1973 M-75 Bluesbird Stereo - how does it work?

Tweedledee

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I bought a 1973 Bluesbird last year and I absolutely love it! I got it for a great price because it had a repaired headstock break and a non-original tailpiece, but those things didn't bother me because it's an incredible player with a ton of mojo.

Anyway, I feel like an idiot because all this time I've thought the "Stereo" truss rod cover on it was not original. I didn't know they made stereo Bluesbirds. Today I took off the rear electronics cover, however, and I was shocked - the label says it IS a Bluesbird stereo. So does anybody know how this stereo feature works? I'm assuming I need a stereo cord that splits the signal into two and then I plug each of those outputs into separate amps (or both inputs of a stereo amp). Is this correct? Does anybody use the stereo feature and find it worth the extra effort?

Here are some pictures, just for fun!

bbird2.jpg

bbird3.jpg

guild11.jpg
 

matsickma

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On the stereo guitars I have seen in the past the neck pup is one side of the stereo plug (tip) and the bridge pup is the other (barrel). You plug in a stereo plug to the guitar and then make or buy a Y cord to feed to a amp on your right and a amp on your left.

You may also consider picking up a Guild 200-S amp for the same function. This amp also comes with a stereo input.

M
 

Tweedledee

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guildzilla said:
That's a beauty guitar, Tweedledee.

Why five knobs? Is the extra pot related to the stereo feature?

Thanks! It's a master volume. I think all the Bluesbirds from that era had them - not just the stereo ones.
 

matsickma

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As I look at this guitar I just realized the Stop is different for guitars of that era. Looking closely I notice the reminants of two old mounting holes from the diagonal tail piece. I must admit I like the look of the new stop on this guitar. Is the finish cherry red?

M
 

Tweedledee

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matsickma said:
As I look at this guitar I just realized the Stop is different for guitars of that era. Looking closely I notice the reminants of two old mounting holes from the diagonal tail piece. I must admit I like the look of the new stop on this guitar. Is the finish cherry red?

M

Yes, the tailpiece is not original. It's one of the reasons that the guitar was so inexpensive. I like the look of it too, but sometimes I wish it had the original trapezoid one.

I'm not entirely sure what the finish is actually called, but it certainly looks cherry red.
 

matsickma

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The Guild NOS diagonal Stops are still available from the ebay seller "aiguitar". However it may be a moot point since the new Stop was more evasive than the stock unit.

M
 

danerectal

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The Guild NOS diagonal Stops are still available from the ebay seller "aiguitar". However it may be a moot point since the new Stop was more evasive than the stock unit.
Beware the chrome ones sold by "aiguitar", they only fit Guilds made after the introduction of the S-300. The screw spacing is too wide. I bought a 1970 with the exact same stop-bar on it, and when I tried the chrome tailpiece, I couldn't get it to lay flush to the guitar with the screws through it. I bought a few of the chrome and gold. The gold ones fit this era Guild. If anyone needs either of them send me a pm.
 
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