T-50 vs X-50

[macandcheese]

Hi all, I’ve been on the hunt for a blonde T-50 or X-50 - being patient for the right condition.

I’m hoping for a mid-late 60s / early 70s example as those seem to have the best headstock / inlay combinations, at least to my eye!

So… To the question… is the only physical difference between these two models during this era body depth - with the X-50 just being the husky older brother? Or were there other differences like bout width, upper bout shape. etc. - it’s hard to find accurate dimensions from this time period.

This is of course to ignore sound or pickups, I’m just curious in the size difference mostly. Thanks in advance!

 

[Default]

The T-50 is a thinline. Think ES-125T. The X-50 is a full depth archtop.
T-50

X-50

 

[matsickma]

Typically the guitars built in Westerly tend to be constructed with with thicker wood so that could also be a factor to consider. Not sure if any T-50's were built from scratch in Westerly or if Guild used left over body husks on the 70's models.

Never played an X-50 but I suspect it to be a more lively full tone due to body depth. The above picture of the X50 with the chrome single coil would sound fantastic! So if given a choice between pickups that would be my selection.

I will admit that I find it a bit frustrating that most single pickups are in the neck position. I have a fondness for middle position. It goes back to my early days when I had a S-50 Jetstar. I grew fond of that middle pickup position and found the tone of the Jetstar bigger brother the S100 Polara with Neck and Bridge just didn't satisfy my middle position tone needs!!

 

[macandcheese]

The T-50 is a thinline. Think ES-125. The X-50 is a full depth archtop.

Yep, that part I know, I’ve just never seen anything directly comparing the top bout shape, bout / waist width, etc. I’d assume the necks would be the same, at least from the same year, between the two as well?

They *seem* the same in separate images but, not sure I’ve ever seen them side by side!

 

[Shakeylee]

The T-50 is a thinline. Think ES-125. The X-50 is a full depth archtop.
T-50

an ES-125 is a full depth guitar with a single P-90, the thinline is an ES-125T , then add D for two pickups and C for a cutaway

 

[Default]

an ES-125 is a full depth guitar with a single P-90, the thinline is an ES-125T , then add D for two pickups and C for a cutaway

Yes, I know, just posting in a hurry. George Thorogood was my gateway drug, and I initially wanted a 125TDC. I found a Starfire lll instead.

Yep, that part I know, I’ve just never seen anything directly comparing the top bout shape, bout / waist width, etc. I’d assume the necks would be the same, at least from the same year, between the two as well?

They *seem* the same in separate images but, not sure I’ve ever seen them side by side!

I don't believe there is a difference, other than body depth.

 

[Shakeylee]

that makes perfect sense, a T-100,SF, ES-125/225 ,gretsch clipper ,martin F-55,etc will fit that role.

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Here is what you are looking for!

All 1966; A-50, T-50, & X-50.

 

[Rocky]

I will admit that I find it a bit frustrating that most single pickups are in the neck position. I have a fondness for middle position. It goes back to my early days when I had a S-50 Jetstar. I grew fond of that middle pickup position and found the tone of the Jetstar bigger brother the S100 Polara with Neck and Bridge just didn't satisfy my middle position tone needs!!

Not a Guild, but an ES-225 would probably scratch that itch.

 

[Smiert Spionam]

Not a Guild, but an ES-225 would probably scratch that itch.

Or that rare (and wacky) single-pickup M-75 that’s been on the market for ages.

 

[Shakeylee]

A T-50 wouldn’t have binding on the back, an X-50 would . Very minor difference

 

[Shakeylee]

Used Guild 1972 T50 Hollow Body Electric Guitar Blonde | Guitar Center

For greater savings check out our Used Guild 1972 T50 Hollow Body Electric Guitar and get a great deal today!

www.guitarcenter.com

 

[Default]

That's the one I used for illustration. Very pretty!

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

That's the one I used for illustration. Very pretty!

Sumthin' funky going on with that p-up!

 

[Shakeylee]

Sumthin' funky going on with that p-up!

How so? I am not catching it

 

[walrus]

I've had both an A-50 and and X-50, same guitar, really, except the pup. I've played a T-50 briefly, but never owned one. I like the thin body better, but you lose some unplugged volume of course.

And here's my previously owned '58 Gibson ES-225T, to scratch your thin body middle pickup itch!

 

[Default]

How so? I am not catching it

Mickeys don't have adjustable pole pieces.

 

[Shakeylee]

Mickeys don't have adjustable pole pieces.

Ah ha!!!