Guild X-100

[BTJHP]

Hello all,
This seems like the right place to ask about a guitar that's been in the family as long as I can remember. I believe it's an X-100 Guild. I don't see any serial number or date on it however. Does anyone know what the date could be? Also, would it be worthwhile to have the wood repaired on the top? (see pictures)

Thanks

 

[GAD]

Is there a sticker in the f-hole?

 

[BTJHP]

There is but for some reason there is something that looks like drywall joint compound on a few places inside, including partially over the sticker. Looks like the serial is 1559 maybe

 

[zizala]

I have '53 X-100 #1235 that resembles yours. It's a great sounding favorite.
I don't know exactly when the serial numbers transitioned from 1953-54, but yours might be right on the edge according to some general serial number info in Hans Moust's "The Guild Guitar Book".
I'd think 1953....

The stuff you describe partially covering the label might be from carelessly applied cleaning or polishing compound that got in through the f-hole.
I've seen that often with old guitars.

It's got some aggressive pick wear on the upper bout and I'd not favor repairing that worn finish, but its a personal decision.
Somebody played it hard with reckless abandon sometime in it's history that's for sure!

 

[BTJHP]

The polishing compound makes sense. Here are some photos. I actually am not sure if this is an X100 or not because all I can see is an X and then 0 0.

 

[SFIV1967]

Welcome to LTG!
S/N 1559 would be a very early 1954 one according to Hans book. 1500 was about the change between 1953 and 1954.
And yes, no cutaway and single pickup would make it a X-100.
Laminated spruce top, laminated maple body, maple walnut neck, rosewood fingerboard.

GGjaguar has a 1953 one.

There was even a X-100 Tenor version:

Ralf

 

[BTJHP]

Thanks SHIV1967. I see that GGJaguar is a member and I followed the link to his website from the X-150 thread that is ongoing. It says that the X-100 was only made in 1953. Do you think this is one of the last X-100's made? Did the serial numbers start at 1000?

 

[SFIV1967]

Do you think this is one of the last X-100's made? Did the serial numbers start at 1000?

Yes, started at 1000. I don't really know how many X-100 were made, there are some if you Google for it. Also I don't know when the model was stopped. Hans Moust for sure has a good idea, maybe he will join the discussion.
Ralf

 

[zizala]

They were also made in '54.....I had another one at one time.
Here's my '53 in the company of a '52 ES-150.....kind of fun to compare.

 

[walrus]

Wait! Is that black finish original? So cool in black!

walrus

 

[GAD]

They were also made in '54.....I had another one at one time.
Here's my '53 in the company of a '52 X-150.....kind of fun to compare.

Oh mama!

 

[AcornHouse]

Wait! Is that black finish original? So cool in black!

walrus

Look again at that black one, Walrus. Especially at the top.

 

[zizala]

Yes the ES-150 is factory original black.
There weren't too many finished this way and when I saw it a few years ago just had to take it home.
Happens to be my birth year too but that had very little to do with the purchase.

The Franz and thicker top on the Guild make for a very different sound and even feel than the P-90 and thinner top on the Gibson.
Love'em both!

 

[Default]

Wow, um... Is that GAS I feel?

 

[BTJHP]

Do you guys know anyone who is qualified to restore this guitar?

 

[zizala]

Where are you located?
Someone here might be able to make suggestions for restoration work that might be near you.

 

[BTJHP]

I'm in the middle of Nowhere, Texas so we would probably have to ship it. We would like to find someone who can make it like new and increase it's value.

 

[GAD]

I'm in the middle of Nowhere, Texas so we would probably have to ship it. We would like to find someone who can make it like new and increase it's value.

Altering a vintage guitar to make it like new rarely increases its value.

 

[walrus]

Look again at that black one, Walrus. Especially at the top.

Oh, I know it's a Gibson, I just love it in black! And don't recall seeing any '50's Gibson archtops (or Guild for that matter) in black before.

walrus

 

[AcornHouse]

Oh, I know it's a Gibson, I just love it in black! And don't recall seeing any '50's Gibson archtops (or Guild for that matter) in black before.

walrus

Free association veer.