One day, two Guilds

[Thunderface]

A few weeks ago, I worked out a deal to buy Dino Olar's '81 S-250, and it took some time to get here from Switzerland, but I picked it up today. Sweet guitar. Weight-wise, it feels like a Strat. I haven't had a chance to plug it in and let it rip yet, but I intend to.

While I was waiting on my "new" S-250, I happened to check the used guitar listings at one of my local guitar shops and I did a double-take when I saw they had an '82 M-80 with an OHSC on consignment for $700. So I went there this afternoon, checked it over, and now I have two more Guilds in my stable. The M-80 is as heavy as the S-250 is light.

 

[Default]

Maple top on the M-80?

 

[NEONMOONY]

Two Guilds in one day. I stand in awe.

 

[Qvart]

Maple top on the M-80?

Yep. HEAVY!!!

Sweet scores Thunderface! Definitely an upstanding member of the Guild nuthouse now, and making a valiant effort to shore up the solid body contingent. :lol:

\m/'-_-'\m/

 

[Telenator]

Always wanted one of those M80's. Nice score!

 

[matsickma]

I know what you mean! The S275 I own has a blond maple cap on it but i don't think it adds much weight. I often worndered if it was lightened up with channels under the cap. Based on your description of the S250 I guess not. One thing I like about the S250 is the independent vol and tone controls for each pickup. For some reason Guild did the S275 with independent volume but a master tone control. I wish they left well enough alone and kept the standard 2+2 controls. I like to have my tone turned down on the bridge pickup and the neck pickup bright.

There are two different styles of the 1980's M-80: bound and unbound. The bound maple cap models are very attractive. I have one similare in color to yours. The unbound models doesn't look as nice from a distance but up close they are attractive. One thing that is outstanding about the unbound models is the very smooth and form fitting contouring of all the edges. I had a nice red model I sold last year. It was difficult to part with because of the outstanding feel but I liked the look of the bound model.

It sounds like your did great in the $700 deal for the M80. And yes the 80's M80 is one of the heaviest Guilds I ever played. It is especially suyprising because the body isn't that thick.

You had a good day of Guilds!

M

 

[fab467]

Congrats on the latest members of the herd. Great looking pair... 8)

 

[GAD]

NICE! Congrats! I am jealous.

 

[chazmo]

That's awesome!! Congrats on your double score!

 

[Thunderface]

Thanks everyone. When I went to the local store today with every intention of buying the M-80, and I tried to find some reason not to buy it. But even it's hernia-inducing weight couldn't stop me. The guitar is in very good condition and what sealed the deal was the case, which also was in very good condition. I couldn't pass it up.

 

[Thunderface]

I know what you mean! The S275 I own has a blond maple cap on it but i don't think it adds much weight. I often worndered if it was lightened up with channels under the cap. Based on your description of the S250 I guess not. One thing I like about the S250 is the independent vol and tone controls for each pickup. For some reason Guild did the S275 with independent volume but a master tone control. I wish they left well enough alone and kept the standard 2+2 controls. I like to have my tone turned down on the bridge pickup and the neck pickup bright.

According to Hans, my S-250 with the 2+2 controls was one of the initial run of S-250s, before they switched to the three in a row (two volume, one tone) in late 1981 or early 1982. I'm normally a fan of the simple controls (single volume and tone), but I'm becoming more enamoured with the options of separate controls for each pickup. And I'm guessing, based on the weight of mine, that your S-275 doesn't have channels under the cap.

 

[capnjuan]

Congratulations Thunderface; quite a day's work for a pair of very fine-looking Guilds 8)

 

[Dr. Spivey]

Two in one day? The bar is raised. :shock:

Congrats on the fine score.

 

[mad dog]

Thunderface:

How heavy is that M-80? How does it sound?
MD

 

[Thunderface]

Thanks again, fellas. And mad dog, none other than Grot described his M-80 as "the heaviest guitar I've ever picked up." I have to agree with him which, again, is odd because the body thickness doesn't seen proportional to the weight of it.

As for the sound, the M-80 tones are very full and rich, and it sustains until the middle of next week. I think the last chord I strummed last night is still sustaining. The S-250 has the same pickups and the tones are similiar but not quite as ballsy as with the M-80. If I had a Strat with humbuckers I would attempt to make a comparison, but alas, I don't. All I know is, they bought sound great.