B4-CE Acoustic/Electric bass question

[Tireddad2]

Hey everyone,
I was given a gift of a beautiful B4CE acoustic bass in 2003 following a graduation. It has remained essentially unplayed - maybe 2 hours. It has remained climate controlled and protected.
I looked up on the Guild website to check the serial number for proper dating and location of build, but the serial number does not seem to match the standard ones for this model. I saw someone posted a question a number of years ago about a B4 CE with the same dark finish (front and back - not the natural finish).
Where and when might this one have been made based on the serial number? Model - B4 CE AMB, Serial #FF000054

I have tried posting pictures, but all of the file sizes are too large, despite resizing them in Photoshop. I would be happy to email photos if that would help

Thanks to everyone in advance for responding

 

[hansmoust]

Hello Tireddad2,

Welcome! Your Guild B4CE Amber was a prototype for the model that was made in Westerly, RI during the year 1993.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Oooh!

 

[Tireddad2]

That is really interesting.

My program mentor and friend had (has) a large collection of guitars, many of them one of a kind (hand built, custom). It is a beautiful collection. He only had this bass, essentially unplayed, and a Fender electric bass.

He played all of his guitars, but did not play either bass. Just had them in case. He knew I liked the bass and presented me with this one at the end of the graduate program. I think he really wanted me to take it up. I have always meant to, but work and life has got in the way. Have been playing percussion (rather poorly!) instead.

How the heck would he have acquired a prototype? The program was in New England so this being made at the factory in rhode Island is what I figured.

I will try to post pictures if I can lower the file size enough to be able to load them.

 

[Tireddad2]

Photos sent to Hans

 

[davismanLV]

We love photos!! Welcome Tireddad2. Work on the photos so we can all enjoy!!

 

[hansmoust]

Here's a photo of the front:

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Sweet!