M-20 Questions

jrice

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I recently bought an M-20. It has the oval, Hoboken, NJ label, serial # is AH-415. Can anyone help me date this great guitar? Any help would be appreciated. I ordered Hans' book from Amazon and it may help provide the answer, but thought I'd post the question here.

The guitar is in wonderful shape with the only flaw being a little peeling of the black laminate (?) on the front of headstock. Would it be appropriate to have a good guitar shop repair that (glue it down I suppose), or would that detract at all from the original condition of the instrument?

Lastly, can anyone tell me of a hard case brand and model number that would be the right size for this guitar? I got it in its original chipboard case.
 

Jeff

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Congratulations on the M20, someone surely will come up with an accurate date for you. I just sent ordered Hans' book myself.

Please let me know if you find a source for the correct case for your guitar. I looked for quite a while for a case for my F20 & finally settled on a case designed for a Martin 00. It's a pretty fair fit, but just a little loose without the strap. I leave the strap on mine & it fits snugly.
 

Jeff

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John,

I saw that AH reference to 65 as well. If I had to, that's what I'd guess. Not exactly definitive.

jrice says it has a Hoboken label. When did Guild cease operations in Hoboken?
 

john_kidder

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From Hans' book, p. 17: " The first guitar that came from Westerly was an M-20 in August 1967." There are many more details there - you should get a copy, you'll be a happy reader for hours.
 

Jeff

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John,

So the M20 in question could very well be a 65. I agree with your comment about your little M20 Treasure. I'd like to hear it.

The day my F20 goes on the market would be a sad day indeed.

Check is in the mail for Hans' book. Hans mailed it to me yesterday. Should be here in a couple weeks. Intended to order it weeks ago.

I'm just a bit apprehensive what he may have written as a dedication.
 

hansmoust

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jrice said:
I recently bought an M-20. It has the oval, Hoboken, NJ label, serial # is AH-415. Can anyone help me date this great guitar? Any help would be appreciated. I ordered Hans' book from Amazon and it may help provide the answer, but thought I'd post the question here.

Hello jrice,

If your M-20 has serial # AH-415 and the serial number is not stamped into the back of the peghead, then it's from the 1967-1968 period.
M-20s from that particular period were not recorded like all the other regular Guild models, but they can be dated approximately within a 2-year period. Also these specific guitars all have Hoboken labels, while they were actually made in Westerly, RI.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
 

jrice

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Thanks, all. Out of curiousity, how would one discern between a '67-68 guitar and a '65 that would have AH in the serial number? Also, would there be any noticable difference between guitars made in the two locations? Interesting stuff. Its got a nice voice, and very fun to play. I was also looking at a '50's small Gibson and this M-20 was by far the better sounding and playing guitar IMO.
 

hansmoust

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jrice said:
Thanks, all. Out of curiousity, how would one discern between a '67-68 guitar and a '65 that would have AH in the serial number?

Well ...... does it say # AH-415 on the back of the headstock?

Hans
 

hansmoust

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M-20 question

jrice said:
No. Are you saying it would if it had been built in '65?

Yup, that's exactly what I'm saying. Obviously in that case the serial number would have been a lower one.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
 
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