x500 or x175

[dallasblues]

To my eyes (although I've yet to see or play one in person), the Guild x500 and x175 appear to be very similar. I understand that the x500 is a carved top, while the x175 is laminate. Is this correct? How do these guitars differ tonally?

 

[twocorgis]

To my eyes (although I've yet to see or play one in person), the Guild x500 and x175 appear to be very similar. I understand that the x500 is a carved top, while the x175 is laminate. Is this correct? How do these guitars differ tonally?

As far as I know, they're both laminated tops DB. Others with more knowledge may chime in here. They're similar, but the X500 has quite a bit more bling than the X175. Gold hardware, block and abalone inlays, and an ebony fretboard with "railroad tracks" on the edges. There may be more, too. I think that the X175 is the sweet spot of Guild's archtop line, with a big bonus if you can find a nice Hoboken like mine. 8)

 

[AlohaJoe]

I think Sandy's right, it's mostly a bling thing, the X-500s are laminates but you gain X-700 style appointments like gold hardware, fancier neck inlays, additional binding on the neck and headstock and a master volume. Here's a '68 Westerly X175B (I was a hair's breadth away from and foolishly let slip away) and a '75 X-500.

Some details may have changed through the years as well.

Pics source:
archtop.com

 

[Ravon]

Does the X500 have a deeper body?

 

[rwmol]

I don't think so. If you're interested in a X175, I have a 1980 Manhattan that I'm willing to "Wheel and Deal" on.

Randy

 

[Walter Broes]

The 500 has the maple neck, more binding, and gold hardware, otherwise they're the same. No solid top on an X500.

 

[mad dog]

Two great hollowbody electric Guilds IMO. Played a mid-70s X-175 several times and wanted it bad. Then found one of the last Westerly built X-500s this year. They are quite similar in all ways. The most notable difference between those two was the vintage Guild pickups on the X-175. Superior jazz tones, plus a great, worn in and comfortable feel on that guitar.

They feel much the same, but have to say the 2001 X-500 is the best-playing big body electric I've ever tried. Effortless action. The acoustic volume on the X-500 is excellent too, louder than the X-175.
MD

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Hans says a few X500s had soundposts. I don't know if any X175s did.

 

[hansmoust]

Hans says a few X500s had soundposts. I don't know if any X175s did.

Yes, but by the time soundposts were introduced on the X-500, the X-175 was no longer part of the Guild line.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Dank u vel.

 

[dallasblues]

Thanks for the info! I've just recently started looking into Guild archtops. I'm especially interested in the big body models like these two.

To Hans... I recently bought your book about Guilds. I love it! Thanks for putting that together for all of us.