Guild B401 bass guitar

[Crowe]

Hi all,
I have been looking for information on the Guild B401 bass (single pickup, active circuitry in back) which leads to very limited information. The main Google hits are old posts on this forum (from around 2009) so here I am. I know there were not very many made (1980 and 1981 I think??). I bought one from a friend in the early 90's, used it for a a couple of years and it has been pretty much unused for at least the last 10yrs (except for the odd dust down and tune up). My gigging days are well behind me so it seems a shame to have out of use if it is relatively rare and there are some genuine B401 fans out there. I realise this is a US-based forum and I am based in the UK but this seems to be where the people in the know are on these matters and a few people seemed genuinely enthused by the B401 in historic threads. I would rather keep it than sell on to someone who just wants any old bass.

So what do I have? Something worth keeping or something worth selling (and shipping to the US potentially)? I will have to get it out and post some images if people want to see it?

Thanks,

Crowe.

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome.

Pictures always help. I can't comment on desirability - it's not a bass I have ever lusted after, for example - but others will be along momentarily, I'm sure.

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Hello Crowe,

I have two B-402s

Unless you really like Guilds, I don't think they're very desired. I never found playing any of the "B" series basses comfortable as they all have a severe case of "neck dive". Now they do sound good with the pick-ups they have in them and the on-board pre-amp/equalizer of the 400 series makes them sound even better. They would be great for studio use, but live I'm going with a Pilot!

 

[Crowe]

Hi Guys,
thanks for quick replies.
It looks rather like the one on the right, but with a single pickup and fewer control dials accordingly. I am at work just now so can't take a picutre until I get home. I am in the process of moving house and scaling back on 'stuff' so just checking if I can find this a new home with someone who would use/appreciate it rather than move it to a new cupbaord in a different part of the country!
I will check back later and post a pic or two.

Thanks again.

 

[kevin the bass man]

Hi crowe
Like kurt said, they aren't horribly desirable unless you're into guilds.
I personally like the 2 tone finish of them.
I would love to have a b401, but I don't have the money to buy one here, let alone ship one from the UK.

 

[fronobulax]

I personally like the 2 tone finish of them.

Curiously I'm not sure I do. It looks to me like the dark tone (in the picture) shrunk or never fit the bass. Kind of like a L t-shirt over an XL paunch.