NGD... 1958 M-65

[dapmdave]

GAS is really hitting me hard this year, for some reason.

So, here's the latest. A 1958 M-65 Freshman, full-sized and naturally "reliced".

Yer full-frontal shot...

And the full-backal shot, there is a touch of belt-buckle.

Side view. Note the interesting binding repair. There are several similar repairs. Nicely done, I think.

Here's a close-up of the worst areas of "relic". Is this the result of 54 years of sweaty arm schmoo?

The original 3-on-a-strip machines were replaced with these Schallers at some point.

And the headstock, with mucho cool finish checking.

I'll be looking for a case ASAP, as the one it came in is really rough and not original.

I'd had very little contact with these guitars prior to checking this one out. Light as a feather, it's loud unplugged. The Franz pickup is strong, with a lot of bluesy, woody character. Just a cool little 54-year old Guild.

Seller also had a '57 CE-100 that was interesting... but the Freshman was calling my name.

Dave

 

[twocorgis]

Very cool Dave, and 1958 would make it a birth year guitar for me. My '59 has some very similar binding repair to this one. I've been looking for the right birth year Guild for quite some time, and for some reason it seems like there's a whole lot more 1959's out there than 1958s

 

[SouthernSounds]

What a beautiful lady, Dave!

Lots of character & Oh boy, I love that old (first?), logo!

Glad for you man!

All the best,
B.

 

[SFIV1967]

This Gentleman certainly liked his Guild M-65 Freshman from the end of the 50ties! (modified with 2 DeArmonds and master volume)

He played it on (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction:

Ralf

 

[Ravon]

Congratulations! I hope one day I get a chance to play one. That thing just looks like it plays and sounds great 8)

 

[dapmdave]

Thanks, guys.

You know, I never realized that Keef's was an M-65. Now that I know the M-65 had F-holes and the M-75 didn't, it's becoming clear! So the extra pickup was added, along with the additional controls.

Dave

 

[walrus]

A birth year guitar for me, too! That is sweet - great score!

walrus

 

[guildman63]

I seem to recall from Hans' book that some came stock with two pickups, but I could be mistaken.

 

[dapmdave]

I seem to recall from Hans' book that some came stock with two pickups, but I could be mistaken.

You are right, he does mention that some had 2 pickups.

Dave

 

[SFIV1967]

I seem to recall from Hans' book that some came stock with two pickups, but I could be mistaken.

Yes, but I believe there is another disussion somewhere a few years ago on LTG of that guitar (I couldn't find it quickly) where Hans explained that due to the unusual position of the 2 added knobs, the two DeArmond pickups and the position of the master volume and P/U selector switch he believes that all modifications on Keith Richards M-65 were done after it left the factory as a standard single pickup version (like Dave has now).

Compare: On the left is Hans picture of a factory "M-65 DP" and compare to Keith Richards one. The two additional knobs are mounted towards the middle and the switch and master volume are also at different positions.

Ralf

 

[hansmoust]

I seem to recall from Hans' book that some came stock with two pickups, but I could be mistaken.

Yes, but I believe there is another disussion somewhere a few years ago on LTG of that guitar (I couldn't find it quickly) where Hans explained that due to the unusual position of the 2 added knobs, the two DeArmond pickups and the position of the master volume and P/U selector switch he believes that all modifications on Keith Richards M-65 were done after it left the factory as a standard single pickup version (like Dave has now).

We shouldn't really have this discussion. Guitars with unusual features can be legitimate, but there are a couple of things we should consider first:

1) These unusual features should be period appropriate.
2) The work should be performed in accordance with the regular Guild production procedures

In the case of Keith Richard's M-65 we're looking at a guitar from the end-of-'50s/ early '60s period that doesn't have the regular black switch mounting plate, has the later black G-shield knobs, a very unusual layout of the controls and the DeArmond pickups that are not mounted like Guild would usually do it. It's a historically interesting piece though!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl