I'm curious, did Guild ever make a DeArmond version of the hollow body (not solid body) M-85 bass?
Don't think so. I can't recall ever seeing one or hearing about one.I'm curious, did Guild ever make a DeArmond version of the hollow body (not solid body) M-85 bass?
Well it would be great to find a late 60's M-85-I.
Thanks for the advice Eric. I read your posts on your GSR M-85-II sounds like you those new Dark Star pickups made all the difference. I'm not in a rush so I will keep an eye out for both the NS M-85 as well as a vintage bass. At one time the Starfire bass was of interest, they are nice but I like the smaller hollow body at this point. As far as condition goes I am much happier with a guitar or bass in player condition. I'd be too busy being careful to enjoy an instrument without scratches and dings.. Besides it helps keep the price down.if u are set on the M-85 try to wrangle a newark street, i know it is not vintage, but with that Novak Dark Star and some play time...it should be really, really good. or else a vintage M-85 or GSR will set u back exponentially, for sure.
If you would vascillate to a SF-1 bass, some vintage examples that are not the greatest cosmetically can be had for less than 2K (my opinion), but will take patience, and those would have noticable cosmetic defects/neck dings etc.
Thanks frono, you are right there are a lot of Guild options. I do have a B301-A solid body that I like but I think I'm moving in the direction of a small hollow body these days. For me that Hofner G500/1B was such an eye opener for both size and scale length. I also have a B4CE acoustic that I really like. Again the smaller body and short scale has me picking it up more often than before.I think you are joining a long line. Vintage, hollow, M-85 I's and II have always been hard to find and come with a hefty premium.
I played a Hofner or clone and it didn't do much for me. Indeed the owner also preferred my NS SF I and was sorry I wouldn't swap even with a few hundred dollars providing equalization.
If you want an old bass with a Guild logo and change from $1000 your best bet is probably a Pilot. Patience might get you a JS but you can expect to deal with a condition that starts at 'well used" and trends towards "abused". (If scale length matters, Pilots are 34". JS's are 30.5". Both are solid bodies which might not be what you want).
A vintage Guild semi-hollow probably starts at $2K. You can get NS new or used for less than $2000 but if you want an inexpensive Guild semi-hollow bass you might look at the current NS Starfire I.
Starfire I Bass Cherry Red | Guild Guitars
An iconic shape at an affordable price, Guild’s Starfire I Bass is a modern adaptation of the traditional Starfire Bass platform.guildguitars.com
You have some color choices and it looks like new ones are $670.
At one time the Starfire bass was of interest, they are nice but I like the smaller hollow body at this point.
Thanks frono, you are right there are a lot of Guild options. I do have a B301-A solid body that I like but I think I'm moving in the direction of a small hollow body these days. For me that Hofner G500/1B was such an eye opener for both size and scale length. I also have a B4CE acoustic that I really like. Again the smaller body and short scale has me picking it up more often than before.
As I said since I'm not in a rush I may spend some more time with the B4CE amplified as you suggest. It is not as loud as the B-30 from an acoustic standpoint but it is certainly smaller and more comfortable.If you are primarily a guitarist and already have a B4CE and don't mind amplifying it you might be just as happy staying with it.
Is the GSR M85 a solid body? And the NS M-85 a hollow or semi hollow body?
Ok, you have convinced me that the NS M-85 is the way to go, for me at least. I really like the body dimensions, scale length, semi hollow construction, single pickup, cost and the idea of swapping out the stock pickup with the Novak Dark Star. All the positive feedback everyone has given on that pickup pretty much guarantees satisfaction. I'll be getting back to everyone on this when I have one in my hands.