Guild X-50 Granada Advice?

[AfterGlo]

Hi all. I'm on the verge of acquiring a 1958 Guild Granada X-50 (serial # 6442) for $600. I'm not close by to the seller, so I'm not going to get to play it first. It looks like an old guitar probably should. The binding is deteriorating, the paint is checked, the knobs are missing, but the guitar seems whole and is represented as original. It has a P-90 at the neck position. I'm looking for your thoughts re: the sound of these guitars and the price. I know they were an entry-level model and don't know whether that impacts their tone. In many ways, I feel like at $600, I'm unlikely to go wrong, but being new to buying old guitars, I have some insecurities. I've posted a few pictures below.

Thanks - Steve (aka AfterGlo)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2921771/Guild_X50_0.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2921771/Guild_X50_1.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2921771/Guild_X50_2.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2921771/Guild_X50_3.jpg

 

[krysh]

hi steve,
I am not a vintage expert, but from the pictures (where is the pic with the back of the neck and body?)
I would definately not pay 600 $ without checking this one out out in person.
it is 50's, but not a very wanted model.

my 2 cts.

 

[AfterGlo]

Thanks. Please - anyone with an opinion, do chip in!

 

[walrus]

I think X-50's are great, but I agree you would want to see this one in person first. Too many possibilities of problems. Or, get the seller to go lower by a few hundred, then it would be worth a chance.

walrus

 

[guildzilla]

Keep in mind that I'm a big fan of the X-50's, and the Franz pickup is a big plus and best fit on this model, IMO. I think this has a chance to be a fine deal at $600, but I'd have to see pix of the back to have a better idea. It looks like the binding is missing on the upper bout of the top, so the whole top would need to be rebound. Also, you may have to get a new nut. The high E slot doesn't look right (though it could be the photo angle) in the pic.

You get nice unplugged volume and tone from the deep X-50 hollow body.

Best luck, AfterGlo.

 

[AfterGlo]

Thanks so much. In terms of the back and side pictures, I have a relative in the area who is willing to pick it up and make sure it doesn't have any cracks or major damage on the back and sides. He is not very sure of himself re: looking at the guitar and being able to judge things, but he does have common sense and used to refinish antiques. The seller has told me that there are no cracks or major issues with the body, intonation, electronics, etc., and he knows I have someone coming to pick it up, but I will email and ask for more pix. I don't think he'll move off his price at this point, but I'm not afraid to walk away if that's what I should do either.

I've seen other posters reference crumbling binding. Is this typically an expensive repair? And can anyone tell me more about this model's tone and the musical styles it matches to? I recently found a 1963 Martin 00-16c parlor guitar (nylon) in a friends' attic and I feel like it opened a world of completely different tones to me, much as my 97 Bluesbird did (I was a Fender guy). I was hoping an old archtop might have a similar effect. In truth, at 44, I think I've developed GAS!

 

[AlohaJoe]

Some helpful info on X-50s here:
http://www.archtop.com/ac_65x50.html

Binding replacement can be expensive... many luthiers hate to do it. Get some estimates before you buy. A guitar that age and with that much wear would scare me. Even if I could sight down the neck myself and look it over very closely it's still a project. It doesn't take much at the repairman's workshop before you're into it for a grand. I'd prefer to spend a little more up front and get something clean. That way if I have to put some money into it at least I know I'm not throwing good money after bad.

There are seven X-50s on eBay right now from $795 to 1399 and they all look to be in better shape than the one you are looking at. Of the seven, this one at $800 is the one I'd grab:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Guild-X-50-Granada-/250649074361?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item3a5bd95ab9

These are great little guitars with laminate tops, sides and back. They won't have a great acoustic voice but passable, and plugged in they sound great.

Just my 2 cents... I hope this helps.
- AJ

 

[AfterGlo]

Immensely. you've helped me make a decision not to buy. Patience, right?

Many thanks to you all.

 

[AlohaJoe]

Patience, right?

If you keep your eyes open and are patient the right instrument will fall into your hands. Impatience makes mistakes... I've learned that one more than once. Keep your eye on eBay, Craigslist in your area and the local shops as well. Educate yourself. Somebody got a beautiful X-170 from eBay a few days ago for under 1k! Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee! :lol:

Members here sell guitars once in a while too so stick around.

 

[legato72]

I have to say my x-50 is my favorite guitar in my bunch. I recently recorded a little jig with it on a fender vibrolux. If you want a feel for its tone you can listen to it here.
http://mikeraymond.tumblr.com/
its the one labeled "in bear time" its pretty reverb soaked, and slow, and played in my clumsy "style". but you can get a general idea of the tone.
p.s. a bit further down, "winter song" is also an x-50

 

[AfterGlo]

Clumsy? Nah, that was great!

How much sparkle can one guitar hold?

I think I was right to pass on the guitar because I never got to play it, but I'll keep the X-50 on my list to play and perhaps some day buy.

 

[legato72]

oops didn't see that you posted that you chose not to buy. oh well a sample of tone after the fact dont hurt right

 

[yettoblaster]

This thread reminded me of an A-50 Granada acoustic only version I had many years ago.

It was (I think) a 16" (maybe 15+"?) all laminated unstained mahogany archtop with (I think) a short scale (24.5"?) neck?

Definitely what used to pass for a "student" grade acoustic archtop (back in the days when a Gibson L-4C was also thought of as student grade). Ah, there I am again sounding like a geezer.

Anyway it was in decent shape and kind of intriguing because I'd never seen many clear-finished mahogany guitars without a darkening stain.

I'm sure that after I put flatwound strings on it the sound was NOT too loud! It was great for woodshedding on out in the garage though (which had more reflective surfaces, so helped the amplitude a bit). :wink:

I wonder what ever became of that guitar? I kind of miss it it, now.