1981 Guild D-46E BLD Factory Electric – RARE Westerly-Era Blonde w/ Original Case

Up for sale is an extremely rare 1981 Guild D-46E BLD Factory Electric Acoustic Guitar in Blonde.

This is a particularly unusual example of Guild's early-1980s D-46, featuring a factory-installed transducer pickup system, onboard volume control, output jack, and factory “Electric” truss rod cover. While the standard D-46 is already a relatively uncommon vintage Guild, the factory-electric D-46E variant is exceptionally difficult to find and appears to have been produced in very limited numbers.

The guitar is lightly used and in good, clean cosmetic and excellent playing condition, especially considering its 45+ years of age.

There are a few light signs of normal age and use, including some light finish checking, a small nick on the top, and a few light scratches on the top, back, and sides. The wear is minimal for a vintage instrument of this age and does not detract from the overall appearance of the guitar.

We have given the guitar a fresh setup with a new set of 12s, and it plays and sounds like a dream. The factory electronics are also working properly.

About This Rare Model

The D-46 was part of Guild's USA-made dreadnought lineup during the early 1980s and is notable for its distinctive combination of a solid spruce top with ash back and sides. Built during Guild's highly regarded Westerly, Rhode Island era, these guitars are known for their powerful projection, sturdy construction, and unmistakable vintage Guild character.

What makes this particular guitar considerably more unusual is its factory-electric configuration.

The interior Guild label identifies the guitar as a D46E BLD, rather than simply a D-46, and the guitar retains the features associated with its factory electronics package, including:

• Factory transducer pickup
• Factory body-mounted volume control
• Factory output jack
• Original “Electric” truss rod cover
• D46E BLD model designation on the interior Guild label

This is not simply a standard D-46 that had an aftermarket pickup installed later in life. The electric designation and accompanying factory features identify it as a purpose-built electric version of the D-46.

Information and surviving examples of the D-46E are extremely scarce, making this a particularly interesting guitar for vintage Guild enthusiasts and collectors. Standard D-46s can occasionally be found, but the factory-electric version is seldom encountered.

Condition:

• Lightly used vintage condition
• Good, clean cosmetic condition
• Excellent playing condition
• Factory electronics tested and working
• Light age-related finish checking
• Small nick on top
• Light scratches on top, back, and sides
• Overall wear is minimal considering its age
• Freshly set up and ready to play

Details:

• Year: 1981
• Brand: Guild
• Model: D-46E BLD
• Finish: Blonde / Natural
• Made in USA
• Westerly, Rhode Island era
• Dreadnought body
• Solid spruce top
• Ash back and sides
• Factory transducer pickup system
• Factory volume control
• Factory output jack
• Factory “Electric” truss rod cover
• Strings: Fresh 12s

Strap Button Note:

At some point, the strap button location was moved from its original position. Please refer to the photos for the exact placement and cosmetic condition of this area.

Included:

• Original Guild hard case

For the Guild collector, this is a chance to own a genuinely unusual variation of an already relatively uncommon early-'80s Guild dreadnought. The combination of the D46E BLD factory designation, original electric appointments, excellent playability, clean vintage condition, and original hard case makes this a particularly special example.

The guitar will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery.

Feel free to reach out with any questions—happy to help.