Unusual (modified?) X-375 controls (X-660?)

[AcornHouse]

Someone posted in the vintage guitar collectors group on FB about selling a number of guitars (see pic below). The Guild (of course) drew my attention. But that’s not the usual control layout for a Stratford. Custom from the factory? Early version? Modified after it left the factory?

 

[AcornHouse]

Maybe the rare X-660 Hans wrote about?

 

[GAD]

I like it.

 

[Rich Cohen]

Maybe the rare X-660 Hans wrote about?

After consulting Hans' book, I would say it definitely is the X-660.

 

[Rich Cohen]

Someone posted in the archtop group on FB about selling a number of archtops. The Guild (of course) drew my attention. But that’s not the usual control layout for a Stratford. Custom from the factory? Early version? Modified after it left the factory?

Chris,
What's the URL for that FB page?

 

[AcornHouse]

Chris,
What's the URL for that FB page?

The FB group is Vintage Guitar Collectors. It’s a private group so I can’t get a link to it.
He provided his contact info for further info. Heres the screenshot (move to the online offerings section as need be Moderators)

 

[Wilmywood]

Ahh ok Vintage Guitar Collectors, not Archtops, no wonder I couldn't find that photo.

 

[AcornHouse]

Ahh ok Vintage Guitar Collectors, not Archtops, no wonder I couldn't find that photo.

Yes, going from memory, I thought it was Friends of the Archtop Guitar. I had to go to my activity log when I couldn’t find it there myself.

 

[GAD]

The FB group is Vintage Guitar Collectors. It’s a private group so I can’t get a link to it.
He provided his contact info for further info. Heres the screenshot (move to the online offerings section as need be Moderators)

Holy smokes

 

[SFIV1967]

After consulting Hans' book, I would say it definitely is the X-660.

Now I wonder what the difference between the X-1770 and the X-660 are... @hansmoust

The one on FB has a replaced bridge, I guess the original would have been rosewood. Probably if there is a label still present it would tell the model number.

Ralf

 

[GGJaguar]

I think it's interesting that no one has noticed the two super incredible Gibsons flanking the Guild.

 

[Wilmywood]

I noticed them but I was discussing the Guild.

 

[Harp Tail]

I never believed in monogamy, and I noticed both Gibsons myself.. can't afford any of the three I'm afraid

 

[chazmo]

So, forgive my ignorance... What's so special about those Gibbys?

 

[Harp Tail]

Those should be pre 1955 ES-5, with individual volume controls plus master volume on the treble bout. After the addition of a 4 way switch in the same position, the model became known as ES-5 Switchmaster. Those happened to have six knobs - individual volume and tone for each pickup (later, humbuckers superseded the P90s)

 

[Harp Tail]

Laminate construction anyhow so - in spite of their opulent appearance - not quite at the top of Gibson's range.

 

[Harp Tail]

The ES-5 seems to also have been the first electric (Spanish, as they used to say then) guitar with three pickups since its introduction in 1949

 

[Walter Broes]

Those should be pre 1955 ES-5, with individual volume controls plus master volume on the treble bout.

Master tone control on the cutaway, not volume! The similar vintage ES350 had two pickups, two volumes, and also a master tone on the cutaway.

 

[Harp Tail]

That's what I meant to type... you all shall excuse me please