1963 Guild D-40

The inaugural Guild D-40 — Guild's mahogany-body dreadnought built at the Hoboken, NJ factory. Mahogany back and sides produce a warm, focused midrange that excels for singer-songwriters and fingerpickers.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$4,500$9,000
Very Good
$2,800$4,500
Good
$1,800$2,800
Fair
$900$1,800

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce top, Mahogany back and sides
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length25.625"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone
BridgeRosewood belly bridge with bone saddle
TunersGrover Rotomatic
Finish OptionsNatural Spruce Top, Sunburst
Est. Production150

Pickups & Electronics

Acoustic — no pickups. The mahogany body produces a warm, focused midrange tone.

What Changed in 1963

First year of the Guild D-40 — Guild's mahogany dreadnought. Built at the Hoboken, New Jersey factory (Guild's original location). Mahogany body produces a warmer, more focused tone than the rosewood D-55.

Notable Examples

The D-40 became a staple of the 1960s-1970s folk scene. Its warm, recording-friendly tone made it popular with singer-songwriters.

Collector's Notes

First-year Hoboken D-40s are the rarest and most collectible. The Hoboken factory (1952-1966) is the most desirable era for Guild collectors. Verify original bracing and bridge.