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1997 Guild Stuart X-700
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Serial #: AK700290, Westerly, RI label
Body size at lower bout:17" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16" Body depth: 3 5/8" Neck depth: .83/.97 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched 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 hardware, including hand-engraved gold tailpiece; compensated ebony bridge; gold Grover Rotomatic tuners; beveled art deco stairstep pickguard; gold Guild humbucking pickups; tone and volume controls for each pickup, master volume and pickup selector switch on cutaway horn.
Notes: Are you buying an instrument, or just a logo? If the answer is the former, please read on.
The X-700 Stuart was the top of the Guild electric line, their only such model with a solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce top. Produced in very limited numbers, the upscale model was introduced in 1994, and built for only six years or less. It's likely that no more than 300 were built until the X-700 was discontinued, becoming an instant collector's item, as well as a highly sought after instrument for the performing guitarist.
Like its counterpart, the Gibson L-5CES, the X-700 has the 17" Venetian cutaway body, mounted pickups and controls, deluxe multiply binding and gold hardware throughout. From Epiphone's Emperor, the X-700 adapted the abalone/pearl V-block fingerboard inlay. And another New Yorker, name of D'Angelico, supplied inspiration for the art-deco pickguard.
This gleaming guitar is a product of the Westerly, Rhode Island factory, where Guild enjoyed its greatest years, from 1966 until its closing in 2001. An elegant and resonant working jazz box, this striking instrument is built with extravagantly figured tiger flame maple and a solid carved quartersawn spruce soundboard. The guitar has a full-depth body that is nicely feedback resistant, smooth low action with a fresh high-precision setup, a comfy gentle D profile neck, and a master volume control conveniently placed near the pickguard.
This example is in 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb, fret, or fingerboard wear. A bit of fogging is visible on the pickup covers, and the neck binding shows a tiny stress crack, smaller than an eyelash, at the seventh fret side dot: otherwise the instrument appears virtually unplayed. Rare and highly sought after, the X-700 is an exceptional find for the serious player looking for maximum value in a true carved top jazz box. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings. 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 Guild deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case, with original factory paperwork.
