New guy with a question about a '77 JSB II LS...

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Howdy all! New to your site and hope you folks can answer a question for me about my Guild JSBII LS.
The serial number (150XXX) dates the guitar to 1977. It appears to be somewhat of a transitional model between the JSB's and the B-302's?
I bought the guitar in '79 and have played it off and on ever since. It is in pretty good shape, a little paint wear on the neck and back of the body and a few small dings, nothing major. The guitar is all black.
Anyone have an idea what kind of value I'm looking at? Not wanting to sell, just curious.
Thanks in advance for any info you can throw my way!
 

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fronobulax

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Welcome. The good news is we have seen a couple of transitional models before. The body came from a JS bass and just about everything else from the B-30x. 1977 is the right time. I always figured they had some JS bodies they wanted to use but ran out of PUs and bridges.

You might be interested in https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/jsb2-ls.193693/#post-1768827 There are pictures of another transitional model that last I knew had made it to Australia.

No idea of value. I think $1,000 will get you a working JS II. Outstanding condition or the carved version will push that up. Prices are similar for a B-30x although the people who like them like the body shape so might have no interest in yours. Guild rarities do not seem to command any premium because they are rare. I'll throw out $1,000 because it starts the conversation.
 
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Thanks for the quick response! I'd seen the Aussie bass in the link you posted. Sure doesn't seem to be a lot of info on that variation.
Your guesstimate on the price was about what I figured I'd hear. I gave $300 for it in early '79 and just haven't seen many of them.
Thanks again!
Anybody else?
 

Opsimath

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I have no input. I don't play bass and barely play guitar but just wanted to welcome you to LTG. Enjoy your stay, we're a great group!
 

lungimsam

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I’m gonna guess that the model no. means “JetstarBass-2(pickup) Long Scale”? Maybe? Is it long scale?
 

Guildedagain

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My gut feeling is $1200-1600, just because. It's definitely a rarity. Black = cool factor. Single coils = good tone factor.

What's the weight? That's another factor that's important to the aging gearhead, youngsters don't seem to be as concerned. If it's well under 8lbs, a big plus on price/desirability, for me.

I had a early 70's JS bass but the humbuckers were definitely not my thing, so it's gone now.

The single coils are the big draw here, plus long scale has better overtones.

A little bit like a Jazz Bass on the cheap, and has a cool Batman sort of a vibe.

As usual, underdog Guild knocks it out of the park with innovation and usually superb build quality.
 

fronobulax

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I’m gonna guess that the model no. means “JetstarBass-2(pickup) Long Scale”? Maybe? Is it long scale?

Or, since this variation was never cataloged, they just had the TRC lying around and wanted to use it.

Here is a "real" JSII-LS but early enough that it just has the basic TRC.

239090445_o.jpg

The JetStar and the JS were solid body basses with different shapes. Guild very rarely called the JS bass a JetStar. I used to say "never" and sling darts from my soapbox at those who did, but then I found this label which once again showed inconsistency was the one consistent thing about Guild.

DSC_0056.jpg
 
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My gut feeling is $1200-1600, just because. It's definitely a rarity. Black = cool factor. Single coils = good tone factor.

What's the weight? That's another factor that's important to the aging gearhead, youngsters don't seem to be as concerned. If it's well under 8lbs, a big plus on price/desirability, for me.

I had a early 70's JS bass but the humbuckers were definitely not my thing, so it's gone now.

The single coils are the big draw here, plus long scale has better overtones.

A little bit like a Jazz Bass on the cheap, and has a cool Batman sort of a vibe.

As usual, underdog Guild knocks it out of the park with innovation and usually superb build quality.
She weighs in at 8 pounds 8.5 ounces, so a tad on the heavy side, but I used to be able to pack it around all night with no issues. At 62 years old now it might be another story! This gettin' older stuff ain't for sissies.
"A Jazz Bass on the cheap". I like that description, it's fitting.
Never considered the 'Batman vibe', LOL!
Thank you for your input!
 

Guildedagain

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8.5lb isn't insanely heavy for a bass. A lot of Les Pauls weighed 9.5-10lbs and people played them just fine.

I'll be '62 in November, still holding up to an insane amount of chores, marriage and other hazardous endeavors ;]
 
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