40 6 String?
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The Guild D40 6 String features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, providing a rich, warm tone with excellent projection.
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Is the Guild D40 6 String suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Guild D40's dreadnought body shape and scalloped bracing offer a balanced tone that works well for fingerstyle, as well as strumming and flatpicking.
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Does the Guild D40 6 String come with a case?
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Yes, the Guild D40 6 String comes with a hardshell case to protect your guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the neck profile of the Guild D40 6 String?
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The Guild D40 features a C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.
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How many frets does the Guild D40 6 String have?
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The Guild D40 6 String has 20 frets, providing a full range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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What type of finish does the Guild D40 6 String have?
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The Guild D40 6 String features a gloss nitrocellulose finish, which enhances the guitar's appearance and allows the wood to resonate freely.
Videos
Ian Meadows
Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 Traditional
Reviews
PROS
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Deep, woody tone that rivals higher-priced brands
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Excellent neck feel praised by seasoned players
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Superb response and loud, booming sound
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High-quality construction and materials, especially in USA-made versions
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Lighter weight compared to similar models
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Rave reviews from acoustic guitar experts
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Designed by renowned guitar maker Ren Ferguson
CONS
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Quality control inconsistencies reported
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Some units have visible glue residue around the saddle
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Occasional issues with wood seams and bridge bowing
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Not as easy to play as some other models
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Some players report unfinished fretboard and bridge surfaces
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild D40 6 String.
Build quality
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The Guild D40 from 1969 has a low saddle, indicating potential neck reset needs, although some users believe it may have been done already.
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The American-made Guild D40s are noted for their robust construction, often described as "built like a tank," implying durability but potentially sacrificing some tonal nuance.
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Setup and maintenance
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It's suggested that the guitar might need a neck reset due to the low saddle and bridge work, affecting the action height and playability.
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Use cases and applications
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This model is noted for its loud and rich live tone, with a preference for medium gauge strings for optimal sound, particularly in live performance settings.
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The guitar's mellowing tone over time makes it suitable for evolving sound preferences, particularly for those seeking a more "ringy" acoustic tone.
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The Guild D40 is considered one of the best vintage guitars for its price, offering excellent sound for both recording and live performance settings.
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Comparisons
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The Guild D40 is considered more mid and mid-high forward compared to a Martin D18, making it ideal for unamplified performances.
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The feel of the D-40 Traditional is closer to a Gibson than a Martin, with similarities to a 1996 D4 from the Westerly factory.
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Vintage American Guilds, specifically the 1971 D40, are preferred over newer models and non-American Guilds due to superior sound quality and value for money.
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Value and pricing
User experience
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Owners express concern over the inability to use medium strings due to headstock repairs, impacting the guitar's performance potential.
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Owners report the D-40 Traditional offers excellent midrange punch and individual string definition, which improves as the top opens up over time.
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Owners of vintage Guild D40s value the guitar for its rich tone and regard it as a rewarding investment despite potential maintenance needs like neck resets.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
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