
( Brand: Guild ), ( Model: X700 STUART ), ( Part Type: Guitar ), ( Body Type: Hollow ), ( Series: Standard ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The X700 Stuart Westerly Jazz model guitar, manufactured by Guild in 1996, is a beautifully crafted instrument that has become a favorite among guitarists seeking a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability. This particular guitar, bearing the Stuart Westerly label, is a testament to the collaboration between Guild and the renowned luthier Stuart Westerly.
This Jazz guitar features a solid Sitka Spruce top, which provides an exceptional tonal response and a bright, clear sound. The top is supported by mahogany back and sides, lending the guitar a rich, warm tone with prominent low end and strong fundamental notes. The Slim Tapers C neck profile, crafted from mahogany, ensures a comfortable playing experience, especially for those who favor a slimmer neck.
The X700 Jazz boasts a number of high-quality features. Its compensated adjustable rosewood bridge maintains intonation across the entire fingerboard, ensuring the strings remain perfectly in tune, no matter where you place your fingers. The 22-fret ebony fingerboard, with its attractive binding, displays pearloid diamond inlays for a traditional, elegant look.
Other noteworthy features include Gotoh tuning machines with gold buttons, providing accurate and stable tuning, and a double action truss rod for enhanced neck stability. The guitar is equipped with a bound tortoiseshell pickguard, and its lacquer finish, available in a vintage sunburst or natural finish, exhibits a sleek and durable appearance.
The hardware on the X700 Jazz model is an excellent combination of both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It features a Tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, which effectively eliminates the need for adjusting individual saddles while keeping the strings anchored securely. The strap buttons, located at the heel and the lower body, are securely mounted and ergonomically designed for comfortable carrying.
In summary, the X700 Stuart Westerly Jazz guitar produced by Guild in 1996 is an exceptional instrument that offers a perfect balance between time-honored craftsmanship and modern improvements. Its beautiful Sitka Spruce top, tonally rich mahogany back and sides, and slender Slim Tapers C neck deliver an amazing playing experience across a wide range of musical genres. The compensated adjustable rosewood bridge, high-quality hardware, and meticulous craftsmanship come together to create a truly exceptional Jazz guitar.
The Stuart Westerly Jazz model, developed in collaboration between Guild and the renowned British luthier Stuart Westerly, is a highly appreciated electric guitar produced from 1994 to 1999. The specific model you're inquiring about is a 1996 Stuart Westerly Jazz BL (Bonded Laminate) in excellent condition. Let's discuss the main advantages and potential drawbacks of purchasing this guitar.
Pros:1. Superior craftsmanship: The Stuart Westerly Jazz BL is widely recognized for its exceptional quality, thanks to the combination of Stuart Westerly's expertise and Guild's production capabilities. This translates into a well-balanced, aesthetic, and robust instrument.
2. Tone: The Jazz BL features a solid maple top on a mahogany body, providing a rich and resonant tone with excellent sustain. The guitar's pickups are custom-designed Seymour Duncan humbuckers, which deliver a versatile and balanced sound ideal for various music styles.
3. Playability: Its 22-fret neck made of mahogany with a rosewood fretboard ensures a comfortable playing experience. The neck profile, combined with a 1 11/16" nut width and a 12" radial compensated bone nut, results in a smooth and easy-to-play instrument.
4. Durability: The guitar's solid construction with a bonded laminate top protects it from potential problems associated with solid wood tops, such as warping or cracking.
5. Collectability: Due to the limited production run of Stuart Westerly Jazz BL guitars, this model has become highly collectible among guitar enthusiasts and collectors, potentially increasing the guitar's value in the future.
Cons:1. Price: As a premium instrument, the Stuart Westerly Jazz BL carries a relatively high price tag. This could be a significant factor for those with budget constraints.
2. Weight: The guitar's solid wood construction and oversized humbucker pickups contribute to a heavier weight (about 9.5 lbs or 4.3 kg), which might not suit everyone, particularly those with back or shoulder issues.
3. Size: With a scale length of 25.5 inches and a total length of 42 inches, the Jazz BL may not be the best fit for guitar players with smaller hands or shorter stature.
Conclusion:The 1996 Stuart Westerly Jazz BL is a desirable electric guitar due to its premium craftsmanship, rich tone, and playability. However, its high price, weight, and potentially large size might be significant drawbacks for some players. Should the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you, and the budget allows, purchasing this lovely instrument may result in a meaningful and rewarding experience.
Recommendation:If you are a serious guitar player searching for a high-quality, well-crafted electric guitar with a versatile tone, impressive craftsmanship, and collectability, the Stuart Westerly Jazz BL could be an excellent addition to your collection. Consider trying one out at a local dealer or guitar shop to ensure that the pros outweigh the cons for your individual preference and playing style.
This guitar is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship from Guild. It initially had a Puzo installed on the left side of the bridge which left very slight impression marks that are indistinguishable in photos.
I have other guitars and am not up to this level of jazz playing.
Since then, i've left it stored well only taking it out to periodically to inspect. There is also a typical minor scuff mark under and at the bridge from a past bridge adjustment. Amazing tone, plugged or unplugged. It's big, blonde and gorgeous.
Hand carved spruce top. Watch feature player embedded v 3t6ketcctji YouTube.
25 body depth carved solid German spruce top flamed maple back and sides with characteristic reverse grain highlights on sides multi ply black and white binding on body and f holes twin humbugging mounted pickups 2 volume and 2 tone control with master volume 1/4 output jack carved, compensated ebony bridge gold hardware Guild engraved harp tailpiece Guild decor stair step pick guard original Guild hard shell case in great condition is included here are 2 threads were you can see and hear reviews.