Produced at Guild’s Hoboken, New Jersey factory during the height of the company’s craftsmanship, the 1963 Guild A-500 B represents one of the most prestigious archtops in their catalogue of the era. As the top-tier model in Guild’s electric archtop range, the A-500 B was built to rival Gibson’s high-end offerings, combining refined aesthetics with the tonal depth and projection demanded by professional players of the early 1960s.
The A-500 B features a full 17-inch body with a carved spruce top and highly figured maple back and sides, offering exceptional resonance and clarity. Its three-piece maple and mahogany neck is fitted with an ebony fingerboard adorned with pearl inlays with abalone V inserts, while gold-plated hardware, multi ply body binding, and the ornate engraved har tailpiece add to its luxurious looks. This guitar has had a non original Gibson Pat. No. pickup fitted to it, along with what looks to be an original Gibson wiring loom, with one enclosed pot, and one pot that has had the enclosure partially removed, although the pot code is unfortunately obscured by solder.
A striking example of Guild’s high-end archtop design, this 1963 A-500 B showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation during one of its most celebrated periods. This guitar also includes its original case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
