New (NS) X-175

[shihan]

I received this last week from DRC, who packed it well so it arrived safely. This guitar was discussed briefly here last month, so it’s sort of already known.
This is my first experience with a NS Guild, and I gotta say, I’m pretty impressed. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I reread GADS review of the NS X-175B. Having had this for a few days and put it trough it’s paces, I think Gary nailed it completely, and said it better than I could.
I was expecting a guitar more along the lines of my X-500, but am (pleasantly) surprised to find it’s a thinner, lighter body. Very lively, with a great feeling neck. The PU’s sound very good; I’m perfectly happy with the tones they get. Snappy and surprisingly bright.
My final comment is this guitar came with flatwounds, which I have loudly stated my dislike of here before, but on this guitar, they’re just right. They nail that Blue Note/Chess/Modern sound I love. Color me surprised!
Of course, if I like this one, a vintage X-175 must be out of this world...hmmmm

 

[jp]

Very pretty guitar, shihan, especially with the black Franz covers. Congratulations! I bet it sounds great.

BTW: What's the empty cab in the back?

 

[AndyJ]

A lot to love about a NS X-175! Play'er in good health!

 

[shihan]

Very pretty guitar, shihan, especially with the black Franz covers. Congratulations! I bet it sounds great.

BTW: What's the empty cab in the back?

That cab is an empty Princeton Reverb cabinet. I transferred the amp to the cab behind the guitar; it’s larger, and has a 12” speaker. It’s quite an improvement. Sounds great with the X-175.

 

[Guildadelphia]

Congrats.....that's is a great looking X175. In the photo (and w/ the black pu covers and Guildsby) it really looks like a vintage 175.
My love for my NS X175B has been well documented on this website. I'm currently using pure nickel round wound 11-48's. I also like the vintage woody tones on those records. The pure nickels help, especially as they get played in. I actually want to try a set of GHS Pure Nickel Rockers (the ones that are "roller wound"(not flatwound) but they seem to be hard to find lately. I wonder if they dc'ed them?

 

[jp]

That cab is an empty Princeton Reverb cabinet. I transferred the amp to the cab behind the guitar; it’s larger, and has a 12” speaker. It’s quite an improvement. Sounds great with the X-175.

Ah -- I know a lot of people manage to cram a 12" speaker into the original cab, but I bet the larger volume cab sounds so much better.

 

[shihan]

Ah -- I know a lot of people manage to cram a 12" speaker into the original cab, but I bet the larger volume cab sounds so much better.

My bandmate bought a new Princeton Reverb with a 12” speaker; and I was really impressed with how it sounded. Someone had given me an old Peavy cabinet years ago; I made a couple of mods to the cab, cut a new baffle, and was rewarded wit a fantastic sounding amp. You’re right, the bigger cab makes really adds to the tone.