Figuring out what an '80s Guild X-175 is worth

[reallyabanjoplayer]

Hey all, new to the forum and hoping you can provide advice.

I have a blonde Guild X-175 that I bought in the mid to late 80s. It had some pretty extensive checking in the finish when I got it, but that never impacted the playability and I thought it looked kind of cool.

I never play it anymore and was thinking of selling. When I look online for comparable prices, I see a pretty wide range. Some are going for over $2k, others are going for just over $500.

Based on what I know about other instruments, I suspect there are some key elements that determine the cost. (Like USA vs. Japan for a Fender)

Is there a good source on Guilds? I'm not looking to become an expert because I'll probably sell it, but I'd like to make sure I'm getting a fair price.

Thanks!

[Jim Soloway]

I'm pretty sure there are people here who can give you all the info you want.

[jim777]

I believe an 80's X-175 would have been US made. The X-175 'Manhattan' and 'Manhattan Special' instruments are Korean made, which likely contributes to the range of prices.

[213Cobra]

If you bought your X-175 in the latter half of the 1980s and it already had extensive finish checking, it was likely made earlier, perhaps much earlier. What is the serial number? Also if it has an intact label it will tell you whether it was made in Westerly, RI or earlier in Hoboken, NJ. If you know and divulge the S/N, it can be dated and that will influence estimated value. Further, photos would help. I've had about 20 Guilds over the past 50 years, including many archtops.

You can also get opinions in the archtops forum on letstalkguild.com. You don't have a Korean guitar.

Phil

[BreckerFan]

See if you can figure out the year based on the serial number and check reverb for similar years. I'm guessing yours will be in the $2-3k range. The cheaper ones are the new import line guitars.

I bet it's an amazing guitar.

[58flame]

USA X-175 is a nice guitar.

[JGinNJ]

I just saw one at the Philly Guitar show, they had it on sale for $1875, marked down from 2250. I thought the condition was a little too rough for that much.

I like Guilds, I had a Starfire V for many years. I've had my eye out for an X-500 or Artist Award.

[reallyabanjoplayer]

Ah, good advice! The label says Westerly RI.
The model and Serial are handwritten.
Model is x175-Bld - I"m guessing that means blonde?
Serial is JC100033
Stamp on the back of the headstock has the same number and says Made in USA.

[213Cobra]

Ah, good advice! The label says Westerly RI.
The model and Serial are handwritten.
Model is x175-Bld - I"m guessing that means blonde?
Serial is JC100033
Stamp on the back of the headstock has the same number and says Made in USA.

The last X-175 serial number for 1979 was JC-100014. The last number for 1980 was JC-100082. So, you have a 1980 guitar -- a good production era for Guild.

Prices are all over the place. There's a 1980 X-175 on Reverb right now, in Plainview NY, with an asking price of $3199, in stated "Good" condition. There have been 4 offers that were apparently rejected. The guitar has been posted for just over a month, so we'll see. It has some checking. I think that price is too high, and I expect it will go for much closer to $2000 than $3200. Reverb estimates value for a guitar like at that at around $1600, fwiw. I think this guitar will get over $2K.

There's also a 1979 in Vermont for $2970 after an $800 price drop. The starting price was ridiculously, delusionally high and the guitar has been up for a year. I think they will be dropping price again. I think if you want to sell your guitar in a reasonable period of time (and I say this without seeing photos), I'd try for $2200 and be prepared to sell for 15-20% less, unless you can be patient for the right buyer to show up.

Phil

[reallyabanjoplayer]

Thanks, all. This is exactly the info I needed.

I’m thinking my best bet would be to find a shop that has a banjo I want, and see if I can swing a trade. But while I’m waiting, I’ll get some good photos and throw it up on the For Sale section of this site.