Clarification re the BR designation

[bobouz]

I'm rather new to this particular guitar board (but not to Guilds!), and have seen occasional references to "BR" Guilds.

Is this simply referring to an instrument with Brazilian Rosewood?

And if so, do those with only a BR board and/or bridge get into the group?

Additionally, what is the last known year of BR being used in Guild production?

 

[davismanLV]

I've always thought it was a color designation. As in a D-25BR, which is a brown stained color, if I'm not mistaken. I don't recall Guild ever designating a type of rosewood either way. But, there are many more knowledgeable than I, so.... prepare for the actual answer to come shortly.

 

[fronobulax]

Well I'll throw something out there so folks can have a turn at correcting me.

I think BR is an LTG term for Brazilian Rosewood. I don't think Guild ever used it in a catalog description because Brazilian Rosewood was not the selling point 50+ years ago that it is now. I can't recall anyone getting excited because a fingerboard or bridge was Brazilian Rosewood so I think we only use the term when the back and/or sides are BR. The time when it was used is not known precisely since Guild didn't always make a point of reporting where the rosewood came from. I think it is safe to throw the BS flag at anyone who claims a BR Guild made after 1975 and skepticism can be suspended for an instrument before 1965. I am thinking the last confirmed sighting was made in 1973 but I certainly expect to be wrong about that

 

[fronobulax]

Context is everything. If Guild used the "BR" on a label or in a model number then it is almost certainly a color designation. But if an LTGer uses the term it might mean Brazilian Rosewood since most people are capable of spelling "brown" and it's not too long to type.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I use BR as my D25Br abbreviation. It has never stood for Braz RW for me. I like this particular inconsistency/confusion of usage as it aligns me more to the Westerly years of Guild.

 

[adorshki]

Edit:

HAH! AS soon as I posted this I see folks beat me to the punch!
:highly_amused:
Bobouz:
That's a great question, because initially I thought you might be thinking of a couple of members (Westerly Wood and Neal) who refer to their D25BR's as "BR" because that was the color code on their guitars, "BR" for BRown, used for a while in the early to late '70's, and written that way on the labels, "D25BR". I think it was exclusive to D25's as well, can't recall seeing it on other models. Lotta members love it.
I'm used to seeing Brazilian refered to specifically that way, or sometimes as "Braz", but it's possible you've seen "BR" used for Brazilian Rosewood.
I'm thinking Rayk uses it referring to his Blueridge where it's part of the model number, "IIRC".
So I think you'd have to consider the context when you see it.
As for last known year of use, it was definitely into the '70's.
AS it grew scarcer, they released some instruments with mixed EIR/Braz sides and backs. I'm thinking there's a '76 D50 like that owned by a member here? Latest one I can recall if correct.
Ideally a couple of those D50 owners can confirm or correct.
I don't recall if Hans was able to nail it down in the Guild Guitar Book.

 

[chazmo]

Yup, mystery solved. I was going to point bobouz (and all you guys) to: http://www.letstalkguild.com/ltg/showthread.php?166720-Forum-related-Lingo-FAQ

Totally reasonable confusion.

I don't recall if I've ever seen anyone refer to Brazilian rosewood as "BR" on this forum.

By the way, if anyone has some additions for the FAQ sheet, let me know. It's pretty comprehensive, but probably rather out-of-date on recent model names/numbers.

 

[etzeppy]

I have frequently seen Brazilian Rosewood abbreviated as "BRW" on other forums.

 

[Westerly Wood]

I have frequently seen Brazilian Rosewood abbreviated as "BRW" on other forums.

Yes. totally.

 

[fronobulax]

I don't recall if I've ever seen anyone refer to Brazilian rosewood as "BR" on this forum.

Clearly I thought I had :-(

 

[richardp69]

There are many here that know a whole lot more than I do. I can say that my 1971 D 25 BR refers to color and it is brown. It for sure, at least in this case, is not Brazilian Rosewood.

 

[bobouz]

I wasn't aware of the "brown" connection.

Thanks to everyone for all the info!

 

[Rayk]

Yeah I messed that all up like Ador said I use BR for my blueridge but after continued reading I might have added confusing in using BR ( though I can't remember) as a reference not knowing any better for BRW but not overly so ... Or did I ? My head hurts gotta make coffee....