Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,776

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Guild B-302 Bass is a standout in the world of vintage-inspired electric basses, offering a unique combination of classic design and modern playability. First introduced in the late 1970s, this bass has earned a reputation for its distinct tone and reliable performance, making it a favorite among musicians who appreciate both aesthetics and sound quality. Equipped with a pair of Guild SB-1 humbuckers, the B-302 delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from rock and funk to jazz and blues. The bolt-on neck design provides excellent sustain and allows for easy maintenance, while the 21-fret rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability across the scale.

Crafted with a solid mahogany body, the Guild B-302 Bass is designed to resonate with rich warmth and clarity, providing a balanced tonal foundation that's both articulate and robust. The bass’s vintage charm is enhanced by its eye-catching headstock and classic inlays, making it a visually appealing addition to any musician's collection. With its straightforward controls for volume and tone, the B-302 offers intuitive operation, allowing players to easily dial in their desired sound whether on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for enhanced resonance and warmth
  • Dual Guild SB-1 humbuckers for a powerful, versatile tone
  • Bolt-on neck design for excellent sustain
  • 21-fret rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Straightforward volume and tone controls
  • Vintage-inspired design with classic inlays and headstock

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model B-302
Finish Sunburst
Year 1978
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Guild B-302 Bass?

The Guild B-302 Bass features a comfortable neck profile that is slightly rounded, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both beginners and experienced bassists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Guild B-302's pickups?

The Guild B-302 is equipped with passive single-coil pickups that deliver a warm, vintage tone with a clear midrange, making it versatile for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Guild B-302 Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Guild B-302 Bass is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust build and reliable tuning stability, along with its classic sunburst finish that looks great on stage.

How does the rosewood fretboard affect the sound of the Guild B-302 Bass?

The rosewood fretboard on the Guild B-302 Bass contributes to a warm, rich tone with smooth sustain, enhancing the bass's overall sound quality.

Does the Guild B-302 Bass come with an active preamp?

No, the Guild B-302 Bass does not include an active preamp; it features passive pickups for a more traditional bass sound.

tab4ssK

tab4ssK

1976 Guild B 302 bass guitar

Video thumbnail for 1976 Guild B 302 bass guitar by tab4ssK

1976 Guild B 302 bass guitar

tab4ssK

tab4ssK

Video thumbnail for This World - Selah Sue - Bass Cover Guild B302 1978 by yocash

This World - Selah Sue - Bass Cover Guild B302 1978

yocash

yocash

Video thumbnail for Guild / B-302【Test Play】 by Bass Sound Maniac

Guild / B-302【Test Play】

Bass Sound Maniac

Bass Sound Maniac

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild B-302 Bass.

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to have a tech perform a setup and adjust the neck if necessary when adding new strings to prevent potential damage.

    Source
  • Owners suggest the bridge's large posts should be lowered by unscrewing them after releasing string tension to correct excessive bridge height and angle issues.

    Source
  • It's vital to adjust the bridge backward tilt to compensate for string diameter differences, avoiding the bridge plate sitting parallel to the body.

    Source
  • A bent central screw in the bridge may need replacement to ensure proper angle adjustments; this is a known issue that can affect bridge performance.

    Source
  • Incorrect saddle order can result in string height discrepancies; ensure thicker strings are seated in appropriately sized saddles to maintain proper radius.

    Source

Build quality

  • Missing knob covers can be replaced easily and cheaply, which is a common minor issue with this model.

    Source
  • The three-point bridge design requires precise adjustment, as incorrect setup can lead to buzzing and uneven string angles, particularly affecting the high string.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Guild B-302 is noted for having a sound comparable to a Rickenbacker, appealing to those seeking a similar tone profile.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners caution against altering the hardware or finish, as this can significantly devalue the instrument.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ian Martin Allison uses Guild B-302 Bass

Ian Martin Allison

Bassist, Composer

Soul Asylum

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Ian Martin Allison, he expresses his admiration for a Guild B-302 bass borrowed from Ian Combs during a session at RiverRock Studios. He praises its sound and unique features, likening it to a robust Jazz bass.

See how Maurice Gibb uses Guild B-302 Bass

Maurice Gibb

Singer, Guitarist

Bee Gees

...
Verified via TalkBass.com

One user on TalkBass.com said the following:

"I understand by 1976 Maurice Gibb played mostly Fender precision basses (one of them fretless), but in 1977 the Gibbs signed with Guild guitars, and also unlike any other of their albums the songs that ended in the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack were recorded in France. Yes, Stayin' Alive does not sound like it was done with a P bass, but that doesn't sound to me like a Ric either. Maurice probably used his Guild B-302, a fat sounding bass but not as much as his old 4001."

See how Nicky Wire uses Guild B-302 Bass

Nicky Wire

Bassist

Manic Street Preachers

...
Verified via Photo

Nicky Wire is seen playing the Guild B-302 Bass on "Later... with Jools Holland" in October 2024. This bass is distinguishable from the B-301 by its two-PU configuration, as evidenced by the source image.

See how Caleb Scofield uses Guild B-302 Bass

Caleb Scofield

Singer, Bassist

Cave In

...
Verified via YouTube

In the mini documentary "CAVE IN 'Until Your Heart Stops' Recording at 30 Blaine," at the 6:03 mark, Caleb Scofield is seen using the Guild B-302 Bass. This visual evidence is provided by RelapseRecords on YouTube.

See how Simon Dragon Bouteloup uses Guild B-302 Bass

Simon Dragon Bouteloup

Bassist

Kadavar

...
Verified via YouTube

The bass first appears in the official video for "Die Baby Die" at 11 seconds, and throughout.

See how Ali McMordie uses Guild B-302 Bass

Ali McMordie

Bassist

Stiff Little Fingers

...
Verified via Photo

Ali used a white Guild B302 for most of his career with SLF, Into their 4th studio album, Now Then he had Started to use an active version B402A.

S

Steve Zimmerman

Bassist

Drop Nineteens

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen playing in this photo, the "Winona" music video and others videos/photos.

Genre Usage

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

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