Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips
archtop.com
c.2003 Guild X-500
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: CX000064
Body size at lower bout:17" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .79/.100, 1st/10th fret
Materials: Solid 5 piece maple neck; arched Sitka spruce top; arched tiger flame maple back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl/abalone V-block inlay; G-logo peghead inlay; 8-ply body binding, 5 ply fingerboard binding, triple bound headstock and f-holes, bone nut.
Hardware: 100% original gold hardware, including engraved harp tailpiece; Grover Rotomatic tuners; compensated ebony bridge; beveled art deco stairstep pickguard; volume and tone controls; master volume control; 3 way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod. Benedetto A-6 humbucking pickups installed, with original Guild HB-1 humbuckers included.
Notes: Introduced in 1953, the Guild Stuart X-500 remained the top of the Guild electric line for over four decades, and incorporates design features from a number of its ultra-premium competitors. Like the Gibson ES-350 and Tal Farlow models, the Stuart X-500 features a 17" Venetian cutaway body, mounted pickups and controls, deluxe multiply binding and gold hardware throughout. From Epiphone's Emperor, the X-500 adapted the abalone/pearl V-block fingerboard inlay. And another New Yorker, named D'Angelico, supplied inspiration for the art-deco stairstep pickguard as well.
In 1963, the X-500 model was equipped with humbucking pickups, and a master volume control appeared by 1971. This fine example reflects the improvements to the model made by Bob Benedetto during his residence with Guild. The solid ebony fingerboard was widened to a generous 1 11/16", and the neck contour refined to the renowned Benedetto profile, for a sleek, elegant feel. The full-depth arched laminate body is warmly resonant while offering enhanced sustain and feedback resistance as well.
This sparkling example shows handsome fiddleback flame figure in the back, sides and neck, with a solid ebony fingerboard with abalone and pearl split-block inlays. Maintained in exceptionally fine condition, this rare blonde example sports a lustrous natural amber finish, and is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few scattered wisps of finish checking on the top, the instrument appears virtually unplayed.
The gentle D neck profile is sleek and fast, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. A special bonus is a set of upgrade Benedetto A-6 humbucking pickups installed on the instrument, with the original Guild HB-1 humbuckers included. Ideal for the player looking for warm classic tone, but reluctant to wrestle a clubby traditional neck, this guitar is truly a unbeatable buy in a pro-quality full sized electric archtop. An exceptional find for the working player or weekend warrior alike. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel half-wound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe arched Guild black plush hardshell case.
