1972 S-100

[riachuelo]

I'm not usually one for NGD posts, but I'm happier than a pig in slop. After years of playing mostly Telecasters, I decided a while back I needed something with humbuckers to mix things up some. At first I searched for an SG, but after trying a few out I found the consistency and variations confusing and a hassle. Then, with more reading and trying out a few Guilds from the 90s, I turned my search toward an S100. It took a while, but I finally found one, from 1972. Sadly it was thousands of miles away and I couldn't really try it out before buying. So I worried a little, especially about neck shape, having heard that lots of the 70s Guilds were on the thin side. The guitar arrived yesterday, though, and I'm thrilled. The neck is perfect. And those humbuckers, the originals, are as warm as any I have ever played through. Count me among the converted.

 

[GGJaguar]

Congrats on your S-100. Yes, those HB-1 pickups are magical. Enjoy!

 

[Norrissey]

Congrats! Looks like a really nice one. I own a '71 S-100 and those early '70s HB-1s are awesome. Glad you're happy with yours.

 

[riachuelo]

Congrats! Looks like a really nice one. I own a '71 S-100 and those early '70s HB-1s are awesome. Glad you're happy with yours.

Thanks. It was a bit of a crap shoot, but I had read enough to make me willing to take the risk.

 

[matsickma]

Excellent choice and excellent guitar!
That version of S100 has the trapezoid hard stop farther away from the bridge than later model solid bodies. Later guitars moved the stop closer to the bridge to increase the downward pressure. That steeper angle puts more downward force on the strings. I prefer the version you have as it provides more flexibility of the strings with the additional length beyond the bridge.
The transparent pickguard is also adds a nice touch to the looks!
M

 

[riachuelo]

Excellent choice and excellent guitar!
That version of S100 has the trapezoid hard stop farther away from the bridge than later model solid bodies. Later guitars moved the stop closer to the bridge to increase the downward pressure. That steeper angle puts more downward force on the strings. I prefer the version you have as it provides more flexibility of the strings with the additional length beyond the bridge.
The transparent pickguard is also adds a nice touch to the looks!
M

Thanks much. And all good to know. I am still learning about the changes over the years and can’t wait to get to know this one well.

 

[Boneman]

HNGD! I love the feel of the neck and the tone of my reissue NS S100, and one day I would love to compare it to those early 70s versions. But man that one you’ve got there, that is a sexy looking guitar, great color, and I bet it does sound awesome. I find that compensated tailpiece real comfy too. Happy playing!

 

[powerwagonjohn]

Nice S100! This is the first time I have missed my 73 S100SC. But I know it is in good hands Dan.
Thanks John

 

[Groundwire]

Nice one! Those clear pickguard just look soooo cool. What a rad guitar.

I prefer the S-100 to the SG also. Coincidentally, I made a video about this very topic:

 

[riachuelo]

Nice one! Those clear pickguard just look soooo cool. What a rad guitar.

I prefer the S-100 to the SG also. Coincidentally, I made a video about this very topic:

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.