s-100 funky serial number

[Alan_M]

Hi Y'all!
I'm new to the forums but not to Guilds, and I've got a funny dealio goin' on here....
I had a 97 reissue S-100 in black that I regrettably sold like a dumb a$$, and now a few years on I've been chasing a replacement. And I caught it. A cherry finish in pretty darn good condition, with original case! It's undoubtedly an authentic item, but the serial number is "funky". It was advertised as a '95, but I cannot date it accordingly. The serial number is FB001083. NOT FB000183, NOT FB000103, BUT FB001083. As in missing a leading zero, or if following the advancement of serial num's, made after the mid 90's reissues. The 97's of the known number references end at FB000770, this on e would be 313 builds after the last known number! However we all know there were problems with serial assignments from time to time. Do you think I can date this via the pots? Other thoughts? Much appreciated!

 

[Thunderface]

Welcome, Alan_M. You should definitely be able to date it by the pots, or see if there's a label pasted to the inside of the electronics cover. Or someone else will weigh in with a better answer.

 

[matsickma]

The info you are referencing from the web have errors and also do not extend out far enough.

Hans Moust has the complete data base and he likely will be along to provide you with info on your guitar. I suspect teh serial number is real.

M

 

[Alan_M]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I have no doubts about it being real, just curious how it came to be and what the real manufacture date was, if not '95. I got it from Centaur Guitars in Portland Oregon. They are a reputable bunch and probably did their part to date it correctly. It's definitely re-issue as the "case candy" had the Guild hang tag and manual, but a Fender registration card. There is not sticker on the backplate, the pots are marked with only 98-WD500... which I believe I've seen in Bluesbirds as well. The case is a Guild case with the interior moulded to fit the body exactly. When I bought my other s-100 new I couldn't even get the case from GC, had to hunt for a good aftermarket/other brand to fit it, and then of course the body cavity was just an open square, not fitted.
Anyway, I just finished cleaning/conditioning/restringing and it sounds and plays great! Oh how I've missed that feel and tone! I love my Les Paul and my X-170, but the S-100 is still my favorite. I wish whoever owned it before hadn't replaced the strap buttons with locking types. Gonna have to track down some OEM replacements. Hans is the man for that, no?
I will post pictures of both my Guild beauties shortly. Thanks again for the replies!

 

[Qvart]

Looks like a '99.

 

[Alan_M]

If I remember correctly... my other S-100 had Grovers, and this one has Guild tuners... is my memory fuzzy? Ah, getting old...

 

[hansmoust]

Hi Y'all!
I'm new to the forums but not to Guilds, and I've got a funny dealio goin' on here....
I had a 97 reissue S-100 in black that I regrettably sold like a dumb a$$, and now a few years on I've been chasing a replacement. And I caught it. A cherry finish in pretty darn good condition, with original case! It's undoubtedly an authentic item, but the serial number is "funky". It was advertised as a '95, but I cannot date it accordingly. The serial number is FB001083. NOT FB000183, NOT FB000103, BUT FB001083. As in missing a leading zero, or if following the advancement of serial num's, made after the mid 90's reissues.

Hello Alan,

Welcome! Your S-100 with serial # FB001083 is from the year 1999.

If I remember correctly... my other S-100 had Grovers, and this one has Guild tuners... is my memory fuzzy?

No, nothing wrong with your memory. The earlier ones had Grover RotoMatics, which were replaced by the Guild G-shield branded tuners towards the end of Westerly production.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Alan_M]

Thank you Hans! I bow to your Guild knowledge.
So would this guitar have been built in Westerly, or merely a kit built there and then shipped to Corona for assembly?
I find Guild's location moves fascinating, so many variables!
And might you have a couple of original Guild strap buttons in nickel/chrome by chance? I wish to replace the locking aftermarkets the previous owner put on and go back to "stock".

 

[hansmoust]

So would this guitar have been built in Westerly, or merely a kit built there and then shipped to Corona for assembly?

Hello Alan_M,

That guitar was done in Westerly, RI.

As far as parts are concerned, just contact me through my website!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[hideglue]

I wish to replace the locking aftermarkets the previous owner put on and go back to "stock".

That just might be the first time I've ever heard that request.