Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,277

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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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

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Guild D40 6 String?

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.

Is the Guild D40 6 String suitable for fingerstyle playing?

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.

Does the Guild D40 6 String come with a case?

Yes, the Guild D40 6 String comes with a hardshell case to protect your guitar during transport and storage.

What is the neck profile of the Guild D40 6 String?

The Guild D40 features a C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.

How many frets does the Guild D40 6 String have?

The Guild D40 6 String has 20 frets, providing a full range for both rhythm and lead playing.

What type of finish does the Guild D40 6 String have?

The Guild D40 6 String features a gloss nitrocellulose finish, which enhances the guitar's appearance and allows the wood to resonate freely.

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 Traditional

Video thumbnail for Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 Traditional by Ian Meadows

Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 Traditional

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Guild D40 vs D55 : Guild's Traditional Dreadnoughts by Ian Meadows

Guild D40 vs D55 : Guild's Traditional Dreadnoughts

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Vintage VS Reissue! The new D40 from @GuildGuitarsUSA by Jeremy Sheppard

Vintage VS Reissue! The new D40 from @GuildGuitarsUSA

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

Video thumbnail for Guitar Hunter wouldn't exist without the @GuildGuitarsUSA D40 by Jeremy Sheppard

Guitar Hunter wouldn't exist without the @GuildGuitarsUSA D40

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

Video thumbnail for Guild D-40 Traditional Acoustic Guitar Demo: Classic Mahogany Guild Dread by Ian Meadows

Guild D-40 Traditional Acoustic Guitar Demo: Classic Mahogany Guild Dread

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 vs Eastman E10-D by Ian Meadows

Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 vs Eastman E10-D

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Guild D-40 vs Eastman E10-D by Ian Meadows

Guild D-40 vs Eastman E10-D

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Reviews

PROS

  • Deep, woody tone that rivals higher-priced brands

  • Excellent neck feel praised by seasoned players

  • Superb response and loud, booming sound

  • High-quality construction and materials, especially in USA-made versions

  • Lighter weight compared to similar models

  • Rave reviews from acoustic guitar experts

  • Designed by renowned guitar maker Ren Ferguson

CONS

  • Quality control inconsistencies reported

  • Some units have visible glue residue around the saddle

  • Occasional issues with wood seams and bridge bowing

  • Not as easy to play as some other models

  • 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

  • The Guild D40 from 1969 has a low saddle, indicating potential neck reset needs, although some users believe it may have been done already.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • The guitar's mellowing tone over time makes it suitable for evolving sound preferences, particularly for those seeking a more "ringy" acoustic tone.

    Source
  • The Guild D40 is considered one of the best vintage guitars for its price, offering excellent sound for both recording and live performance settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Guild D40 is considered more mid and mid-high forward compared to a Martin D18, making it ideal for unamplified performances.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • With structural repairs and headstock issues, $1000 is deemed too high; $600-$700 might be more reasonable if the geometry is perfect.

    Source
  • The D-40 Traditional is considered a safe purchase from retailers like Sweetwater, noted for its consistency across models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express concern over the inability to use medium strings due to headstock repairs, impacting the guitar's performance potential.

    Source
  • Owners report the D-40 Traditional offers excellent midrange punch and individual string definition, which improves as the top opens up over time.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Video Review: Guild’s D-40 Is a Rebirth of a Made-In-America Classic | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The newly relaunched Guild D-40 is a modern take on a classic, delivering a powerful, resonant tone that satisfies both folk and bluegrass enthusiasts. With its lightweight build and US craftsmanship, it offers sonic depth and playability. The solid Sitka top and mahogany back ensure a robust sound, while the slim neck profile enhances comfort. However, fingerstylists might find the 1 11/16-inch nut width slightly cramped. Overall, the D-40 impresses with its blend of power, clarity, and nostalgia, making it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile dreadnought.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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R

Tough Guitar

Not as easy to play as the GS330, but sounds like a Guild. Big box sound. Great shape.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Giles Corey uses Guild D40 6 String

Giles Corey

Singer, Guitarist

Have a Nice Life

...
Verified via YouTube

Dan is seen playing this Guild here during the Cameo Gallery show

See how Fran Healy uses Guild D40 6 String

Fran Healy

Singer, Guitarist

Travis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Crypt Sessions video, Fran Healy is seen using a Guild D40 6-string acoustic guitar during a live performance with Travis.

See how Matthew Koma uses Guild D40 6 String

Matthew Koma

Singer

Good Charlotte

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen in this BBC video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Guild D40 6 String, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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james_scott_bullard

james_scott_bullard

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