Guild D-40 Review

Believe the Hype - it is so good!

This is my 3rd Guild. I have a GAD 12 string from 2007, a 2020 F40, and now a D40. Guild makes awesome guitars that you can be proud to own at any price point. For the longest time my aspirational guitar was a Gibson SJ200. But who can afford that? Then I looked into the F40. After reading the reviews and listening to all the videos I got the Vintage Sunburst model, no electronics… read more - I want this to never go out of date and my Great-Grand Kids to rock out on it. I have a real nice Takamine, and that is my plug-in acoustic. Because I love guitars so much, I still had my eye on a D-40. Guild discontinued the Vintage Sunburst model w/o electronics for some reason. So when a demo D-40 came up at a nice discount I wanted it. My Sweetwater guy, Matt South, helped me cut a better deal because the nut needed to be replaced before it was playable. The discount came to about 20% off, plus a bunch of bonus bucks, and I couldn't say no. It just sounds big and bold - tons of volume and headroom. I am an acoustic rock, folk, Americana, and a lil' country player who also loves singer song writers. This guitar just fits the bill. It doesn't have the same bass profile as a Martin D-18, but I could never get as much guitar in a Martin for this price. It also doesn't have the throaty mid-range of a Gibson, but it's got its own well-balanced sound across the board. Great for finger picking and vocal accompaniment. If you get the chance to grab one - DO IT! Sweetwater has great interest free financing, you can carve the bucks out of your budget with ease. I brew my own coffee, pack my lunch, and stopped drinking beer. There's your monthly payment right there. My wife doesnt even notice I bought another guitar. If she has a problem with it, I'll get a new wife. My new inspirational guitar is a Maple F-55!

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Under-rated

I've played other more expensive brands and models and they may be prettier, but in a blind aural test I'd put this guitar up against ANY other dreadnought. It plays great and sounds great.

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The holy grail

Bought my guild d40 in 2018. At the time, I had spent 2 years trying out mid-priced solid wood construction acoustic guitars from nearly every brand (Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Larivee, Breedlove) I lusted for just a couple of along the way( A used Martin D18). However, The moment I played the Guild, I knew this was the one I'd want to develop with. It has a beautiful midfocusef voice… read more that resonated with my playing style and ear like many of the others didn't. It is punchy, resonant, and sweet on the top and balanced in the low end. The new guitar played tight for the first few months. As expected, it has opened up and I feel is one of the most dynamic guitars I've ever spent time with. Can't wait to see how much further it progresses through the years to come.I feel it's the one and don't even need to entertain buying another dreadnaught for a long time. Try one.. for the price you can't can't any better craftsmanship or tone.

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Excellent Guitar

The tone on this thing is like a cross between a Taylor and a Martin. Punchy and woody resonate lows with crisp highs and a strong mid range presence. Also has a fast neck. The satin finish looks great and mine needed zero set up.

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Guild is Back!

My first Guild was a 1974 Jumbo... It was a terrific guitar that I foolishly Sold in my youth. That was in 1994. Since then, I've bought and sold countless guitars both acoustic and electric. I finally was able to afford a good guitar and bought a Gibson J-15. And while it was a well made and beautiful guitar.. it just didn't have the sound and feel or of what I was looking for.… read more I sold it, with absolutely no regrets. This allowed me to buy a new Guild D-40. When it arrives it was just a described. I strung it with new strings, made minor truss rod adjustment and it's perfect. It's only been a week but it's settling in perfectly. It's built well and the fit and finish are perfect. I couldn't happier!!!!!

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