FYI, Guild has replacement saddles for sale back on the website!
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anyone know what strings shipped out on Guild basses originally? I'm guessing they had their own OEM strings made by someone else. I'm trying to grab an old JS-1 and i'm trying to figure out what to string it up with.
They're just basses, there's nothing particularly special regarding what strings they originally came with.
When I "found" my B-301 in the Fall of '22 at my local (soon-to-be-gone, if it isn't by now) Sam Ash it had some really old round wound strings on it (most likely not the originals from 1978, although they certainly felt and sounded very much like they could have been). I replaced them with an old set of Chromes (40-55-75-95) from '03 that I have had on a few different basses since new. Love the sound! 
You'll need medium scale length strings unless you want to be trimming the silk on short scale strings.
- Apr 20, 2009
- 2,101
- 929
- Disclosures
- I'm the Squier of Fenderbirds
Whichever strings Guild used 50 years ago are most certainly not available anymore.
FWIW, I like DR Sunbeams on my '76 JS-2 a lot. If you prefer flats, GHS Precision Flats would likely be my suggestion.
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In case it wasn't well known, the Pyramid medium scale gold flats fit the SFii perfectly. they come in heavier gauges than the short scale sets so a bit stiffer and more dead. I found the A and especially D strings too stiff for me on the light set, but Pyramid made me a custom set that I find more comfortable (100, 75, 55, 40).
Debating pickup up a JS bass, they have caught my eye. It seems from reading Reverb listings with weight, the natural finish Mahogany body are the lightest, most in the 6-7 pound range, also JS I seem to be lighter (no rocket science needed there, heavy magnets weigh more than light wood).
any thoughts/comments/help is appreciated!
any thoughts/comments/help is appreciated!
Have you ever played a JS ?
Seeing that you're concerned about the weight, you may want to try one in person because of the (lack of) balance that these basses have. I've never played a short scale bass with worse balance in my 45+ years of being in this game.
I treasure the sound, the look and the neck feel of my JS-2 but the reason it rarely gets out of the case is the atrocious balance that it sports in any playing position.
My $.02 only...
yes i've played one, my main bass is a hofner which is neck dive city as well, my left arm has compensated so i'm not worried about the dive.
Go for it then. These basses have a lot to offer as long as one can get along with their ergonomics.
Happy hunting.
Hello everyone.
I need some help and opinions here.
I’m gonna upload a bunch of pictures of my 69 M85 II. I’m considering selling it but unsure what to ask. Recently sold my 68 Starfire for $4200 though…. Not even sure if I want to sell, but someone is asking.
In looking at it I noticed a crack near headstock on treble side of neck. I’ve done hundreds of gigs on this one and it’s never been a problem. Not sure I even noticed it before. Squeezing it yields no movement either. It looks like it has been there a while but I will have it looked at if considering selling it.
Non-original truss rod cover, strap buttons, and two the saddles are non-original as well.
I’m interested in hearing opinions here on what you think I should sell it for should I decide to do so.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Here’s the pics.
I need some help and opinions here.
I’m gonna upload a bunch of pictures of my 69 M85 II. I’m considering selling it but unsure what to ask. Recently sold my 68 Starfire for $4200 though…. Not even sure if I want to sell, but someone is asking.
In looking at it I noticed a crack near headstock on treble side of neck. I’ve done hundreds of gigs on this one and it’s never been a problem. Not sure I even noticed it before. Squeezing it yields no movement either. It looks like it has been there a while but I will have it looked at if considering selling it.
Non-original truss rod cover, strap buttons, and two the saddles are non-original as well.
I’m interested in hearing opinions here on what you think I should sell it for should I decide to do so.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Here’s the pics.
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I think prices are a little low currently for 196x Guild Basses. Starfires are going for around 3K right now, and they take a while to sell. I think think they are cool great sounding basses that are very light and desirable.
it seems like M 85 might be going for more than Starfire’s since they are scarcer?
That appears to have been a serious crack, but it also appears to have been competently repaired. Whether it affects value will depend on the buyer’s assessment. Did you mean you’d check it with a luthier?
Yes. I’ll have Geoff LaTrelle at Sonoma Guitar Works check it out. He’s a wizard.
