Guild Pilot with Swirl Paint? Info needed!

[knigel]

Hello all,

I posted this in the Guild thread, but thought I'd start my own to get more info. I recently acquired a Guild Pilot with a factory swirl paint job. By the SN it seems to be an 86? EMG pickups I think?

I'm wondering if anybody can tell me more about it. Any of the Guild folks have any info? Also, I thought it was a SB602, but those seem to be PJ basses, and this is P only. Just hoping to get some more info from the experts. Thanks!

Also, I can post more detailed pictures later today. This is the only one I have right now.

 

[spufman]

I think in '86 they still had the 'foot' headstock. I've never seen a single P Pilot, but they were flexible at Guild. Are you certain that's a factory finish? It certainly screams later eighties!

 

[knigel]

Yeah, nearly positive it's factory. On the Guild Pilot thread, they are talking about that crazy graffiti yellow one at Empire Guitars. I bought this guy after playing both.

Looks like it's a rare (well, "rare") SB-601. Not sure how many were made, but it doesn't seem like a lot.

I found this bit here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

"SB-601: Although I have never seen an example, most sources acknowledge the existence of this model. According to Ted Beesley’s research, the SB-601 is a Pilot with a single active EMG P-type pickup. But, based on information provided by Willi Fritscher, who has managed the Guild factory for many years,it seems more likely that the 601 was a single ‘P-pickup’ version that featured the DiMarzio pickup. It was introduced in 1983 and discontinued at some point prior to 1987. In all likelihood, there were no SB-601’smade after 1984.Serial numbers begin with ‘BE’."

 

[RickBlair]

Dimarzio pickups usually have adjustable pole pieces. I can't tell from the picture if your pickup has those. Is there a battery cover plate on the back? That would suggest an EMG pickup even if there are passive tone controls.

Rick B.

 

[JimmyM]

Dimarzio pickups usually have adjustable pole pieces. I can't tell from the picture if your pickup has those. Is there a battery cover plate on the back? That would suggest an EMG pickup even if there are passive tone controls.

Rick B.

EMG's were very often stock on the Pilots.

 

[knigel]

I'll take it apart tomorrow or Thursday and get some pictures. I assumed it was an EMG in there, but the article I linked to says DiMarzio was a possibility on the SB601. I realize the DiMarzio has exposed pole pieces--on another site, they said you had to pry off the covers to see if it was a Dimarzio (I guess it's on there under the cover somewhere?)

Either way, it's quite a curiosity. That Guild serial number master list doesn't even have the SB601 anywhere, although there do seem to be many examples of them out there.

 

[RickBlair]

Post the pictures before you decide to pry off the pickup cover. Back of the bass would be helpful.

Rick B.

 

[consectaneus]

What a cool bass!

 

[JimmyM]

I'll take it apart tomorrow or Thursday and get some pictures. I assumed it was an EMG in there, but the article I linked to says DiMarzio was a possibility on the SB601. I realize the DiMarzio has exposed pole pieces--on another site, they said you had to pry off the covers to see if it was a Dimarzio (I guess it's on there under the cover somewhere?)

Either way, it's quite a curiosity. That Guild serial number master list doesn't even have the SB601 anywhere, although there do seem to be many examples of them out there.

Don't pry off the covers if it's sealed in epoxy...you'll ruin the pickup. I never saw any pickups made by DiMarzio sealed in epoxy. That pickup screams EMG.

 

[knigel]

Don't pry off the covers if it's sealed in epoxy...you'll ruin the pickup. I never saw any pickups made by DiMarzio sealed in epoxy. That pickup screams EMG.

Ok getting a closer look there are definitely EMGs in there. Plus--battery. No need to pry!

 

[knigel]

Also, look at the neck pocket. What do we all think? I'm leaning toward a custom factory finish due to the lack of any other color besides the pick swirl. What are the chances they would paint it white, then someone finished in pink swirl, but was able to match up the painting stick perfectly with the original?

But, I am open to ideas! Take a look!

 

[knigel]

So, what do we think? EMG pickups, Schaller bridge (right? I'm not sure what a Muller Bridge looks like), swirl paint, BH serial number...what is this thing? I'm leaning toward SB603, but what say you all? Is this a rare bird?

 

[EWH]

So, what do we think? EMG pickups, Schaller bridge (right? I'm not sure what a Muller Bridge looks like), swirl paint, BH serial number...what is this thing? I'm leaning toward SB603, but what say you all? Is this a rare bird?

Yes, your Pilot has a Schaller roller bridge...Here are fotos of one if my SB-602 Pilots with a Müller roller bridge to show you the differences...

 

[knigel]

Yes, your Pilot has a Schaller roller bridge...Here are fotos of one if my SB-602 Pilors with a Müller roller bridge to show you the differences...

Oh yeah definitely Schaller then. I had one on another bass, but not having a Muller to compare it to I wasn’t positive I was correct. Thanks!

 

[EWH]

So, what do we think? EMG pickups, Schaller bridge (right? I'm not sure what a Muller Bridge looks like), swirl paint, BH serial number...what is this thing? I'm leaning toward SB603, but what say you all? Is this a rare bird?

If your serial nr. begins with "BH...", then you have an SB-604 neck/headstock...

You appear to have a rare sort of "parts mutt" - an SB-603 Pilot body with single EMG "P" pups with a SB-604 neck...Hmmm...

 

[franvarin]

Also, look at the neck pocket. What do we all think? I'm leaning toward a custom factory finish due to the lack of any other color besides the pick swirl. What are the chances they would paint it white, then someone finished in pink swirl, but was able to match up the painting stick perfectly with the original?

But, I am open to ideas! Take a look!

View attachment 3963481 View attachment 3963482 View attachment 3963483

I'm not convinced the paint job is factory. All the documentation provided by others does not mention swirl painting. You can find videos on swirl painting on youtube. I agree with the assertion that you have a combination of parts. I would also add that the paint job seems after market to me. It's my understanding some pilots had custom paint jobs but it also seems they were done for high profile players who I assume were endorsing artists, no evidence of swirl ... i could be wrong. I'm not aware of any manufacturer past or present who would offer swirl paint as an option because of the nature of it. Dont recall ever seeing an instrument back then with swirl...seems like a more recent development.

 

[knigel]

I'm not convinced the paint job is factory. All the documentation provided by others does not mention swirl painting. You can find videos on swirl painting on youtube. I agree with the assertion that you have a combination of parts. I would also add that the paint job seems after market to me. It's my understanding some pilots had custom paint jobs but it also seems they were done for high profile players who I assume were endorsing artists, no evidence of swirl ... i could be wrong. I'm not aware of any manufacturer past or present who would offer swirl paint as an option because of the nature of it. Dont recall ever seeing an instrument back then with swirl...seems like a more recent development.

I don't disagree, but isn't it weird there is no other paint color in the pocket? Maybe someone else has a picture of their pilot neck pocket for comparison?

My working theory is this is a mutt one-off made by someone who worked at Guild. It's certainly unusual!

 

[EWH]

Fyi, it's not "normal" to see that much paint in the pocket - whoever swirled your Pilot really went all out and brought the paint well into the center of the pocket.

 

[knigel]

Fyi, it's not "normal" to see that much paint in the pocket - whoever swirled your Pilot really went all out and brought the paint well into the center of the pocket.

Is that good or hacky?

 

[58kites]

If your serial nr. begins with "BH...", then you have an SB-604 neck/headstock...

You appear to have a rare sort of "parts mutt" - an SB-603 Pilot body with single EMG "P" pups with a SB-604 neck...Hmmm...

I agree.
For sure it's an SB-604 neck = Hockey Stick headstock and BH serial number.
Maybe a custom order, for paint job and they asked for a P only?