Guild X-150 1953

1953 Guild X-150

I think this would be an excellent choice for someone who wants an inexpensive archtop with high-end specs. It's got a spruce top; 25.5" scale (not 24.75" like later models); 17" width at lower bout, and P-90 style pickup. Think of a Guild "Artist Award" with more mojo and less bling...Ed Cherry, Peter Bernstein, Russel Malone, Jack Wilkins, and Bobby Broom all played "full sized", 25.5" scale guitars. I don't think any of those guys would have/ have had a problem walking into Small's jazz club in NYC with this axe. You're going to have to have fret work or a refret done to make this play great, but I believe it will be well worth your investment.

I'm not the first owner, but the parts look original to me. There are no marks around the tuners, pickup, or tailpiece that would indicate their having been replaced. I think the bridge is original, but I've seen similar-looking replacement bridges.

The guitar is currently set up at medium action with light gauge strings without buzzing. My trusted repair man says it plays well, but again, I would do a refret. He also says the neck angle is "good". If you'd like additional pictures, I'm glad to provide them. There is significant fret wear. The truss rod works.

There are no loose braces. There is some rattling of the pickguard, and the tone knob is loose. The volume and tone pots work properly.

I believe the case is original. It stays closed and can protect the guitar. There are three functional latches, at the neck, lower bout, and end. The handle and main locking latch are non-functional. The inner compartment is non-functional.

I received the photos with the blue background when I purchased the guitar. I'm including them for added perspective. The instrument's condition has not significantly changed since. It's currently set up with light guage roundwounds.