Guild X88 Crue Top of pointy electric guitar
The Guild X-88 Crüe Flying Star guitar. Just the name conjures up images of big hair, loud riffs, and the unapologetically flamboyant era of 1980s glam metal. For guitar enthusiasts drawn to unique designs, especially the striking star shape guitar, the X-88 stands as a testament to a time when guitars were as much about visual impact as sonic power. This review delves into this iconic instrument, exploring its features, playability, and the legacy it carries as a quintessential star shape guitar from a wild period in music history. While my own neon spandex might be long gone, my curiosity about this pointy piece of guitar history is very much alive. Let’s see if this extreme example of the x shape guitar lives up to the hype.
Glam Metal Glory and Guitar Design
Guild X88 Crue TopFull NE of star shaped guitar
The 1980s. A decade synonymous with excess, and the glam metal scene was no exception. Bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison dominated MTV and arenas, fueled by anthemic rock and a larger-than-life image. Central to this image were the guitars – often outrageously shaped, brightly colored, and undeniably pointy. These weren’t just instruments; they were extensions of the performers’ personalities, visual weapons as potent as the music itself. Among these visually arresting guitars, the star shape guitar emerged as a bold statement, perfectly embodying the era’s spirit.
The Guild X-88 Crüe Flying Star, born in 1984, arrived right in the thick of this cultural phenomenon. Co-designed with Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, this x shape guitar wasn’t just another pointy axe; it was a Guild, a brand with a history of quality instruments, venturing into the wilder side of guitar design.
The promotional material for the X-88, featuring cartoonish versions of Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx, hints at the slightly surreal nature of the guitar itself. Why cartoons instead of the real deal? Perhaps the sheer audacity of a pink star shape guitar was deemed too much for some to handle directly! Regardless, the message was clear: Guild was embracing the glam metal aesthetic with full force, offering a Star/x Shape Guitar that was as visually striking as it was sonically capable.
Initially offered with a single California pickup, the X-88 was highly customizable. Buyers could opt for Dimarzio or EMG pickups, choose from various colors, and even add a Kahler floating bridge. The model reviewed here, technically an X-88AK3, boasts two EMG humbuckers and a Kahler tremolo, a configuration that would have set you back $990 in 1984, plus $145 for the essential case.
Even the 1984 price list, with its quirky references like “Motley Crew” (misspelled and all!), adds to the guitar’s vintage charm. The listing of ““EMG” Humbuckers” in quotes is amusing, suggesting a potential skepticism even within Guild about these then-modern pickups. This price sheet error, along with the “Motley Crew” misspelling, only adds to the vintage charm of this star shape guitar’s history.
The X-88 Flying Star shares its basic shape with the Guild X-82 Nova, but the Crüe version cranks up the pointy factor. Sharper points, a spear-like headstock, a more inflated body profile, and star inlays – all contribute to its distinctive look. And of course, the Mick Mars association sealed its glam metal credentials.
A white, single-pickup X-88 can even be spotted in Mötley Crüe’s “Too Young to Fall In Love” video, a perfect visual encapsulation of the era’s over-the-top aesthetic. The video itself, with its cheesy martial arts sequences, is a time capsule of 80s excess, and the star shape guitar fits right in.
Guild’s “Plug into New Electricity” flyer further showcases the X-88 in various eye-catching colors, from “cocaine pearl white” to a burst finish that screams “1980s!”. These colors, combined with the star/x shape guitar design, perfectly capture the visual boldness of the decade.
For those of us who remember the 80s, guitars like the X-88 are more than just instruments; they’re nostalgic artifacts. Younger players might recognize a resemblance to the Washburn Stealth, popularized by Dimebag Darrell, but the Guild X-88 was there first, blazing the trail for extreme guitar shapes years earlier.
The Case of the Conspicuous Case
Let’s talk about the case. Because with a star shape guitar this extreme, the case is almost as noteworthy as the instrument itself. The X-88 case is HUGE. Taller, wider, and yet thinner than standard guitar cases, it’s a cumbersome beast, prone to tipping over and generally being unwieldy – perhaps fittingly, given its Mötley Crüe association!
Compared to cases for other Guild models like the S60, S270, S300, and S70, the X-88 case is significantly larger. This oversized nature presents practical challenges, especially when shipping. Forget standard guitar boxes; you’ll need specialized packaging, adding to shipping costs.
Finding a replacement case is no easy task. A Les Paul case? Forget about it. Gig bags? Not a chance. The X-88 demands its uniquely oversized coffin for protection, especially for those dangerous points. While it might look cool hanging on a wall, forget about using a regular guitar stand – unless you enjoy the sound of crashing guitars.
Finish: Pointy Problems
Guild X88 Crue TopNE close up of guitar finish
The finish on these 80s Guild shredders, including this star shape guitar, seems to be consistently poly. While durable overall, the pointy extremities are another story. Chips and dings are common, and the X-88 is no exception. Protecting those sharp points is a constant battle, especially given the guitar’s size and unwieldiness. Even sober players are likely to bump this guitar into things.
Color options included standard fare like white, black, and candy apple red, but pink, black, and white seem to be the most prevalent on the used market, along with the less-desirable cotton candy burst. Perhaps that burst finish was just a little too much, even for the 80s.
Neck and Fretboard: Strat-like Feel
Guild X88 Crue Top JeckJoint showing neck joint
The X-88 features a bolt-on neck with a 24 3/4″ short scale length, typical for Guild. The fretboard is unbound ebony adorned with star inlays – naturally, given its star shape guitar designation and Mick Mars’s influence.
Guild X88 Crue Star Inlays on fretboard
The 9.5″ fretboard radius feels Strat-like, unsurprising given Mick Mars’s Stratocaster preference. The nut width is a comfortable 1 21/32″, falling between 1 5/8″ and 1 11/16″. The neck profile is a comfortable medium C shape, with a good depth that increases as you move up the neck.
Despite some wear and tear on the fretboard edges, the guitar plays well. The 9.5″ radius facilitates comfortable chording, and the setup allows for bending notes high up the neck without fret buzz. The jumbo frets, measuring .115″ wide by .45″ high (likely 6110 or 6120 size), contribute to a modern playing feel. The neck, in its feel and playability, is reminiscent of classic Guild models like the S300, albeit with larger frets and a slightly wider profile. Like many Guilds, the neck is straight and allows for a low action setup.
Build Quality: Solid 80s Construction
Guild X88 Crue Back NeckJoint showing guitar construction
According to guitar historian Ted Beesley, the X-88 was constructed from either mahogany or maple. The review guitar seems to lean towards mahogany, suggested by the dark, almost rust-like appearance of the pointy edges and the dark screw holes in the shielded cavities. Weighing in at a substantial nine pounds, one ounce, with the Kahler and battery, the mahogany body theory is further reinforced. This weight, combined with its size, contributes to the guitar’s overall unwieldiness. The center of gravity is around the pickups, making it body-heavy when held by the neck joint.
Despite its bulk, the X-88 feels solidly built, with no sense of cheapness. Some minor rust on the locking nut screws is typical for a guitar of this age. While bolt-on necks aren’t universally loved, the joint is solid and well-executed. Guild typically uses wood screws for bolt-on necks, which the reviewer prefers to avoid disturbing unnecessarily.
Pickups: EMG Power
Guild X88 Crue Pickups EMG humbuckers
This X-88 is equipped with EMG humbuckers: an 85 in the neck and an 81 in the bridge, powered by a 9V battery. EMGs, initially not the reviewer’s favorite, have gained appreciation through amp modeling technology, which allows for a broader understanding of their strengths. While battery-powered guitars can be inconvenient, EMGs excel in high-gain scenarios where power and articulation are paramount.
The downside of the EMG installation in the X-88 is the battery placement in the control cavity. Changing the battery requires removing the control cavity cover, leading to potential damage to the cover or screw holes – a common issue with these guitars.
Electronics: Unconventional Wiring
Guild X88 Crue BatteryOut showing battery compartment
The electronics are straightforward: 25K Ω pots (standard for EMGs), a pickup selector toggle switch, a stereo output jack, and the 9V battery. The stereo jack is designed to complete the circuit when a mono guitar cable is plugged in, preserving battery life when unplugged.
Guild X88 Wiring diagram of electronics
The wiring presents some interesting deviations from typical guitar circuits. The “hot” signal lead bypasses the tone pot entirely, with the tone pot operating solely on the ground side of the circuit. Additionally, each pickup is grounded directly to a pot. While these variations don’t drastically alter the AC circuit’s function, they are notable and might be helpful for restoration purposes.
Hardware: Standard Guild Quality
Guild X88 Crue Tuners close up of Grover Rotomatic tuners
Black Grover Rotomatic tuners handle tuning duties and function reliably, though the Kahler locking nut largely dictates tuning stability. The Kahler tremolo is the familiar 2300 Pro model found on other 80s Guild shred guitars. It performs well, although the locking nut can be fiddly, and the fine-tuning knobs are prone to shifting during palm muting.
Guild X88 Crue TopFullVertWide full vertical shot of guitar
The strap pegs are standard but positioned in a way that affects the guitar’s balance and playability, as discussed later. The knobs are Guild speed knobs, possibly original, though knurled metal knobs might be preferred by some. The presence of the often-lost Guild metal switch tip is a welcome surprise, considering the case’s condition. Overall, hardware is typical Guild quality for 1984, with the exception of the strap peg placement.
Sound: 80s High-Gain Machine
Guild X88 Crue Pickups2 close up of EMG pickups
Many guitars, especially those with similar hardware and pickup configurations, can sound surprisingly alike. Subtle tonal nuances from wood type and construction can be minimized at high gain, contributing to the perception of EMG pickups as “sterile” or “hi-fi.” The X-88, with its EMG 85/81 combo, is built for one thing: high-gain rock and metal.
Sound Samples (Bridge Pickup, Tuned Down a Whole Step):
- [Too Young to Fall in Love](Sound Sample Link)
- [Looks Could Kill](Sound Sample Link)
- [Kick Start My Heart](Sound Sample Link)
These sound samples, using Axe-FX II XL+ amp modeling, showcase the X-88’s strengths in its intended musical territory. Clean tones and jazz comping are not its forte; this star shape guitar is designed to unleash aggressive, high-energy rock sounds. The recordings utilize Mötley Crüe and Mesa Rectifier amp models to capture the appropriate 80s vibe.
Playability: Pointy Ergonomics
The X-88 plays comfortably when seated, but be mindful of the rear spike – it protrudes further than you might expect. Similarly, the long headstock is prone to collisions. While visually striking, the star shape guitar design does present some ergonomic challenges.
Standing playability is where the X-88 becomes more idiosyncratic. The strap peg placement, both above the guitar’s centerline, causes it to swing like a pendulum. This pendulum effect is amplified by the weight of the Kahler tremolo.
Guild X88 Crue TopFullSW showing guitar shape on strap
The strap peg positioning also results in the guitar hanging lower than usual. Dedicated strap length adjustments might be necessary for X-88 owners. This strap peg placement is not unique to the X-88; the Washburn Stealth shares a similar design quirk.
The X-88 exhibits slight neck-heaviness, and with smooth straps, neck dive can occur. Counterbalancing the guitar with an elbow on the rear fin helps, but a more abrasive strap would improve stability, though wouldn’t fully resolve the swinging issue caused by strap peg placement. It’s a curious balance issue, considering the guitar feels body-heavy when held by the neck joint.
Guild X88 Crue HangingStrap showing strap peg placement
The output jack’s location on the inner side of the lower spike results in the cable protruding at an odd angle. Tucking the cable into the strap, a common gigging practice, looks somewhat awkward. The overall feel evokes a slight resemblance to Eddie Van Halen’s modified Ibanez Destroyer “Shark” guitar, in terms of both shape and visual impact.
While the Kahler adds to the 80s shred vibe, it arguably detracts from the guitar’s playability. The swinging nature of the guitar on a strap makes aggressive tremolo use less stable.
Conclusion: Fun but Flawed 80s Icon
The Guild X-88 Crüe Flying Star is undeniably cool on paper. In practice, it’s a bit of a handful. Large, heavy, and with pointy extremities that constantly bump into things, it’s not the most practical guitar. The pendulum-like swing on a strap, the long neck, and the unwieldy case all contribute to its less-than-user-friendly nature.
Guild X88 Crue TopFull S Vert vertical shot of star guitar
And yet… it’s fun. Strapping on the X-88 instantly transports you back to the glam metal era. It begs to be played loud and fast. However, its impracticalities make it less appealing as a primary guitar. For dedicated 80s enthusiasts or collectors of star shape guitars, the X-88 is a unique and conversation-starting addition to a collection. For those seeking a more practical 80s vibe, smaller Guild models like the X-79 or X-80 might be better choices.
Despite its quirks, the X-88 remains a captivating instrument, evidenced by its current status as a wall hanger. Its sheer visual presence is undeniable, sparking conversations even with non-guitarists. And while it might not be the most practical guitar, its over-the-top nature perfectly embodies the spirit of Mötley Crüe and the glam metal era. If that’s your thing, then the Guild X-88 star shape guitar is for you, regardless of any practical considerations.
