X-500 timeline

GGJaguar

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I'm trying to understand when the X-500 was available in later years. If I understand correctly, the model was discontinued in 1994 (or was it 1995?) and then re-introduced in 1999 and then discontinued again in 2003 or 2004. Does that sound right?

Thanks!
 

GAD

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I'm trying to understand when the X-500 was available in later years. If I understand correctly, the model was discontinued in 1994 (or was it 1995?) and then re-introduced in 1999 and then discontinued again in 2003 or 2004. Does that sound right?

Thanks!

Well, the whole electric line was "discontinued" in '04 or so. It's not done yet, but this may help your research in its current state. Sorry, '01 - '04 are not up yet and it says '91-'95 say Missing but I do have some of those. It's just a lot of work. :tickled_pink:

https://www.gad.net/Blog/guild-guitar-catalogs/
 

GGJaguar

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Thank you, sir! I'll check your catalog page from time to time for updates!
 

txbumper57

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I'm trying to understand when the X-500 was available in later years. If I understand correctly, the model was discontinued in 1994 (or was it 1995?) and then re-introduced in 1999 and then discontinued again in 2003 or 2004. Does that sound right?

Thanks!
I know they were produce in Corona, CA through 2004 until Guild stop making American made electric models.

Between 2013-2014 the USA Made X-500 was also brought back in New Hartford in 2 different incarnations. There was a GSR X-500D model with reproduction Guild HB1 pickups that was limited to 20-25 pieces built between 2013-2014 of which I own a 2014 model. There was also a Custom Shop American Patriarch X-500 which had Seymour Duncan Versions of the original Franz pickups from the late 50's/early 60's and was built as an accurate representation of those 50's/60's X-500's. Both versions were produced through the end of New Hartford production in 2014.

Hope that helps.

TX
 

SFIV1967

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Both versions were produced through the end of New Hartford production in 2014.
And the very last guitar ever built in New Hartford end of May 2014 was an American Patriarch X-500 in burgundy or whatever the red used was called.
Ralf
 

Walter Broes

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There was also a Custom Shop American Patriarch X-500 which had Seymour Duncan Versions of the original Franz pickups from the late 50's/early 60's and was built as an accurate representation of those 50's/60's X-500's.
TX
The GSR T-500's had Duncan P90's that were supposedly wound to Franz spec.

The American Patriarch guitars had the same (Korean-made) Franz repros as the Newark Street guitars.
 

txbumper57

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The GSR T-500's had Duncan P90's that were supposedly wound to Franz spec.

The American Patriarch guitars had the same (Korean-made) Franz repros as the Newark Street guitars.

Wow I didn't know that Walter. I knew the GSR X500D had the Korean made Repop HB-1's from the factory because I removed mine and replaced them with Duncan Phat Staples. I didn't realize the American Patriarch X500 had Korean Made Franz Repops in it especially at the price they were listing them at. It shouldn't surprise me considering the American Patriarch X500 also had a Laminated spruce top when a lot of folks thought they were sold. Thanks for the info on that!

TX
 

txbumper57

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Well, 500's always had laminated tops, so that makes sense

I knew the X500's were always Laminate topped from the beginning but there were more than a few folks that thought the American Patriarch X500's had solid tops due to the pricing they put on them. I think they just got them confused with the American Patriarch Artist Awards which were Solid tops. Regardless I absolutely Love my GSR Model from New Hartford. It even sounded Great with the Korean Pickups in it before I swapped them out.

TX
 

GGJaguar

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And this is why I'm terrible guitar player -- I spend far too much time being a gearhead. Case in point: changes in binding on the X-500. Here's just an (incomplete) sample. From 1964-68 (and possibly '69) the binding was standard 6-ply. From 1973-81 (and possibly 82) the binding was 7-ply "racing stripe". And from 1984 to 2002 (and mostly likely through 2004) the binding was 9-ply "tire tracks". NB: 1994-99 data are for X-700 since there was no X-500 production for those year. I need to go back to playing instead of going down the rabbit hole. :eek:range:

1964-68.jpg
1973-80.jpg
1984-2002.jpg
 
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GGJaguar

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Okay, one more from the rabbit hole. The fretboard ends changed, too. 1964-70 had square corners, then rounded from 1971-97, and back to square from 1998-2003 (and 1994-1999 data are for X-700).

1964-70%20end.jpg
1971-97%20end.jpg
1998-2003%20end.jpg
 

Default

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Wow I didn't know that Walter. I knew the GSR X500D had the Korean made Repop HB-1's from the factory because I removed mine and replaced them with Duncan Phat Staples. I didn't realize the American Patriarch X500 had Korean Made Franz Repops in it especially at the price they were listing them at. It shouldn't surprise me considering the American Patriarch X500 also had a Laminated spruce top when a lot of folks thought they were sold. Thanks for the info on that!

TX
The Seymour Duncan P90s were only on the T-500, which were the first hollow body guitars (25 known to be made). All other single coil guitars are the Franz reissues.
 
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