Newark Street spec change

[GGJaguar]

I know this is probably interesting to only me and @SFIV1967 but here's an observation I made. It seems that the S-200 T-Bird and the S-100 Polara (made by World Musical Instruments in Korea) are now being fitted with 19:1 Wilkinson WJ-28N "Sta-Tite" style tuners instead of 18:1 Grover V98N Sta-Tite tuners. The Guild web site still shows these 2 models having Grover tuners. I don't know if the Wilkinsons are of lesser, equal or better quality than the Grovers.

These are the lowest serial numbers I've found with these tuners.

S-200 T-Bird




S-100 Polara



It's interesting that the NS Bluesbird is also made by WMI, yet it still is fitted (for now?) with the Grover tuners. Here's the highest serial number I've found for a BB with the Grovers. Still hunting for one with Wilkinsons.

 

[chazmo]

Hmm. I guess CMG didn't think it was worth mentioning.

 

[AcornHouse]

In general, Wilkinson is a budget brand. I’d call it a downgrade.

 

[GGJaguar]

I’d call it a downgrade.

Rats, I was afraid of that.

 

[Westerly Wood]

 

[GAD]

The only reason stuff like this happens is cost. Supply chain could be an issue, but then I’d expect all models to see the switch unless some models stay in inventory longer than others.

 

[AcornHouse]

Well, it’s not like we haven’t seen cheap import tuners before. Some of those 70s tuners from Japan on the lower models have not fared well.

 

[GAD]

Well, it’s not like we haven’t seen cheap import tuners before. Some of those 70s tuners from Japan on the lower models have not fared well.

Yeah, and I have to imagine the reason they were put on Guilds in the ‘60s was cost.

 

[GGJaguar]

The other thing I noticed is that the S-200 T-Bird no longer comes with a gig bag. So, cheaper tuners and no gig bag to keep the price the same.

 

[lungimsam]

I feel like many businesses are economizing by not including stuff that was included before, like full sized spares in cars these days. Some cars don’t even come with a donut. Just a can of sealant.

 

[lungimsam]

I wish they would go back to unbound bass fingerboards on NS Starfires. I wonder if the bound necks are the same used in the new split pickup Starfires.

 

[lungimsam]

And maybe they could save $$$ by going back to the smaller tuner shafts like the vintage basses have. Looks better. I think the 1/2” version on the NS Starfires look way too big for the headstock size.

 

[Maguchi]

I know this is probably interesting to only me and @SFIV1967 but here's an observation I made. It seems that the S-200 T-Bird and the S-100 Polara (made by World Musical Instruments in Korea) are now being fitted with 19:1 Wilkinson WJ-28N "Sta-Tite" style tuners instead of 18:1 Grover V98N Sta-Tite tuners. The Guild web site still shows these 2 models having Grover tuners. I don't know if the Wilkinsons are of lesser, equal or better quality than the Grovers.

These are the lowest serial numbers I've found with these tuners.

S-200 T-Bird




S-100 Polara



It's interesting that the NS Bluesbird is also made by WMI, yet it still is fitted (for now?) with the Grover tuners. Here's the highest serial number I've found for a BB with the Grovers. Still hunting for one with Wilkinsons.

Love the look, feel and function of those open gear tuners! I got those tuners, the Grover version, on a 2017 or 2018 Bluesbird and am digging on 'em.