X-170T Extra Switch

[Mark51]

I have Bluesbird that I really like and have been thinking of getting an X-170 or a Starfire IV. I saw an X-170T on e-bay that had two selector switches, one on each bout. I thought it must have been owner added as the second switch isn't shown in the Guild schematics website. I now see a second X-170T at a dealers website with the same second switch. Both of these guitars were Gretsch Orange with gold hardware. Did the factory make them this way with two switches and what does the second one do? Also, I don't really care much for the color orange but am wondering if that color raises or lowers the value vs sunburst or natural. Comments?

Mark

 

[Guildmark]

Fraid I can't help you with the switch question, but did the sellers actually list them as orange? I've never seen an X-170 in that color. The only Guild I know of in that hue was the X-160 Rockabilly. Most X-170's Ive seen were blond or sunburst. Curious.

 

[matsickma]

Hi Mark51,

The Guild X170T model you are referring to was a special run of X170T's made for Mars Music. They are out of business today. I have seen 3 of these to date. All have been Orange. I own one. The switch is a coil tap for the bridge Humbucker . I haven't examined the wiring in detail but based on the change in tone of the bridge pickup it is something to that effect. Hans Moust may be able to provide moe info on the quantity of X170's made with this alternate wiring.
One of the three I have seen had all gold metal knobs like Guild used in the late 1980's -early 1990's. The other two used the standard black plastic knob with gold numbering and knob cap with the black Guild shield emblem.

M

 

[hansmoust]

Hans Moust may be able to provide moe info on the quantity of X170's made with this alternate wiring.
One of the three I have seen had all gold metal knobs like Guild used in the late 1980's -early 1990's. The other two used the standard black plastic knob with gold numbering and knob cap with the black Guild shield emblem.

M

Hello Mark51,

While going over the ledgers I did not see any totals for the amount of X-170Ts that were made for Mars Music.
All the ones I've seen so far were finished in Tennessee Orange and they all had the regular black knobs with the G-shield.

Mike, I think we can safely assume that the gold metal knobs were not original on the guitar that you saw.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[matsickma]

Check out Daddy's for another example of a Mar's Music modified X170T. The Pups have been changed. I don't know if the wiring has been kept intact. Decent price.

http://www.daddys.com/used/?itemnumber=GUI1271A

 

[Mark51]

I saw that one too. Called them and asked a few questions. They said it was their tech's guitar. He bought it with no pickups so he installed some himself. Don't know how accurate the info is because they said the second switch used to be a master volume and the tech changed it. It all sounded like the guitar has had a rough life.

Mark

 

[matsickma]

It looks like one of the Mars Music X170T's with the extra switch for the bridge pickup coil tap is on ebay. Seller says it was purchased new and has on 10 hours of play. http://cgi.ebay.com/Guild-Electric-Guit ... dZViewItem

M

 

[Mark51]

Yep, I've been watching it. 170's have not been going for that much money lately. Last one sold for $900. I don't think it will get a bid at that price.

Mark