Hi Everybody, first post and first off, let me say the passion expressed across this forum is incredible.
After recently picking up a copy of Hans' guide, I was moved to get my act together to finally share this beauty with you all - Thanks Hans
--- 53' X400 ---
I rescued her back in 2010 from a pawn shop in Lowell, MA. I knew I was looking at something special - having already been a Guild player growing up near Westerly - but my first clue was the Serial Badge stating NY, NY.
Over the years I've come to understand that the x400s were mostly a Frankenstein of extra shop parts, not necessarily a top model seller. That said, she clearly has been loved/played with frets worn down to the fretboard. I am fairly confident that we are all original here except the current harp tail-piece. Case included.
Hope you enjoy these photos. I've roughly dated her to that formative year or two but Id be curious to know your thoughts.
x400
Serial No: 1081
New York 3, NY
Headstock logo, inlays and truss rod cover - that "crude 5 letter brand with triangle"
Early wooden bridge
Franz pickups with white plastic on Sunburst - this is kind of different no?
8 Ply Rounded pickguard
Black round plastic plate behind switchcraft switch
Clear knobs, gold bottoms
Kluson tuners
Tailpiece is clearly newer, though I still have the "harp" half of the old tail, slightly smaller than what's on her now.
Unfortunately the binding is pretty worse for wear all around. I can imagine the later part of its life spent in a New England basement or attic
and the temperature fluxes doing a number on the glue. Phew, the poor heel...
All that said, she sounds great. No scratchy pots. Great tone. Over the years, I've shopped around, discussing the needed work with a few Luthiers.
Years ago, I had a great experience with Richard Stanley out of Lexington MA - going top to bottom, bench testing Ohms on the pickups, busting out his scale gauge and writing details down in his notebook. At the time thou, I couldn't afford his quote (or others) to do the fretwork and binding repair, but I do still dream she'll be restored like she deserves.
Excited to hear what this community thinks or any additional information to offer. Would love to get the journey started on restoration.
Peace
After recently picking up a copy of Hans' guide, I was moved to get my act together to finally share this beauty with you all - Thanks Hans
--- 53' X400 ---
I rescued her back in 2010 from a pawn shop in Lowell, MA. I knew I was looking at something special - having already been a Guild player growing up near Westerly - but my first clue was the Serial Badge stating NY, NY.
Over the years I've come to understand that the x400s were mostly a Frankenstein of extra shop parts, not necessarily a top model seller. That said, she clearly has been loved/played with frets worn down to the fretboard. I am fairly confident that we are all original here except the current harp tail-piece. Case included.
Hope you enjoy these photos. I've roughly dated her to that formative year or two but Id be curious to know your thoughts.
x400
Serial No: 1081
New York 3, NY
Headstock logo, inlays and truss rod cover - that "crude 5 letter brand with triangle"
Early wooden bridge
Franz pickups with white plastic on Sunburst - this is kind of different no?
8 Ply Rounded pickguard
Black round plastic plate behind switchcraft switch
Clear knobs, gold bottoms
Kluson tuners
Tailpiece is clearly newer, though I still have the "harp" half of the old tail, slightly smaller than what's on her now.
Unfortunately the binding is pretty worse for wear all around. I can imagine the later part of its life spent in a New England basement or attic
and the temperature fluxes doing a number on the glue. Phew, the poor heel...
All that said, she sounds great. No scratchy pots. Great tone. Over the years, I've shopped around, discussing the needed work with a few Luthiers.
Years ago, I had a great experience with Richard Stanley out of Lexington MA - going top to bottom, bench testing Ohms on the pickups, busting out his scale gauge and writing details down in his notebook. At the time thou, I couldn't afford his quote (or others) to do the fretwork and binding repair, but I do still dream she'll be restored like she deserves.
Excited to hear what this community thinks or any additional information to offer. Would love to get the journey started on restoration.
Peace
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