The Guild X-375 has long been considered the premier archtop electric model that put Alfred Dronge's NYC-based guitar company on the map in a big way. In just 1-2 years of operation, the X-375 came to market aiming to compete with the likes of the Epiphone and Gibson archtops of the era. One look at the X-375 and you'll see that Guild was focused on pulling some market share from Gibson's ES-5 Switchmaster and Epiphone's Zephyr Emperor Regent. This 17" archtop electric has all of the early version features that can almost singularly be identified by the headstock logo/inlay. The early style chunky block letter 'Guild' logo gave way to the slimmer style logo in 1955 that has been used since. The all-carved 17" body features a Spruce top with beautifully flamed Maple back and sides. Outfitted with three original Franz single coil pickups (Guild's answer to Gibson's P90 in many ways), the X-375's electronics provide the most sophisticated switching system that Guild has employed. Push button controls allow for a number of pickup combinations - from warm, deep jazz tones to R&B and Rockabilly tones, the X-375 has a lot of range. The 3-piece Maple neck has a delightfully round C carve with a medium/large thickness that is befitting of the era. The 25 1/2" scale length allows for some nice playability with some great dynamic response with an active and resonant body. This is a well-preserved example that is entirely original, with just some binding reattachment and touchup that is quite common with earlier Guilds. The push button wiring network is full functional and has recently been gone through by Trevor Healy. The original frets are of the smaller wire variety, but still retain enough metal to deliver nice playability. The original Kluson 'no line' tuners work great and still have their original buttons. The clear acrylic knobs and 'Harp' tailpiece are also original. Amazingly, this X-375 comes with a period-correct (and likely original) brown Lifton case that is also in very good condition. Early NY-made Guilds at this level still remain incredible values in the vintage Archtop electric world. Complete and playable examples like this are hard to come by, which makes this X-375 a perfect candidate for the player who wants a premier-level jazz or rockabilly box. Carved Spruce top with Flamed Maple back and sides - 17" body 3-piece Flamed Maple neck w/ bound Rosewood fingerboard Medium/Large C neck profile: .88" @ 1st fret / 1.00" @ 12th fret 25 1/2" Scale length Original frets Original Kluson 'no line' tuners (3) Franz P90 pickups Original bridge and Guild "harp" tailpiece Original push button electronics harness Weight: 7lb 7oz Serial # 1850
