Guild x-160 Savoy

[Razorbill]

Hey all,

I have a Korean built Guild A-150 Savoy that I love. Ever since I bought it I've been curious about the older USA Guild archtops.

A 1988 x-160 Savoy popped up in my area and it looks like a great deal (around $1080 collected /w original case). That being said, I am relatively new to guitar and this is my first 'vintage' instrument, so it is hard to judge what to look for when inspecting the guitar in-person besides obvious things like fretwear. The story behind it is that it has sat unplayed for a while in a studio with temp/humidity control. I'll attach some photos of the guitar. Planning on bringing a little amp as well to make sure the electronics are working alright when I see it in person.

Would appreciate any suggestions for things to lookout for/if anything seems off from the photos. I got in touch with a guitar store local to where we are planning to meet and offered to pay them to appraise the guitar, but they said they don't like to get involved in private sales (they were nice enough to let me send a link to the listing and said they'd get back to me with advice about the sale from the photos).

Here is an album with some photos of the guitar:

Thanks!

 

[GAD]

I have one that looks just like it. If it's sound, the neck is straight, and it doesn't need anything, that's a great price.

Pics imported to LTG for posterity and easier viewing:

 

[GGJaguar]

Wow, what a fabulous looking guitar! And the price is right (assuming there are no issues).

 

[Norrissey]

Looks good! And the price seems very reasonable too. One thing to check is whether the adjustable bridge still has some room to be lowered, if it's all the way down and the string action is high, that could indicate the guitar will need a neck reset which is pricey. However, based on the pics, the action looks okay.

 

[davismanLV]

Nice!! Let us know what happens!

 

[Ixtlan]

If it feels right in your hands, BUY IT!

 

[teleharmonium]

I would check it out fast !

 

[Ixtlan]

I would check it out fast !

Some of the forum members are on their way to the store!
(just kidding!)

 

[Razorbill]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm meeting the seller Wednesday so if everything is as described (I'm expecting to have to put some extra money in to a setup/some fretwork) I'll have two Guilds

 

[walrus]

Love that color! Go for it!

walrus

 

[GGJaguar]

I'm meeting the seller Wednesday so if everything is as described (I'm expecting to have to put some extra money in to a setup/some fretwork) I'll have two Guilds

Good luck! I hope it works out for you!

 

[Default]

That is a pretty thing! Waiting for the NGD!

 

[mad dog]

Sharp looking guitar. And a great price for it too. Good luck!

 

[matsickma]

If you don't buy it I will be happy to do it!
Yep...a winner!

 

[Razorbill]

I bought it!

Met the guy last night and he was really nice. Got the guitar in 1988 as a gift when he was 17 and has been the only owner since. He is only parting with it because arthritis keeps him from playing now and he is trimming down his collection to just a few guitars. He teared up a bit when handing it over to me, so the guitar obviously meant a lot to him. Said to get in touch if anything comes up with the guitar.

The case is pretty worn since he stored it in an attic while the guitar was hung up. It is hard to really find any faults with the guitar. The neck looks good (besides a minor crack on the binding behind the neck which looks surface-level). There is plenty of adjustment left in the thumb wheels on the bridge, very minor fretwear. Some scratching on the back from use but you really have to look at it under a certain light to even see it.

I think it just need a bit of work to get it playable. The intonation is off (flat) and the pickups need a bit of balancing to sound even, but that's all setup stuff. The neck feels comfortable and action is good, sounds great too.

I would appreciate some advice dealing with a smell. Noticed it smelled like smoke when I brought it home. I'll give it a few days to air out with the case open. It doesn't bother me THAT much, but it is noticeable. Wiped the guitar down which helped some. I read baking soda might help but don't want to dry out the guitar and cause finish problems. Probably have to try and find a new case since that is trickier to get the smell out of (and it is starting to fall apart anyways).

Overall very happy!

I'll attach some more photos of the guitar. Hopefully I didn't miss anything obvious

 

[DeArmond Hammer]

Congratulations! That guitar's a beauty, and it deserves to be played and admired instead of sitting in an attic.

I had a guitar and case with odors, and I set them outside in the sun on a few afternoons when I could keep an eye on them. The air and UV light helped. I also got a product called Nature's Air Sponge, which I left in the closed case while the guitar aired out on a stand. I'd say the problem is 95% fixed now, so that you might be able to detect a faint odor if you sniffed up close but at least it doesn't stink up the room.

 

[Shakeylee]

congratulations!!
intonation is easy to do !!
have fun with a great guitar!!

 

[GGJaguar]

Wonderful! Congrats!!

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Congratulations! That guitar's a beauty, and it deserves to be played and admired instead of sitting in an attic.

I think just the case was stored in the attic as he said the guitar was hung up. I would have to assume that means it was hung up on a wall to be readily played.

 

[Ixtlan]

Wow it looks perfect! Keep it forever and enjoy!