Joined The Club: 1971 Artist Award

[a.modernist]

Well. I am now the proud owner of a 1971 Guild Artist Award model guitar. After much deliberation, I decided it was a rare opportunity that I just did not want to let pass by. And I have to say, that I am thrilled to have made that decision. It's in unbelievable condition and just sings. I've already used it on my steady jazz trio gig and have a fairly full week coming up to really put it through its paces. Here is a link to my MobileMe Gallery with some photos for any interested.

Nick Rossi
(415) 439-9860
http://www.facebook.com/nickrossimusic
San Francisco, Calif., U.S.A.

http://gallery.me.com/nicolas.rossi/100194/P1030662

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Nick, welcome to LTG, and that is one very magnificent AA! Your pics didn't show up so I copied out this one ... and it's a burst! 8)

 

[twocorgis]

Just beautiful, and in great shape for its age! I like the burst AAs the best, and that one's about the right vintage too.

 

[bluesypicky]

....what they both said. Congrats and enjoy it long time!

 

[AlohaJoe]

Beautiful! I love the bursts, and I'm sure that DeA sounds magnificent.

 

[chazmo]

Dang... That's a beauty, Nick. Congrats!

 

[Brad Little]

Welcome to the AA club. That's a beauty, and even though mine's a blonde, I, too, love the way the burst looks. I have the same pickup, but have only used it a few times, but really like it.
Congratulations.
Brad

 

[southernGuild]

Beautiful A.A Nick, Well done , and Congratulations. Great photos there too.

 

[a.modernist]

Thanks everyone. Apologies about the photos. When I did Preview last night they seemed to be working. I've had mixed success using MobileMe to host photos on message boards. It was definitely as stretch, but just couldn't pass up this AA. As you can see the condition is remarkable. It plays and sounds just great. No regrets at all. And very happy to finally be able to contribute to this message board after lurking for so long.

Side Note: I happened to speak with Heritage Guitar's Jim Deurloo the other day and took the opportunity to ask him a couple of questions about the AA, seeing as he was Guild's Plant Manager at the time of my guitar's production. He confirmed the Carlo Greco was mainly responsible for them at that time, selecting the wood and carving the tops. Contrary to what literature of the time seems to suggest (ie special order), Carlo would just make them. He didn't seem to think that any more than 6-8 were made that year.

 

[a.modernist]

Beautiful! I love the bursts, and I'm sure that DeA sounds magnificent.

Yes indeed Joe. I'm a DeArmond devotee and this one is examplery.

 

[chazmo]

Thanks everyone. Apologies about the photos. When I did Preview last night they seemed to be working. I've had mixed success using MobileMe to host photos on message boards. It was definitely as stretch, but just couldn't pass up this AA. As you can see the condition is remarkable. It plays and sounds just great. No regrets at all. And very happy to finally be able to contribute to this message board after lurking for so long.

Side Note: I happened to speak with Heritage Guitar's Jim Deurloo the other day and took the opportunity to ask him a couple of questions about the AA, seeing as he was Guild's Plant Manager at the time of my guitar's production. He confirmed the Carlo Greco was mainly responsible for them at that time, selecting the wood and carving the tops. Contrary to what literature of the time seems to suggest (ie special order), Carlo would just make them. He didn't seem to think that any more than 6-8 were made that year.

Nick, that's great that Jim Deurloo is still working in the music business... You should invite him to come join us here on LTG; we'd love to talk with him! Anyway, I believe he's discussed in Hans Moust's book, and clearly would be an excellent source for that kind of informatoin. Hans, by the way, is a frequent contributor here... I bet he'd like to see this beatiful axe. Hans could probably confirm those production numbers for you.

Best wishes; that is one sweet AA.

 

[a.modernist]

Nick, that's great that Jim Deurloo is still working in the music business... You should invite him to come join us here on LTG; we'd love to talk with him! Anyway, I believe he's discussed in Hans Moust's book, and clearly would be an excellent source for that kind of informatoin. Hans, by the way, is a frequent contributor here... I bet he'd like to see this beatiful axe. Hans could probably confirm those production numbers for you.

Thanks Chazmo. That's a great idea. Although I am under the impression that Jim is "old school" when it comes to communications. He seems to to prefer good old talking on the phone. Worth a shot though. Yes, he is mentioned in Hans's book. He was with Gibson before and after Guild and was one of the people responsible for getting Heritage up and running.

 

[Ravon]

Congratulations Nick, she's a beaut! I've been checking in on the forum from time to time to see if you would return here and make the announcement. And you didn't dissappoint! Man I regret getting rid of mine

 

[a.modernist]

Congratulations Nick, she's a beaut! I've been checking in on the forum from time to time to see if you would return here and make the announcement. And you didn't dissappoint! Man I regret getting rid of mine

Thanks Ravon. I appreciate it. I am in the midst of the 3-night stretch of gigs and really getting to know it. These AAs really are something special.

 

[a.modernist]

For those of you keeping score at home, Hans emailed me about my AA not long ago asking for some details. I heard back yesterday that he found "some inconsistencies that do not make sense to me". Me, of course, referring to Hans. Stay tuned, as there may be more to this story.

Nick Rossi
http://www.facebook.com/nickrossimusic
San Francisco, Calif., U.S.A.

 

[lavern23]

It sure is a beauty!

 

[GuildAAPlayer]

Congratulations! The AA is a very satisfying instrument. Hope you find (as I did) that it brings a new dimension to your playing.

George

 

[a.modernist]

Thanks lavern and George.

George, to your point: yes, I can really see how a guitar like this (or even this guitar!) could add a new dimension to one's playing. Frankly, it just sounds so beautiful and I have already noticed a change in how I approach certain things. I am fortunate to gig regularly so I've been able to work with it quite a bit in the past few weeks. I am learning how to tame the feedback - my little vintage 6V6 Ampeg is probably not the best amp pairing, but until I can get my hands on something a little more hi-fi, I am learning to work with it and the sound is beyond pleasing.