Guild Pilot bass club?

[Peepaleep]

Nice headstock! I have not seen that one much.

 

[Flashback Bass]

Nice! That was a prototype with the headstock shape matching the body shape, ( Ala the X-79 & X-709) It should have an "LL" serial number prefix.

I had a chance at one of these at a Philly Guitar show a few years back but the deal fell through. You're not from the Philly area by any chance are you?

 

[kwe210]

Serial number of this bass is LL100171. I bought in Tokyo in the year 2000.

 

[darkbass]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-guild-pilot-5-crazy-flame-maple-884465/

 

[Dluxe]

That flame is great looking! And that prototype is very cool. I like the headstock and it also has the B-301/302 type rear pickup and bridge. And it is a 20 fretter!

 

[darkbass]

Thanks it's actually a 22 fretter

 

[Dluxe]

Thanks it's actually a 22 fretter

I was referring to the prototype Pilot having the 20 frets. The earliest ones were like that until they went to the 22.

 

[darkbass]

Oh ok

 

[zardoz]

So I picked this really great playing 1984 SB-604 Pilot up used but can't seem to find very much info on this guitar. The finish is a striped black and white (which is aged to a cream now). Big tuners and the hockey stick style headstock, stock PJ EMG setup. Basically I have not been able to find another example with the same finish so maybe someone else has some sort of info on this guitar.

Thanks in advance fellas.

 

[Flashback Bass]

In the mid-eighties Guild did a lot of "custom" striped finishes on both their guitars and basses.

The "standard" Pilot bass was a model SB-602. The basses with the offset headstock such as yours were labeled SB-604.

The body is constructed of poplar and I would think it's pretty light. Maple neck.

That's about all there is to know.

Cool bass by the way!

 

[groovefarmer]

Here is my trio of SB-602 Guild Pilots. The first on the left (black) is a 1984. The middle Pilot is a 1986 maple that I converted to a fretless. The red Pilot is also a 1984.

I have played Pilots since 1994 and love the feel and tone of these basses. The price for them is usually great too.

I am a little picky with Pilots. I only like the "foot" headstock and I really like the pickguard models which gives them a little more retro look. I also think they look extra sharp with the matching headstocks.

The black & maple one is strung with flats and is my first choice for my Blues band. The red (sparkle finish!) is strung with rounds and is perfect for my original rock band. The fretless doesn't get as much attention now that I have a Rob Allen Mouse, but it gets pulled out for rock tunes that require a fretless, and as the first of my Pilots, has a special place.

All of them are in excellent condition and are a joy to play. Seriously overlooked USA made basses, but then, that means more of them for us!

Joe

 

[Dluxe]

Did you get that red sparkle one from Guitar Center in Florida? I was checking that one out myself. I love the maple boards on the early Pilot basses. The early 20 fret basses had an even larger "foot" headstock.

 

[groovefarmer]

Yes, I did get the red one from Guitar Center recently. I had been watching it for awhile and managed to talk them down in price. I am glad I did as this bass is in pristine condition and plays wonderfully (came with original Guild case too). The red sparkle is well done- not really noticeable from a distance, but it really makes the color jump out. The red also seems darker than other red Pilots I have seen. A custom order maybe?

Joe

 

[darkbass]

 

[TRichardsbass]

Here is my trio of SB-602 Guild Pilots. The first on the left (black) is a 1984. The middle Pilot is a 1986 maple that I converted to a fretless. The red Pilot is also a 1984.

I have played Pilots since 1994 and love the feel and tone of these basses. The price for them is usually great too.

I am a little picky with Pilots. I only like the "foot" headstock and I really like the pickguard models which gives them a little more retro look. I also think they look extra sharp with the matching headstocks.

The black & maple one is strung with flats and is my first choice for my Blues band. The red (sparkle finish!) is strung with rounds and is perfect for my original rock band. The fretless doesn't get as much attention now that I have a Rob Allen Mouse, but it gets pulled out for rock tunes that require a fretless, and as the first of my Pilots, has a special place.

All of them are in excellent condition and are a joy to play. Seriously overlooked USA made basses, but then, that means more of them for us!

Joe

I really dig the red sparkle. Cool bass. Also, as you know, the rosewood board was an upgrade in '84 so an even bigger score. I like pick guard Pilots myself and I think they sound better then any of the other Pilots.

 

[nalapit13]

Nice twins!!!! I am currently hunting for a fretless pilot.

On a side note the infamous advanced 5 pilot is visiting my house currently. That thing sounds amazing!!!

 

[groovefarmer]

A closer look at the red sparkle 1984 Pilot. Other than a few faint scratches on the back, this bass could pass for new.

Joe

 

[Chewi Manilli]

Here's my Pilot, can I have a number?

Nice to see so many other Guild players out there, I thought I was the only one! Really nice basses, not sure why they aren't in more discussions on this forum!

 

[darkbass]

Advanced Guild Pilot 5 for sale !!!

 

[rarebasses]

Here is my '87 John Cowan endorsement bass. I searched for this bass for over ten years. It has a factory installed pickup selector toggle switch. Was given to John in 1987. John was the bassist and lead singer for New Grass Revival and now he is with the Doobies....