Guild X170

**Prof Silverhair** · 01-26-2024, 09:33 PM

I don't recall who on the board recommended checking out Guilds....but thank you!

I had been searching for a full hollow body and playing numerous brands and model but none really had 'it'. Yes, I know the X170 isn't strictly hollow but I'm chasing feel, look, and sound - not specs. I saw this one pop up used at GC and decided to take a chance, having never seen or played an X170. Given their liberal 45 day return policy and the consistent reviews of Guild quality, I figured it was worth a shot. Before hitting 'Buy', I did call the GC and got a very helpful associate who grabbed the guitar and gave me a thorough run down and explanation that the 'Good' rating was due to the missing pick guard.

Well, it arrived very well packed in what appears to be the original Guild case. Opening the case, I was thrilled to find a nearly spotless guitar. There are light marks, some swirls but overall it's in amazing shape for it's age. Speaking of which - after searching Guild's documentation - it would seem this is an early model from '85. If sequential, it'd make this the 37th X170 made.

So having taken a leap of faith, I can confidently report - Guild quality is outstanding (see my 'Archie Family' for reference). These pickups sound amazing and the bridge pup may need raising some - but more a point of taste. It arrived with D'Addario flatwounds which I'll try for a bit but expect to swap for my preferred D'Addario EJ21s (also on the ES175). I know the Tune-o-Matic isn't original either but I have a rosewood bridge to swap and compare. Excited to hear the difference.

I'm thoroughly smitten by the sound and quality of the Guild. Thanks again to whoever pointed me at Guid guitars.

**DawgBone** · 01-27-2024, 02:02 PM

Yes welcome to club Guild. An X-170 was my introduction to full hollow stuff and yes it is a nice guitar. I have to say the flame on yours looks amazing and is exceptional compared to other X-170's I've seen. Mine doesn't look as nice but plays and sounds great. You have the rounded fretboard edge at the body, mine is squared. I think your model might be a little older. Mine is a '98 and has the Duncan wound pickups which sound really good. What a beauty you have landed there! Congrats!

**Prof Silverhair** · 01-27-2024, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by DawgBone

Yes welcome to club Guild. An X-170 was my introduction to full hollow stuff and yes it is a nice guitar. I have to say the flame on yours looks amazing and is exceptional compared to other X-170's I've seen. Mine doesn't look as nice but plays and sounds great. You have the rounded fretboard edge at the body, mine is squared. I think your model might be a little older. Mine is a '98 and has the Duncan wound pickups which sound really good. What a beauty you have landed there! Congrats!

Thanks, I'm feeling really lucky. I'd love to see some pics of yours if you have them. I'm currently debating replacing the Tune-o-matic with a rosewood saddle - what's your experience and preference?

**Nick71** · 01-27-2024, 05:58 PM

Nice guitar!
I miss my Westerly RI Guild savoy x-150 from about 2001..
Traded her in, should of kept her..

Enjoy!!

**Jimmy Mack** · 01-27-2024, 08:42 PM

I had a X-170. I loved it. Made some changes to it, but probably should have tried a wooden bridge.

Moved on to a L5. But I did then go to an ebony bridge to replace the TOM. Different but I prefer the ebony bridge.

**GuyBoden** · 01-28-2024, 07:27 AM

I owned and played a Westerly built Guild X-170 in the late 1990's, a great guitar, I sold it and moved onto others, but I still remember that it was a great guitar. Very little feedback.

**58flame** · 01-28-2024, 11:27 AM

I have a sunburst 97 X-170. I had to have the bridge bottom filed down considerably to account for the shallow neck angle from the factory. This made a world of difference. Playability is excellent and the tone from the stock Duncans is bright and snappy. The X170 is the only 24 3/4" archtop guitar that I own. Everything else is 25 1/2".

OP - that looks like a nice one.

**DawgBone** · 01-30-2024, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Prof Silverhair

Thanks, I'm feeling really lucky. I'd love to see some pics of yours if you have them. I'm currently debating replacing the Tune-o-matic with a rosewood saddle - what's your experience and preference?

I don;'t have any pics. Mine has the wooden saddle, which has been fine, though at the end of the day I would probably just as soon have a tune-o-matic, assuming it was in good working order, since all my other guitars have one. I am not playing jazz either so that might influence your decision.

It sure is a great sounding guitar but mine hasn't gotten the play time it needs. It's fat and warm with a decent thunk to it but the limited upper fret access has kind of dampened my enthusiasm for playing it more regularly.