Guild Bass Guitars

Guild Bass guitars are something of a rarity. Guild is a well-known manufacturer of acoustic guitars that have their devoted fans everywhere, but the company does not currently make bass guitars. There are several bass models that were released in the past, however, and these are desired by collectors.

One of the collectible Guild bass guitars is the Ashbory bass. Fender and DeArmond have also made Ashbory basses, so the name can be confusing for collectors. The Ashbory bass is unique in looks, being small (only 30 inches long in entirety) and fretless, although it features markings where the frets would be. It is reported to sound more like an upright bass than like a bass guitar.

The Ashbory was made by Guild in the years 1986 to 1988. DeArmond reissued it in 1999. To the uninformed, the Ashbory bass can look like a toy. It's neck is only about 6 inches longer than the neck of a violin, and the strings are made of silicone rubber. The whole instrument weighs less than three pounds. Even so, this bass packs a punch and is loved by bassists everywhere. The small size makes it easy to reach notes and play fast.

Other collectible Guild bass guitars are the Pilot and the Advanced Pilot, which were produced in the late 1980's and early 1990's. These basses are reported to have a quiet but good sound and are made as durably as any Fender. If you can find one of these for sale for under $400 or so and it is in good condition, it will probably be a bargain.

In 1978, Guild bass guitars came out with a fretless B302F model of bass. Again, these old basses are now collectible. If you can find one in good condition, it will probably be a pretty good sounding bass for you as well as an addition to your collection.

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