Guild D-40 Traditional Antique Sunburst

The product of a years-long quest to rediscover and faithfully reproduce the classic American-made Guild models which made the brand great since the ’50s, the Guild D-40 Traditional, presented here with an antique sunburst top, has certainly been worth the wait. New in to the shop here at Merchant City Music, everything about this guitar is special, from the bone bridge pins to the faultless nitrocellulose finish. Pick it up and give it a play, and the single-minded attention to detail becomes immediately apparent in the way tone and volume simply jump from the body.

We’re confident that, as it’s made its mark on us, it will do for you too. Be sure to come in and give it a play in our Glasgow shop if you’re able to. Alternatively, buy online for speedy delivery to the UK and Europe, plus a full setup (to your specifications, if you wish) before it goes out the door.

American-Made Guild D-40 Traditional Antique Sunburst

Constructed in Guild’s new state-of the art factory in Southern California, the D-40 Traditional is a painstaking reproduction of one of Guild’s most beloved and revered models. Set up in 2014, Guild’s new factory is headed up by legendary luthier Ren Ferguson, who has set about to revitalise the brand and bring it back to its glory days. Original machinery was transported from the original Guild factory and has now been set to work producing guitars based on original moulds, equipment and rare Guild guitars sourced from around the world.

The fit and finish on this guitar befit a very close inspection. Apparent to the guitar connoisseur will be the ultra-thin nitrocellulose finish, a key feature in allowing the instrument’s natural resonance to shine through. This is joined by bridge pins, nut and compensated bridge all constructed from bone, one of the best possible materials available for the transmission of resonance into the sound box. Solid Sitka Spruce of the highest quality is used for the top wood, finished in a stunning antique sunburst. This, combined with solid African mahogany back and sides results in a truly exciting instrument, with a huge gamut of tonal variation and dynamic range on tap.

Other subtle features to watch out for include the three-piece neck, with a very thin strip of walnut sandwiched between two pieces of mahogany. Tortoiseshell is used for the body binding, pickguard, rosette and healplate, while vintage open-gear Guild tuners further lay on the period feel. Not visible is the traditional dovetail joint between the body and neck, further adding to the body’s resonance and providing a telling showcase of the luthier’s skill. Follow the classically unbound rosewood fretboard up to the headstock to appreciate the genuine mother-of-pearl inlaid Guild peak and chesterfield logo.

Made in the USA. Supplied with humidified hard case.