GGJaguar's Guitarium and Ampeteria 1991 Guild X-170

All images and text copyrighted and property of Greg Gagliano.

FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

The X-170 Mini-Manhattan was introduced after the X-175 Manhattan was discontinued. Although the X-170 was shown on the June 1984 price list, it's not clear if any were shipped until 1985. The model was re-named "Manhattan" in 1987 because there was nothing "Mini" about the guitar at all. Unlike its predecessor, the X-170 had a shallower body with a sound post and a laminated maple top instead of laminated spruce. The combination of a maple top and sound post helped to reduce feedback, though it's still lively enough. The HB-1 humbucker tone falls somewhere between the Gretsch Filter'Tron (bright) and Gibson PAF (warm) and has great note separation. Overall, the HB-1 equipped X-170 has a unique voice that is identifiably Guild, but different from its cousins, the Starfire II and X-175. The X-170 was deleted from the catalog after manufacturing was moved to Fender's Corona facility in 2002. The guitar shown here replaces a previously owned 1990 model and the two have very close serial numbers. Note the difference in color between the two - the 1990 guitar was photographed when it was purchased new and the 1991 example shows how the finish has aged to a beautiful golden amber.

GUILD X-170 MANHATTAN (1991)

Body: Hollow with sound post; laminated 1-piece maple top and back, laminated flame maple sides; double bound top and back