Guild Thunderbird, Sunburst (1965)

The Great Hoboken Offset - One of Guild's most unique and downright coolest electric guitar models ever made.

1965 Guild Thunderbird in original Sunburst just in from the family of its original owner!

There's no denying the cool factor of Guild's wild "offset" solidbody electric. Take one look at the back photo of Muddy Waters' historic 'Electric Mud' LP and that'll give you a good idea. With sophisticated electronics akin to the Fender Jaguar, a vibrato tailpiece, two of Guild's own mini humbuckers, and one of the best headstock shapes EVER, the Thunderbird was destined for greatness. It even had a built-in kickstand! Come on!

Though not universally adored, the Thunderbird model has carved out its own niche of the vintage guitar world. Like many Guild electrics built in the 60s, they're quite underrated guitars that offer a quality option for those that have satisfied their Fender or Gibson itch. This early '65 (likely finished up at the end of 1964) is a particularly excellent example of one of these elusive models. For starters, it's an uncirculated guitar that never had so much as a string change over its 60 years on Earth. Played? Yes. But with moderation. Everything from the frets to the finish, the plastics to the electronics- it's all there.

It's nice and light, weighing in just a bit over 7lbs. The neck reminds us of some of those mid/late '59 Gibson carves often found on ES-335/345/355 models - about .84" at the first fret with a medium taper up to .94" at the 12th. It's super resonant, too!

Guild's mini humbuckers typically register as lower output, but this Thunderbird got a set that was wound a little hotter, undoubtedly contributing to its great tone. The electronics appear very sophisticated from a glance, but they're fairly easy to understand once you spend time with them. A master slider switches between Rhythm (A Neck pickup only circuit with master volume and tone controls) and Lead (pickup selector switches, tone switch, and another set of master volume and tone controls). The pickups are out-of-phase when both engaged, creating a super funky and useable tone that we instantly fell in love with.

The guitar is still accompanied by its original hardshell case, which has remained in very good overall shape. All latches function well and the handle is intact.

If you've ever flirted with the idea of an offset, but wanted something with a bit more attitude, a Guild Thunderbird is an easy answer.