Manufacture location of my Bluesbird

[nvcatgut]

Hi all,

I own what I believe to be a 1997 Bluesbird (black with white trim - the same kind that Steven Page played in "Falling for the First Time", in fact, I bought it on his advice to do so because he loves his so much.

The serial number on the back of the head reads "CL000214" I suspect that it may have been built in Road Island but in other posts here, I read that CL may possibly mean Corona. (what state is that in, anyway?). This much, I do know...they only made, (in this production run), about 600 or so. Can't remember where I get that info, but it stuck in my head.

In any case, may I please get some assistance in nailing the date and location of manufacture of this fine instrument?

Thanks,

Lewis

 

[hansmoust]

I own what I believe to be a 1997 Bluesbird (black with white trim - the same kind that Steven Page played in "Falling for the First Time", in fact, I bought it on his advice to do so because he loves his so much.

The serial number on the back of the head reads "CL000214" I suspect that it may have been built in Road Island but in other posts here, I read that CL may possibly mean Corona.

Hello Lewis,

Welcome! Your Bluesbird with ser. # CL000214 was made in Westerly, RI during the year 1997.
It was not made in Corona, which by the way is in California.

This much, I do know...they only made, (in this production run), about 600 or so. Can't remember where I get that info, but it stuck in my head.

That information is not correct. They already did more than 600 during the year that your guitar was made.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[adorshki]

I see a first post. Welcome aboard, 'catgut!
Since I don't know if you know who Hans is, I'll mention that he's is recognized as THE foremost expert on Guild guitars around here, and probably anywhere else for that matter. He's already written one book about the history of the company, covering up to 1977, and we're anxiuosly awaiting the next volume.
So whatever he says you can pretty much bank on. :wink:
I'll let the next guy beg for pics..they're widely appreciated around here.

 

[Default]

[Beg]Pics pleeeaaassseee?[/Beg]

 

[guildman63]

Welcome nvcatgut!

FYI... CL is Westerly, RI, and I believe CM is Corona, CA.

 

[nvcatgut]

hansmoust, Thanks so much for this information! I was very-much hoping that it was a Westerly and suspected that may be the case for some time.

...and big thanks to everyone for the welcome notes, too =8^)-

I shall be posting images of 'Mr. Page' soon, but for right now, here's link to my own little 'how to' on stringing a Guild with a Bigsby...

How to string a Guild with a Bigsby

(As I am no professional gear-tech, you 'll notice I use the word 'post' a lot in this video. I'm sure each part has a proper name but I couldn't get past using the word 'post' for some reason. meh...)

Lastly, I've looked and looked and can't seem to find other guitars like mine, (black with the white trim). Rare-ish? (or is it that Guild owners just KEEP 'em.) :wink:

Once again, thanks so much!

I own what I believe to be a 1997 Bluesbird (black with white trim - the same kind that Steven Page played in "Falling for the First Time", in fact, I bought it on his advice to do so because he loves his so much.

The serial number on the back of the head reads "CL000214" I suspect that it may have been built in Road Island but in other posts here, I read that CL may possibly mean Corona.

Hello Lewis,

Welcome! Your Bluesbird with ser. # CL000214 was made in Westerly, RI during the year 1997.
It was not made in Corona, which by the way is in California.

This much, I do know...they only made, (in this production run), about 600 or so. Can't remember where I get that info, but it stuck in my head.

That information is not correct. They already did more than 600 during the year that your guitar was made.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[nvcatgut]

As promised, here are some beauty-shots. Looks like the high E string wandered out of the nut on the first one

I know the C looks like a G in this shot, it's just the light playing off the finish...(good shot of the Grover tuners)

...and finally, the reason I bought this thing. I'm a huge Barenaked Ladies fan. I was on MySpace one day and noticed that Steven Page showed up as being 'online', so I shot him a quick note with a link to the ebay auction page for the guitar. I asked him if he thought this was a good price and how he liked his. I left to get something to drink and when I came back, less than three minutes), he had actually written me back stating;

"I love my Guild, it's easy to play, has a great tone and best of all it's lighter than my Les Paul! I highly advise picking this up"

(You may notice a surprising similarity between his and mine in this shot...only I don't wear women's underwear...yet...gotta' wait for someone to throw them at me on stage first, hee hee....)

So...I won the auction and when I got the guitar, I opened it up to discover one pot was bad and there was something like four feet of many different guages of unshielded wiring in there which was causing a bad humming sound. (it's been repaired since).

Flashing forward, BNL was coming to town to promote their children's album, 'Snack Time' and there was a free show at a Borders book store. My wife and I made sure to be the first ones in line and I brought my guitars with me. I had the guild out on a chair when a van pulled up, slowed down for 30 feet and then moved on.

I later found out that it was the band in that van and Steven had spotted the guitar. After the show, they did autographs and such and when I approached him, his face lit up and he asked, (as like an enthusiastic child at Christmas), "Did you BRING IT?!"

Yeah, that was cool talking to one of my rock-heroes afterward everything calmed down in the store. The first thing he asked me was "Where's the pick guard?"

As I understand it, they were shipped with the guitars as an option to install by the musician who bought it. A lot of people didn't install them, and sadly, many of those threw them away.

Yes, I'm still looking for one, (unsuccessfully so far...) 8) and I've looked on your site here too, perhaps someone can direct me the right way? :wink:

 

[fearless]

I have one - all new in case with fittings and never attached. BUT due to some financial difficulties, the guitar is for sale on consignment at a store here in Melbourne. I prefer to leave the pickguard with the guitar until it is sold (in case a prospective buyer is a stickler for having everything complete), but I'd be happy make sure the new buyer knows you are looking for one. It's not much, I know, but you could be lucky and the guitar is bought by someone who doesn't give a toss about pickguards.

Alternatively, you could trying enquiring with Jay at New Hope Guitar Traders http://www.guildguy.com/ or Hans http://www.guitarchives.nl/guitarsgalore/
Then there is always e-bay saved search with e-mail notification and possibly Fender.
Good luck and welcome.