Stumbled across

[guildwolf26]

I came across a 1990s guild Nightbird. It's for sale around 2,599.99, I know that is the correct price for it. It's almost original except someone put a bigsby on it and doesn't have the two original black metal dome knobs on it. Is it a fair dear everything else is solid.

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! It would help us if you could post a few photos of the guitar.

 

[GAD]

There are many variations of Nightbird so it really depends on which one.

Personally I would not buy one with non-original parts but I’ve been told that I’m not normal more than once in my life.

 

[guildwolf26]

At some point the knobs have been changed out but the rest of can be dealt with easy

 

[guildwolf26]

I was shocked that I actually saw my first one in person she would need new frets they are liw

 

[GAD]

So that's a first generattion Nightbird GG with a spruce top. The original bridge for those are complete unobtanium so if it doesn't come with it you better really like the Bigsby or be happy with a non-stock option.

The neck pickup has a third screw which would tell me that the pickup either isn't original or one was swapped in the past.

They are absolutely glorious guitars but every part that's missing is very difficult to replace with a correct replacement.

IMO if it were all original **with the original case** and in mint condition then $2599 would be an OK price in this post-Covid price inflated world. I always look sideways at an added Bigsby because while they're not terribly complicated to install, it's easy to do it poorly, especially when, as is likely the case here, they had to drill new holes in the guitar.

• Non-original Bigsby
• Missing original knobs
• Missing original tailpiece
• Possibly non-original pickups
• Possibly needs a refret
• Possibly missing original case

Now I'm spoiled because I bought all my Nightbirds before 2020, but I would not pay more than $1500 for that guitar with those bullet points.

 

[BradHK]

Were the holes in the top from the original tailpiece plugged or did the bigsby cover the holes? It’s hard to tell from the photo

 

[guildwolf26]

I couldn't tell you that I didn't see holes on the bottom looks like they put a piece of dolr in the hole where the original hardware went. I seen some examples of the top pup with the third screw in neck. That is the first Nightbird I have ever seen in person, I live in Alabama most are snubs for Gibson and Martin so I don't get a chance to see these. Know stew Mac carries the black knurled knobs

 

[GAD]

I couldn't tell you that I didn't see holes on the bottom looks like they put a piece of dolr in the hole where the original hardware went. I seen some examples of the top pup with the third screw in neck. That is the first Nightbird I have ever seen in person, I live in Alabama most are snubs for Gibson and Martin so I don't get a chance to see these. Know stew Mac carries the black knurled knobs

If you don't care about originality there are plenty of knobs that are close.

The third screw always mean it's been altered.

The real problem is that for that price it should be all original and damn-near mint.

The other problem is that now that you've handled one you won't be able to get them out of your mind.

 

[guildwolf26]

Yes you are right but I would love to have it I can't understand why people alter something rare

 

[C T]

The 33 year migratory pattern of an elusive ‘Bama Nightbird making her way home.

 

[Rocky]

So that's a first generattion Nightbird GG with a spruce top. The original bridge for those are complete unobtanium so if it doesn't come with it you better really like the Bigsby or be happy with a non-stock option.

Bridge looks original. The original tailpiece is missing, obviously.

 

[DrumBob]

That seems like a lot of money for that guitar. Others here may know better than I.

 

[Boneman]

I agree that $2600 is a lot for that particular one, especially as GAD has articulated very well. Curious about the story, did the OP make a lower offer? walk away or ultimately buy it?

 

[guildwolf26]

I have not bought it I want to but I'm not happy that who originally had it put a bigsby on it thou I love it I would have to hunt parts for it

 

[C T]

To clear up any confusion, I came across this thread while researching the guitar after I had purchased it. It appeared the OP had passed on the guitar, so I felt comfortable posting about.

I approached this purchase from a player/project perspective but the guitar arrived in great shape. I paid less than asking price, so thats a bonus.

The previous owner(s) took great care of it (minus that godforsaken Bigsby). Nearly zero dings/scratches/swirls. Headstock is great and free of any finish chipping etc. Frets are still good, just wide and flat. There was some minor hairline finish chipping and cracking on the neck/fretboard join near the nut, but looks like a solid repair because i cant feel anything, just barely see it.

It came with what appears to be the original tailpiece and studs. I wonder if the saddles are replacements but I have seen original Nightbird photos with this exact black hardware.

The pickups appear original and in great condition with little wear on the covers, Maybe they were swapped and replaced before the sale? I understand the extra screw gives it away but I havent opened them up yet. The electronics and solders all look professionally done.

The Bigsby was a B6- so no holes in the top- just three small ones around the strap button which can disappear. Luckily it was mounted on felt and left no trace.

Unfortunately, the original tuners have been changed out and feel like they need to be changed out again. The extra holes need some work.

I have the two black Guild knobs for the volume and tone on hand.

So many people here with tremendous knowlege on the subject (and ridiculous guitars) please correct me if I got anything wrong here or any advice would be appreciated. I own a few Westerly Guilds but this is my first Nightbird.

The plan going forward was to put gold HB-1’s in it, which are also already on hand, but I’m waffling now that the guitar is in better shape than I thought. I have no problem slightly modifying non-original equipment, but I’m wondering if this bird should remain as stock and original as possible now. Or should I just put the damn HB-1’s in ?

 

[C T]

Lastly

 

[GGJaguar]

Or should I just put the damn HB-1’s in ?

I like the Kent Armstrongs (though they are a little spikey), but HB-1 would be the bomb.

 

[chazmo]

The plan going forward was to put gold HB-1’s in it, which are also already on hand, but I’m waffling now that the guitar is in better shape than I thought. I have no problem slightly modifying non-original equipment, but I’m wondering if this bird should remain as stock and original as possible now. Or should I just put the damn HB-1’s in ?

Tough call, C T. Do you have to do any surgery to put the HB-1s in place of the Armstrong pickups? You could just try the swap and see...

Personally, I like the look of the blacked-out Armstrongs on those . But looks are not all that important in this discussion. Gold HB-1s will look great too, just not all that Nightbirdy.

Good luck with your choices, and welcome aboard!

 

[Rocky]

I haveno problems with replacement pickups in a Nightbird. I believe the stock pickups on all but of a handful of them are a poor choice for the instrument, and likely why they didn't sell well.