Guild M-85 Bass Model Hollow Body Electric Bass Guitar (1970), made in Hoboken, NJ, cherry lacquer finish, laminated maple body, laminated mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
One of the most interesting Guild basses we have seen, this M-85 dates to the period when Guild was transferring operations from Hoboken to Westerly, Rhode Island and sports an unusual mix of features. The single pickup is the older Hagstrom-made Bi-Sonic unit, now regarded as one of the best bass pickups ever designed but originally discontinued in 1970.
The small hollow maple body is finished in an unusually bright transparent cherry finish, not usually seen on this model. Guild nearly always reserved their cherry finishes for mahogany-bodied instruments-it makes for a particularly striking look over clear maple. The truss rod cover is marked "Starfire", and appears to be original-this may be because the cherry finish was originally termed the "Starfire" by Guild. The look and feel of the bass is closer to Hoboken made Guilds than the subsequent Westerly made instruments-the headstock profile especially is the earlier style. This may well be one of the last instruments completed at the older factory. Whatever its provenance this is a great playing and sounding bass-very handy with a slom, comfortable neck like a Starfire Bass and a very powerful sound. All M-85 basses are very rare but this one may be unique.
Overall length is 44 11/16 in. (113.5 cm.), 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 30 1/2 in. (775 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). Well worn but not abused; there is a lot of finish wear to the back of the neck and two belt buckle spots on the back. Face is relatively clean with a few small chips and a thumbwear spot under the E string. All original except an added jacklate and some internal rewiring back to spec. includes a somewhat battered but functional OHSC. Overall Very Good + Condition.
