Guild M-75 Aristocrat enthusiasts/owner

[Blues&BebopFan]

Thank you so much guys for taking the time to reply, giving full and super interesting answers !
I'm very happy to have found this group and met you all and to finally be able to share about our favorite brand!

 

[krysh]

…. Can I assume that in these guitars there are no soundpost at all and they are fully hollow ?

Thanks again for your reply!

Yes. Also not every late M-75 did have a soundpost. I am lucky to have found one, because this is the guitar I was looking for and didn‘t even know it. I even sold my nightingale after I got it.

 

[Rocky]

Thank you so much Rocky !! It's very clear now!

I saw a soundpost in my harmony h70 meteor, right under the bridge, a simple piece of wood like you describe. Very interesting!
What is your opinion on the various soundpost like the gretsh or the center block in ES.. ? Also, I guess on 1950's M-75 aristocrat, the body is fully hollow without one, the absence of the F-holes were supposed to resolve the feedback problem. Can I assume that in these guitars there are no soundpost at all and they are fully hollow ?

Thanks again for your reply!

I believe original series, unmodified Aristocrats were fully hollow. The lack of F-holes reduces feedback, but not as much as if they were completely airtight. But that would not only be difficult, but would change the sound again.

I'm more partial to trestle/centerblock/chambered guitars than fully hollow but primarily because I have a more percussive, 'rock' style rather than feedback concerns. But as my style evolves, I may be drifting back.

 

[Walter Broes]

I'd like very much to belong to this club, but I don't. (YET!)

 

[jp]

Me too. I love my NS Aristocrat, but I would love an original 50s or early 60s example, and/or a late 60s early 70s hollow M-75 Bluesbird. Someday.

 

[Walter Broes]

Oh, I would totally settle for a NS Aristocrat with upgraded pickups right now - it's a pretty spectacular reissue for the price IMO.

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

I'd like very much to belong to this club, but I don't. (YET!)

me neither!!! I just had the chance to have someone borrowed me an old one for a short period

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

I believe original series, unmodified Aristocrats were fully hollow. The lack of F-holes reduces feedback, but not as much as if they were completely airtight. But that would not only be difficult, but would change the sound again.

I'm more partial to trestle/centerblock/chambered guitars than fully hollow but primarily because I have a more percussive, 'rock' style rather than feedback concerns. But as my style evolves, I may be drifting back.

thank you Rocky for your answer, it's always nice to hear about what people play and love

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

Me too. I love my NS Aristocrat, but I would love an original 50s or early 60s example, and/or a late 60s early 70s hollow M-75 Bluesbird. Someday.

I had the chance to be able to play on a 1958 all original one, it's my dream since.. Incredible guitar!!!

 

[jp]

There was a '59 in a local shop for the past few months, but it was listed for waaaay too much. I didn't dare venture into the bowels of temptation.

 

[Smiert Spionam]

I'd like very much to belong to this club, but I don't. (YET!)

You and me both, brother.

I've been tempted by more than a few, and might still just jump in on a NS reissue.

 

[mavuser]

Just get a USA Bluesbird, or a Nightbird if possible. Amazing guitars and value

 

[Rocky]

Just get a USA Bluesbird, or a Nightbird if possible. Amazing guitars and value

Excellent, but very different guitars.

 

[guitarlover]

I have 3 reissued Aristocrats : a goldtop, a black one with guildsby added and a black one with a wooden bridge and flatwounds. Best reissue guitars ever made !

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

You and me both, brother.

I've been tempted by more than a few, and might still just jump in on a NS reissue.

I heard a lot of good things about them !

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

Excellent, but very different guitars.

Did you had the chance to try both ? If yes can you explain the differences ? I'm curious!

 

[Blues&BebopFan]

Did one of you have tried the Guild M-65? seems pretty close to the m-75 for a way cheaper price. I'm curious to hear about it

 

[Rocky]

Did you had the chance to try both ? If yes can you explain the differences ? I'm curious!

Yes, but not side by side. An old M-75 is very much a hollowbody guitar. Not as 'big sounding' as say, an X-500, but the same kind of thing - 'plunky' not so much sustain but a lot of character to the notes. A Nightbird has a lot more attack to the note, and considerably more sustain. About halfway between an ES-335 and a Les Paul.

 

[Prince of Darkness]

Hi krysh,

First, thank you so much for your reply. The guitar is gorgeous !! It's also very nice to be able to hear you playing it! I'm very happy to learn about the model thanks to you. There are so many informations I didn't know... First thing first, can you explain what is the soundpost you're talking about (sorry if it's a silly question) I've never heard of those. Also, I'm aware of the Franz pickups because the one I've tried was from 1958 so with those, (I really liked the sound!). However, I don't know the difference between the LB-1 and the HB-1. I have a 1975 Guild X175 that sound amazing but I have no idea of which pickups are on it. I just loved the sound when I bought it 5 years ago. Here are some pictures.

I should think that you have already figured this out from GAD's Ramblings anyway, but those are HB1s Easy to tell them apart from LB1s when you know how, HB1 is bigger and has three height adjustment screws

 

[mavuser]

Excellent, but very different guitars.

I more meant for the money, not only comparitively to a vintage Aristocrat, but also just for what a Nightbird or Bluesbird in itself is...they can still
be had somewhat affordably. For $5,000+ a nice Aristocrat would certainly do! and still likely a safe investment. 1-3K would get a nice BB or NB.