Question about my Bluesbird

[Hanover Fist]

This is my second Bluesbird (serial # CL002710). I foolishly sold my first one years ago. I have a question about it, as well as about Guilds in general:

1. Were different sizes of fret wire used throughout the years? My first Bluesbird (1997 model, IIRC) had really shallow frets; the one I have now (2001) has larger frets. They seem the be almost the same size frets that are on my Gibsons and Hamers.

2. Why didn't Guild put inlays past the 17th fret? Most other makers have inlays next to the 19th & 21st frets. Without those two inlays, it sort of looks incomplete. Was it a cost-cutting measure?



Thanks for any help that can be provided.

 

[walrus]

I can't answer your questions, but that is some beautiful grain on your guitar! Welcome, and enjoy!

walrus

 

[fronobulax]

Dunno. My B50 doers not have markers past the 17th fret but my other basses do.

 

[walrus]

BTW, my Bluesbird is the same, but I kind of like how the last inlay lines up with the body...

walrus

 

[SFIV1967]

Why didn't Guild put inlays past the 17th fret? Most other makers have inlays next to the 19th & 21st frets. Without those two inlays, it sort of looks incomplete. Was it a cost-cutting measure?

I don't know about the fret wire but actually like the bigger fret wire on newer guitars.
Regarding the inlays: Look in Hans' book page 56. The initial Aristocrat M-75 models from 1954 to 1958 or 1959 used 10 block inlays and in 1959 it was changed to only 8 block inlays. On page 57 you see the 1967/68 models of the M-75 and BluesBird M-75 where the 16th fret neck body joint moved to a 18th fret joint. But they kept the 8 blocks only. See also pages 70 and 71.
So I assume when it was reissued in 1997 they just kept that 8 block inlay look of the fretboard. If it was a cost cutting measure I don't know.
I actually like it that way.

Ralf

 

[GAD]

You gotta pay Nightbird money for those high-fret markers.

 

[Hanover Fist]

Thanks for the replies--much appreciated!

As for Hans' book, I'm eagerly waiting for his next one regarding the newer models.

You gotta pay Nightbird money for those high-fret markers.

I had the chance to buy one many years ago, and stupidly let it slip away. Lesson learned!