Guild’s Aristocrat was conceived as a counterpoint to Gibson’s newly introduced Les Paul, pairing a single-cutaway outline with two P-90s, a trapeze tailpiece, and a 24.75" scale. Guild’s advertising emphasized its lighter build, achieved through a hollow mahogany body with a spruce top rather than a solid slab construction. The result leans toward a more open, acoustic-tinged voice that sits somewhere between an ES-330 and a Les Paul in character. With its bound fingerboard, tasteful inlay work, and gold hardware, the Aristocrat was positioned as a refined offering in the 1950s lineup and remains visually striking today.
This example remains in fair condition, having been well-played, but well maintained. There is notable pick wear and wear on the back as well as bass side waist. Additionally, there is a large patch around the input jack.