Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,200

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Guild M85 II Bass Guitar is a versatile tool for bassists seeking a blend of rich tradition and modern functionality. Renowned for its distinctively warm and full-bodied sound, this electric bass guitar captures the iconic mid-century vibe while offering contemporary playability. Crafted with a semi-hollow body, it delivers a resonant tone that fills any musical setting, from intimate jazz sessions to dynamic rock performances.

At the heart of the M85 II is its BiSonic pickup, which provides a wide tonal range, ensuring each note is clear and pronounced. The bass's short scale length makes it incredibly comfortable to play, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its sleek neck and smooth fretboard allow for effortless transitions, while the adjustable bridge offers precise intonation control. Whether you're laying down the groove in the studio or performing live, the Guild M85 II Bass Guitar offers reliability and character in every note.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body design for enhanced resonance
  • BiSonic pickup for a wide tonal range
  • Short scale length for comfortable playability
  • Sleek neck and smooth fretboard for easy transitions
  • Adjustable bridge for precise intonation control
  • Suitable for various musical styles, from jazz to rock
  • Crafted for both beginners and experienced musicians

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model M-85 II Bass
Year 1975
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Guild M85 II Bass guitar?

The Guild M85 II Bass delivers warm, vintage tones with a rich low end, thanks to its passive humbucking pickups. It's well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and jazz where a classic, full-bodied bass sound is desired.

Is the Guild M85 II Bass guitar suitable for beginners?

While the Guild M85 II Bass is a high-quality instrument appreciated by experienced players, its comfortable single cutaway body and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners who are serious about their bass playing journey.

What is the neck profile like on the Guild M85 II Bass guitar?

The Guild M85 II Bass features a comfortable neck profile that facilitates easy playability, making it suitable for both fast playing and complex bass lines, appealing to a wide range of playing styles.

How does the rosewood fretboard of the Guild M85 II Bass affect its sound?

The rosewood fretboard on the Guild M85 II Bass contributes to a warm, smooth tone with a natural resonance, enhancing the overall richness and depth of the instrument's sound.

Does the Guild M85 II Bass guitar have active electronics?

No, the Guild M85 II Bass features passive electronics, which provide a more traditional, organic bass tone without the need for battery power.

Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton

Demo/Review: Guild M-85 Bass

Video thumbnail for Demo/Review: Guild M-85 Bass by Michael Bolton

Demo/Review: Guild M-85 Bass

Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild M85 II Bass Guitar.

User experience

  • The Guild M85 II Fretless Bass is described as "extremely vibey" and fun to play, referencing its connection to a previous jazz band player.

    Source
  • Despite a long hiatus from playing fretless, one owner finds the Guild M85 II still enjoyable, highlighting its unique character.

    Source

Other

  • The bass was acquired from the original owner who had a personal connection to the current owner, adding sentimental value to the instrument.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sheryl Crow uses Guild M85 II Bass Guitar

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Crow can be seen playing a Guild M85 II in this photo.

See how Prescott Niles uses Guild M85 II Bass Guitar

Prescott Niles

Bassist

The Knack

...
Verified via YouTube

Video of Prescott Niles explaining how he got the bass that he ended up using on "My Sharona" and other tracks on Get The Knack. There are also some clips of him using it live at Carnegie Hall in 1979.

Album Usage

The Guild M85 II Bass Guitar 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.

More Guild Electric Basses

Rickenbacker 4003

$2,499.00 - $2,899.00

# 3

Rank

Paul McCartney Cliff Burton Jason Newsted
188 artists using
Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Rickenbacker 4003S

$1,949.00 - $2,599.00

# 19

Rank

John Lennon Jack Bruce Mike Rutherford
22 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    haas123
    haas123

    Gear IQ 21966