1982 Sunburst SB-201

[hagmeat]

This is my 1982 SB-201 that I bought in January. Hans has confirmed that it was manufactured in 1982.
I changed the knobs to the G-sheild ones and had a new pick guard made up.
It is routed for 2 pickups,as I think Guild used the same body for both SB-201 & 202, but I`m going to stick with one because it sounds awesome as it is. This bass feels really nice to play and the sustain is great. I love the long scale neck and the Guild single coil sounds exceptional.

 

[SFIV1967]

Hi Rob, before Hans can fully confirm, the list on the Guild webpage (the one with known errors) shows no production in 81. For 1982 it shows last number as AE100426.
In any case definitely Westerly, Rhode Island.

One additional comment: In 1982 the knobs were not with G shield! So you had the original factory knobs installed.
Look at the 1982 catalog:

Ralf

 

[hieronymous]

When I saw the first picture I thought, "the Guild P-Bass" - interesting then that in the catalog shot they used split-coil P-Bass style pickups...

I definitely like it better with the black guard! Looks great!

 

[SFIV1967]

...interesting then that in the catalog shot they used split-coil P-Bass style pickups...

Actually on the next page it shows that SB-502E in the middle with the "special designed Guild pickups":

Ralf

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

One additional comment: In 1982 the knobs were not with G shield! So you had the original factory knobs installed.
Look at the 1982 catalog:

Ahh, but these are not the knobs that came on The SB-200 series basses! The "speed" knobs in the photo have dimples around the top edge. The knobs that came on my SB-202 bass are smooth all the way around. I've always wondered if they are factory or not. Hopefully the answer will be in volume II.

Here's my '82 SB-202:

And a close-up of the knobs:

 

[SFIV1967]

Ahh, but these are not the knobs that came on The SB-200 series basses! The "speed" knobs in the photo have dimples around the top edge. The knobs that came on my SB-202 bass are smooth all the way around.

And they looked so close...I didn't know there was yet a different version (if they were original at all). Looks like we definitely need volume II to clarify all of this. Interesting stuff! Hard to imagine how Hans must struggle to get all that info together in a book, in such a way we also understand it! When he wrote his first book there was no internet like it is today. What a task!

So hagmeat's and your's are like brother and sister. Same original look, one 201, the other 202. Different from the 82 catalog.

Ralf

 

[hagmeat]

Thanks for the info Ralf, the knobs mine came with were smooth like on Grots bass, I like the look of the G-shield knobs
better and that`s why I changed them.
Glad you like the new pick guard Hieronymous, I think it mixes a lot better with the sunburst.

 

[mellowgerman]

Wow, I'd like an SB-502E in sunburst please.

 

[hagmeat]

Apart from in the catalogue, has anyone ever seen or played an SB series bass with the P-bass style pickups?

 

[mellowgerman]

If anybody wants some of the speed knobs with the dimples around the top, I have 3... probably came from one of the parts basses I've acquired over the years. I have no use for them. Send me a PM

 

[Default]

Mg, I could use them for an s-281 that I picked up (argh) four years ago? Will pm you when I get home