I just bought a 1978 s-300.

[GAD]

Not yours was it?

the world would know if it was.

 

[S100]

I got that one from Steve.

 

[DrumBob]

DrumBob will be along soon to tell you how terrible they are. He’s got good reasons none of which have to do with the quality of the guitar so don’t worry about that.

I on the other hand am a huge fan. I’ve probably owned ten and still have two that you can read about on my site.

Can’t wait to read more about yours!

Not funny, Gary. I never said they were terrible. They were very well made guitars. They were ugly as sin and a commercial flop that we had trouble selling. I had weekly complaints from the sales reps that dealers and guitarists wouldn't buy them, but you know all about that.

 

[GAD]

Not funny, Gary. I never said they were terrible. They were very well made guitars. They were ugly as sin and a commercial flop that we had trouble selling. I had weekly complaints from the sales reps that dealers and guitarists wouldn't buy them, but you know all about that.

Apologies if I mischaracterized your past posts. From what I recall you’ve been quite vocal about them in a consistently negative way.

 

[DrumBob]

Apologies if I mischaracterized your past posts. From what I recall you’ve been quite vocal about them in a consistently negative way.

Accepted. If only you had been there and saw and heard what I did. I can't help but have a negative view of that guitar. When your top salesman, Bob Bromberg, tells you he can't sell them, it leaves an impression. When you can't give them away at 50+15%, it tells you something. Going forward, I'll refrain from getting involved in S series posts, simply because everyone knows how I feel by now.

What made it even more frustrating was, Guild management was so damned conservative, they wouldn't try anything new or listen to what the salespeople, guitarists, or myself were saying. It cost them sales, and eventually, their jobs.

 

[guitarnewb]

I find it different looking. Not ugly. The idea was to buy a guitar that not everyone has, that has a different tone and a different look. I love playing different brands of good quality guitars and seeing which tones I can get out of them. I think the s-300 is a cool looking guitar.

 

[hearth_man]

I’ve never seen one with actives. Got pics?

I was referring to the S-400 version with active pickups. I think GAD had a post about the elusive S-400 a little while back. The bass version was the B-400 series.

 

[GAD]

I was referring to the S-400 version with active pickups. I think GAD had a post about the elusive S-400 a little while back. The bass version was the B-400 series.

Ahh. Yeah that GAD guy gets around.

 

[hearth_man]

Ahh. Yeah that GAD guy gets around.

Yes you do sir.

 

[cupric]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember that everyone wanted a Led Paul back in the late 70s. ( or almost everyone). I bought my first S300-AD from one of the guitar squad guys in High school. It was virtually brand new, with case, for 300.00. He sold it to buy a new Ibanez Iceman! It was all about the DEVO.

 

[Wulfthar]

Annoyed.

I also wanted a 1978 S 300 as I was born that year but they are almost possibile to find in decent state for decent money this side of the Atlantic.

 

[F30]

Wow those pics are clean examples.
Congrats Guitarnewb
yes and please post a pic when you get it.

 

[guitarnewb]

I can't wait to show you guys. I should have it in a few days. It really is a clean looking guitar. I have guitars I bought new that have more wear on them...from back in my whisky days. Can't see how anyone would think the s-300 is an ugly guitar. It's so cool looking to me. I've only ever read good things about them too. Not one negative review on one. That's more than can be said of Gibson guitars from that era. The guitars are just plain unique looking. No one will have this guitar when I go to jam with people. I'm hoping the tone is something a bit different than what I've been getting with my other guitars. I'm always looking for different tones. Apparently the hb1s are awesome.

 

[F30]

I like the HB-1's and looking forward to you posting a pic of your S-300.
I find no matter if it is an acoustic or an electric stock or modded, if you spend a little time with what you got -
you may find out it is just the ticket.

 

[guitarnewb]

I have the guitar, but I can't get my phone to upload pictures at the moment. The guitar is in good shape. Some dings here and there, but I knew that when I bought it. It plays nicely and is overall in very good condition.

I'm not digging the tone yet though. I find it is lacking articulation, even with brand new strings. Tried it through my two-rock and I find it's just sort of lacking presence and there's nothing about the tone that really jumps out and makes me go, "wow". I think maybe the pots need to be changed. Way too much treble rolls off when I turn the volume down, and when the volume is up, it's sort of tinny and harsh. Every other guitar I have responds quite well to my pedals, but with this guitar, I have to totally change the settings on my pedals to get a tone that I sort of like. Quite disappointed in the tone of this guitar at the moment. I like how it plays and feels. It's just that tone. Anyone know of tricks to get these pups to sound better?

I'll post photos as soon as I figure out my phone.

 

[GAD]

If you can, post pics inside the control cavity, too. That way we can tell you if the wiring is right.

 

[Bill G]

I sold my S 300 D in the early 90's, when I was moving every ten minutes, and I could kick myself square in the sack.

 

[drc]

Beautiful guitar. The S-300’s are my personal favorite. Fun guitars and ya gotta love that shape! Enjoy