The Guild X-79 and X-79-3 Skyhawk guitars, (and their companion model X-701 and X-702 basses) were a bold, and futuristic step for Guild in 1981. They were first displayed in the 1982 Guild electrics catalog, where they were photographed with heavy metal guitarists K.K Downing (Judas Priest) and Robbie Alter (Ian Hunter). The unusual X shape body and headstock was a clear step into the futuristic territory of the Gibson Flying V and Explorer guitars, so popular in the early eighties metal scene. Guild took this one step further, offering unusual colour options, such as black sparkle and purple, making a truly innovative (in terms of design at least) series of guitars.
The Guild X-79 (dual XR-7 version) was first listed in the September 1981 Guild price list at $595; the same price as the (also debuting) S-250.
The following text is taken from the 1982 Guild catalog
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
But the X-79 Skyhawk guitars were not just noted for their outrageous good looks! The 2-octave 24 fret neck with full fret access was a common feature on all Guild solid bodies at this time, but something not present on the vast majority of guitars by Guild's American-built rivals Gibson and Fender. This extra range gave a level of playability largely ignored by many of Guild's competitors.
Occasionally the Guild Skyhawk would be equipped with the same Hagstrom vibrato as fitted to Guild solid bodies of the 1960s and 1970s.
Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1982 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Guild advertisements
Guild X-79 - When the thrill is gone... get it back with Guild (1982)
By the 1980s, American guitar manufacturers were struggling somewhat to find mass acceptance with new solid-body designs; the likes of Fender and Gibson had more commercial success with updated ver...
[more]
$2300