Vintage 1985 Guild S-281 Electric Guitar w/ Original Case, Hang Tag! Kahler, Flamed Maple!

Up for sale is this vintage 1985 Guild S-281 electric guitar. This guitar was obviously custom ordered back in the day and must have cost an absolute fortune. The original hang tag, which still accompanies the instrument, lists this as a "S-281KFMRSB (Fat Control + Coil Tap)".

Cosmetically, this guitar is well-worn and it's obvious that it was well loved and heavily played over the years. The original sunburst finish shows heavy wear, including numerous dings, scuffs, and scratches, the worst we have tried to capture in the photos. The back shows heavy belt rash through to the wood. The original hardware shows wear and pitting, the heaviest of which is on the neck plate (pictured). The flamed maple body and flamed maple neck both show stunning figure and it's absolutely amazing when you look at it in person, the photos really don't show the depth of the flame. The original truss rod cover is missing and there is evidence of an extra hole where another truss rod cover was once added.

The instrument has had some electronics changes over the years. One original pot (dated 1984) and what looks to be the original jack is included. We are doubtful that the EMG pickup is original. As the instrument sits now, the volume and tone control both work, but the coil tap switch functions as and on and off for the pickup as it only makes sound in the "down" position. We have included a photo of the interior of the control cavity. This would make a great guitar to rewire to your personal specs or to play as is!

The instrument has just been cleaned up and given a quick once over by our tech. The action is super low and extremely comfortable, but there is some fret buzz if you're heavy handed. There is plenty of room to raise the action a bit if this bothers you. The original frets show wear and look to have been leveled at least once, but they still have a decent amount of life left in them.

The original hardshell Guild case is included, but shows HEAVY wear from HEAVY use. There are cracks in it, the case pocket is coming apart, and it's, in a general sense, just plain beat. That being said, all of the latches and hinges are functional and it has somehow remained sturdy.

This isn't a case queen but, let's face it, neither are any of us. If you're looking for a beautiful, but well-loved, instrument to make your own, here's your chance at a really cool one...

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THE FINE PRINT: Most of our items are used/vintage. That being said, all sales are FINAL and we do not offer returns. We only ship within the US. We do NOT make exceptions to this rule. We do not accept online trades. Please check our feedback and buy with confidence. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!