Found a 73' bluesbird in my house! Tell me just how lucky I am.

[smooth2904]

While cleaning out a room thats been full of or stuff since me and my wife moved into a house five years ago, I found a guitar stuffed back in the closet that she had come across almost 13 years ago. I'd seen the guitar briefly when moving originally but didn't think too much of it because every one of her other guitars was garbage, and this guitar had quite a few blemishes itself. I've never owned a Guild before but knew they did make some really nice guitars and this potentially could be one of them regardless of the cosmetics. So I decided yesterday to do some investigating. Using the serial number stamped on the headstock I was able to determine that it was a 1973 model, and that alone immediately made me excited for what potentially this guitar was. Unfamiliar with Guilds I had to Google image search until I found one that matched, and to my surprise the picture belong to an eBay ad for a rather pricey guitar. While looking at other pictures associated with the same eBay ad I was able to determine that the model number was on the inside of the volume pot cover. I found both a handwritten serial number that match the one stamped on the headstock and the model number M-75 NB. I've yet to determine what the NB stands for, however I have seen some references with other models to a "nature boy" finish, which seems to match the finish of this bluesbird. I plan on fixing some of the cosmetic issues, the guitar is missing the bridge pick up cover and the master volume pot is froze and missing a knob. The guitar also has many nicks and flakes of clear coat missing. I'm thinking of having it refinished. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how important it is to stay original and how would any changes potentially affect the value of the guitar. I played the guitar and I do love the sound that I get from it. It's crazy to say but I think I may have found the best guitar I own in a closet in my house. I'll post some pictures later thanks for any info.

 

[txbumper57]

Welcome To LTG and great first post! We should all be so lucky as to find a 70's Bluesbird hiding in one of our closets! I am pretty sure the NB designation does stand for Nature Boy which was a finish offered during this time period. As far as refinishing the guitar is concerned, I think leaving the original finish intact as long as there are no structural issues makes the instrument worth more than if it was refinished. Now things like pot repair and locating another Guild HB1 pickup cover to cover the original pickup all fall under the category of upkeep and maintenance. The thing with the mid 70's Solid body Bluesbirds is that they are wonderful Guitars but Guilds are not really up there in the realm of High Dollar Collectors Guitars like some Gibson's and Fender's of the past. I have seen them sell in excellent Original playing condition for around $1500 and in needing some TLC condition as low as $750. That $750 dollar one was a steal on Craigslist in Arizona about 6-7 months ago. There have been some that have sold higher than $1500 but it all depends on what options they had, Originality, and what kind of shape they are in. Most people buy these guitars to play and not to collect because of the Unique tone of the original Guild HB1 pickups and the full spectrum of tones they can get with the phase switches. Congrats on a finding a great Guild and I am sure others will be along shortly with lots more info.

TX

 

[smooth2904]

Thanks for the great info. It's nice to get the opinions of people who are familiar with the guitars. To be clear, I have no intention of selling the guitar, as I really do enjoy the wonderful sound I got from it, even with the scratchy pots. Thanks for the information.

 

[gilded]

Hey Smooth',

If I remember correctly, NB does stand for Nature Boy. It's not a very thick finish, nor is it too shiny. My guess is it was designed back at the end of the Hippy days to look Sincere. Really. And since I owned Guilds back then at the age of 20, I am an expert on Hippy Sincere. Really.

I had an S-100 with that finish and I believe that a great guild expert named Hans Moust gave me that info. I don't even know if that finish made it into the catalogs, etc. Wasn't around long.

I wouldn't refinish it, unless you want to keep it. You might get the cost of the work out, but you'll kill it for most collectors who hang around here.

All the best, gilded

 

[mavuser]

Hello and welcome. I have an extra master volume knob for that guitar if you need one, just PM me. It is actually from a 1973 M-75 If I remember correctly.

 

[Thunderface]

Welcome smooth. We'll gladly tell you how lucky you are, especially if you post some photos of your amazing find for all of us to drool over.

 

[Zelja]

Yes, welcome & we need pics! great discovery! Now, i'm going to go & check some of the cupboards around my house...just in case...

 

[smooth2904]

Wow thanks for all the great info. What a great community, if this is how all Guild owners are I may just have to convert myself. After playing the guitar a little more this afternoon, I really do love the sound. Just for the record I dont really even want to sell it, as I love old guitars and this is the first one Ive ever had a chance to own personally.

 

[walrus]

Welcome, and yes, we absolutely must have pictures!

walrus

 

[smooth2904]

I can't figure out how to post them? Any help

 

[adorshki]

I am an expert on Hippy Sincere. Really.

Gilded only knew one mantra, but you got the feeling he really, really, meant it.

 

[walrus]

What's his headband say? " "something" and acid tripping..."

BTW, nice introduction to new member Smooth of the famous "LTG veer".

walrus

 

[chazmo]

smooth, I poked around this imgur site and I can't figure out how to embed and image link based on the picture. Oh well.

 

[powerwagonjohn]

Welcome aboard and yes a very nice and unique guitar you have come across. I recently bought a 1971 M-75 Bluesbird that needed a bit of work and I have to say it is one very cool guitar. Get her up and running and you will surely enjoy it.
Thanks John

 

[powerwagonjohn]

Oops, I guess I got too excited!!

 

[davismanLV]

Ooooohkay, smooth. Photos have to be hosted elsewhere (ImageShack, Photobucket, etc.) and then the direct link (ends in .jpg) gets put in using the Insert Image icon. It does take a bit of work. Here's the first one:

If I was you, I'd play the guitar as is, and refinish the TABLE!!

Welcome to the forum! It's a really fun and educational place, amigo! :encouragement:

 

[walrus]

Oh my! Nice! I need to go look through my closets!!

walrus

 

[AcornHouse]

Why don't I ever find things like this?!?

Welcome and congrats! I'd leave it as is; it's earned its scars. Maybe look for a cover and screw for the one 'Bucker. (The screw is probably a #3, if I remember.)

 

[DThomasC]

Nice score Smooth. I keep looking in my closets but I never find anything I want.

I agree with the others: I'd fix what's broken, put the low E string back in it's saddle, and then play the hell out of it. Personally, I wouldn't even replace the bridge pickup cover. I have a Guild that came with both HB1s uncovered and it sounds great.

 

[smooth2904]

I noticed the string not in the saddle yesterday, but yes I've been convinced not to refinish and it didn't take long to appreciate the guitar as is. I will be replacing the master volume pot, which is froze up and the input jack if it can't be fixed. I'll be looking for a master knob and possibly a pickup cover, but that's about it. Wow I love this guitar though. Thanks everyone for your info. You're all very helpful. I think I'll be a Guild player from now on. Also sorry about all the photo issues and thanks for hosting it correctly, I'm not sure how you even found that photo but thanks haha.