CRAVE Guitars says…
Thumbs up: Uniquely bold and uncompromising design and construction, small and light weight, wonderful condition, great playability
Thumbs down: Insane design might put some off, ditto for ergonomics, hot pickups, non‑original case, genre preconceptions, slightly narrow nut width
Decree: Very much ‘of its time’, it represents an incredible find for the brave guitarist who wants neither to look nor to sound like anyone else
Model Description:
The American Guild Guitar Company has a long, if chequered, history. Guild was founded in 1952, initially producing hollow body jazz guitars intended to compete with Gretsch and Epiphone. Starting in the 1960s, Guild expanded their electric guitar lines with some ambitious designs such as the solid body S‑200 Thunderbird and Starfire semis. The ‘affordable’ made in USA X‑79 Skyhawk was available only between 1981 and 1985 with an estimated total of 1,790 produced. As yet, the X-79 has not been re‑issued by Guild. When introduced, the X‑79 was priced at $595 and a case cost another $135. Described by Guild as ‘exotically shaped’, the angular asymmetrical outline certainly looks futuristic, even today. It takes the design cues of the 1950s Gibson Flying V/Explorer template to another level altogether. The X‑79 Skyhawk model was apparently named after the McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk military fighter jet aircraft. The mahogany body and set neck have a 24‑fret ebony fingerboard with a familiar Gibson scale length. The guitar’s take‑notice‑of‑me image is representative of the OTT gaudy hair metal/glam rock sub‑genres at the time. Some harsh critics suggest that the X‑79 prioritises style over substance, although it proved relatively successful for Guild in the early 1980s. The main model came with a pair of Guild humbuckers. Some variations were made with 3 single coil pickups (X‑79‑3) and others with a factory Kahler vibrato (X‑79K). There were also the corresponding X‑701/X‑702 Skyhawk basses. Colours included black, black sparkle, metallic blue, candy apple red, pearl white and sunburst along with some custom options for an additional surcharge. Guild has a history of unconventional guitar design (for instance the quirky S‑300) but this one really is quite extreme, so probably falls into the category of cool rather than rare. While X‑79 Skyhawks are not exactly scarce, neither are they particularly common, particularly when compared to the classic designs from the big ‘F’ and ‘G’ brands. Vintage guitar market prices for the X‑79 are relatively affordable although destined to rise in the future as collectors latch on to the X‑79’s eccentric appeal. To split a clichéd infinitive, “to boldly go where no man has gone before” (Star Trek).
Guitar Description:
Well, what on Earth do we have here? The serial number dates this stunning Guild X‑79 Skyhawk to 1984. Talk about 1980s’ pointy heavy metal guitars, this eye‑catchingly outrageous baby has more points than the average compass. The X‑79’s radical design represents a valiant attempt by Guild to do something different as the antithesis and rejection of the establishment at the time – no way can it be described as conformist, generic or traditional. At its core, behind the flamboyant façade, the fundamental guitar construction rules are still present. Although some proclaim the multi‑colour black sparkle finish as rare, it is actually one of the more common colours. Thankfully, this one doesn’t suffer from the finish issues on some guitars caused by the primer and the metal flakes in the lacquer. To me, the all‑black look supports its role in heavier musical genres. This example is generally in excellent condition and the iridescent sparkle finish is superb. It does have a few very minor bumps, nicks, scratches and play wear but that just makes it even more unique. The case is non‑original but in very good condition. Many commentators criticise the hot Guild XR‑7 pickups (made by DiMarzio), which push output over tonal subtlety but, heh, guess what… it was the freakin’ 1980s after all – excess was the expected norm. To my mind, the pickups accord with the image and should be judged thus. This doesn’t mean that the X‑79 is a one trick pony although, let’s face it, it probably wouldn’t be the first choice for a wedding function band. In the right context, however, it’s a fit‑for‑purpose monster. Ergonomically, while surprisingly small and light in weight, some might consider it to be a bit cumbersome and unbalanced (fractionally neck heavy) both seated and standing but that’s really not a big issue and a small sacrifice to make for the image it makes. It plays extremely well, very smooth and slinky. One does have to be careful not to poke a band member in the ribs with those pointy extremities. The sharply raked headstock and mahogany neck is a big risk for a neck break if it takes a tumble from an inappropriate stand or hanger. In either case, treat with care. In the meantime, platform boots are essential – get your glam on!
Features:
- Made in Westerly, Rhode Island, USA in 1984
- Asymmetric, offset double cutaway mahogany body with black sparkle nitrocellulose finish
- Mahogany set neck in the same black sparkle finish
- Unbound ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and pearloid dot fingerboard inlays
- Overall dimensions: 38½” x 21½” x 1½” (972 × 546 × 38mm)
- Scale length: 24 ¾” (629mm)
- Nut width: 1 5/8” (42mm)
- Guild‑branded Schaller closed mini tuners
- Original dual Guild XR-7 uncovered passive humbucking pickups made by DiMarzio for Guild
- Original two volume and one tone, 3‑way pickup selector switch and 2‑way coil split switch
- Original chrome hardware
- Original black‑faced 5‑ply plastic pickguard
- Original Guild serrated speed knobs
- Original Adjusto‑matic bridge (by Mueller) and Guild SP‑6 stop tailpiece
- Weight: 7lb 13oz (3.54kg)
- Non-original hard shell case
Artists:
- Robbie Alter (Ian Hunter)
- Ron Asheton (The Stooges)
- Allen Collins (Lynyrd Skynyrd/Rossington‑Collins Band)
- K.K. Downing (Judas Priest)
- Matt Dudenhoeffer (Gravity Kills)
- Jay Jay French (Twisted Sister)
- Steve van Zandt
Trivia:
A quote taken directly from the 1982 Guild catalogue, “The X‑79, X‑79‑3 and X‑702 were designed for the musician who’s tired of looking and sounding like everyone else. If that’s the way you’ve been feeling, these instruments were made for you”.
In other X‑79 Skyhawk advertising, Guild state, “The guitar that really looks like rock ‘n’ roll” and “When the thrill is gone… get it back with Guild”.
The American heavy metal band, Twisted Sister became a Guild endorsee in the 1980s and Guild guitars were often seen the hands of band members in Guild advertising, music videos and on stages including, guitarist Jay Jay French and bass player Mark ‘the animal’ Mendoza. In 1984, Guild released a dedicated ‘Twisted Sister’ guitar model with garish black and yellow striped custom finish.
The very first batches of X‑79 Skyhawks had traditional Guild headstocks, rather than the later pointy headstocks that mimic the shape of the body.
Detail Gallery:
