Ah, so the news IS out. I saw a "for your eyes only" preorder thing, and the header said "new for NAMM", so I was confused when NAMM came around and these were nowhere to be seen.
I can't say I like it very much. The Johnny Smith style headstock with a Chesterfield looks odd, and apart from that and the fancy pickguard it's basically the same A-150 that was was in the line already.
I have two NS X175's, one of which I got dead cheap used, and with the purpose in mind I got them for, I like them. They're flying gig/backup for my old ones at regular shows/gig bag beater guitars. After some mods, that is.
But all in all, if this is what Guild electric guitars have become and will stay, it's dissappointing and slightly depressing.
I like that the body shapes and dimensions were copied from vintage. But then they're finished in poly. And if you get headstock or f-hole binding it's weird "faux-binding". Asian made pots that go scratchy six months in. Rattling switches. Bigsbies that kind of look like Guildsbies if you squint, but are more square, blocky and cheaper looking up close and stiffer in use.
Franz pickups with blockier-looking covers that are internally close to vintage, but they sound less sweet and a little harsh. DeArmonds they call dynasonics that are chintzy copies of copies, and don't sound like DeArmonds. DeArmonds floaters that look and sound pretty good, but for some reason aren't nearly as loud as the originals. mismatched mini-buckers and "close but no cigar" HB-1's.
Now something that kind of looks like a Johnny Smith after a few drinks in a dimly lit room but with a pressed spruce top.
I'll leave it at that. Maybe I should have put this in the ROTD thread. My hernia's been acting up for two days in a row and I have a headache.