NGD - 1970 M-75

[BradHK]

I am transitioning to my place in NYC and have the weekend here by myself. I decided to get out this afternoon and check out some guitar shops. Nothing specific that I was intending to see, just looking.

I went into Main Drag Music in Brooklyn. On the wall they had two vintage M-75s. A solid body from the late 1970’s and a hollow bluebird from 1969-1970. I am a sucker for hollow bluesbirds and aristocrats. They listed it as a 1970 but I need to confirm as the online serial number charts are not great between 1969 and 1970 for Bluesbirds.

They got the bluesbird down and I spent some time looking it over and playing it. Definitely needed a cleaning and a setup. However, all original except strap buttons and switch tip, nice frets, straight neck, good action, etc. Unfortunately, no case. I threw out a price, said I needed a case included, and they accepted! They dug around in the back and even found a Guild hard case that fits it perfect. I seem to be collecting vintage black Guilds and this one is another black fingerprint magnet. It is a little different getting a guitar home in NYC on the subway versus putting it in my car and driving home!

I need to clean it up and give it a setup but here are some before photos. I know what I will be doing this weekend!

 

[Walter Broes]

Wow, that looks fantastic! Congratulations!

 

[Norrissey]

Oh man! That thing looks awesome! Nice score! Would love to own one of those one day. (there must be lots of nice Guilds in NYC - temptation everywhere!)

 

[jp]

So sexy! Awesome find!

 

[BradHK]

Thanks! The funny thing is that I have a stash of vintage Guild parts so that when I buy a guitar I can replace any aftermarket parts with period correct originals. I have strap buttons and switch tips….but none in gold!!

 

[GGJaguar]

Fantastic guitar, congrats!

 

[HeyMikey]

Damn nice! The finish seems to have that warm, aged glow to it. The black is slick. Congrats Brad. Did you try the solid body too?

 

[BradHK]

Damn nice! The finish seems to have that warm, aged glow to it. The black is slick. Congrats Brad. Did you try the solid body too?

I was afraid to as I might have been carrying two guitars through the subway!

 

[BradHK]

The serial number on this M-75 is DD 535. Can anybody confirm whether this is a 1970 or 1969? It’s not like it matters but just curious. I thought there used to be a much better Guild serial number online chart but I can’t locate it and my Guild book is in another location. Thanks!

 

[GAD]

Now that's a score!

 

[GAD]

The serial number on this M-75 is DD 535. Can anybody confirm whether this is a 1970 or 1969? It’s not like it matters but just curious. I thought there used to be a much better Guild serial number online chart but I can’t locate it and my Guild book is in another location. Thanks!

According to the bible, DD-395 is the last number in 1969 but 1970 starts the non-prefixed numbers, so you're gonna need Hans on this one.

 

[fronobulax]

According to the bible, DD-395 is the last number in 1969 but 1970 starts the non-prefixed numbers, so you're gonna need Hans on this one.

Although the circumstantial evidence is that the serial number scheme did not change on January 1 1970 so there are prefixed instruments after the "last" 1969 that date to 1970.

 

[walrus]

Nice! Love it in black!

walrus

 

[Guildedagain]

Just too cool!

 

[BradHK]

I finished cleaning it up today and giving it a good setup. I didn’t think it was that dirty until I started cleaning it. I ended up removing all parts except the wiring harness to clean everything then reinstall.

Cleaned, adjusted and ready to play

 

[matsickma]

Wow! Black Beauty!!

 

[Harp Tail]

The guitar is spectacular and the color makes it suitable for "black tie" events. Main Drag unfortunately is not known for their low prices, but NY as a whole has turned unsustainable in that respect.

The subway is a mess but I've been know to schlep two guitars on it (one has to be in a gig bag) for years. If I recall well, Will Lee used to himself, and that's why the TC electronics device whose name I can't come up with (SansAmp?) became so popular among the City's hired guns.

 

[powerwagonjohn]

I have a black 1971 with a bit more wear. Wonderful guitar but a bit heavy. I sold my Les Paul soon after finding mine. My M-75 has the big red dots on the back of the pick ups. Does your also?
Thanks John

 

[SFIV1967]

...but 1970 starts the non-prefixed numbers, so you're gonna need Hans on this one.

Oh, oh,....no, no! You need to read Hans' book again on page 47 right column!

Ralf

 

[GGJaguar]

Oh, oh,....no, no! You need to read Hans' book again on page 47 right column!

Ralf

GAD got Ralf'd. It happens.