L.A. Story -- an early production or prototype S-50?

[Thunderface]

While picking up a little something for me off Craigslist in L.A. ...

... Treem came across what could be early production S-50 with a single-coil pickup and the metal TRC or perhaps a prototype. Hans, can you shed any light on this?

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

So what's in the hard case?

 

[Thunderface]

The serial number on the S-50 dates it to 1971, and the seller is asking $300 for it. (No,that's not a typo -- $300).

So what's in the hard case?

Well that didn't take long. Okay, since you asked, this...

 

[hansmoust]

Treem came across what could be early production S-50 with a single-coil pickup and the metal TRC or perhaps a prototype. Hans, can you shed any light on this?

Hello Thunderface,

Early production would be a good guess. I've seen a couple of these so far; they were all in the #52000-serial number range. Was the serial number on this one lower than that?

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Thunderface]

It was 52492, right in the range of what you've seen.

 

[Maxer]

Intriguing prototype, if that's what it is. Crazy guard and bridge cover. But you sure can see the S-100 shape in there.

Thunderface: what an amazing catch. It looks like it's in great shape. Stunning guitar. Congratulations!

 

[Thunderface]

Thanks. It's a refin to natural, and I really like it. As Treem said, it's a sweet slab of mahogany. Thanks to a huge assist from Treem, who alerted me to it, I now have my much desired three-line Chesterfield and a birth year guitar (1964).

 

[Maxer]

My birth year is 1960. Don't know what guitar I'd like from that year. My oldest guitar is my '71 S-100. A guy I know just made a bundle selling a '60 Strat. Don't think I'll be going there, but there's plenty of other cool guitars to be had from that year.

 

[bluesypicky]

What the.....????!!!!!
So one out, one right back in hmmm? :lol:
Is this what they call the "Mickey mouse pick up?"
I bet there aren't too many of these around, does Grot even have one? :shock:
Regardless, congrats, nice catch indeed! And how does that funny looking thing sound?

 

[Thunderface]

More like two out and one in. Not only did I see the Chiquita to Philippe, but today I shipped my '65 Jet-Star. Wasn't thinking of picking up another, but the '64 S-100 Polara was just too good a deal to pass up. I can't comment on how it sounds yet, because it's still in Treem's possession. Perhaps he can enlighten us. Mr. Treem got a chance to play it, too.

Again Treem deserves all the credit. He alerted me to it, he went and picked it up. I bow in Treem's direction once again.

 

[Treem]

Well TF......I'm going to need more time with the Polara! Be right back!:shock: :mrgreen: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[taabru45]

Well TF......I'm going to need more time with the Polara! Be right back!:shock: :mrgreen: :lol: :lol: :lol:

So, now that Pete is ready to be picked up, and you had your closet back.......well.....that didn't last long :lol: Steffan

 

[SFIV1967]

My birth year is 1960. Don't know what guitar I'd like from that year.

@Maxer: Let me propose something! How about a 1960 Aristocrat? (O.k., that price is a bit steep...but nice guitar!)
http://www.garysguitars.com/catalog/196 ... at-gue0162

Ralf

 

[taabru45]

That's what friends are for..... :wink: 8) Steffan

 

[Thunderface]

Well TF......I'm going to need more time with the Polara! Be right back!:shock: :mrgreen: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You've earned more time! Play away, bromigo! 8)

Dilemma time. Hans informed me that my "new" 1964 Polara S-100 was actually completed in final assembly on Feb. 1, 1965 with a cherry finish. So despite the 1964 serial number, it's technically a 1965 model.

So I either continue to refer to this as my birth year guitar, based on the serial number, and be technically incorrect ... or I move my birthday up a year. Oh, what to do? :?

Hey, wait a minute! I'm a year younger than I thought I was all these years! WHOO HOOO! The fountain of youth is found in a vintage Guild guitar.

 

[Maxer]

How about a 1960 Aristocrat? (O.k., that price is a bit steep...but nice guitar!)
http://www.garysguitars.com/catalog/196 ... at-gue0162

Ralf

I'll say... it's a beaut! I'd be hard-pressed to explain it away to my wife, seeing as I'm between gigs at the moment. But it's tempting all the same. I always did want another Guild.

 

[Russian Guy]

Congratulations on the beautiful Guilds, Thunder! And what a bargain that S-50 turned out to be.

 

[Thunderface]

Congratulations on the beautiful Guilds, Thunder! And what a bargain that S-50 turned out to be.

To clarify, I didn't get the S-50, just the S-100 Polara. The S-50 is still for sale.

 

[Russian Guy]

Congratulations on the beautiful Guilds, Thunder! And what a bargain that S-50 turned out to be.

To clarify, I didn't get the S-50, just the S-100 Polara. The S-50 is still for sale.

Correction: it would be a bargain for anyone who buys it

 

[hagmeat]

Hey ThunderFace, nice score mate, and $300 for that S-50 would be a bargain in anyone`s language.
My 1971 S-90 has that same bridge/tailpiece combo so I think they just wanted to use up what stock they had left
before going onto the slanted tailpiece and roller bridge. I`m curious to know what those single coils sound like.