Guild X-150 1954

Among the earliest Guild archtops ever made, this Early Manhattan, Pre-Hoboken, New York built 1954 Guild X-150 Savoy, serial number 1816, was crafted in Manhattan, New York, before Guild relocated to Hoboken, New Jersey in late 1956. Built by Guild’s original team of craftsmen—many of whom had previously worked at Epiphone—these early New York instruments are becoming increasingly difficult to find and represent an important chapter in American guitar history.

Introduced in 1954 as Guild’s answer to the Gibson ES-175, the X-150 features a 17” laminated archtop body, 25 1/2” scale length, mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, floating rosewood bridge, engraved Guild harp tailpiece, and its original Franz single-coil pickup, prized for its warm, articulate vintage tone.

This guitar is 100% original with the exception of professionally restored binding. Like many Guilds of this era, a few sections of the original binding had loosened or deteriorated over time and were professionally restored to ensure long-term stability while preserving the guitar’s originality and vintage character.

It is in excellent vintage condition with honest playwear and a beautiful natural patina acquired over more than seventy years. The neck is straight, the action is low and comfortable, and it has been professionally set up with D’Addario Chrome XL flatwound strings (.011–.050). A new hardshell case is included. This is a rare opportunity to own one of Guild’s earliest New York-built instruments.

All instruments are available at our store showroom in Warrenton, Virginia and are set up to the buyer’s personal specifications at no additional charge upon purchase. All instruments are guaranteed to be packed safely. Please email or call and we’d be happy to provide an in-hand description of the instrument and answer any questions you have.