Incoming M-85, gaga for Guild.

[dadagoboi]

I'm really digging my B-301, it has given me an appreciation for the brand.  So when this came up I bit:





It's a '73.  Click the pics if you want to see more.  Seems to be around 95% complete, the chesterfield inlay seems to have fallen out.  There's some honest wear but I might do a total restoration.

[Droombolus]

Love that model, never played it tough.......... congrats !

[Highlander]

Leave it as-is Carlo... mojo's good at times... refin if you intend to move her on at some time...

[dadagoboi]

Leave it as-is Carlo... mojo's good at times... refin if you intend to move her on at some time...

I agree, Ken, mojo's good at times.  I'll give it serious thought before attempting a restoration though I'm generally inclined that way.  ROI is not a factor, I feel like I'm playing with house money.

Everything will eventually be sold or discarded.  If it works out as planned I won't be the one selling.  Apres moi...

[Pilgrim]

I really like that bass, looks really cool. It shows the marks of experience, including a neck re-set.  And I'd love to try playing it!!

[Dave W]

Whatever you decide, at least it's honest wear and not a relic job.

[Highlander]

+1

... If it works out as planned I won't be the one selling.  Apres moi...

... and quite a few decades hence, Mon Ami...

[drbassman]

You and me both Carlo.  It's on my short list as well!  Let us know how it feels and sounds.  As for refinning it, I've seen a couple that were done in a natural and they were beautiful!

[gearHed289]

OH! You got that one, huh? I was watching that. Price really shot up at the end there. You're killin me man! I would love an M85, just can't justify the expenditure. I foolishly sold my '73 JS II (virtually the same bass, different body) a couple of years ago and really miss it. What's the fifth knob - master volume?

[chromium]

Nice catch!

I also had a JSII.  Great bass, but I liked it best when it had those 70s pickups in it.  I had converted it to Darkstars at one point, sold the originals, and installed a big brass-mass sustain block bridge (made by Marko Urisn.. outwardly, it looked like a stock harp bridge with brass saddles).  I loved the bridge, but the DSs just weren't my thing so I ended up moving it to fund other GAS.

[dadagoboi]

OH! You got that one, huh? I was watching that. Price really shot up at the end there. You're killin me man! I would love an M85, just can't justify the expenditure. I foolishly sold my '73 JS II (virtually the same bass, different body) a couple of years ago and really miss it. What's the fifth knob - master volume?

I sniped three other snipers.  Figured it would be worth at least taking a look since it can be returned if it disappoints.   5th pot is master volume, the mini switch changes phase.

You're a working man with obligations, Tom.   I'm a juvenile delinquent with money to burn.

Nice catch!

I also had a JSII.  Great bass, but I liked it best when it had those 70s pickups in it.  I had converted it to Darkstars at one point, sold the originals, and installed a big brass-mass sustain block bridge (made by Marko Urisn.. outwardly, it looked like a stock harp bridge with brass saddles).  I loved the bridge, but the DSs just weren't my thing so I ended up moving it to fund other GAS.

Thanks! Came out of Phoenix, should be here Saturday.  I dig the sound of the original pup in my buddy's '65 Starfire I so I'm really looking forward  to how it sounds.   I have a DS I got from Gary but it won't be going in this bass.

[Basvarken]

Beautiful bass. I had one just like yours Carlo.
But I couldn't really connect with the thing. So we parted ways 

Hope you have more luck with the Guild M-85II 

[dadagoboi]

You and me both Carlo.  It's on my short list as well!  Let us know how it feels and sounds.  As for refinning it, I've seen a couple that were done in a natural and they were beautiful!

There's a natural one on EBay that's in a little better condition, it led me to this one.  It has a BIN that's a few hundred more than I paid.  But it 's a 78 and has propeller tuners.  I prefer the earlier ones.  I'll definitely post pix and feelings when I get it.

[Dave W]

A couple of guys here started calling those 70s Guild pickups "sludgebuckers" but I never could understand that. I like them better than the Bisonics and way better than the Darkstars. YMMV.

[drbassman]

Way to Carlo!  I just snagged one off eBay too!  Been watching for over a year and this one was too low to pass up.  I sold the one I made and have been wanting a replacement.  I'll post pics when I get home.  This is going to be fun!