1983 X-175 Scale length? String recommendations?

[Squawk]

friendphil -

I like all kinds of guitars and basses, but have a special sore spot for archtops. I was speaking in generalities about the ES-175 - that it is a nice guitar, but more expensive that similar guitars that, IMHO, are better - or at least equal. I have two such archtops - a Guild X170 and a Heritage 575. I bought the Heritage new from a dealer (ordered, not paid for - got it for $1,000 even - right place right time) and the X170 used but excellent for $800 something. I tried an ES-175 and while the guitars are close in quality, there's no comparison in value. And I understand quality consistency is an issue in both the Gibson & Heritage models (we're both lucky, I guess). Here's my X170:

[img:1080:769]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/X170_body.jpg[/img] [img:1080:296]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/X170_full.jpg[/img]

 

[Squawk]

friendphil -

I like all kinds of guitars and basses, but have a special sore spot for archtops. I was speaking in generalities about the ES-175 - that it is a nice guitar, but more expensive that similar guitars that, IMHO, are better - or at least equal. I have two such archtops - a Guild X170 and a Heritage 575. I bought the Heritage new from a dealer (ordered, not paid for - got it for $1,000 even - right place right time) and the X170 used but excellent for $800 something. I tried an ES-175 and while the guitars are close in quality, there's no comparison in value. And I understand quality consistency is an issue in both the Gibson & Heritage models (we're both lucky, I guess). Here's my X170:

[img:1080:769]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/X170_body.jpg[/img] [img:1080:296]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/X170_full.jpg[/img]

 

[friendphil]

yeah,

Yes, price is all so relative to whose the buyer, whose the seller, where and when, and (finally, last but not least) what. I am giving up my Gibson, it looks like, to have a feel for the Guild and see how I like it. I don't feel like I can afford to have both, and don't really want to have a lot of dollars worth of guitars around. So far, I haven't really got it set up to know, but I like something about the Guild now that I at least have it cleaned up. We'll see what kind of sounds I get out of it next. I am not sure how you got the photos on here or I would do the same. Your X170 looks great. My X175 is quite funkier looking, like maybe it's ok if I clunk it into a chair sometime... not that I want to do that, but it's an advantage to have that option. Now, and this is the big one, I just have to learn how to play better :!: I did finally take up some lessons again, so there is some hope for that.

 

[friendphil]

yeah,

Yes, price is all so relative to whose the buyer, whose the seller, where and when, and (finally, last but not least) what. I am giving up my Gibson, it looks like, to have a feel for the Guild and see how I like it. I don't feel like I can afford to have both, and don't really want to have a lot of dollars worth of guitars around. So far, I haven't really got it set up to know, but I like something about the Guild now that I at least have it cleaned up. We'll see what kind of sounds I get out of it next. I am not sure how you got the photos on here or I would do the same. Your X170 looks great. My X175 is quite funkier looking, like maybe it's ok if I clunk it into a chair sometime... not that I want to do that, but it's an advantage to have that option. Now, and this is the big one, I just have to learn how to play better :!: I did finally take up some lessons again, so there is some hope for that.

 

[Squawk]

There's a few ways to get photos up here - I use Photobucket, a free (advertiser-supported) image hoster. Go to http://www.photobucket.com - then set up an account, upload your pix, then copy and paste the "img" code into your LTG post. What I just wrote will make more sense when you look at photobucket. And my X170 would've looked better if I polished it first - the flash caught the fingerprints on the very shiny dark finish. Here's my Starfire III - blondes do photograph better with flash:

[IMG:1080:674]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/Starfire3_body.jpg[/img]

 

[Squawk]

There's a few ways to get photos up here - I use Photobucket, a free (advertiser-supported) image hoster. Go to http://www.photobucket.com - then set up an account, upload your pix, then copy and paste the "img" code into your LTG post. What I just wrote will make more sense when you look at photobucket. And my X170 would've looked better if I polished it first - the flash caught the fingerprints on the very shiny dark finish. Here's my Starfire III - blondes do photograph better with flash:

[IMG:1080:674]http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k271/squawkman/Starfire3_body.jpg[/img]

 

[billydlight]

Intonation is for girls :twisted: :twisted: Just string it up rock out. 8)

Seriously congrats on the new axe. The measuring method is the one I use, then my ears from there. Actually I have had a lot of luck on Jazz setups with a straight rosewood bridge angled to adjust for intonation. I know it's old school but you can bet Django, didn't have a compensated saddle.

 

[billydlight]

Intonation is for girls :twisted: :twisted: Just string it up rock out. 8)

Seriously congrats on the new axe. The measuring method is the one I use, then my ears from there. Actually I have had a lot of luck on Jazz setups with a straight rosewood bridge angled to adjust for intonation. I know it's old school but you can bet Django, didn't have a compensated saddle.

 

[rwmol]

This is an interesting thread.

I use D'Addario Chromes .013-.056 on both of my guitars. Both have the same Rosewood stepped bridge.

No matter how I intonate, The D string gradually goes sharp as you move up the neck. all of the other strings stay in tune. I have the same result with other strings. I have checked the nut and bridge slots and can find no problem.

I am now going about getting a Tune-O-Matic bridge to try it on the X175. If all works out I will also install it on the A500.

You can't believe what a hassle it is getting the bridge I want. I want to add the bridge to the factory base. As you might know the post width is common only to Guild. Therefore a Gibson designed bridge (common) won't fit on the posts.

I e-mailed Muller and Sohn in Germany but got no reply. They manufacture a bridge with slotted post holes that will accomodate the Guild width posts. The one show on their web sight (Model 7400) is this type, only with rollers. They do make this bridge equipped with rockers but it is not listed on their site. I checked with my local luthier and found out they have a minimum order of $500.00.

Fortunatly, he was ordering a guitar from a company in Holland that use their bridges exclusively. They ordered this bridge and it is suppose to be on the way.

He has order 6 of this bridge. If it works out, I will post back and add my comments. Anyone interested in this bridge can e-mail me from my profile and I will give you the details.

 

[rwmol]

This is an interesting thread.

I use D'Addario Chromes .013-.056 on both of my guitars. Both have the same Rosewood stepped bridge.

No matter how I intonate, The D string gradually goes sharp as you move up the neck. all of the other strings stay in tune. I have the same result with other strings. I have checked the nut and bridge slots and can find no problem.

I am now going about getting a Tune-O-Matic bridge to try it on the X175. If all works out I will also install it on the A500.

You can't believe what a hassle it is getting the bridge I want. I want to add the bridge to the factory base. As you might know the post width is common only to Guild. Therefore a Gibson designed bridge (common) won't fit on the posts.

I e-mailed Muller and Sohn in Germany but got no reply. They manufacture a bridge with slotted post holes that will accomodate the Guild width posts. The one show on their web sight (Model 7400) is this type, only with rollers. They do make this bridge equipped with rockers but it is not listed on their site. I checked with my local luthier and found out they have a minimum order of $500.00.

Fortunatly, he was ordering a guitar from a company in Holland that use their bridges exclusively. They ordered this bridge and it is suppose to be on the way.

He has order 6 of this bridge. If it works out, I will post back and add my comments. Anyone interested in this bridge can e-mail me from my profile and I will give you the details.

 

[Squawk]

rwmol -

Do you get the sharp D problem with other strings, such as Thomastik - or a lighter gauge?

Did you check Hans' website (or e-mail him)? I bought a NOS rosewood bridge from him - highly recommend. His website is:
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Squawk]

rwmol -

Do you get the sharp D problem with other strings, such as Thomastik - or a lighter gauge?

Did you check Hans' website (or e-mail him)? I bought a NOS rosewood bridge from him - highly recommend. His website is:
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl