Guild A-500 Special, Sunburst (1962)

1962 Guild A-500 Special just in on consignment!

This is one of the highest quality Guild archtops ever produced, boasting the premier tonewoods and appointments available on any model during its time. With an all solid wood construction 17" body and factory-fitted Dearmond floating pickup, it combines bold and clear acoustic tone with equally powerful electric tone.

This came from the estate of a local professional musician who gigged with this guitar for decades. It shows wear commensurate with a working musician's guitar, including evidence of some body overspray along with a refret. There's a small cleat supporting a stress crack below the treble side F hole, but the guitar is structurally sound with a stable top, neck set, and functioning truss rod. This A-500 Special is closely related to the Johnny Smith Award, arguably Guild's most prized professional-grade electric archtop. The only significant difference lies in the headstock shape - it's nearly identical in spec otherwise.

It includes its original Ess & Ess hardshell case and warranty card with matching serial number! The date 'May 10, 1964' is written in the upper corner, possibly denoting a date of purchase/sale.

These models are quite rare, and with Johnny Smith models from this period fetching upwards of $15,000 on the vintage market, the A-500 certainly holds some major value!