Hello ! New member . Vintage Guild Archtop question .

[GGJaguar]

My '53 X-100 had Waverly tuners like that. Not sure about the rounded block inlays.

 

[SFIV1967]

These two details . . . can't find them in "The Bible"

Read harder!
The rounded block inlays were used until about 1956 (including some of 1956).
The Waverly tuners were used for this Savoy X-150 model.
The Waverly tailpiece was used till sometime in 1955.
So best guess: First half 1955.
Waiting for Hans here.

Ralf

 

[Smiert Spionam]

Heel shape and logo look right for that time frame, too.

 

[jeffmac]

was it common practice (1955) for guild to not use a serial #or a tag inside the body?

 

[Mapleman54]

Here’s my ‘54 x150 which has both numbered label and headstock stamp. Yours looks like a gold version, except for the headstock inlay! (And the pickup is wonderful on mine too!) Really excited for you.. congratulations!

 

[jeffmac]

Here’s my ‘54 x150 which has both numbered label and headstock stamp. Yours looks like a gold version, except for the headstock inlay! (And the pickup is wonderful on mine too!) Really excited for you.. congratulations!

wow thats a beautiful guitar! is that the original pickup? Im sure mine has been refinished at some point to the gold. Its really not a problem for me knowing it was refinished as I wouldn't have been able to purchase if it hadn't been. Why would someone remove the sticker inside though? maybe they stole it and refinished it back in the 60s ? hope not.

 

[Mapleman54]

Thanks I’m lucky to have it! I’ve heard of labels just drying up and falling off. Here’s the old New York 3 label in mine. And yes the pickup seems original. (Black on sunburst, white on blonde, mostly!)

 

[geoguy]

Bump, in case it helps Dr. Moust see this thread . . .

 

[jeffmac]

There’s an x-150-g from 54 listed on reverb now with a label and serial . Has the same features mostly but I noticed the necks seem to be unbound on the 54
model x150’s. Maybe a new feature in 1955? This listing also has a different pickguard and pickup.

1954 Guild X-150 Gold Finish | Reverb

1954 Guild X-150. Original gold finish top, back, sides and neck. Has the original factory gold and white pickguard which are usually missing and impossible to find. Dearmond pick up. All parts and hardware are original. Straight neck, original frets are in excellent...

reverb.com

 

[Walter Broes]

Impossible to tell from a pic, I know, but that 54 on Reverb doesn't look like it has much of a clear finish coat over the gold either...

 

[jeffmac]

Impossible to tell from a pic, I know, but that 54 on Reverb doesn't look like it has much of a clear finish coat over the gold either...

especially the neck near the head stock looks the most like mine is finished. As I've been playing some of the green has been coming off. I guess along with the paint greening it can form verdigris. I scrapped a lot off and its still gold finish under it. The gold paint on mine is textured like a sparkle finish but matte. If it was refinished.. I just don't see how they got the gold to go over the checking marks without covering them up.

 

[AcornHouse]

Bump, in case it helps Dr. Moust see this thread . . .

I believe you have to intone his name three times.
”Hans”
”Hans”
”Hans”

@hansmoust

 

[Default]

I suspect that Mr M is busy or traveling atm.

 

[SFIV1967]

Has the same features mostly but I noticed the necks seem to be unbound on the 54 model x150’s. Maybe a new feature in 1955? This listing also has a different pickguard and pickup.

Correct. See Hans book page 55. That golden pickguard was probably added later on. I don't think that was factory.
Ralf

 

[jeffmac]

Correct. See Hans book page 55.
Ralf

just bought a copy!