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1977 Guild Artist Award
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 158766
Body size at lower bout:17" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16'' Neck depth: .84/1.07, 1st/10th fret
Materials: Handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; highly figured tiger flame maple neck; handcarved bookmatched fiddleback flame maple back; flame maple sides; ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl/abalone split-block fingerboard; ornate "pitcher and star" abalone/pearl peghead inlay; 9-ply headstock binding, 5-ply pickguard binding, triple-bound f-holes, bone nut.
Hardware: 100% original gold hardware, including engraved harp tailpiece; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; gold Grover Imperial tuners; original quintuple-bound tortoise pickguard; floating gold Dearmond Model 1100 pickup.
Notes: Introduced in 1956 as the Johnny Smith Award, this model was rechristened the Artist Award in 1961. Individually handmade by the most experienced builders at the shop, the Artist Award continued to sport appointments seen only on ultra-deluxe instruments of the 30's and 40's. Inspecting the fit and finish, we were impressed to note seven plies of binding on the body and a full nine on the peghead. The deep ebony fingerboard is trimmed with three plies of inner binding on the face, just like the old Epiphone Emperor, whose ornate split-block inlay pattern was continued in the AA as well. Even the f-holes are triple bound. Who does that anymore?
The back and sides are carved from fiddleback maple of tight, clear figure throughout, and the fine grained carved spruce soundboard has ambered to a gorgeous deep honey color. Meticulously maintained, the instrument has 100% original hardware and finish, without pick, thumb, buckle or fingerboard wear, and apart from a few incidental lacquer nicks, appears virtually unplayed.
A special plus, this gleaming guitar is factory equipped with the much coveted gold Dearmond Model 1100 Adjustable Rhythm Chief. It's the original floating pickup, as used on D'Angelico and other classic jazzers of the 30's-60's, and worth a small fortune on the vintage market today. The neck profile is a comfy gentle D shape, action is smooth and low, and the tone is as rich and warm as the deeply ambered natural blonde finish.
After a long hiatus, Guild has resurrected this classic model, but at twice the price. If you've been waiting for a true vintage all-carved American jazz guitar at a price within reach, don't wait too long. These beauties are hard to find, pretty as they come, and an unbeatable value in a true vintage classic. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe arched black plush lined Guild logo hardshell case.
