Guild DS-240 Memoir Acoustic Guitar - Vintage Sunburst Reviews

This might be the quintessential mid-range guitar. It plays both easily and beautifully. Not acoustic/electric so you pay for what you get here - a solid sounding guitar. I've bought a few mid-range guitars recently and this is the best sounding one.

Very fine sounding guitar out of the box. This is my third working guitar. I use a Taylor 214ce and a Breedlove PSP-11e. These are three very different guitars. I play small venues and like the way each sounds. I will put a K&K Pure Mini in this Guild DS-240 for two reasons, near reference sound and no battery to worry about. Jacob Ford has been very helpful and has helped me get my act together. I use an X-Air 12 digital mixer with a wireless vocal and a wireless guitar to keep things simple, all packed in a 3U rack case. So I walk in with a single guitar and a narrow rack case. It's basically plug and play now.

The qualities of the DS-240. Nice clear tone with great balance. (Lows can be boosted in the EQ) Nice sustain. Dry resonance, good woody overtones without the metal overtones Taylors can sometimes have when using Phosphorus strings. I changed strings to Elixir 80/20's NanoWeb and all these qualities came out all the more. Guitar rings out loud without the lows sounding like the bottom of a trash can. Gentle picking brings out the more emotional detail the guitar imparts. I look forward to working with this guitar, it makes me sound better than I am. : )


Added July 6th, Installed K&K Pure Mini. Easy install, took my time. The DS-240 sounds as good plugged in as it does unplugged. Far more advantages plugged in, when using reverb, delay and compression. It really shaped the sound and offers a fuller presentation. It helps surround the vocals with lush sound. Really opens up a performance.

Extremely nice guitar both in terms of build and playability. tone is very nice. Good value for money.

Very fine sounding guitar out of the box. This is my third working guitar. I use a Taylor 214ce and a Breedlove PSP-11e. These are three very different guitars. I play small venues and like the way each sounds. I will put a K&K Pure Mini in this Guild DS-240 for two reasons, near reference sound and no battery to worry about. Jacob Ford has been very helpful and has helped me get my act together. I use an X-Air 12 digital mixer with a wireless vocal and a wireless guitar to keep things simple, all packed in a 3U rack case. So I walk in with a single guitar and a narrow rack case. It's basically plug and play now.

The qualities of the DS-240. Nice clear tone with great balance. (Lows can be boosted in the EQ) Nice sustain. Dry resonance, good woody overtones without the metal overtones Taylors can sometimes have when using Phosphorus strings. I changed strings to Elixir 80/20's NanoWeb and all these qualities came out all the more. Guitar rings out loud without the lows sounding like the bottom of a trash can. Gentle picking brings out the more emotional detail the guitar imparts. I look forward to working with this guitar, it makes me sound better than I am. : )

First, thank you to Ryan Murphy from Sweetwater for sorting me out with this lovely Guild DS-240! He was incredibly helpful and super efficient.

As far as the DS-240 is concerned, I am absolutely blown away by the build quality and tone of this guitar at this price point. I could easily have spent twice as much on an entry level Martin or Taylor, and they won't come anywhere near the Guild. It was incredibly well packaged, and arrived almost perfectly set up. I'll be fitting an LR Baggs Anthem SL, so I'm actually glad it comes without electronics from the factory.

Overall, you simply can't go wrong with this amazing bargain!

This is my third Guild guitar (including a 1970 F-212 made in Westerly RI). I was skeptical about the China manufacture, but it is unquestionably a Guild. Just had it set up by a luthier - the action is perfect for me now and for the price I could not be happier with how it looks, feels, and sounds.

I have about a dozen good-to-great guitars, including a Martin OM, a Gibson J15, a 90's Taylor 414, a Larrivee OM3. I also have a USA Guild DV-6 which is literally in a league of its own for that ultra dry woody mojo that Guild seems (to me) to keep a corner of the market for themselves. Well, I've had this DS-240 for a year now, and guys, I cannot understand how this guitar is this great. It is dry in a Guild way, a dry and clear-eyed soul of wood and string, somewhat scooped, firm clear low end and piano highs. Holds up to strumming but pronounced under finger picking. Amazingly considering the competition, this is my main guitar for gigs. When I play this out I use D'Addario XS PB .12 strings, Dunlop Primetone .96 or 1.3 picks, and a Duncan Mag Mic pickup. This is the first time I've thought about buying a duplicate guitar just in case, it's that good.

I got mine in the mail yesterday and haven't been able to put it down. It goes head to head with my Martin in terms of playability. And call me crazy, but I think it also has a richer tone than my Martin as well.

The Guild DS 240 is a great value. This is my first guitar, as I am starting to play later in life. I am very happy with the quality and appearance. The guitar has a very balanced and nice tonal sound and it is comfortable to play.

The guitar arrived in perfect condition, I can't find anything to detract from this instrument that doesn't involve looking inside. I guess I'll check that out when I change strings. It really sounds good, really! For the price, you can't go wrong. Action feels just fine,I feel more confident playing it coming from my other 6-strings, one being a cheapo the other having a rather chubby neck. Intonation is very good up and down the neck.
Dave Brow was great to work with on the phone and Sweetwater ensures that only instruments that are "good to go" actually get out their door. It is a great value at the regular price, even better being on sale. If you're on the fence, get it, you won't be sorry.

If you're thinking of getting a DS 240. Just push the buy button right now. Seriously

After GAS'g over something with more lower end than my concert/00 sized guitars, I rolled the dice and ordered the Guild DS-240 from Sweetwater. I had also been eyeing 60's Gibby J-45 and J-50's, but the Guild was on the way. I had the guitar set up after not being able to put it down for three straight days. My luthier filed the frets smooth on the sides, took a pinch off the saddle, and gave it minimal relief. I have not wanted to play anything but the Guild since getting it back.

The finish is amazing, plays like a dream, has growl, low end, punch, and it sounds much older than it is. The sound is detailed, growly, and has a worn in dry tone that is rustic. But wait, the plot thickens...

A month later, I had a sweet Gibson 60's J-50 sent out. I thought, well. I might as well go for higher quality in a sloped shoulder since I'm going to now being playing one....right??? Within 1 hour, I knew I preferred the 240 hands down although the Gibby was solid. I shipped it back the next day and now still 2.5 months later, I cannot believe how much I enjoy playing the 240.

I really dig this guitar. The neck is great and the body is surprisingly comfortable. It gets more playing time than my other guitars which range 3-8x in cost. It just plays and sounds perfect to me. Thank you Guild! Even your offshore builds sound great, lam back and all. What a great Sloped Shoulder dread!!! Super tasty!

I just received my new guitar on Saturday. It was set up nicely and tuned very quickly. This Guild is my first new guitar. It plays so well. The customer service was top notch and I will gladly do business with Sweetwater in the future.

This is an awesome guitar with plenty of sustain, lots of bang for your buck. It does bends and bluesy stuff with ease, I recorded with it right out of the box and it sounds amazing.

Absolutely stunning guitar...Plays and sounds as nice as it looks...Looks better in real life...This is my second guitar from Sweetwater and I am very happy with there service, help and follow up...Jacob is the best, down to earth and answers all your question you may have...I will definitely buy another guitar from them and have told my friends about your service...Its really nice to be able to pick out a guitar that's to your liking...The guitars arrive in tip top shape with little tuning and both of my guitars are perfect...Thanks Sweetwater for providing excellent shopping experience, even when you call direct and have to hold a few minutes, its well done...5 Stars to Sweetwater and Jacob Tierhien.

It has everything one could ask for in an acoustic. Great sound, looks, and playability. I should have known that it didn't have solid mahogany back and sides, but the way the description read I though it did. But having said that, it still sounds amazing. I led worship at church using it the very first Sunday I got it. Satisfied to say the least.

I surely hope the Guild Memoir DS-240 is successful, for it is a great-sounding version of a J45 that won't break your budget. It's got a smooth, even tone to it....some have reviewed it as sounding 'tinny'---I don't know what they are talking about, because to my 'seasoned ears', the tone is great! With a solid top, that will help the tone a lot, and the laminated mahogany back and sides add durability, cost reduction and the tone of that backing wood to it's sound 'palette'.
If I were King, I would have it have a nitro finish---but for what this is(hopefully with a thin polyester finish) it's a worthy effort by Guild at this price point. If you buy one, make sure you protect it with a hard case---for it will give you years of 'music to your ears'!

I ordered my first guitar, ever, after a long search. Within minutes of paying, I received a welcome and service notice from Sweetwater, and then numerous follow up emails checking on the arrival of the guitar, how I liked it, service reminders, etc. I know this sounds like an old man talking, but rarely, today, does a customer receive this kind of support and contact - for any product. And especially when ordering online. I got real people asking real questions, and showing real interest. Thanks Sweetwater!

Can't go wrong with the Ds-240, sounds super rich. Very nice fit and finish. The pick guard is a bit thin but overall can't beat it for the money. Sounds like a much more expensive guitar. I can't believe it has laminate back and sides, sounds like a solid wood guitfiddle. Very J45ish doesn't feel as big though, more comfortable to play. Don't let the made in China fool you it is nice and a fraction of the price of the J45. Good deal at Sweetwater. Did not need a setup, very good out of the box, just swapped to XS D'Adario's.

Decided to give it try because of all the raving reviews. Had to go through a different retailer because i had some birthday gift cards. Anyway let me start with the look absolutely stunning with a true vintage feel. The vintage logo is a really cool touch too. Sounds absolutely amazing, especially for the price has a ver warm yet at the same time punchy and responsive I'm sure there's a lot of great videos online to hear it overall hard to put down. Beautiful looking and beautiful sounding.

Owning much loved J15 Gibson wanted to add a J45 Sunburst to collection but could not extend to the price of another Gibson...liked the idea of a Guild over a Sigma and already have the Sigma J200 which is similar build.
So took a chance on the Memoir and was very presently suprised...don't just like it I love it! Looks better in real life than many pics and was faultlessly finished. Needed sme tension in the neck and over 1 mm off the bridge and it sings! Will swap the plustic pina for tusq and shoud see further improvement. It a great all rounder with strumming, finger style with or without a pic and has a real western ring to it. Compares very favourably to the J15 with a bit more bottom end bass its a keeper for me and 20% of the cosyt of a new Gibson. Buy one!

Recieved very fast from sweetwater! Guitar has just the right sound,warm & friendly..Great Guitar to sing along with..Haven`t picked up my J45 since getting this guitar..Hard one to put down to be honest,joy to play..Finish is great,colors are perfect..Kinda liked the old Guild Logo but this on will do :)..Dont hesitate if thinkin about this guitar or they`ll be sold out & hard to find!!

This guitar delivers deep resonate sound, and superior playability at a knockout price! I especially like the shorter scale (24.75") not available on a lot of full bodied guitars. It's a darn good looking slope shoulder. It compares nicely to my Gibson J-45 at a fraction of the cost.

Even more beautiful in person. I love the finish on it and it sounds incredible with some nickel strings. Guild is the best.

I finally got the guitar and waited the recommended 24hrs. It was packaged really well and when I finally opened it up....WOW really nice finish and gloss. In person it looks even better. I had to tune it, but that was it. Now get ready for this rich harmonic sound.
Wow this guitars resonance and sustain is really impressive. I was looking for this type of guitar and it checked off a lot of boxes for me. Extremely happy with the service and advice from Brian Sheehan at Sweetwater.

First and foremost Sweetwater is an awesome company to work with. Knowledgable, courteous and professional. Stand behind everything they sell and really seem to appreciate your business. As for the Guitar; this is my second Guild so I expected the craftsmanship and attention to detail to be excellent and it did not disappoint. I was looking for an everyday, good sounding guitar at a price point that I wouldn't be afraid to take it out to the mountains or to the beach. The slope shoulder vintage look was a bonus for me- something I always wanted but figured I couldn't afford. The guitar was set up perfectly and I didn't need to make any adjustments on my end. The DS 240 Memoir is so comfortable and light....such a pleasure and joy to play. Just feels so natural to strum and pick. The sound and tone are quite impressive and I know with that solid top is just going to sound better over time. This one checked all of my boxes and some! I would definitely recommend this Guild DS-240 to anyone looking for a GREAT sounding, awesome looking easy playing/picking guitar.

This guitar actually really surprised me!

I've owned a Guild in the past and wasn't too happy with it. The sound wasn't my preference. It was a Guild OM westerly.

So I switched over to a Martin 000. After playing my Martin for A while, I decided that I needed a dreadnaught, something different than my 000. I have always been a fan of the slope shoulder dreadnaught but Gibson was out of my price range since this next buy was just gonna be an "at home" acoustic.

As I searched for a reasonable priced slope shoulder acoustic, I ran into this one. The good ol' Guild Memoir. I was super hesitant about it. I thought to myself, alright If I don't like it, I'll send it back. That's the great thing about Sweetwater!!!

After a few weeks of sitting on it, I made the order. I still wasn't 100% due to my old experience with Guild. I ended receiving this guitar a few weeks ago from this post. Since then, Its the one I've picked up the most. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Martin and it will always be my #1 but, this one is a little different. It has that "full" dreadnaught sound, great low end, nice mids, not to harsh on the highs. It's a great overall sound. And to be honest, this guitar seems like a steal for its price point. I am beyond surprised!! This guild is a special one. It made me reevaluate my thoughts on the brand itself. This guitar is it.

It looks good, and it sounds good! I've installed an LR Baggs M80 and it's nuts! If you have any thoughts or any doubts, it's okay. I did too. But when you get this guitar you'll be glad you went ahead and tried it anyways. This is an outstanding guitar for its price!

I love sloped shoulder acoustics, and typically they cost a fortune! I was excited to find this and purchased it as soon as I was able. The feel is fantastic, and the tone is really great for a $... instrument. You can't go wrong with solid spruce! I love this guitar and would recommend it. The headstock logo is pearloid inlay verses being painted on, like I assumed. It's a classy looking acoustic!

I bought this guitar and when it arrived it was perfectly packed and in excellent shape. I unboxed it, let the guitar acclimate a few hours, and then tuned up. This guitar sang right out of the gate. The setup was exactly what I wanted, the guitar has beautiful long sustain and the bottom end booms nice with a flat pick. I had never dreamed that a Guild guitar on this price point would play as well as their upper end guitars, and it was a pleasant surprise to find that this one does. It's neck is fast, it holds tune, very finely finished and it's a Guild. You really want to try this guitar, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Arrived in 2 days packaged nicely as always very nice fit and finish the sunburst is beautiful. Action was spot on for my preference right out of the box I did have to adjust the neck relief a little but not a big deal to me. This is the first guild I've bought and I absolutely love this thing plays fantastic and the tone is just as fantastic. I have a Martin and this plays and sounds just about as good to my ears. Sweetwater is outstanding to deal with always fast shipping and if you ever have a problem with something they'll bend over backwards to make it right

I am truly speechless...
This is the first time I have purchased a guitar over $200 on-line...much less an acoustic. I have played over 50 yrs, both professionally and for fun and have owned many high end guitars...but THIS...
ANYONE wanting a $3,000 + guitar...???
BUY IT
BUY IT
BUY IT

This guitar is beautiful and sounds amazing regardless of playing style. With it's reasonable price point, I was able to buy a really nice Guild hard case and an LR Baggs Lyric pick up!

Seriously it's an excellent guitar. It's light weight too so it's easy on the neck and shoulders. I prefer a wider neck but that's more player preference. Hey Guild, can you make a jumbo version with the same finish?

Just recieved my new Memoir DS-240 today from Sweetwater. I love it, great player. The price is outstanding for such at great sloped shoulder dread. Smooth playing right out of the box, nice action. Beautiful guitar as well. Makes me wonder why I did not find this great value before.

Bought this Guild because I wanted a sunburst slope-shoulder that sounded good and matched my modest talent level price-wise (it would be ridiculous for me to buy a J-45). Picked this one over several choices based on reviews and was immediately glad I did!

This is a shockingly well-made and good-sounding instrument... Grain was tight and even on the spruce top; I couldn't find flaws anywhere; finish was excellent; frets were nice and smooth and I really like the tuners. Even the action was nice and playable right out of the box! I credit part of this to Sweetwater's inspection process but part of it to considerable care at the factory as well. Guitar plays with lovely overtones, good sustain and sounds like a slope-shoulder...good, solid bass but not that huge (I think it's boomy) bottom end you sometimes hear out of a bluegrass cannon. Notes are distinct and not compressed. Super-lightweight...lighter in weight than my Takamine parlor guitar.

If I had to knock something it'd be that the flat finish on the back of the neck/headstock doesn't match the gloss of the rest of the guitar, but it looks OK and this is some serious nit-picking. Also helps keep the guitar less expensive and makes it easier to slide up and down the neck. I'm not sure you're going to find this much value and tone elsewhere in a guitar in this price range.

I waited a few months to write this review just to be sure I was satisfied, and the honeymoon period has not worn off. I don’t play acoustic often, but it has become necessary for me to have one available. I have previously used more modern-styled acoustics, suck as Breedlove, but I wanted a vintage looking instrument for performances. I had settled on a J45, but this was too good of a deal not to try out.
After a few nights by the camp fire and a couple of writing sessions, I decided that I would install a K&K Pure Mini and take this one out for a gig. It sounds great, it looks great, and at this price point, I have no concerns about loss or damage.
I’d never considered Guild before this instrument, but they will definitely be on my radar from now on.

Just played one of these today and was so surprised at how great it sounded. If I hadn't looked inside, I would've thought it was a USA built guitar. It had a deep, yet balanced tone and my only small nitpick was the pearl used on the soundhole rosette was pieced together with small 1/4"ish blocks and didn't flow well. I'd gladly take this to any gig or recording session.

Great guitar for the price! The quality is on par with the rest of the guilds I own. If you"re looking at a j-45 try this first!

This DS-240 is the third acoustic I have bought from them within the last 8 months.
Compared to my OM-20 ( all mahogany ) It's just a trace brighter sounding but not tinny.
I mean, brighter and resonant in a good way. No complaints on the neck either, and playability
is super easy. Did NOT need any adjustments. My Guild D-120 I love as well and keep all three in
alternate tunings which they all settled nicely into. The finish on the DS-240 is not exactly perfect
visually. ( a little sunspot, but that could be cool too ) If I have to get "picky" about something
that's what it would be. It still looks the part and most people wouldn't notice that in the least.
I like to triple finger pick and strum down with my index finger and strum up with my thumb.
Even with such an unusual style of playing none of these guilds skip a beat! I think the Mahoganys resonate
the sweet spot a little better than the DS-240 with even just a light touch of strumming. As I have a softer voice sometimes I don't want those Mahoganys to steal the show, so the DS-240 fits better with my voice and sounds fantastic in a mix! Do not hesitate to purchase this guitar IF they are still available. Classic looks- Classic Sound! Great Price!!!

I did as much research as the internet would allow me on this guitar. Not a lot of good videos out there. Best one was the guy from Cin guitars playing Don't look back in anger. Alamo Music was also good but I just have to hear basic chords and strumming to hear what it might sound like in my hands. This guitar looks and feels great. Finish is poly but not too thick. I can still see the grain of the solid spruce top. The neck is super smooth , way better than a gloss neck. The thickness of the neck is perfect for me. It is 1/16 narrower than my 2018 HD-28 and maybe a little thicker. But to me it is just right. I had to adjust my hand position on my Martin to not mute the bottom string. I had to arch my hand more and not hug the neck like I have for 25 years. Love my Martin but love this neck. The playability out of the box was not the greatest. I had to lower the action and polish the frets. They were very rough when I got it. Both easy fixes. Also put Martin Reto strings on it. The sound is great. It has more low end than you would expect from a laminated back guitar and the solid top makes it sound like a more expensive guitar. The bone nut and saddle are cut good and look nice. The tuners look nice and function ok but there is some slop when you turn them. I will change those out eventually with a set of Schaller Grandtune. They look and perform amazing. It will add $100 bucks to the guitar cost but worth it. I was looking for an inexpensive J-45 style guitar and this is it. Does it sound like a J-45. No. It sounds like a Guild I guess. First one I have owned or even played and I love it. I have played J-45s and just can't get on board with Gibsons. I love Martins. Now I'm loving Guilds.

Very well made instrument, and of course Sweetwater made sure it didn't leave their warehouse until it was perfect. I had them install a Fishman under saddle pickup and do a set up afterwards with Elixir Polyweb 11's (stock strings are DAddario 12's I think). Beautiful set up job by their technician by the way. String height and neck balance were spot on when done.

As a finger style player, the tone of the very nice solid top rings out with little effort. The mahogany lifts the mids nicely giving an overall full balance between throaty bottom and crisp highs and effective mid-range. Sweet.

The neck is spot on - fretwork is smooth, nice rounded edges (no sharp ends anywhere up and down the range) and the instrument overall has a great solid feel in spite of the very comfortable light weight.
At this price it's a great buy, and I played with various tunings and I suggest giving DADGAD a whirl with this - the very active top seems to relish the nice droning effect that a DADGAD tuning offers. Full and lush. You can also count on this puppy as a reliable rhythm guitar - played aggressively with a pick doesn't bowl it over allowing the individual notes still ringing true and no mushiness.

Great buy in a slope shoulder dreadnought. I am as happy with this as I think I would have been with the much more costly Gibson Studio series which I played in a few stores and liked, but thought over priced and lacking the better mid range "oompf" that the Guild Memoir offers.
I highly recommend this instrument to get that nice vintage slope shoulder dreadnought tone for blues and rhythm that needs to cut through a mix.
Workmanship is spot on, beautiful looking guitar, neck is gorgeous and comfortable to play. Overall it was perfect out of the box.

I do think that going to 11's may have been a mistake (it's my usual gauge preference). I should have stuck with the 12's it was built with. It could be just the Elixir strings not having enough meat to give the top more to work with, that may be why the DADGAD tuning worked so well. I'm being very picky here and have only been playing the instrument for a couple of days so I'm holding off final judgement but knowing myself, I am probably going to swap out for 12's and see how it goes.

No fault of the guitar, possible bad judgment on my part but I'm still getting to know this beautiful lady, and beautiful she is. Matches anything that Guild has produced out of California that I've played in this body shape.
You won't go wrong with this guitar friends, she's a keeper.

It sounds balanced which is more than some guitar makers can achieve and it doesn't sound bad for a guitar with ply mahogany back and sides. The bracing seems to be a little robust but for it's worth it is scalloped. It does lack on the low end a bit but it make for a decent sounding acoustic for both finger style and strumming. It really doesn't compare with a Yamaha FG830 which is $+ cheaper hence the 3 star rating. Buy it if you want a Guild but if you want bang for your buck get a Yamaha.