Tone of a 60's vs. 70's X175?

[G'well]

Another newbie has gotten sucked into everything Guild. I am looking at picking up an X175 from either the mid 60's or 70's. Either era is great but I wonder if the 60's style humbuckers will be too bright for a full traditional jazz tone. Also, are there any other general tonal differences in X175's between these two eras?

Thanks, this site is great and informative!

 

[Guildmark]

Welcome aboard, G'well!

Several X-175 owners here should be able to help you. I know california is one.

Post well. Post often.

 

[ChampAmp]

Better late than never? Maybe.....anyway, I have a mid '70s (I think either '75 or '76, can't recall) blonde X-175.....I have never owned or played a 60s version....but mine has original HB-1 humbuckers, and I believe very early 60s models had Franz....and switched to the HB-1 later......whatever: I'll just conclude with the fact that I really enjoy this guitar, its build quality and tone are excellent, I like it better than the ES-175s I've played (a great guitar as well, I just felt that the Guild sounded more articulate).......

60s vs. 70s: My guess is that as long as they have the same pickups and both are setup well / good examples of their period, tone should be very similar...then its just personal taste.....

Good luck!

 

[Default]

The mini-buckers are supposed to be brighter that the later pups. I have a Starfire III, so it's not as deep as one of the jazz boxes.

 

[capnjuan]

Hi G'well and welcome! Nothing to add on your question. CJ

 

[guildzilla]

Generally speaking, I find that the 60's Hoboken archtops have thinner and more responsive tops with more unplugged volume than the archtops made in Westerly. But Guild consistently made great guitars, so which you will prefer is going to be a subjective call.

I have not had the pleasure of comparing X-175's from the two eras.

I suggest you buy one of each and let us know the results.

Welcome to LTG.