The Electra Forums

Well it was exactly two years ago when I got my X250 Powered Invicta and started this epic thread about the differences between the X250 and the X270:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=3911

Since then the X250 has become my go to live (and rehearsal) axe because of its massive built in boost and ability to go from rhythm to lead tones without even changing amp channels, its also light and comfortable. I found this X270 on CraigsList two weeks ago and finally talked the seller into shipping it to me, it was a mystery date as his camera pics were tiny and blurry, but for 3 Bills shipped, I said 'what the heck':


Although it doesn't seem to have many miles on it (playing wise) it's been handled a bit roughly and has the scars to prove it, in addition, the Active switch is broken off. Here's the top with a flash, which is always a little harsh on finishes:


This one was built in January 1980 (001157), so the first month they would use the new serial number dating system, and I would assume it to be an early example of this model. The construction differences I see between this and my November 1980 X250 are considerable. The X270 has a pearl headstock inlay, the X250 logo seems to be stenciled on. The X250 has the common five 'planks' of Ash/Maple laminated top to bottom, whereas this early X270 has a sandwich that has the layers running front to back, including a really nicely figured piece of Ash on top which you can follow the grain all the way around the front of the guitar (pics above), and you can see the boring (Maple?) center in the Belly Cutaway on the back:


So despite the wear and tear, the good news is that this guitar was still 100% original (except for strap buttons!), with MMK53 Pickups and wiring harness unmolested. The best news is that the active still is fully functional, and that the switch was broken off in the 'On' position, Bonus! Threw in a new pair of 9volts (ones in there were dated 2001... Hasn't been used in ten years!) and the powered EQ came right up. Here's a picture showing the pickups out, with markings inside both routes as well as the neck tenon screw exposed:


The controls are just like the X150 active guitar I have, Volume, Tone with center detent, Active Volume. The X250 has separate Treble and Bass knobs, which is a little more versatile if you ask me. The only active Electra I don't have is the X160 Phoenix, which don't come up that often. I really like these powered Electra's and while this one isn't as clean as Jead's, I'm very happy with it. Merry Electra to ya, Mike.

_________________
Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

wow, that's some awesome grain!
so is that a set neck with scalloped joint post-set...?

_________________
My Electra Pages
I have too many projects!

Looks like a waste of money to me. That kind of scratch could buy you a used Mexican Fender Strat or Chinese Epiphone Lester...

*kicks himself for not calling on that listing*

Nice one.

That looks pretty durn nice to me! I think you can change the active switch without too much trouble - I guess you have to remove the circuit board though. (not sure though - the switch may be to the side of the board). I really like my 270 and find the power boost to be a real nice feature. Congrats - they don't seem to come around all that often.

That is another fine addition to your Electra family. Congrats on the score. I also have an X270 that I like very well also. The boost is indeed very nice and easy to use when needed. I will try and get caught up on my photos from all of my EGAS and get them posted for all to see.

_________________
Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Now, that's nice!! I like it. You must send to me when you get bored with it. I'll look after it for you and give it back when you ask. Really. I will.

_________________
"... and on the eighth day, God created New Zealanders.

Because even the Australians need heroes."

Congrats....what a nice lookin chunk of wood. I bet that thing sounds nice.

_________________
JD's Electras

Thanks guys, you're too kind. A couple more observations now that I've spent a few hours playing it. The X270 is about a pound heavier than the X250. Also seems to have fatter frets on it, I'm not sure if this was by design, and I can't tell if its had a refret, I'd be surprised if either of them have had one. The X250 has a 'matte' finish, whereas the new X270 seems to have a thick coat of poly clear on it? Curious. Here there are side by side, although you really can't see the clear coat.




If you're asking whether it is final sanded or shaped after assembly? Your guess is better than mine, although I would assume its shaped after being put together. I haven't held enough of these to compare, but of these two, the X270 has a noticeably chunkier feel, so I wouldn't be surprised if they all were hand shaped and varied from one to another. I can't find the photo, but the X250 has the same exposed neck screw under the neck pickup.

The three switches are separate from the circuit board, and yes you can still find the 12 pin switches at electronic supply houses, but it works as is, and it would be a long afternoon of cussing if I went to swap it out, so I'm just gonna live with it. I always keep the active preamp on all the time anyway, and the X250 is going on its third year with the same batteries, so they seem to last pretty good.

Maybe if you actually resided in the States man! The whole idea behind ElectraFest was to let people take spins on guitars they wouldn't normally have the chance to, you need to think about keeping July of 2011 open my friend! Cheers, Mike.

_________________
Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch