Another 70s shootout! Gibson vs Guild

[ukulelelab]

Old thread, yeah yeah.

Has anyone tried both the mahogany and maple versions of the Guild? I'm torn. I vastly prefer the look of the red mahogany (since I can't find any black ones?) but see nicer versions of the burst maple for sale.

No affiliations but there is a mia 90's re-issue in black there if you're into it:
*EXTREMELY RARE* USA 1999 Guild Starfire II Bass | Caldwell Guitars Nashville | Reverb

 

[dalkowski]

Guild.

 

[bobyoung53]

Well I had such great responses the last time I posted this when I was shopping for my solidbody Guild (vs Gibson RB basses of a similar era) that I've decided to have a go at it again, this time for the hollowbodies.

In one corner, the elusive and increasingly expensive Guild Starfire in either maple or mahogany. In the other, its arch nemesis, the Gibson EB-2, though it'd have to be a EB-2C because that bridge pickup really opens up the possibilities. With the Guild, a single pickup is fine, especially if it's a Bisonic or a Dark Star.

I'm looking into hollowbodies (might be looking a long time at this rate) with a couple of caveats:

- They've got to be short scale 30"-31" or so. 32" is possible, but 34"s are out.
- Mahogany is the optimum wood, but there are some excellent examples in maple as well.
- Set neck is optimal for me. It's just how I roll these days. But like many things, I can make exceptions.
- Single coils vs humbuckers? Well..

The most crucial detail is that both of these basses (I believe, though I could be wrong) are blocked to reduce feedback. It seems few hollowbodies are center-blocked like this. There was a Hagstrom that had internal bracing blocks, but not so much as to reduce feedback in high-volume situations.

Runners-up? Vox, maybe.. maybe even a Hagstrom Concorde, maybe a Fender Coronado, though they are maple bolt-ons. Oh well, let the poll decide. The price ranges on these guys are highly similar, with the Gibsons being in te Starfire range (just about 2 grand to just below, and the Fender Coronado seem to be as well), with the Vox and Hagstroms going for between 1200 (upper end of a Vox player), or 900 (upper end of a Hagstrom player)..

Keep it clean, gentlemen!

The EB-2C is the single pickup, the EB-2D is the double pickup. I like either although I own an EB-2C which sounds really good, big bottom, the Guild Starfire is probably a more modern sounding bass.

 

[ajkula66]

The EB-2C is the single pickup, the EB-2D is the double pickup. I like either although I own an EB-2C which sounds really good, big bottom,

Actually, the "C" on your means "Cherry". Nothing to do with the pickups. A double pickup version in the same colour would be EB-2DC. "W" is for "Walnut" on later models etc.

 

[BassVibes]

I voted EB2 simply because BRMC get a great sound. Saw them in Chicago a few years ago and the bass sounded so good. Not really heard a SF in bands live or recorded.

 

[bobyoung53]

Actually, the "C" on your means "Cherry". Nothing to do with the pickups. A double pickup version in the same colour would be EB-2DC. "W" is for "Walnut" on later models etc.

OK, you're right, I knew I was not exactly correct but was too lazy to look it up, but what is the single pickup EB-2 known as then, just EB-2 with color letter added?

 

[bobyoung53]

I voted EB2 simply because BRMC get a great sound. Saw them in Chicago a few years ago and the bass sounded so good. Not really heard a SF in bands live or recorded.

Who's BRMC? Never mind, got it. Need lots of effects to get this sound out of an EB-2.

 

[ajkula66]

but what is the single pickup EB-2 known as then, just EB-2 with color letter added?

Exactly. I don't believe there's a letter for sunburst since it was considered to be the standard finish.

 

[bassclef112]

Guild with Bi-Sonic(s). For all around killer tone and versatility.
Though I've always wanted an EB-2 (or Epi Rivoli) the Starfire would provide a broader tonal pallette.

I have a Hag Coronado IV with 2 Bi-Sonics. Recently took it out for a spin and fell in love with those pickups all over again. The clarity, solid tone and even response remind me of the way my Alembic plays.

Guild.....

 

[droo46]

I'm still kicking myself for passing on a cherry burst Starcaster for $600. The only one I've seen since is priced at $1000.

 

[proby]

I love my Gibson EB-2 single pickup version. I sold the Fender Coronado II, just to change, after many years. Got it 2 months ago and very happy with it.
However the "Baritone" switch on the Gibson is unusable, the volume is too high and the tone is too muddy.
I play jazz and Latin, with it.

 

[Metal Sombreros]

I had like a 78 guild jetstar and it was quality with awesome pickups, I would say the quality was about the same as Gibson