Feelings about the M80

[Mapleman54]

I am considering selling my M80. It’s a worker’s guitar but very solid (I’ve replaced a pot, tidied the nut, new screws around the cavity cover, and bought an original case in perfect order) Thing is, I’m a classical player when it comes to getting paid, maybe this is a step too far? But it’s beautiful in its way…Any thoughts on the value of the M80 in today’s world? Anybody playing one? (I’m in UK.. Nobody seems to have head of it here!)

 

[chazmo]

Can't help you on the value equation, Mapleman, but what I've seen of your guitars is that you keep them in excellent condition. Having said that, you might get more responses with more pictures and also knowledge of the year it was built.

 

[Mapleman54]

Can't help you on the value equation, Mapleman, but what I've seen of your guitars is that you keep them in excellent condition. Having said that, you might get more responses with more pictures and also knowledge of the year it was built.

Thanks Chazmo, point taken! I was thinking more of the artistic value than its value for sale but even to discuss that needs more detail, I agree! It is 1977 serial number 156021. More pics to follow but here’s one of headstock showing new nut!

 

[Mapleman54]

I think what I was asking, and expressing myself poorly, was what people thought of the M80 as a guitar! Pretty forward looking in its time, but does it have a place now? Thanks. T

 

[Mapleman54]

Sorry, checked the number, it’s 1977, not ‘75. Had my insurance document wrong (not for the first time!)

 

[chazmo]

Who do you insure with, Mapleman, if you don't mind me asking...? Separate from your homeowners/rental insurance?

 

[BradHK]

I have a 1979 and I really like it. The upper fret access is amazing. However, they are slightly strange looking the way they did the double cutout and they can be VERY heavy! I have debated selling mine but I keep stopping myself as they are hard to find in good condition and mine has a maple top which I think was only in 1978-1979 before the second iteration was introduced. I just don’t play it as much as my other Guilds. These late 1970’s M-80s had great neck angles with plenty of room to adjust the action. Here is a video of one being used in the studio and they discuss the guitar a little:



Here is mine:

 

[Mapleman54]

Who do you insure with, Mapleman, if you don't mind me asking...? Separate from your homeowners/rental insurance?

Allianz Musical Instrument. Brilliant firm. Very French - you talk to a person!

 

[Mapleman54]

I have a 1979 and I really like it. The upper fret access is amazing. However, they are slightly strange looking the way they did the double cutout and they can be VERY heavy! I have debated selling mine but I keep stopping myself as they are hard to find in good condition and mine has a maple top which I think was only in 1978-1979 before the second iteration was introduced. I just don’t play it as much as my other Guilds. These late 1970’s M-80s had great neck angles with plenty of room to adjust the action. Here is a video of one being used in the studio and they discuss the guitar a little:



Here is mine:

Brad thank you for that!! Really helped get my thoughts straighter! Loved the video!

 

[matsickma]

Well from my POV the 70's M80 is the best player "LesPaulish" guitar Guild ever made. I had two black ones like yours over the years and am holding on to the walnut colored one. They are not the high end of a Nightbird but we're never intended to be at that price point. Some players can't handle the very slim necks of the mid 70's M75 and M80 but for those that can it is a great guitar.
M

 

[GAD]

That era M80 is magic. It's one of the few guitars I really regret selling, though the neck was too small for me.

 

[acmedrygoods]

I have a somewhat worn1976 M80 that I bought off this site. Fabulous sounding and playing guitar. I love the neck. The out-of-phase tone with both HB-1s in particular is just magic. It is an oddball shape for sure, heavy, and the balance is odd. It is not super comfortable to play seated (no neck dive here!). But even with the weirdness I find myself playing it a lot. I think a lot of people are put off by the shape (it is the AMC Pacer of double cutaways) but they are underrated. Given the relative rarity does anyone know how many of these 1st gen M-80's were made (with either spacing between bridge and stoppiece)?