Paladin X550P vs X500T

[Dave_Key]

Don't know how many were following this auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...r&rt=nc&si=j0YX%2FV1l31Bunlwi9uUsJ%2Fiiig0%3D. FNG started a thread on it in the ebay/craigslist/gbase offerings section.

I have a Paladin X500T and was trying to figure out what the differences were between it and the X550P. The cosmetic differences that I can see include the truss rod cover, scratch plate and knobs. My X500T has a master volume while the X550P in the auction doesn't. I'm pretty sure both models have a laminate spruce top vs a carved top.

Anyone know what makes it a "550" vs a "500"?

 

[Walter Broes]

Different body outline and thickness, look closely and compare, different scale length (25 1/2" on the X550P), factory wood bridge base and tune-a-matic bridge, neck pickup is located right under the "24th fret" harmonic node as per vintage spec, different, "NYC"-styled pickguard.

The X500T was a standard X500 body and neck of the period with a Bigsby and Bigsby bridge and Duncan P90's, the X550P was made in the Fender Custom Shop by Chris Fleming when he had Dave Gonzalez' personal late 50's to "study", and has a couple of custom touches (like the longer scale) as requested by Dave. It looks much the same at a glance, but is a very different feeling guitar in person.

 

[Dave_Key]

Thanks Walter.

My X500T is a shorter scale, 25" I believe. I replaced the stock bridge with a floating tunamatic bridge with an ebony base.

I looked at the X550P again and compared the location of the neck pickup with mine. It looks like the X550P is slightly closer to the bridge.

Sure would like to a/b the two guitars. My guess is the X550P would be a bit brighter with more twang because of the longer scale.

 

[Walter Broes]

The bridge on the guitar in the auction is sitting pretty far back, I wouldn't be surprised if it hasn't been played for a while and the actual right bridge location is a little more towards the lead pickup.

Ah, how I wish that Guild would start regular factory production of guitars like this, a single coil X500, X175, and a CE100D too, maybe a version with DeArmond single coils too....

 

[kakerlak]

Ah, how I wish that Guild would start regular factory production of guitars like this, a single coil X500, X175, and a CE100D too, maybe a version with DeArmond single coils too....

Yep, and add a fully hollow Bluesbird with the original style body outline, too...

You know, it's kinda sad. Seems like Guild was starting to "get smart" with models like the X-160 Rockabilly and that X-550P (and has plenty of its own history to draw from). With the same body molds, they could crank out a couple hi and low trim jazz market archtops and a couple hi and low trim rockabilly models.

 

[gusto]

Damn, just when i let my guard down this guitar gets past me on ebay. This is my holy grail guitar and chances are i will never see one of these again

 

[FNG]

Damn, just when i let my guard down this guitar gets past me on ebay. This is my holy grail guitar and chances are i will never see one of these again

Call Artisan Guitars...maybe the buyer will flake out.

 

[Charlie Vegas]

...chances are i will never see one of these again

You're probably right. I think Dave Gonzales has S/N 001 and the one that just is sold is S/N 002. I think they may have only made two. I would also love to own this but $3,749 is way to steep for me.

 

[Walter Broes]

...chances are i will never see one of these again

You're probably right. I think Dave Gonzales has S/N 001 and the one that just is sold is S/N 002. I think they may have only made two. I would also love to own this but $3,749 is way to steep for me.

I think there might be a number three out there somewhere - I vividly remember looking at the myspace-page for a Dutch band, and the guitarist in that band had an X550P in his hands on several pics - so there might be a third one in Holland.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

 

[Walter Broes]

Jeff - do tell...are congratulations to the new owner of that Ebay guitar in order, or are you trying to say you have a mysterious N°3?

 

[Jeff Haddad]

Yeah, I'm just being coy...

I woke up last Saturday and saw this on eBay, was encouraged to get it by my wife and hit buy it now. I was close to ordering one when they were coming out, but didn't and had regretted it ever since. Saw one listed a few years ago (Phil's Guitars in San Francisco I think) and was told only 12 were made. Not sure if that's accurate. It's kinda like in Wayne's World - "one day, it will be mine".

I saw the Paladins in '02 when Dave Gonzales was touring with his (maybe prototype?) and got to hold it. Talk about feeling not worthy! So anyway, I didn't let it get away this time.

BTW, I'll be selling a couple or 3 guitars to pay for it. Anyone interested in a '95 PRS McCarty? How about a '92 (or '94 - not sure) SRV Strat? Maybe (MAYBE) an X160...

It's a beauty and it was a very smooth transaction. Props to Artisan Guitars for the deal.

 

[Walter Broes]

Congratulations!!! 8)

 

[Jeff Haddad]

Thanks!

 

[gusto]

WOW!! your a lucky guy, congrats

 

[Whiskeyzipper]

Jeff,

I was the first owener of the 550P #2. I purchased it from Buffalo Bros. back in 2004 but sent it back like a damn fool becasue I didn't think I could afford it back then. I still have a copy of the original receipt. If you would like to have it send me a message with your e-mail and I'll e-mail it to you.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

WZ - email sent.