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I'm about this close to buying a Guild X-170 archtop and I was just curious to get some opinions.
Guitar Center has had it for a few days, so I went in and played it, and played, and played...like butter!
Looking at $1199.00 and it is in VERY nice shape.
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03-08-2010 05:53 PM
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Jazzophobe,
I have a 2000 Tennessee Orange that plays like butter too. I installed D'Addario 11's. The only caution that I would advise on this guitar is the smaller nut at 1 5/8" which might be too small for some players. It does take me some adjustment after playing my other Guilds with wider nuts. It's a nice compromise in size too; being slightly smaller at the lower bout and thinner (2-1/2") than full size archtops. The internal block under the bridge helps cut down on feedback. Technically, this would make it a semi-hollow, but not on the order of an ES-335. (The block is quite small). I paid $1,500 for mine but it was an absolute minter - probably on the high end for an X-170, but man they built this beauty to perfection!
Have fun with your soon to be X-170.
PS Ask brad4d8 for his opinion, he's got one too.
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brad4d8 checking in here.
Originally Posted by X-500
Alex, are you sure yours has a block? I haven't looked in mine, but I was under the impression that they had a sound post, much like a violin, and that would make it a true hollow body. I'll have to dig out an inspection mirror and see if I can tell.
As to the neck size, mine is the only short scale guitar I own, at least of the ones that I know the scale length, and I've had no trouble adjusting to it. I do find the longer scale of my Artist Award makes it a little easier for some chords above the 12th or 14th fret, but I don't play chords up there very often. No problem for melody up there. When I got it, my main guitar for at least 20 years was a classical with a 2" nut, and, again, I had no trouble adjusting to the narrower fingerboard.
I think $1199 (especially if it has a good case) is a reasonable price. As X-500 said he paid more for his (in mint condition). I paid a lot less for mine, but then I got it new in '87 or '88 (and got a good deal even for the time)
If I could have only one archtop, it would be either the X-170 or a Guild X-500, they are definitely players guitars and, IMHO, unmatched by any guitar anywhere near their price range.
Brad
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The block is approximately 1/2" x 2" x 4-1/2" set on a base pedestal block - not the typical soundpost (dowel) that is found in a violin. As I said, it's not the massive block found in a ES-335, but now that you mentioned it, I would call this a hollowbody all day long ... Originally Posted by brad4d8
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This guitar is in really wonderful condition...hence the reason I'm so interested in it. I haven't seen the case, but the Sales guy at GC (who took it on trade) says it's in really nice shape. I'm going to assume it's not that old...perhaps even Corona made, but it plays and sounds excellent. Once I get it home, I'll check the serial number. I'm done with archtops for awhile (this will make number four)...
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Thanks for the positive feedback guys. Brought the guitar home and haven't been able to put it down. It's a '98, made in Westerly, with a mint TKL case! VERY CLEAN!
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I didnt know that Guilds had a block/post. I saw this this weekend on a Hagstrom H500 (not the same class/quality of guitar, I know..).
What is this common with Guilds? It is a structural thing or intended for tone enhancement?
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The block/post is suppose to inhibit feedback. I think it does an adequate job of that. It was standard on the X-170 archtop, perhaps on the X-160 but not on the other X series. I understand there are some the factory installed on the X-500s' (perhaps custom order).
Last edited by X-500; 03-10-2010 at 02:44 PM.
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I'm not sure how it works soundwise in a guitar, but the positioning of the soundpost in a violin affects the sound in some ways. At least in part by transmitting vibrations directly from the top to the back, adding some body resonance. Or something like that, I used to play some fiddle, but never really understood that part of it. Originally Posted by X-500
Brad
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Well, guys, I have noticed that if I leave the guitar sitting on the stand for a minute or two (by the amp), the feedback slowly creeps in. I get this with my Heritage H575 also (my number UNO), but it is not really a problem to control. I just cut back on the volume (and raise the gain on the amp), and everything seems to work itself out. Funny though, I also own a Gibson ES 135 (which, for the $900.00 I paid, is beautiful), and, with the chromolite center block, I get no feedback issues whatsoever. No matter though, I'm one happy camper with my Guild X 170, my Heritage H575, my Gibson ES 135, and (last but not least, my surprisingly well sounding) Epiphone ES 175 Reissue. Thanks again for all of the comments!
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I have noticed on my EpiEmp Reg. a change (improvement even) in acoustic tone when the back of the guitar isnt pressed against my belly.
Violins have shoulder rests that also keep the back up away from the shoulder (KUN make a very popular model).
Youtube Gourmet guitar, there is a great vid from a luthier on the importance of tone woods and properly carving the back. Must be a reason for that.
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Jazzophobe-
Congrats on your purchase. I too own a Westerly Guild X-170 and love it. Mine came without a case (bought it on ebay). Does your TKL case have a model number? I'd like to purchase a case for mine.
Thanks and happy playing!
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With all the talk of Guild X series archtops I thought it was odd that there were so few youtube videos with the guitars in them playing jazz. I was recently surfing and found this video. The guitarist in the video, Alicia, is playing in her high school jazz band... a great young guitarist with a great sounding guitar.
Anyone else using the Guild X-170?
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Great clip, seriously swinging, gets my feet tapping instantly. I wonder how the conductor can stand there like he is waiting for his mother-in-law. The Guild has a tone to die for.
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nice tone. a little bit of Charlie Christian in there...
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Hi SteveZ - I use a Guild X-170 and it is an amazing guitar, very verstile and far far better than the gibson ES135 (I have owned one so have a valid opinion) the build quality ios superb and the sound very versatile in both jazz, blues and rockabilly.
If you ever have the chance to get one buy it, you will never regret it.
All the best
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Love the 170, but only in 1 11/16" nut width.
The seemingly much more common 1 10/16" makes a big difference to my clumsy left hand for lower position chords.
But yeah, great sounding guitars.
I would also look at the Starfire II.
Chris
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I was feeling all smug reading "being happy with what you've already got" thread yesterday and then I went and listened to this......there's even one for sale about 20 miles away.....here it comes again...GAS!!!!! the wife's gonna kill me
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Nothing like being in the middle of a stage band driving along. Cool that it's a young female showing us how it's done. Guitar and amp sounds great.
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slightly better quality recording - same player but on a Jim Hall signature
+1 vote for the Guild
Edit: Had another listen, I'll have to get one of eachLast edited by Chimera1to1; 08-25-2012 at 06:13 AM.
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Comments; I love where she's at, musically, at her age. It's very clear that she feels the music she plays. Both guitars sound wonderful. Originally Posted by Chimera1to1
Observations; Unless her on stage look is a result of the school's, or the band leader's requirements . . . she needs a make over . . . URGENTLY!!!
Although I know this is only a high school student . . . Here's what a woman should look like on stage. Caution . . this video will induce an urge to make wild passionate love to your lady!! (By the way, that's a real nice all original '54 golt top too!!)
I love the "Blues Brothers" vibe given off by the bass player's hat . . and sometimes eyes . . as his head bobs up and down over the music stand . . LOLOLLast edited by Patrick2; 08-28-2012 at 06:31 PM.
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Mine's an X-175 made in 1976 and I love it! Bought it used about 4 years ago. And, yes, they have a wonderful jazz sound.
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Beautiful blonde X-175. So what is the Guild X-175, a dressed down Guild X-500? I've seen several posted for sale of late but no seller adequately describes the guitar. Thanks! Originally Posted by Section Player
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Good question, 2born. Truth is that I'm not very knowledgable about Guilds. I saw this one on the wall at a music store and had to have it, after playing it a bit, of course. As best I can tell, the top is not laminated but I'm not sure about that. It has a extra master volume knob which I believe is standard, The neck seems to be very stable. I think the fretboard and bridge are probably rosewood...? The neck is very playable but I haven't measured it. It looks and feels like a roadworthy axe, not fragile, but not real heavy either. Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
Maybe others will comment on the Guild model lineup. The company history is complicated. As others have said in other threads, used Guilds are worth taking a seriously hard look at. They sound and play great. I have no idea what prices they are fetching these days.
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I should have added that I think the dimensions of the X-175 are the same as the X-170 but I'm not entirely sure about that. Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
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