Curious Case of the "'71 X175"

[twocorgis]

Well, there's a first time for everything I guess!

In the course of my daily Guild searches, I stumbled across this ad describing a "Guild Electric archtop from 71 if your (sic) interested", so of course I had to inquire.

The seller's response was "It's a x175. There is no serial number on the body but there are red 70 stamps inside the f holes.", so of course I asked for pictures which arrived today. The guitar looks really nice, as can be seen in the next pictures

Here's the weird part; the guitar has no serial number on the back of the headstock. I recall seeing that on some Corona and Tacoma-made Guilds, but never on a Westerly that I can remember. I also can't figure out the rectangular scratches on the back.

And here are the "70" stamps on the inside of the f hole

The seller wants me to make him an offer on it, and I have no idea what to offer him. It may well be a very nice guitar at a good price, but I'm hesitant without more information. Has anyone here ever seen something similar on a Guild? Hans?

 

[dklsplace]

Wonder if the "70" stamps might be an upside down "02", as in a second?

Interesting either way. Didn't X-175s in that era have a master volume?

 

[Los Angeles]

I've been in contact with this seller.

It is most definitely a factory second.

Still looks like a player.

 

[southernGuild]

It is most definitely a factory second.quote]
Yes, We've seen those circled 02 red stamps before. But if the price is right, it sure could be a good one. Wonder what aspect of its production made it be listed as a second ( but still able to be sold) Could be quite a find. :wink: Good eye Sandy!

 

[twocorgis]

Thanks for the input guys, and I should have already figured the the "70" stamps were just "02" stamps read upside-down. I have no idea when master volume controls were implemented on X175s, as Hobokens are my only frame of reference when it comes to these. The lack of a serial number on the back of the headstock is a bit unsettling, and I'm probably going to pass on it anyway. I don't really need more than one, and the '59 isn't going anywhere. 8)

Somebody might get themselves a good price on this one though. I have a feeling the seller has no idea what it's worth, which makes it ripe for a lowball.

 

[Los Angeles]

The seller quoted a price of $1000 to me, but I don't think he's aware that I'm all the way across the country.

By the way, I believe the factory removed the serial number, so there's nothing malicious going on there.

 

[fronobulax]

By the way, I believe the factory removed the serial number, so there's nothing malicious going on there.

Removed or never put one on? Just curious as to why you chose the language you did.

 

[Los Angeles]

By the way, I believe the factory removed the serial number, so there's nothing malicious going on there.

Removed or never put one on? Just curious as to why you chose the language you did.

I admit that I can be sloppy in my use of language.

My intended message was "the factory did that, not a thief."

 

[fronobulax]

[quote="Los Angeles":2kosxzc1]By the way, I believe the factory removed the serial number, so there's nothing malicious going on there.

Removed or never put one on? Just curious as to why you chose the language you did.

I admit that I can be sloppy in my use of language.

My intended message was "the factory did that, not a thief."[/quote:2kosxzc1]

No problem. There are times when the details of what the factory did and when become interesting. For example, my understanding is that during this time period the serial numbers were stamped on the necks before assembly. So it could be that the guitar had an unstamped neck that was deliberately not stamped in case there were seconds or it could be that it was sanded out before finishing or that it was sanded and then refinished. The question is interesting since it sheds some light on what might have been considered a second. A non-stamped neck suggests neck problems did not result in seconds. The second option means finish problems did not create seconds whereas the third one allows for that possibility.

 

[mad dog]

Gentlemen:

I actually saw this guitar last night. Had noticed that CL ad myself and contacted the seller. Very close by, so I ran over to look. It is indeed a nice looking Guild. Not pristine, but in very good condition. Finish all there and shiny, looks to be all original. Some light wear, some light scratching, nothing all that noticeable. (I did not see the case.) Unfortunately, the input jack had completely crapped out. I couldn't get any sound out of it but loud static, even nudging the wires inside the F hole. So now way to tell how the electronics are.

Action is nice. Appears to have been a neck reset at some point ... I could see some glue beading outside the neck body joint on the top side, bottom side clean. Neck isn't that beefy, about the same as the other, mid 70s X-175 I had tried.

The seller said he has an offer on it now - despite the jack issue. So that's the deal. He seems like a decent guy. Young, told me he's only had the guitar for a year or so.

MD