Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,800

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The 1973 Guild S-100C is a vibrant testament to the adventurous spirit of the early '70s, capturing the essence of rock with its distinctive design and tonal prowess. Often likened to the Gibson SG due to its shape, this guitar stands out with its asymmetrical horns, giving it a unique silhouette that appeals to both the eyes and the ears. Crafted from a rich mahogany body and neck, and topped with a smooth rosewood fingerboard, the S-100C offers a warm, resonant sound that has been favored by iconic players like Kim Thayil.

This model boasts two large humbuckers, delivering a powerful, full-bodied sound that can be effortlessly shaped using its four control knobs and three-way switch. The addition of a phase switch in 1972 added an extra dimension to its sonic capabilities, allowing for more creative tonal explorations. The guitar also features a slanted stopbar tailpiece and an Adjustomatic bridge, ensuring precise tuning stability and intonation.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or an aspiring guitarist, the 1973 Guild S-100C is a perfect blend of classic craftsmanship and innovative design, ready to bring your musical visions to life.

Key Features:

  • Dual cutaway solidbody design with asymmetrical horns
  • Mahogany body and neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Two large humbucker pickups
  • Four control knobs and three-way switch
  • Phase switch for expanded tonal options
  • Slanted stopbar tailpiece and Adjustomatic bridge

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model S-100
Finish Cherry
Year 1973
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the 1973 Guild S-100C have?

The 1973 Guild S-100C is equipped with a pair of Guild HB-1 humbucking pickups, known for their versatility and ability to deliver a wide range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the 1973 Guild S-100C suitable for playing rock music?

Yes, the 1973 Guild S-100C is well-suited for rock music, thanks to its solid mahogany body, powerful HB-1 humbucking pickups, and a neck designed for fast, comfortable playability.

What is the neck profile of the 1973 Guild S-100C?

The 1973 Guild S-100C features a set-neck construction with a comfortable and fast neck profile, making it ideal for players who enjoy smooth transitions across the fretboard.

How many frets does the 1973 Guild S-100C have?

The 1973 Guild S-100C comes with 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing styles.

Does the 1973 Guild S-100C have a stop-bar tailpiece?

Yes, the 1973 Guild S-100C features a stop-bar tailpiece, providing excellent sustain and stable tuning.

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

1973 Guild S-100 NB Guitar USA

Video thumbnail for 1973 Guild S-100 NB Guitar USA by johnnyangel69

1973 Guild S-100 NB Guitar USA

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1973 Guild S-100C.

Features and functionality

  • Owners describe the neck as remarkably slim, enhancing playability, especially for intricate stoner doom riffs.

    Source
  • Some 1973 S-100 models might feature dual tailpieces, possibly covering former Bigsby tremolo holes or for unique aesthetic or tonal reasons.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup is praised for its powerful sound, perfect for heavier musical styles like doom metal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Tuned to C standard, the guitar excels in delivering a loud, low midrange tone suitable for stoner doom bands.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar's finish shows age with dust and dings, adding character for those who appreciate a well-played instrument.

    Source
  • One owner reports remarkable tuning stability even after extended travel and storage, suggesting robust construction and reliable hardware.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some suggest modern reissues like the Polara, which are also praised for quality, though the originals hold a unique appeal.

    Source
  • Some owners view the S-100 as a more visually appealing alternative to the Gibson SG, with a distinctive style that sets it apart.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Extra hardware, like additional tailpieces, might be unnecessary and could potentially introduce tuning instability due to increased string friction.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
tuckerofthorraxe

Pretty much perfect for me.

I have a walnut finished one, which according to a dude who wrote a book on Guild guitars in the 90s is a pretty rare color. Mine rotted and dried out in an attic in Texas for thirty years before I got it. Had to do quite a bit of work on it, and it's definitely no museum piece now, but it plays and that's all that matters to me.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Kaufman uses 1973 Guild S-100C

Josh Kaufman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Bonny Light Horseman

...
Verified via Photo

This is probably a 70s Guild S-100 Deluxe (model included a Bigsby). Kaufman used this at the 2019 Newport Folk Festival during the Bonny Light Horseman set.

See how Nathan Larson uses 1973 Guild S-100C

Nathan Larson

Guitarist

Shudder to Think

...
Verified via Photo

https://www.earthquakerdevices.com/blog-posts/2016/11/11/studio-series-nathan-larson-late-night-with-seth-myers-shudder-to-think

This 2016 interview with Nathan features some of his guitars and effects, used mainly in studio.

Nathan Larson: 'I also had the Hoof Reaper in the chain but the show's producers couldn't handle the rock so I was forced to sideline it. In this case I played a '70s Guild S-100. This would all run at a very low level through a reissue Orange amp.'

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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