The Electra Forums

That's "X175"

Copied from Parts Wanted area...

After 25 years, I want to go in a different direction- maybe Les Paul, maybe Telecaster, maybe???

This one is all original and in good condition. Until I let my son use it for a few weeks when he got curious, it was near mint. Now it has some small dings in the laquer, particularly around the jack, that he can't explain. No chips or gouges. The neck is fast with low action, and shows just a little wear in the cowboy chord areas. All controls and pick-ups work fine (but for the usual strat hum when idle), intonation is spot on. The tone and sustain are very good.

I can take pictures if anyone wants to see them. I have not idea what the guitar might be worth and I haven't come across any to compare it to so any guidance would be appreciated.

Anyone seen X175 prices on ebay lately?

Most Phoenix models run anywhere from $100-300. For that I would suggest you might want to put it under the bed and hang on to it- you never know, you might regret losing it later.

Meanwhile, there are some good modern Fenders to look at, especially mexican ones. They vary from individual to individual but there are some really good ones.

Back when our Electras were new, Fenders were expensive, period. NOw they've widened into a huge range from custom shop to Squiers, for every budget.

I'd plan to spend a few hours in music stores playing them. Then again, you might also consider another model Electra, maybe one with humbuckers!

And.... amps have coem a long way too. Maybe what you should consider is a new amp! Seriously, a Fender pro jr. for $299 is a killer deal on a new tube amp, and there are numerous amps with builtin effects and modelling channels that widen your range hugely.

Btw, the paint used on these models originally is automtive urethane enamel, colors were actually Toyota colors. So stop at your local auto parts store and you may be able to pick up a bottle of touchup paint that will fix your dings and chips.

Sounds like your frustration with the dings kinda turned you off the guitar though... give it time, give it a chance. Maybe the solution is give Jr. a Squier (you can get an entry level Squier Bullet from Musicians Friend for around $100) of his own to bang around, and give a little TLC to your X175? Jsut some ideas.

Really?! Cool info brother - thank you!!

Really?! Cool info brother - thank you!!

...and for what it's worth, 71sx, I'm with X189 on this; hang onto it 'cause sadly, you certainly won't get what it's actually worth on Ebay!

I for one would like to see your guitar...

Right now, I'm just kicking ideas around. I'd like to find some different tones so I'm going to start playing around at the guitar stores. I could just put it under my bed, but I already have a few guitars that I don't play anymore and I don't want to add to the pile. Thanks for the input, it helps to have a sounding board.