NGD 1964 S-50

[BradHK]

The S-50 was delivered and I finally had time to clean it and adjust. The action was horrible (this was noted in the posting) and it really needed a setup. The high action was caused by the bridge being too far forward. The back two screw holes on these bridges have slots to allow some adjustment for intonation. Being too far forward put the back edge of the screw under the saddle piece that you can move up and down and it prevented it from being lowered. I removed all hardware to clean and addressed this issue, gave it a full setup and now the action is perfect with room to lower.

The guitar cleaned up really well and for a guitar almost 60 years old it is in remarkable condition and sounds great!









All four together:

 

[GGJaguar]

So simple, so shiny and they sound great. Congrats and enjoy!!

 

[zulu]

Wonderfully simple solution on the setup work. She looks amazing!

 

[BradHK]

Well, I have been playing this guitar over the last day and these are some initial thoughts. This guitar confirms that I love the early 1960’s Guild neck profiles and the frequency tested pickups are amazing. I love the simplicity of the one pickup and the bridge setup. I also really like the Hagstrom tremars but this bridge is just so simple. The only downside is it is setup for a wound G. The one issue I need to address is the high E nut slot has been cut too deep and I get buzzing in the open position. Other than that, this is a really fun, simple and lightweight guitar!

 

[GGJaguar]

The only downside is it is setup for a wound G.

I use a .017w or .018w on mine. It's not so bad for bending (though as a rhythm player I rarely bend strings).

 

[BradHK]

I use a .017w or .018w on mine. It's not so bad for bending (though as a rhythm player I rarely bend strings).

To be honest, I don’t think a bridge designed for a wound G is holding back my guitar playing skills!

 

[AcornHouse]

Well, I have been playing this guitar over the last day and these are some initial thoughts. This guitar confirms that I love the early 1960’s Guild neck profiles and the frequency tested pickups are amazing. I love the simplicity of the one pickup and the bridge setup. I also really like the Hagstrom tremars but this bridge is just so simple. The only downside is it is setup for a wound G. The one issue I need to address is the high E nut slot has been cut too deep and I get buzzing in the open position. Other than that, this is a really fun, simple and lightweight guitar!

If it's just the one strong, you can get by by using baking soda and CA glue to fill it and recut it. StewMac has a video on it. (Best to watch for tips on not creating a mess.)

 

[Guildedagain]

SIT sells a great .011 string set with both wound and unwound strings.

I have them on my S-50 now, the best it's sounded since I've had it, with the wound string on.

 

[AcornHouse]

My go to for wound 3rd electric (I have the same bridge on my S-90. Only used them in the first year.)

 

[BradHK]

If it's just the one strong, you can get by by using baking soda and CA glue to fill it and recut it. StewMac has a video on it. (Best to watch for tips on not creating a mess.)

Thanks and I have the StewMac kit that I will use to do what you suggest. I usually just replace the nut but this one is original with the lacquer over the end and I would like to keep it original and all of the other string slots are good. I actually had to lower some of the others! Thanks for the reminder on the video and I will definitely watch it as it’s been a while since I have done this repair

 

[walrus]

My go to for wound 3rd electric (I have the same bridge on my S-90. Only used them in the first year.)

This. I've used these on every electric I've ever had for years.

Cool guitar, congratulations!

walrus

 

[HeyMikey]

Great job, that S-50 cleaned up real nice. Love the family picture!