Is It a Good Idea to Restore a Guild X-500?

alltruenews · #1 11-20-2010, 06:34 PM

Hi all,

I own a 1970 sunburst X-500 and it's a working, playing guitar that's beginning to really show it's age. I would not consider it to be a solid unit as it is today... just a kick around piece.

However, as a boy, this guitar was once the apple of my eye and it has a rich history in my family. Is it worth $1,000 to bring this guitar back to like-new condition? Are X-500's of this vintage even worth anything?

Thanks,
Jon

pierre richard · #2 11-20-2010, 07:44 PM

I (from experience) would not do that..just keep it clean..in its' case when not playing it...never hot or cold...

Originality is worth more than restoration...let it show its age...let the purling yellow,do not clean it to original white...

time on the instrument....pierre...

JohnW400 · #3 11-20-2010, 09:48 PM

Other than dress the frets and a set I would only fix/replace things that need it. (Fret Job, new nut, etc)

JohnS61 · #4 11-21-2010, 06:38 AM

Depending on condition they can sell up to $2500. Are you planning on selling it or just keeping it? $1000 worth of work is a lot. Unless it needs major work like a neck reset, new frets, rewound pickups, or body repair then I can't imagine why it would need $1k. Don't get it refinished just because it shows wear. If you're going to do a bunch of work just to make it look "new" then make sure you really want it that way. Because it could decrease the value if you plan on selling it.

alltruenews · #5 11-22-2010, 07:44 PM

Thanks for the input. I haven't gotten the estimate yet, but I have sent it to a high-end restoration guy in VT so that alone may get the restoration close to $1,000.

I guess this is (ultimately) an emotional descion as this guitar is more of a family heirloom versus a money maker.

Thanks everyone!

ksjazzguitar · #6 11-22-2010, 08:29 PM

Yeah, my old '63 Guild shows it's age - a few scratches and worn spots. I don't like women with face lifts, why would I want it for my guitars?

I say, if it doesn't affect the playability or sound or isn't in danger of harming the instrument, then why bother? I want it for how it plays, not so I can play dress-up in the mirror.

Just my $.02.

Peace,
Kevin

brad4d8 · #7 11-23-2010, 08:28 AM

I'm going to echo other replies, I would restore it to ideal playing condition, but unless there is any structural damage, I would leave the rest untouched.
Brad

alltruenews · #8 01-18-2011, 05:40 PM

Well... I went for it. The total was $1,500 and the restoration is now underway. Ultimately, I decided that a quick fix wouldn't take care of it and it was in such disrepair that I pulled the trigger.

I'll post some before and after shots once I figure out how to do that.

Thanks again everyone!

jbear · #9 01-18-2011, 09:19 PM

What in the world was wrong with it that will cost $1500 to fix? Are you having it "restored" so it looks as close to new as possible or having it "fixed" it so it plays well and is structurally sound? I'm just curious.

X-500 · #10 01-18-2011, 09:56 PM

Yes, please post pictures and good luck with it! I'm sure it will turn out great. I too love my X-500

mattymel · #11 01-18-2011, 10:05 PM

if you refinish it you will probably end up lowering the value about as much as you bring up the value. and all you will have is a guitar that probably sounded better before you did any work on it.

hurricanebob · #12 01-19-2011, 12:10 AM

Don't redo the finish--that's cosmetic. But get it structurally sound.

alltruenews · #13 01-19-2011, 06:29 AM

The electronics needed a comprehensive reworking. The tuning pegs were also unusable so they'll be replaced. Many of the frets made an audible clicking sound so the fretboard is being redone. The pickguard was missing much of its hardware and was flopping around. The "ivory"at the heel of the neck was flaking off. The finish was checked everywhere. The bridge was a mess as well.

Also, I happened to use a guy who is probably one of the best in the business (which was probably not necessary.)

My goal with this project was to breathe another 20+ years out of this family heirloom. Perhaps I went too far, but this is an emotional endeavor for sure.

cjm · #14 01-19-2011, 09:36 AM

I think you made the right decision to restore/repair the guitar. A playable guitar is worth more than a guitar that hasn't been touched for fear of "losing value."

And for the most part, that is true of finish/cosmetic issues as well. There are a handful of exceptions, but most of them aren't jazz boxes.

You find a lot of 60 year old hollowbody archtop guitars that have had some refinishing done. Try negotiating the price down on the basis that the guitar has been over sprayed, and you'll see what I mean.

Davidh · #15 01-20-2011, 01:09 AM

Is it a good idea...............?

Don't do it.
Don't do it.
Don't do it.
Don't do it.
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.
.
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.
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Well, I went for it....

Archie · #16 01-20-2011, 02:35 AM

It's your guitar, you can do whatever you want with it. It may have decreased the selling value to refinish it, but if you're not planning to sell it, why worry? If I had an old car with rust spots and flaky finish, I'd fix it. I prefer guitars in good shape too.