X50 Compared to Gibson (gasp!) ES125

chetmz

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I am looking for an old (smaller) archtop and was considering an X-50. I don't see too many of these but there are certainly a lot of ES125's around. Anyone played them both?

Also, is there much difference in sound between the original plastic covered single coil pick-ups in the X-50 and the later metal covered ones?

Finally, am I correct, that the 125 is a bit deeper than the X-50 but the scale length is the same (24 3/4)?

By the way, I bought Hans' book and as everyone has said, it is a great guide for this sort of information. Those gorgeous pictures make you want to go out and get one of each!!
 

guildzilla

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I'm not an expert on either and I've never played an X-50.

But I'm a fan of the ES-125 because they tend to be terrific players. Fewer frills but all the essentials of higher priced Gibson models, ES-150, ES-175, etc.

Also, as per similarity with the X-50, the comparison depends somewhat on the type of body on the Gibson. The original ES-125 is a full-depth archtop, whereas the ES-125 T is a thinner body.
 

john_kidder

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Can't speak ti the Gibson, or to pickup differences, but I can tell you that the X-50 is very nifty little guitar. I had and sold a '56 a while ago - my more accomplished swing/jazz player friends were extremely disappointed when it left. I actually thought they liked ME a little, but it turned out that the X-50 was really the attraction.

24 3/4" scale, fast neck, very comfortable body, and the Franz pickup on mine gave it a great sound. I loved it.
 
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Both great guitars, though with slightly different personalities. The pre-56 NY-made X-50s (like the very overpriced one that's been on ebay several times lately) are long scale like other early Guilds, but most you'll find will be the same scale as a Gibson ES. I especially like the NY Guilds for their long scale -- a little more tension, excellent intonation, and I like the way it emphasizes the upper harmonic character. These earlier Guilds are also more likely to have a bigger neck, although every one is different.

The other big difference is between Gibson P90s and the Franz soapbars used on Guilds throughout the 50s. In comparison, a P90 is fatter and denser in the mids, and the Franz has a more aggressive bite that is sort of between a P90 and a DeArmond Dynasonic. Both are great. The various single coils used on the X-50 in the 60s are different, and generally brighter and thinner (though I don't have much personal experience with them).

So -- both terrific guitars and good bargains, but with slightly different personalities.
 
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And, as John says, a guy with the good sense to play an X-50 will always be popular, but you'll never know if it's you or the guitar....
 

chetmz

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As always, great feeback from everyone. Thanks

I tried a '56 ES 125 today and it had the kind of sound that I am looking for but this particuar one needed some real work. Frets are just about gone, a few bad buzzes and other issues so I passed.
I appreciate the thoughts on the X-50. From from your great description, SS, I think I will start lookking look for one with the old Franz pick-up.
I did see that one on ebay where the buyer is looking for a silly amount of money.
Not to hijack my own thread but as I think about it, maybe an old CE100 might also be a possibility. I think those are tougher to find.
 

guildzilla

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Good point, John.

I'd love to have an older Guild archtop. Better yet and in my dreams, I'd like one of each.

I recently sold a '66 ES-120T, kind of a student version of the ES-125T. Had it a long time. Selling it was a GAS funding decision. I'd miss it less if I could find a 40's or 50's ES-125 one of these days.

For the most part, the vintage Gibson stuff on e-Bay is too expensive for my risk/comfort level. The ES-125's are an exception, and you see a lot of them in very good condition for reasonable prices.

The prices are significantly higher for the ones with a cutaway and/or with two pickups.

Anyhow, chetmz, I can relate to your affection for the ES-125.
 
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