For sale on consignment is a beautiful 1993 Guild Artist Award in Sunburst finish, one of Guild's flagship archtop models and among the finest American-made jazz guitars of its era.

Guild guitars were primarily built in the famous Westerly, Rhode Island factory in the United States. Guild operated this celebrated factory from 1967 until 2001, producing highly regarded acoustic, electric, and archtop models during that era. As Guild's flagship archtop model, the Artist Award represented the company's highest level of craftsmanship and was built to compete directly with the finest American jazz guitars of its day.

Built to a professional standard throughout, the Artist Award combines elegant styling, exceptional craftsmanship, and the rich acoustic voice that has made these guitars highly respected among jazz players for decades. Acoustically, the guitar is warm, balanced, and responsive, with excellent projection and clarity across the entire fingerboard.

The wood selection is top notch: a carved solid spruce top, solid flamed maple back and sides, a five-piece maple neck, and a select ebony fingerboard with distinctive natural abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays. Together with its elegant sunburst finish and refined appointments, the Artist Award is as impressive to the eye as it is to the ear. The original case is included.

The guitar is fitted with a DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 floating pickup, a faithful reissue of the legendary pickup favored by generations of jazz guitarists. Mounted to the pickguard, it preserves the guitar's acoustic character while delivering the warm, woody amplified tone for which the Rhythm Chief is known.

The original pickguard has been replaced with a tasteful Gibson L-5 style pickguard. As a result, two former mounting holes on the side of the body have been professionally filled. In addition, there are two scratches worth mentioning, one on the top and one on the back of the guitar. Aside from these cosmetic imperfections, the instrument remains in excellent condition and has clearly been carefully maintained throughout its life.

The guitar plays effortlessly and delivers the refined tone, comfort, and versatility expected from a top-tier American archtop. Whether played acoustically or amplified, it is equally at home in a jazz ensemble, recording studio, or private collection.

Guild Artist Awards from this period are becoming increasingly sought after as players discover their outstanding build quality and value relative to comparable American archtops. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-preserved example, tastefully equipped with a DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 pickup and ready for many years of enjoyment.

Specifications
Brand: Guild
Model: Artist Award Sunburst
Year: 1993
Serial: JA100388
Finish: Sunburst
Condition: Excellent
Top: Carved Solid Spruce
Back & Sides: Solid Flamed Maple
Neck: Five-Piece Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bindings: Ivoroid
Inlays: Natural Abalone and Mother of Pearl
Pickup: DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 Reissue, Gold Plated
Pickguard: Replacement L-5 Style Pickguard
Controls: Master Volume
Bridge: Adjustable Compensated Rosewood Bridge
Tailpiece: Guild Engraved Harp Tailpiece, Gold Plated
Tuners: Grover Imperial, Gold Plated
Body Width: 17″
Body Depth: 3 3/8″
Nut Width: 1.69″ / 43mm
Scale Length: 25 1/2″
Frets-to-body: 14
Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.4 lbs
Case: Original Hardshell Case