DeArmond S-65

4.5 (3)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using DeArmond S-65

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Page last updated Aug 15, 2025

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Description

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The DeArmond S-65 is a testament to the classic allure of solid body electric guitars. Embracing a sleek design, this guitar is crafted for musicians who seek both exceptional sound quality and reliable performance. The S-65 boasts a set neck construction, ensuring seamless transitions across the fretboard with enhanced sustain and resonance. Its dual humbucking pickups deliver a rich, powerful tone that caters to a variety of music genres, from blues to hard rock. This versatile instrument is perfect for both on-stage performances and studio sessions, offering a dynamic range that responds well to different playing styles.

The S-65 features a comfortable, contoured body that sits naturally against the player, making long gigs feel effortless. Its rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, ideal for quick riffs and intricate solos. The guitar's hardware is built to last, with a sturdy bridge and precise tuning machines that keep your sound in check. Musicians will appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that DeArmond has applied to this model, making it a reliable choice for both seasoned players and aspiring guitarists alike.

Key Features:

Set neck construction for improved sustain
Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tones
Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Contoured body design for comfort
Durable hardware and reliable tuning stability

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johnnyangel69

Dearmond S-65 Electric Guitar by Guild 1999 Korea SG

johnnyangel69

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DeArmond S-65.

Features and functionality

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Owners appreciate the GoldTone Humbuckers for enhancing tone, especially with distortion.
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The pickups deliver thick, dark, and snarly tones, allowing a wide range of sounds through the bridge volume knob.
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Build quality

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The guitar weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, making it relatively lightweight and comfortable to handle.
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Korean-made models are noted for having unique components, which could complicate updates or repairs.
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Some users jokingly suggest its design appears as if drawn by non-guitarists, hinting at its unconventional aesthetics.
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User experience

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Long-term owners report that the DeArmond S-65 maintains tuning stability over extended periods.
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A long-term owner mentions modifying the neck with emery paper to achieve a satin finish, enhancing playability.
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A user mentioned that the S-65 was their first electric guitar and rated it superior to early 2000s Squier Strats.
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Comparisons

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The DeArmond S-65 is seen as a budget-friendly alternative to Guild's Polara, offering similar styling and feel.
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Owners connect the DeArmond S-65 closely to the Guild S-100, noting that it's a budget-friendly alternative with a similar design ethos.
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The DeArmond S-65 is compared to the Squier Polara, noted for its rarity and appeal among enthusiasts.
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Owners describe the S-65 as a "drunk SG," indicating a unique, slightly off-kilter design reminiscent of Gibson's SG.
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Use cases and applications

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Suitable for players seeking a smooth playing experience, rated 7.5/10 by an owner for overall playability.
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Value and pricing

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Despite its condition, owners report that this guitar holds sentimental value and remains a favorite among their collection.
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The DeArmond S-65, when in good condition, retains value close to its original price, notably if manufactured in Korea.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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shane_bischoff

183

about 1 year ago

One of my favorites

These don't get a lot of respect, even from DeArmond collectors, due to being Indonesian-made with a bolt on neck. But it's sound is perfect. This was used on most of the songs of A Lack of Champions' "Loser Breaks All."

Being a guitar from 1999 or so, it's not necessarily perfect. The finish is definitely sensitive to the environment and a few cracks are present. But it's sound is very bright and provides the melodic buzzsaw noise I like.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Punk rock

From Gear Setup

brylock

156

over 11 years ago

Incredible value guitar

This guitar is DeArmond (Fender)'s copy of the Guild Polara S-100. Manufactured in the late 1990's and one of their less expensive guitars, yet I find myself picking it up before other guitars that cost four to five times as much. My only complaint about the guitar is that it's top heavy and neck-dives. Still, I've never come across another $200 guitar I've liked so much.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Indie rock Punk

From Gear Setup