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
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What is the neck profile like on the Guild B-302 Bass?
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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.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Guild B-302's pickups?
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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.
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Is the Guild B-302 Bass suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How does the rosewood fretboard affect the sound of the Guild B-302 Bass?
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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.
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Does the Guild B-302 Bass come with an active preamp?
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No, the Guild B-302 Bass does not include an active preamp; it features passive pickups for a more traditional bass sound.
Videos
tab4ssK
1976 Guild B 302 bass guitar
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
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It's advised to have a tech perform a setup and adjust the neck if necessary when adding new strings to prevent potential damage.
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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.
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It's vital to adjust the bridge backward tilt to compensate for string diameter differences, avoiding the bridge plate sitting parallel to the body.
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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.
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Incorrect saddle order can result in string height discrepancies; ensure thicker strings are seated in appropriately sized saddles to maintain proper radius.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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The Guild B-302 is noted for having a sound comparable to a Rickenbacker, appealing to those seeking a similar tone profile.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
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."
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.
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.
The bass first appears in the official video for "Die Baby Die" at 11 seconds, and throughout.
Album Usage
The Guild B-302 Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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