Dating my MarkII

[Nels]

Hans,
Instead of highjacking the "Who has the oldest Guild?" thread, I thought I would post my photos on a new thread.
I appreciate your assistance in dating my old Guild -- thanks!
Nels
Here are photos of the inner label and headstock:

 

[Qvart]

Hans,
Instead of highjacking the "Who has the oldest Guild?" thread, I thought I would post my photos on a new thread.
I appreciate your assistance in dating my old Guild -- thanks!
Nels
Here are photos of the inner label and headstock:

Yep, that's the label Hans says in his book was introduced around 1972, and that's the same as the label on my '74 S-100. If yours was from an earlier period our two guitars wouldn't have the same label.

For what it's worth, the serial number lists date your guitar to 1973. That's what Hans said too, right? When in doubt, trust Hans. Not the Guild site.

 

[Nels]

Thanks for your input, Qvart! Guess I need to buy Hans' book and quit relying on the Guild website.
Regards,
Nels

 

[Qvart]

Thanks for your input, Qvart! Guess I need to buy Hans' book and quit relying on the Guild website.
Regards,
Nels

I felt the same way at one point.

Now, if he'd finish Volume II that would help!

 

[sfIII]

Here is the applicable part of the "official" dating chart:

1970-1979

This chart displays the first and last serial numbers of guitars produced each year from 1970 to 1979 (inclusive); no corresponding model names or numbers are available.

YEAR FIRST NUMBER PRODUCED LAST NUMBER PRODUCED
1970 46696 50978
1971 50979 61463
1972 61464 75602
1973 75603 95496
1974 95497 112803
1975 112804 130304
1976 130305 149625
1977 149626 169867


I think Yours is a 1973... Right?

 

[hansmoust]

Hello Nels,

With the serial number and label info we can safely say that your Mark II is from 1973.

The published serial number info for the '70s is correct on the majority of dating sites.

And yes, you should get a copy of 'The Guild Guitar Book'. I do not mind answering questions on this forum but there's a lot of little details that you can easily find in the book and that can help you to verify the dates of most Guild guitars up to 1977.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Nels]

Thank you Hans (and everyone else) for helping me date one of my beloved Guilds. I just bought the MarkII last year from the estate of a retired Air Force pilot who was the original owner. I don't mind that it dates back to "only" 1973. I'm using the MarkII to try to learn some alternate tunings and Hawaiian slack key.
I'm the original owner of my 1978 D50, and last year I lucked into a mint condition '78 F212 (bought from my luthier who had obviously treated it with the love and affection it deserves). The family keeps growing!
Hans, I think I'll place my order today on Amazon for "The Guild Guitar Book."
Thanks again!
Nels

 

[JerryR]

Hello Nels,

With the serial number and label info we can safely say that your Mark II is from 1973.

The published serial number info for the '70s is correct on the majority of dating sites.

And yes, you should get a copy of 'The Guild Guitar Book'. I do not mind answering questions on this forum but there's a lot of little details that you can easily find in the book and that can help you to verify the dates of most Guild guitars up to 1977.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

Hans - as my guitar is 1979 - any chance you will have finished volume 2 before Arlington

 

[chazmo]

Nels, once again, welcome aboard.

Would love to see pix of your other Guilds too.

Welcome to the fold, and enjoy your stay.