The bridge position might make some difference, but I think its mainly the different construction of the NS pickups vs. the original DeArmonds, which TV Jones also follows.
NS X-175 Manhattan Special Blonde
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The bridge position might make some difference, but I think its mainly the different construction of the NS pickups vs. the original DeArmonds, which TV Jones also follows.
Here's a thought: with its bound headstock and F-holes, center-raised headstock, and ebony fretboard, you could say the Manhattan Special inhabits a place between an X-175 and an X-500. How much closer could you get? Guild has gold hardware, including gold DeArmond pickups, knobs, tuners, and a choice of gold Bigsby (for the Starfire VI) or gold harp tailpiece. If I'm not missing anything, the only remaining parts for a 50s-era X-500 would be the G-shield headstock emblem, and having an engraved tailpiece.
Guild already makes the G-shield for some of the USA acoustics, so if they wanted to create a 'modern vintage' X-500, all they would need to invest in are engraved harp tailpieces, correct? Its interesting to think about.
(P.S. Let me know if I'm missing anything in my thinking here.)
Guild already makes the G-shield for some of the USA acoustics, so if they wanted to create a 'modern vintage' X-500, all they would need to invest in are engraved harp tailpieces, correct? Its interesting to think about.
(P.S. Let me know if I'm missing anything in my thinking here.)
Walter Broes
Enlightened Member
I've been told by Cordoba's owner there will be no Newark Street guitars with a G-shield headstock inlay.
And yes, the current DeArmond pickups by Guild are constructed different, for one thing the magnets are about half the size of the ones in the originals.
And yes, the current DeArmond pickups by Guild are constructed different, for one thing the magnets are about half the size of the ones in the originals.
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Probably 1/3 the cost too. I have a set of Gretsch repro DeArmonds sitting in a box, waiting for a project. These don't sound vintage from what I gather, but they might be worth subbing in.
Guildadelphia
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Congrats. The wood figuring is beautiful. Regarding the stock pu's. Have you spent much time trying to dial them in?
The rule of thumb for getting the most out of DeArmonds is get the body of the pu up and the poles down. You can get pu spacers from TV Jones that work very well and they are cheap. The TVJ spacers are made out of a foam rubber-like material that conforms to the arch of the top you can stretch them enough to get over the pu so no cutting needed. You can stack them too. Might be worth a try. You could always swap out the stock pu's for a pair of TV Jones T'Armonds, which sound great. You can also request the T'Armonds from TVJ with the proper white tops.
The rule of thumb for getting the most out of DeArmonds is get the body of the pu up and the poles down. You can get pu spacers from TV Jones that work very well and they are cheap. The TVJ spacers are made out of a foam rubber-like material that conforms to the arch of the top you can stretch them enough to get over the pu so no cutting needed. You can stack them too. Might be worth a try. You could always swap out the stock pu's for a pair of TV Jones T'Armonds, which sound great. You can also request the T'Armonds from TVJ with the proper white tops.
parker_knoll
Senior Member
It would be interesting to see if there's a difference between the new Korean DeArmond 2000s and the old USA made ones from the '90s/'00s since that's what they've actually copied.
If someone owns an X160 Rockabilly and a new X175 Special, that could give us a clue. I believe the X160 is all maple, though, rather than the spruce on the X175.
GGJaguar
Reverential Member
GAD has both and could answer that question.
parker_knoll
Senior Member
he can add it to the waiting list
Walter Broes
Enlightened Member
Yes, although 50's Gretsches came with 1 Meg pots. I'd only go with those if you really like it bright though.
parker_knoll
Senior Member
Yep, 1 Meg is not for the fearless. If you have the wrong speakers, the ear spike can really hit in the upper register. For the truly gnarly, go direct to output with no pots at all
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She is FINE. Almost looks like the stock was originally intended to be an Artist Award.
I believe if present day Guild put sets of those DeArmands on Newark Street Manhattans they'd
fly out the door.
I believe if present day Guild put sets of those DeArmands on Newark Street Manhattans they'd
fly out the door.
jp
Senior Member
Try posting a WTB thread in this forum.
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letstalkguild.com
Thanks. When I get 50+ posts I will.Try posting a WTB thread in this forum.
Buy, Sell, Trade
Items you personally are selling, want to buy, or are willing to trade.
SFIV1967
Venerated Member
There were only very few Specials in Blonde in Europe in 2020, maybe a hand full. So it will be extremely hard finding one used. You would have to look through ebay in Europe, kleinanzeigen.de in Germany, leboncoin.fr in France and so on.
Good luck in the hunt!
Ralf