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Guild D-140CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Guild D-140CE Antique Burst is a premium dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar featuring all-solid wood construction and a cutaway body design. Designed for performers and recording artists, it combines a solid Sitka spruce top with solid African mahogany back and sides to deliver a balanced, powerful acoustic voice.

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Overview and Construction

The Guild D-140CE is an acoustic-electric guitar that belongs to the Westerly Collection, paying homage to Guild's historic production era. The instrument is defined by its all-solid wood construction, utilizing a solid Sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany for the back and sides. This combination is a standard in high-end lutherie, providing a foundation for a rich, resonant tone.

The dreadnought body shape is augmented with a cutaway, which serves a practical purpose for modern players. By removing a portion of the upper bout, Guild provides easier access to the higher frets, facilitating lead passages and complex chord voicings that would be difficult to reach on a traditional non-cutaway dreadnought.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance and studio applications, the D-140CE is equipped with the Guild/Fishman GT-1 pickup system. This system is designed for unobtrusive integration, featuring soundhole-mounted controls for volume and tone. This placement allows the player to make quick adjustments to their amplified sound without the need for large holes cut into the side of the guitar body.

The hardware appointments emphasize reliability and traditional aesthetics. The guitar features a bone nut and saddle, which are preferred over synthetic materials for their superior vibration transfer and sustain. It also includes a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, along with vintage-style open-gear tuners that offer a classic look and dependable tuning stability.

Sound Character

The D-140CE delivers the characteristic 'Guild voice'—a balanced yet powerful projection typical of the dreadnought frame. The solid Sitka spruce top provides clarity and a wide dynamic range, while the solid African mahogany back and sides add warmth and a strong midrange presence. This results in a versatile instrument that performs well across various genres, from aggressive strumming to delicate fingerstyle playing.

Intended Audience and Comparison

This model is primarily aimed at singer-songwriters, recording musicians, and performing artists who require a professional-grade instrument that is 'stage-ready' out of the box. While entry-level dreadnoughts often use laminate woods, the D-140CE’s all-solid construction places it in a higher tier of tonal quality.

Compared to other instruments in its class, such as those from Fender or Gibson, the D-140CE focuses on traditional specifications like the bone nut and vintage-style tuners at a competitive price point. While brands like BAM focus on specialised protection for orchestral instruments like violins or cellos, Guild includes a dedicated gig bag with this model to ensure portability for the gigging guitarist.

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Frequently asked questions

What woods are used in the construction of the Guild D-140CE?
The guitar is built with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany for the back and sides. This all-solid construction ensures a rich and resonant tone.
What type of pickup system does this model use?
It features a Guild/Fishman GT-1 pickup system. This system includes volume and tone controls that are conveniently mounted inside the soundhole for easy access.
Does the D-140CE come with a case or bag?
Yes, this specific model is supplied with a Guild gig bag for transport and protection. This makes it convenient for musicians who frequently travel to gigs or rehearsals.
What is the benefit of the cutaway design?
The cutaway allows the player to reach the higher frets more easily. This is particularly useful for lead guitarists or those playing intricate chord sequences at the top of the neck.
What material is used for the nut and saddle?
The guitar uses bone for both the nut and the saddle. Bone is a premium material known for improving sustain and providing better vibration transfer compared to plastic.
What is the fingerboard and bridge material?
The fingerboard and bridge are made from rosewood. Rosewood is a traditional choice that offers a smooth feel and contributes to the guitar's warm tonal profile.
What kind of tuners are installed on the D-140CE?
The guitar is equipped with vintage-style open-gear tuners. These provide a classic aesthetic while maintaining reliable tuning accuracy.
What body style is the Guild D-140CE?
It is a dreadnought body style. This shape is famous for its large size, which provides significant projection and a deep, powerful acoustic voice.
What finish is applied to this specific model?
This model features an Antique Burst finish. This gives the guitar a vintage, sunburst aesthetic that highlights the grain of the solid spruce top.
Is this guitar suitable for recording?
Yes, its all-solid wood construction and balanced tone make it highly suitable for recording. The Fishman electronics also allow for direct injection into an interface if required.
How does the price of the D-140CE compare to other Guild models?
At approximately £825, the D-140CE sits in the mid-range of Guild's catalogue. It offers professional features like solid woods and Fishman electronics at a price accessible to serious enthusiasts.
Are the electronics visible on the side of the guitar?
No, the Guild/Fishman GT-1 system uses soundhole-mounted controls. This maintains the clean, traditional look of the guitar's mahogany sides without needing a large plastic preamp plate.