New vs Old

[superdave]

I thought I had this figured out when I found a 1999 X150D locally until I found out about the new A150 Savoy's. The X150 is super clean and reasonably priced but I wonder if it's over kill for my needs, finger style jazz. I haven't checked the neck angle on the X150 yet but it will be a few hundred over the price of the A150 and a little heavier. I believe the A150 will do everything I need it to do but I hate to let a piece of history slide by. I wish I could justify both but I can only purchase one .
Dave

 

[AcornHouse]

Just my opinion, but the '99 X-150 — made in Westerly, RI; the new A-150 — made overseas (Korea). They're good, but, IMHO, they aren't quite up to the standard of the Westerly. Plus, the US made Guild will hold its value over the import.
Also, higher quality tools will enable you to rise to their level, lower quality will limit you at some point.

 

[txbumper57]

I would go with the US Made X150D if you can afford to. Not only will they hold their value but that time period of the late 90's had some of the finest Quality Guilds Ever made. By 1999 Fender had instilled some stringent QC methods that resulted in the X150's and other Guilds to be of an Extremely High Quality Build. Guilds were always nicely built but some consider that time period is the Pinnacle of Guild Electric construction. I have owned a late 90's X150D and have played the new Korean Made Guild Electrics as well. While the A150 made in Korea is a nice guitar I firmly believe the US Made X150D to be of superior Build and Quality when comparing the two.

 

[NYWolf]

Westerley one, no question! They are great guitars in every respect, the real deal. The Korean one is nice, but more like an entry level, or student, or something like that... Even though, too bad for me, I couldn't get with any 90's Guilds because of their neck profiles. The C-shaped, it felt like too wide and flat for me. OTOH, the Korean one x175 had the perfect neck, I mean the best I've played. But it's just me, I'm odd.

 

[fronobulax]

When I was collecting books and there were multiple copies of the same title in various conditions, I was advised to buy the best condition I could afford. It was good advice and has worked well in other areas. Since there seems to be a consensus that the old (is 1999 vintage? ) instrument is better then go for it. If it turns out that it was the wrong choice in terms of your playing style, skill level or commitment then it will probably be the easiest to sell.

 

[Neal]

I have found that my best guitars are just easier to play. I can try harder stuff on them. They generally sound better. I am rewarded every time I pick one up. And the sound improves with age.

When I feel the inspiration to write a new song, I usually reach for one of my best to work out the accompaniment.

So, spend what you can to get what you need to get done what you want to get done. Same holds true for other tools.

Neal

 

[guildman63]

The only thing not mentioned is that these two guitars will sound quite different as the X-150 has a humbucker, and the A-150 a DeArmonnd Rhythm Chief single coil pup. I agree with what everyone else said about the Westerly guitar holding its value better, but what initially attracted many of us to Guild in the first place is high quality at a low price. Speaking of USA models, there are certain Guilds that hold their value very well, and there are those never seem to sell for as much as we think they are worth. The Westerly X-150, in my opinion, is one of those. It is probably of a slightly higher quality of build than the A-150, but considering that you can now get a mint used A-150 for well under $1000, and a late 90's X-150 in similar condition can also be had for under a grand, I would focus more on which one plays and sounds better to you. Neither will make you any money in the long run, and at less than a grand neither will loose you much either.

Just playing devils advocate, and not trying to create an argument. Either way, we want pics and a review once you decide.

 

[X-170AB]

I agree with guildman63: The A-150 and X-150 are different enough that you should decide which you want more. The A-150, with its solid pressed spruce top, DeArmond Rhythm Chief, and 50's looks could be great for old-school jazz or fingerstyle, for example. The X-150 with laminate maple top, dual humbuckers, and heavier construction could be versatile if you want to switch between rock, blues, and jazz, or play at higher volumes (or with more distortion). Horses for courses.

 

[superdave]

I know the old argument U.S made vs Overseas but things being what they may, I think X-170A has a point. Plus I'm 64 yrs old and have no plans on buying the guitar for an investment. I had my mind completly made up about getting the X-150D until I discovered the new A-150 and listen to a few Video reviews. It seems to be alot of guitar for the money compared to shelling out alot more money for a higher end model. Ive always felt that buying American is the right and only thing to do but in this case it's hard to ignore the A-150 for what it offers. Thanks to every one for their insight and knowledge. I will have go back and play the X-150 and think about this !
Dave

 

[txbumper57]

One other thing Superdave, If you don't mind me asking what price range is the used X150D in? These guitars if you look hard enough can be found in Excellent shape and almost unplayed for around $950-$1200. The A150 New is normally $1000-$1199 and they can be found used on a regular basis for around $700-$800. Just curious as to make sure you wouldn't be over paying for the X150D. Bottom line is regardless of what is a "Better Deal" or what will hold it's resale, the most important aspect of it is Which one speaks to you? At the end of the day it is you that will be playing it, not us, so pick the one that feels right to you and you feel will bring you the most enjoyment. In the end that is what it is all about.

 

[superdave]

I'm hoping to be able to purchase the X150D for $1300 if I choose to go that way. It's mint cond. so that's my thought. Part of what's driving me is nostalgia. I use to own a 1999 X-170 and sold it. So once I get past that I think I'll be able to make a better decision ?

 

[superdave]

The Two guitars are basically very close in price. It would be great if I could try them both side by side but that's not going to happen. I usually overthink most everything. I believe either one will work since I'm not trying to make a living out of playing them ! LOL
DAVE

 

[NYWolf]

One other thing Superdave, If you don't mind me asking what price range is the used X150D in? These guitars if you look hard enough can be found in Excellent shape and almost unplayed for around $950-$1200.

Oh no, no, not anymore! I've been looking hard for a Guild electric archtop last winter, and those x150 not cheaper than $1300. Now, I think all those American Guilds are even more in price. I think people finally figure out how good they are, it's professional grade instruments on par with Gibson and all.
Korean ones are good too (but with this ever used tag- 'for the price'):smile:

 

[Guildadelphia]

The 90's Westerly made Guild electrics are really great guitars. However, the MIK Newark Series guitars are far from entry level/student models. Describing them that way is really misleading IMO. As pointed out previously, there are more diffrences between the Westerly 150 and Newark Series 150 than where they were made and that needs to be taken into consideration. Pick-ups, wood, construction, neck spec's should play into the equation and lumping the Newark Series guitars in with cheap Squiers, etc really throws things off. Also, if you really want to get great value, finding a clean used Newark St guitar is hard to beat.

 

[superdave]

What type of finish was used on the 90's Westerly arch tops ?
Dave

 

[Razz]

I do not own and have not owned an X-150 but I have played one. I own an A-150 and I like how it sounds and plays. You should try them both. They play differently and have different sounds. If you are buying the guitar to play it, get the one that sounds best to you and is easier for you to play. I don't think either of these are investment instruments, I say buy the one that makes the best music for you.

 

[superdave]

I called Sweetwater Music just to see when they might be getting a A150 Savoy in and they told me they had one on the bench going thru it as we spoke. So the pressure was on ! So I guess I have a A150 coming next week ! I figure with their generous return policy if I don't like it I can return it and look for something more vintage but I'm hoping I like it.
Dave

 

[guildman63]

Oh no, no, not anymore! I've been looking hard for a Guild electric archtop last winter, and those x150 not cheaper than $1300. Now, I think all those American Guilds are even more in price. I think people finally figure out how good they are, it's professional grade instruments on par with Gibson and all.
Korean ones are good too (but with this ever used tag- 'for the price'):smile:

1999 with BIN price of $1195.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Guild-...562374?hash=item3ab23ec946:g:SDoAAOSwiLdV~2PM

 

[SFIV1967]

1999 with BIN price of $1195.

I think it's offered cheaper because the TRC is mounted upside down.
Ralf

 

[powerwagonjohn]

Dave, I think the finish on my 1991 X-170 is poly. It looks and wears like poly. Thanks John