Dating a MIK M-75 Aristocrat

[eidling]

Hi folks, I am new to this forum. I am considering buying a sunburst M-75, SN# is KSG1 400500. Can someone tell me the year it was made and anything else? It reminds me visually of the Bluesbird, a guitar I always loved the look of. I have listened to a number of YouTube videos of the guitar and I like the sound - seems very versatile. I like to play clean. Anything at all you can enlighten me about would be much appreciated!!
Thanks! Also it seems there are different versions, can someone tell me which this is?

 

[GAD]

The date is baked into the Serial number. KSG14 means 2014

 

[eidling]

Thanks! Please tell me anything and everything. Actually I am not thinking of buying it, we are working on a trade. It comes with it's original hard shell case and is supposed to be mint. He thinks it is worth about $800. If you have an opinion about that, I would appreciate hearing it. I'm working on things that might make the trade, so understanding its approximate value would help. I have been searching and reading about the M-75 Aristocrat and they seem to be well-regarded. I am kind of pressed for time to do more searching and that is why I would appreciate getting the low down on these from a forum member. It seems there were different models and I presume this is the p-90. I couldn't tell - is it hollow-body or chambered? Do these have any known issues? If you are inclined, I would appreciate any additional info. It looks like you have one as your avatar. Is that correct?

 

[GAD]

I only buy used Newark St. guitars if I can get them for around $500. To be fair, that's uncommon, but I'm not sure I'd pay $800, either.

Dig around in here for some info regarding the NS M75: https://gadsguilds.com

 

[eidling]

Thank you! I will check out that link.

 

[eidling]

I only buy used Newark St. guitars if I can get them for around $500. To be fair, that's uncommon, but I'm not sure I'd pay $800, either.

Dig around in here for some info regarding the NS M75: https://gadsguilds.com

I read your review of the Gold Top. I see Newark St. guitars is a special series. I guess the one he is selling is not a Newark St. one, or is it?

 

[fronobulax]

I read your review of the Gold Top. I see Newark St. guitars is a special series. I guess the one he is selling is not a Newark St. one, or is it?

You might be misreading something or maybe @GAD has an opportunity to clarify. That serial number makes the instrument part of the Newark Street Collection which made it to the public in 2014. I think the Gold Top is a Newark Street guitar with a different finish. I'm cynical enough to believe this, but there was a credible rumor at the time that the Korean factory had attempted sunburst finishes and failed miserably. Making lemonade out of lemons, the instruments were refinished in black or gold and sold as a quasi-special edition.

I expect the instrument you are looking at will have a lot in common with https://guildguitars.com/g/m75-aristocrat/

 

[eidling]

Thanks so much, everybody. Yes I understood it was a different finish, but it was an M-75 reviewed at the link he posted. I did not see the model I am considering trading for. I am coming in with zero knowledge and really appreciate all of your comments. If any of you have any additional thoughts about this guitar, I would appreciate hearing them good, bad or otherwise!

 

[SFIV1967]

...the Newark Street Collection which made it to the public in 2014.

Actually all the Newark St. models were introduced at NAMM in January 2013 already.

NAMM 2013: Newark St. Collection electric models

NAMM 2013: Newark St.™ Collection electric models "Guild is proud to announce the Newark St. Collection, the return of eight classic Guild electric favorites from the 1950s and ’60s—once again putting the distinctive Guild styling and voice that helped shape popular music into the hands of...

letstalkguild.com

NAMM 2013: Newark St. Collection electric models

NAMM 2013: Newark St.™ Collection electric models "Guild is proud to announce the Newark St. Collection, the return of eight classic Guild electric favorites from the 1950s and ’60s—once again putting the distinctive Guild styling and voice that helped shape popular music into the hands of...

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

 

[fronobulax]

Actually all the Newark St. models were introduced at NAMM in January 2013 already.

Yes. I chose my phrasing because no one could actually buy one at retail in the USA until 2014. My recollection was there was about a year between NAMM and availability.

There may have been a model or two that escaped in late 2013 but my NS Starfire bass is alleged to be one of the first basses delivered to US dealers and it has a 2014 date.

 

[SFIV1967]

no one could actually buy one at retail in the USA until 2014.

Are you sure about this? Because LTG members got their Newark St. models mid 2013 already:

Just got my Newark st. X175

I'v been wanting a 50's X175 for a real long time. But I couldn't afford one. So I ordered the new X175 from Thomann.de last week and it arrived today. I have to say this is the best new guitar I ever bought. Out of the box it plays great! And the pickups sound really saturated and warm. I have...

letstalkguild.com

Newark St A150 savoy vs X175

Thanks Jim and John !....I grabbed what I believe to be Sweetwater Musics 1st Sunburst model.....meaning it was inspected and set up to perfection on arrival. The action is as low as on my American Deluxe Strat, with no buzz whatsoever, just that beautiful ring when I hold chords or single-notes...

letstalkguild.com

Also you might want to check your signature, and you posted in November 2013 that you have your Newark Starfire bass "several month now" already, which would confirm summer 2013...Not 2014.

Newark Street Starfire Bass Review

How long have you owned the Newark Street Starfire Bass: Several months now. Year & specific model: 2013 Newark Street Starfire Bass. Only version on the market at time of purchase. Purchased new or used: New Price paid: $1,100 USD covered bass, case, shipping, sales tax and left something...

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

 

[Default]

May 18th, 2013 was the date I picked up the Starfire 4.

 

[fronobulax]

Are you sure about this? Because LTG members got their Newark St. models mid 2013 already:

Just got my Newark st. X175

I'v been wanting a 50's X175 for a real long time. But I couldn't afford one. So I ordered the new X175 from Thomann.de last week and it arrived today. I have to say this is the best new guitar I ever bought. Out of the box it plays great! And the pickups sound really saturated and warm. I have...

letstalkguild.com

Newark St A150 savoy vs X175

Thanks Jim and John !....I grabbed what I believe to be Sweetwater Musics 1st Sunburst model.....meaning it was inspected and set up to perfection on arrival. The action is as low as on my American Deluxe Strat, with no buzz whatsoever, just that beautiful ring when I hold chords or single-notes...

letstalkguild.com

Also you might want to check your signature, and you posted in November 2013 that you have your Newark Starfire bass "several month now" already, which would confirm summer 2013...Not 2014.

Newark Street Starfire Bass Review

How long have you owned the Newark Street Starfire Bass: Several months now. Year & specific model: 2013 Newark Street Starfire Bass. Only version on the market at time of purchase. Purchased new or used: New Price paid: $1,100 USD covered bass, case, shipping, sales tax and left something...

letstalkguild.com

Ralf

My memory stands corrected.

 

[DeArmond Hammer]

Welcome, @eidling. Some reviews and price history of the Newark St. M-75 Aristocrat can be found on Reverb. As you can see, @GAD drives a hard bargain and has high standards on the used guitar market.

 

[SFIV1967]

My memory stands corrected.

No worries. I was just smiling when I saw the "'13 Newark Street Starfire Bass" in your signature.
Ralf

 

[fronobulax]

No worries. I was just smiling when I saw the "'13 Newark Street Starfire Bass" in your signature.
Ralf

Well the part of me that doesn't read my sig would have said it was a 2014 bass. I'm going to blame it all on Covid-19.