This was my first bass. I fell in love with it right away on it's looks, features and high quality craftmanship. Is it the only bass I will play? No. I also play an Ibanez Soundgear which is a nice change to play due to a different tone, a much smaller radius neck and a lighter overall weight. The bass can get heavy after playing for an hour, but it is well balanced. Overall, this is a fantastic bass. My only complaint are the EMGs, which I plan to replace. I know Guild switched to Bartolinis so maybe they felt the same way? This bass is very durable and after years of heavy use, the finish and controls are good as new. A true example of a fine, quality American bass!
Model Year: 1985
Price: $450.00
Where Obtained: Music store in 1990
*USA made. *Serial # BE101020 *Flamed maple body and neck. *Rosewood fretboard. *4-string w/22 frets. *(3) knobs: volume, pickup selector/blend, tone. *EMG active P/J pickups. *Non-locking tuners by Guild. *Fixed bridge by Guild. An overall solid, moderately heavy all wood bass, similar to Fender P-Bass in weight and Jazz bass in looks. This bass is COMPLETELY stock.
The weight of the bass is well balanced. The neck is rounded and comfortable. Players with smaller hands may be challenged in the higher register. Very smooth fretboard. I prefer a low action on my basses, which is no problem on this bass. However, my only complaint is the truss rod adjustment, which is located on the headstock under the nut. To make fine-tune adjustments, all strings must be loosened and the 2nd and 3rd must be removed from under the headstock nut. Getting a tool in the truss rod area is a bitch!
This bass has been primarily gigged/band practiced on a 1994 Peavey Mark VI bass head, Peavey 15" cab and KMD 4x10" cab. I have used this bass to play rock originals, 70's and 80's classic and hard rock covers, blues, metal and funk. Very versatile. The sound has decreased over time and I suspect it is the EMG's. It is becoming tough to get 'Fat and punchy' tones, which are my preference. I am currently looking into replacement pickups, possible 1/4 pounders by Seymour. This bass was heavily gigged in the nineties and performed on two demos. Looking back, I would say that it performed better live than in the studio.
HIGH QUALITY! This bass is unstoppable! Never let me down live, very minimal 'battle scars'. Very sturdy, all wood, all american bass! With a little routine maintenance and polish, the finish stays good as new. Never an intonation problem, I adjust the truss maybe once a year during tune-up. Stays well in tune. The only company flaw would be the control cover. Screws are too small and the cover cracked on a screw hole.
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