There's a newer, better Ashbory Bass ResourceLarge Sound is the largest Ashbory Bass resource on the Internet. There's a Ashbory User's Guide, some documents, a message board, and Ashbory summary.I'm keeping this page up for reference. It has remained largely (or entirely) unchanged since 1999 other than the addition of this message box. -Brock |
A little about the Guild Ashbory:
Hopefully, this site will grow to have a more conclusive FAQ of this unique and wonderful instrument.
Q: When were the Guild Ashborys made?
A: According to www.guildguitars.com, they were made from
1986 to 1988. I remember seeing one new in Wichita, Kansas around 1987
(about 3 years before I began playing). I was fascinated by it. There were also some non-Guild
Ashborys made in the 90's that were sold primarily in England. Production on DeArmond Ashborys should start this year.
Q: How many were Guild Ashborys were made?
A: 1235.
Q: How much is one worth?
A: I don't know. I've seen them on the
internet for between $500 to $1000. I have $300 in mine. It had a bad pickup in it when
I got it for $200. Prices should drop on that "collector" market if they haven't already thanks to the DeArmond models.
Q: Where do I get strings? How much are they?
A: From my memory, they were $15 from US Music (Guild) around 1994.
According to a report I just received "Finally, the long-promised Ashbory strings are available from DeArmond. I
spoke to a Fender representative yesterday (Feb. 24, 00) and was told that
the strings are about to be shipped to dealers. The DeArmond part number is
3509520000, and the list price is $24.95." At retail, they should be reasonably priced.
Q: What colors were made?
A: Known colors are Black, Red, White and Blue. Yellow may exist as well.
Q: Are there any non-Guild Ashborys?
A: Yes, there were some available through
The Bass Centre in London in the 90's. They were longer scale
than the Guild model. They are no longer being made. DeArmond (the Guild import line) has
introduced a new DeArmond Ashbory which is styled like the originals. More info will
be posted here as it is available. For more Ashbory history information, be sure to visit the "Official Story" site mentioned towards the bottom of this page.
Q: What case options were available with
the Ashbory?
A: I have a gig
bag with a red liner and a small pouch on the outside. At least two
gig bags out there have light blue liners.
Links
I play my Ashbory more than I conduct research on it! Any info contributions
would be greatly appreciated.
This site will hopefully evolve into a more indepth FAQ and resource, as well as a possible
discussion area since the ranks will be growing with the new Ashborys on the way.
I also hope to add some audio clips when I have the time. frazier@steamroller.com.