Another new Guild bass

Chris P. · November 20, 2013, 09:25:25 AM

Saw this on facebook: "Chris Hillman just picked up the prototype of his signature model Guild Starfire Byrds Bass!"

Only another colour?

Chris P. · November 20, 2013, 09:31:54 AM

Hope you weren't expecting a Sheryl Crow model and that you are disappointed now...

Dave W · November 20, 2013, 09:40:42 AM

A Sheryl Crow model might make more sense as far as generating sales, but let's hope not.

Maybe there's something else different about Chris Hillman's bass than just the finish.

copacetic · November 20, 2013, 12:25:52 PM

Hmmmm...obviously one of the Newark Series and I only saw them in the Cherry finish. Not sure of the wood they used on the Cherries but this one looks to be maple...My Starfires in Cherry and Ebony were mahogany if I recall and the Sunbursts were always maple. Now if using sapele (sp?) then I don't know. Otherwise I cannot tell any differences except there might be a signature on the back of the headstock...or since it is a prototype, the series might still be in the works.. Looks nice.

drbassman · November 20, 2013, 01:49:08 PM

Well, I did see a special Guild reissue of the M-85. If I had tons of money to burn on one bass, this would be it. But realistically, the price is ridiculous.

http://elderly.com/fmic/items/GSRM852.htm

Dave W · November 21, 2013, 08:28:04 AM

That's about the same price as the US-made short run of Starfire basses they did last year. It's also in the same range as a lot of the Fender Custom Shop regular models, they've gone up a lot. You have to wonder if it has affected sales.

drbassman · November 21, 2013, 11:57:35 AM

Quote from: Dave W on November 21, 2013, 08:28:04 AM
That's about the same price as the US-made short run of Starfire basses they did last year. It's also in the same range as a lot of the Fender Custom Shop regular models, they've gone up a lot. You have to wonder if it has affected sales.

I can't imagine these prices are a hit in the marketplace. Maybe after the special run of M-85s, they will bring out a Korean M-85 lil they did with the Starfire. I would think it would sell like hotcakes if they did it right.

gweimer · November 23, 2013, 09:34:10 AM

Quote from: drbassman on November 20, 2013, 01:49:08 PM
Well, I did see a special Guild reissue of the M-85. If I had tons of money to burn on one bass, this would be it. But realistically, the price is ridiculous.

http://elderly.com/fmic/items/GSRM852.htm

Holy Crap! When I think that I paid $225 for mine back in the late '70s...