Guild Blues 90, cherry red over quilt maple top, made in USA circa 1999. Guild are 'the other white meat' of the American guitar market: the third biggest player, building great instruments over many decades without ever demanding the same profile as Fender or Gibson. This is a pretty unusual one: it's similar in construction to a Les Paul, but swollen to a big wide body. It's chambered, but solid, rather than being semi-hollow like a 335. The neck is a moderately beefy D style shape, rounded and comfy in the hands but not built for lightning speeds. The tone on offer is similar to the look: a fatter take on the classic LP style tone. There's some extra breath and clarity through the midrange owing to the body size, alongside plenty of natural sustain and a strong fundamental note adding depth and definition to every line. The quilted top rewards a closer look, and paired with the cream binding and pickups and the unassuming curves, this has a classy aesthetic. We don't get a lot of quality used USA Guild guitars in this part of the world, which is a shame really. This is a very convincing number, especially if you happen to have The Blues. 

Model: Guild Blues 90
Made: 1998-9, Westerley USA (serial 01001989)
Finish: cherry red
Body: mahogany, flame maple cap, 350mm across, 47mm depth, solid with chambers
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, moderate rounded D
Weight: 3.995kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Guild soapbar single coil x2
Case: original Guild case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs on the back only. The back has some dimples in the middle of the body, a moderate chip near the bottom edge near the cavity as well as widespread very light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have some scuffs in the elbow area and along the bottom side from the jack to the bottom horn. The front has some minor dimples in the elbow area, light scuffs around the knobs and behind the bridge and some normal play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some minor wear, around 7/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.