The X170 Manhattan is a nice guitar, with a soundpost from the back to
front under the bridge for feedback control, a great idea methinks.
I've tried a few of them and they played well and sounded fine, but
for some reason the bridge wouldn't stay in place, as if the strings
didn't have enough tension to hold it in place. I twas really easy to
knock it out of tune, but maybe the strings were too light guage, or
the down angle of the string after the bridge is not steep enough I
dunno.
But it had a nice sound and feel, and I like Guild guitars a lot, I
had a Starfire woithout that problem, and maybe it was just the 2 that
I tried.
Bg
I've had an X-170 Manhattan for several years and love it. Very well
built with fit and finish at least as good as my ES-165 and ES-135
Gibsons (both fine guitars also). Mine is blond with a beautiful
flamed top. None of the bridge problems you mentioned. IMHO this model
and other Guild models are often under-priced.
Dave Williams
I've owned 3 X-170s. Best axe I've found for my gig (Jazz/R&B/Pop).
Hollowbody but thinner than a 175. Comfortable while performing. Nice
traditional jazz tone on the neck PU. The bridge and 'tween position
are very useable for R&B/Pop.
Now the cons. The biggest issue with the X-170 is that the neck
moves on many of them over time (a short time). The bridge at the
lowest setting is not low enough because the neck has moved at the
joint. Can't adjust it out with relief.. Short therm fix is to trim/
sand the bridge feet to lower the bridge. Long term fix is to sell the
guitar.
2 of the 3 X-170s I've owned had this issue and I've heard of the same
issue with other owners.
Chip L
Blue Chip
www.bluechipjazz.com