1965 T100D

[chicagowineguy]

I've been researching the past threads and the info is fantastic, but bear with me on this: I have a co-worker who is willing and eager to sell me a T100D. I've already taken it to my guys at Chicago Fretworks (big props for them for anyone in the area...) and they are quite impressed. It's all original but with no pickguard (is that unusual?)...the neck is as straight as an arrow, it could probably use a re-fret job, and the finish is pretty shot to hell...there are dings galore, and a buckle rash as big as a playing card on the back. Now, this friend bought the guitar probably around 10 years ago to play onstage in a half-serious 60's revival act...she has said to me that she bought it in a pawn shop for a few hundred bucks. Well...she handed it over to me this afternoon and I brought it home after Fretworks gave it the once over and plugged it in. Fantastic is all I can say. I want to buy it from her, for sure. Question is: what is fair? I'm inclined to simply ask her what she paid for it and offer her a fair premium over that price. I know these guitars are selling for as much as 1500 but it looks pretty rough, certainly not cherry. Opinions? Advice? Thanks! Oh PS any recs on upgrading the PUPS or bridge?

 

[Guild Beginner]

If it really isn't in that great of shape and is missing the pickguard, I'd say this is in more like the $900 range with the "Mickey Mouse" pups. I'm sure it would be a cool guitar for you though.

 

[dane]

In fairness to both of you, perhaps it would be wise to take it back to Fretworks, or another place of your choosing with your friend and get a “Fair Market Value” appraisal done. That way it’s all above board and you both have a starting point to start the deal, and negotiate from there.

Dane

 

[chicagowineguy]

Dane that's what I'm thinking, too. I want to be total above board with this transaction. If it comes in at 1000 so be it. It's a killer, though! I was crunching it just a while ago and oh my! Then I played it clean and low and the little jazz chords were pretty. But gosh...if she paid 200 bucks for this and the appraisal comes in at ... sheesh...

 

[chicagowineguy]

Well I spoke with my friend earlier this morning and within about a minute we agreed on a price of $600 for the guitar. I told her that I'd seen prices anywhere from $400-1500 on the net, and she said she'd let me have it for $500. I replied that that was just too generous so we agreed on $600 because it really is pretty worn cosmetically. So we're both happy (I have to think I'm a bit happier...). Here are some links to pics:

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos47 ... _0_ALB.jpg

Forgive the poor quality of the photos! You can see, though, that she's pretty beat-up...and check out the high e string...wound backwards and still in tune! So, I'll have her in the shop for a set-up when I can put her down long enough...I'm pretty psyched! I feel like I've scored a little piece of Guild history...and my first electric guitar! Now...a vintage tube amp...?

 

[capnjuan]

Congratulations CWG; sounds like you did very well! Couldn't get on the Kodak site to see the pics; password protected? In any event, good going ... what are going to use for an amplifier? CJ

 

[chicagowineguy]

Thanks, Capn! I'm open to any/all suggestions on amps--I am a complete newbie in the amplified world! Will have a look at the pic situation...might be able to fix that...

 

[teleharmonium]

Sounds like about the right price.

I'm a fan of the mickey mouse pickups and the stock wood bridges these guitars came with, so I would suggest playing it for a while as is before deciding if you really want to make a change.

I've seen some good deals on cool amps at the Chicago Music Exchange in the past. If you're new to the vintage tube amp thing, I would suggest trying out some small to medium sized combo amps with 6V6 power tubes. It's good to bear in mind that if an old amp hasn't had certain things done to it in recent years (3 prong cord, new electrolytic capacitors), it probably will need it, even if it plays OK for a few minutes in a store. All the more reason to try and find one that's already been serviced recently, so you don't have to immediately get into the dark side of being a vintage amp user.

Personally I like old Ampegs and Gibsons, and various British amps which tend to be hard to find and expensive over here.

 

[valcotone]

CWG - Glad you scored a sweet T-100! Congratulations!!

There's nothing wrong with a tweed Fender as well... pricier than a Gibson, but usually more versatile too as you can dial in more variation in tones. The 50's Gibson amps sound fabulous but are sometimes limited in the higher frequencies. Anyway, just something to listen for when you're trying out amps.

Some off-brand amps sound great too for bluesy tones, names like Silvertone, Valco, Supro, etc., but I wouldn't necessarily recommend them for a first vintage purchase as they sometimes need a little more work than the average Fender or Gibson.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a decent starter amp with a master volume and reverb with some reasonable tones (and warranty)... a Fender Blues Junior is a good consideration.

 

[Default]

One of the fellers bought an AC4 and was very pleased with it. The 10" version is $250 @ Guitar Center.

 

[mad dog]

Wow, what a great score! Really nice looking Guild you have there. On the amp side, fender tweed or equivalent are cannot miss propositions, depending on budget. For real bargains, see if you can find an old Ampeg. Gemini I, II, IV, VI, reverborocket, jet, M-12, it's hard to go wrong with the vintage Ampegs. Very reasonable in cost, so if it takes a little tech time to get them set up perfectly for you, it'll still be quite affordable.