1970 Guild S-100 Standard, Cherry

A first year 1970 Guild S-100 Standard, previously owned by respected guitar tech Mike Clement. Mike was best known for his long association with Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath, and worked at the sharp end of professional guitar setup, maintenance and touring for many years. Mike sadly passed away in 2022, and we’re honoured to have been asked to offer this guitar for sale on behalf of his family. The S-100 was Guild’s answer to the solidbody double-cutaway format, with a body shape clearly inspired by Gibson’s SG but with enough Guild character to make it very much its own thing. This first-year example has a 24 3/4” scale length, bound rosewood fingerboard with block inlays, Mahogany body and neck, single-ply Guild pickguard, adjustable bridge and Burns-style vibrato and two very mean sounding Guild humbuckers. The medium C profile neck is comfortable and familiar, measuring 42mm at the nut, with a depth of 21.2mm at the 1st fret and 23.3mm at the 12th. It has a nice easy feel in the hand and overall the guitar plays very well. This is the rarer Burns-style vibrato model versus the more common stop tailpiece layout. The tuners have been changed to Schallers, and strap locks have also been added, both practical modifications very much in keeping with a guitar that has clearly been used. Condition-wise, it is a good honest example with no breaks or repairs, and the finish has retained vibrancy. Electronically, it is fitted with two USA-made Guild humbuckers. These give the guitar a bold, punchy voice with plenty of output and low midrange growl. It's an excellent alternative to the Gibson solidbodies of the period, synonymous with heavier styles like metal, stoner rock, and grunge. All in all this is a very nice first-year Guild S-100 Standard with no breaks or repairs, strong vintage character and excellent provenance. “Mike” is written in pen in the bridge pickup cavity, and the soft shell case carries a variety of tour stickers and passes, further cementing the guitar’s provenance and working-life history.