GGJaguar
Reverential Member
I love Guild archtops and Richard had 3 Studio models for sale and I couldn’t resist any longer so I snagged the 1968 ST-301. I’ve never owned a Studio model nor have I owned a Guild with a “Mickey Mouse” pickup so it made for a unique combination. The Studio series was supposed to be for students, but everything about the guitar puts it on equal footing with the T-100 in terms of features.
It came with a set of flatwound 10s, but those didn't work for me. I put on a fresh set of 11-50 nickel round wounds with a wound 3rd string and set it up for my style of rhythm playing. Because I have been mainly playing archtops with heavier builds from the late Westerly era, it was refreshing to play a lighter build from the 1960s. At only 5.4 lb (2.45 kg) the ST-301 is very lively and resonant with an impressive acoustic voice. These characteristics translate well in the guitar’s amplified voice. Normally, I shy away from single pickup guitars because they don’t usually have enough versatility, but I really like the sound of this guitar (it’s different!) and I’m impressed. In general, I would call the guitar’s sound bright. The single coil pickup is wound on the hotter side (8.3K ohm) and sits just about at the magical 24th fret node.
Tonally, the pickup falls between the bell tones of a Strat and bite of a Tele. It does require some extra attention using the tone control as well as right hand placement to achieve the desired tone. The ST-301 makes an excellent rock and power pop rhythm guitar, but the tone can be adjusted for jazz and blues. I love this pickup and there is nothing “Mickey Mouse” about it. I made a couple of quick and dirty sound clips to demonstrate how the guitar sounds with the tone control wide open and set half way. The sound clips are a bit compressed, unfortunately, but you can still hear the hollow, woody tone of the guitar with the chime of the MM pickup.
ST301 with tone control at 10
ST301 with tone control at 5
The only downside is the narrow 1 5/8 inch nut width that causes me to be more fumble-fingered than usual and the terrible tuners that are frustrating to use. However, I’m still very pleased with the guitar. Thanks Richard!
It came with a set of flatwound 10s, but those didn't work for me. I put on a fresh set of 11-50 nickel round wounds with a wound 3rd string and set it up for my style of rhythm playing. Because I have been mainly playing archtops with heavier builds from the late Westerly era, it was refreshing to play a lighter build from the 1960s. At only 5.4 lb (2.45 kg) the ST-301 is very lively and resonant with an impressive acoustic voice. These characteristics translate well in the guitar’s amplified voice. Normally, I shy away from single pickup guitars because they don’t usually have enough versatility, but I really like the sound of this guitar (it’s different!) and I’m impressed. In general, I would call the guitar’s sound bright. The single coil pickup is wound on the hotter side (8.3K ohm) and sits just about at the magical 24th fret node.
Tonally, the pickup falls between the bell tones of a Strat and bite of a Tele. It does require some extra attention using the tone control as well as right hand placement to achieve the desired tone. The ST-301 makes an excellent rock and power pop rhythm guitar, but the tone can be adjusted for jazz and blues. I love this pickup and there is nothing “Mickey Mouse” about it. I made a couple of quick and dirty sound clips to demonstrate how the guitar sounds with the tone control wide open and set half way. The sound clips are a bit compressed, unfortunately, but you can still hear the hollow, woody tone of the guitar with the chime of the MM pickup.
ST301 with tone control at 10
ST301 with tone control at 5
The only downside is the narrow 1 5/8 inch nut width that causes me to be more fumble-fingered than usual and the terrible tuners that are frustrating to use. However, I’m still very pleased with the guitar. Thanks Richard!
Enjoy!
