Another Happy S100 Owner

[guitarluver]

So, I just wanted to drop in and add my name to the list of happy S100 owners. I have wanted one for several years, but it was a constant game of not having extra cash when I would see one and not being able to locate one when I had cash. Finally, about 4 months ago, I found one in Everett, Washington. So, I drove my butt up there and picked it up. It's a 1973 (year I was born) with a Cherry Finish. It came with the original case, which was left out in a barn so it is moldy...I'll probably toss it. I am yet another person who was introduced to this fine instrument by Kim Thayil after falling in love with the Screaming Life EP back in the late 80's. Anyway, here are a couple of pics. The second is a close up that includes my modded Road Worn Tele.


Guild S100 by Lcacique, on Flickr]


close amp guitar facebook by Lcacique, on Flickr]

I am also possibly taking a little trip later today to look at a reissue 90's natural finish S100. I really want a white model, but I had plans on sanding down the neck on it. Therefore, it may just be easier to get a natural model which I have heard has a hand rubbed finish and I can simply hit the body with a coat of white paint and nitro. We'll see...

p.s. I have appreciated the site for quite awhile now. Great info.

 

[fearless]

Welcome!
That is a great looking S-100 and I'm sure it will compliment and contrast with the Tele nicely.

I hear you on the white colour for the re-issue. There are a few of us here with a similar fetish. They are also stunning in green.

 

[guitarluver]

Thanks for the welcome! I agree, the transparent green is gorgeous as well. I noticed that you have a Starfire - another guitar that is on my short list. Cheers!

 

[Thunderface]

Welcome, G-luver! That's a beautiful '73 S-100 you have there. We'll have to get Qvart to add you to the S-100 Owner's Roster.

 

[Russian Guy]

Welcome, guitarluver! I so envy you on that wine-red S-100. Looks gorgeous and well-preserved, there's not even a hint on oxidation on the bridge and the finish looks so smooth.

 

[guitarluver]

Again, thanks for welcoming me aboard guys! To be honest, Russian Guy, I think those pics are slightly deceiving. There is some slight oxidation on the bridge. Also, under the pic guard you can see two spots where the finish has rubbed off and it is lighter. On the back side, there is some bubbling going on where you can read "Guild" from it laying in a case on a strap; however, I think I can buff it out possibly. To be honest, I don't really care. One major concern was mold due to the case being so infested. The cavities smelled of mildew and there appeared to be possible mold issues, but two techs have suggested that I forget about it and just let it air out. Also, the backside of the headstock - like so many S-100's - has chip. Nevertheless, I love it!

And I see you have a Ovation Viper. I have been considering purchasing either a viper or a preacher with the intention of replacing the pickups with some mini-humbuckers. Never played one though - just think they are kind of unique and interesting looking. How do you like yours?

 

[Russian Guy]

Still a great looking and I presume great sounding axe. To tell you the truth when my S-300 arrived and I opened the case it smell funny too but I would call it musty exactly, not smokey or anything. I consider it a vintagy like, woody kind of smell. Although the case for my Viper doesn't have any smell to it whatsoever.

As far as the Ovation electrics as a whole and Viper in particular, I too once considered buying a natural Preacher Deluxe at $700 though I'm sure the seller could go lower because he was a real nice guy and provided all the info and photos instantly. Nevertheless he sold it locally. Now having bought Viper I'm glad that I didn't buy it. I don't care for Preacher's heel which is ugly looking. There so much wood holding the bolt-on neck beyond the body. Why they didn't make it like on Vipers or UK-IIs is beyond me.

When I first held the Viper in my hands the neck felt very chunky and fat for me given that Guild S-300 has the typical for 70's Guilds slim and fast neck. But when I plugged it in man it sounded great. I love it clean and with a little distortion. Mind you I haven't ever played a Strat or a Tele so I can't tell you how it compares to them but all the owners seem to praise it. You just have have it in your hands and play it. Preacher Deluxe has active mini-humbickers (while a regular has passive electronics) and I guess they are pretty much the same size as the single-coils on a Viper so I think it's possible to replace them. However I get the feeling that you want to replace them with non-stock ones. One more thing, I think you already know this but still, despite what other people may say about guitars with bolt-on necks I can positively tell you that the Viper doesn't even come close to having the sustain that my S-300 (and I presume other 70's Guild solidbodies have) has got.

I have got a regular Viper with 2 pickups. There is also Viper III with 3 pickups that provides more diversity in the sound department and also is much harder to find.

Vadim

 

[bluesypicky]

Welcome guitatluver, and congrats! Can't go wrong with a 73 S-100.... :wink:

 

[Thunderface]

What BP said. You would think that I would have one clear pickguard among my four '73 S-100s. But no....

 

[Qvart]

Welcome, G-luver! That's a beautiful '73 S-100 you have there. We'll have to get Qvart to add you to the S-100 Owner's Roster.

Just back from vacation. Will get to it soon.

Welcome to the nuthouse!

 

[guitarluver]

3 73 S-100's TF? Damn!!! Thanks BP and Qvart.

 

[fearless]

3 73 S-100's TF? Damn!!! Thanks BP and Qvart.

Ahem. I think you will find he said four. Some people have no self control... :lol:
And if you think TF is indulgent, check this out http://www.guildsofgrot.com/home.html :shock:

I am of course deeply envious of both men....

 

[guitarluver]

I am extremely jealous! Would love to have deep enough pockets to have 4 S-100's and thanks for the link fearless. Even more jealous of Kurt's collection. Love that early M-80. Looking at all of those guitars reminded me just how sad I am for getting rid of my S-300 a little over a decade ago. It also reminded me just how badly I need to get a Starfire IV.

 

[Thunderface]

I am extremely jealous! Would love to have deep enough pockets to have 4 S-100's ....

Deep pockets and no ability to say "no, I really don't need another S-100." I used to have five, the fifth being a '77 S-100 Standard, but I sold that to caseygree who is having it refinished in classic white. He should be posting photos soon.

 

[Treem]

Welcome and what a beautiful S-100 you got there! The clear pickguard ROCKS! 8)

 

[Hammer]

The more S-100s, the merrier! Welcome!

 

[tele4tone]

I've got a HR finish reissue. I think they are superior to the heavily coated versions. More body to the sound and lots of sustain.

Jeff