Spectrums x198 vs x185?

Hello!

I am looking to pick up a Westone/Electra Spectrum model at some point and am in the research phase. I'm wondering what the differences are between the x185 and x198 aside from the body shapes and the string locks (x198). Both seem to have the same pick ups and configuration, scale, wood, etc... Is there really a difference aside from the aforementioned body shapes and string locks?

I assume each has the same style neck, so play ability shouldn't be different. What is drawing me toward these guitars is 1) versatility in tones 2) I know they are built very well.

Any help would be... helpful.

i don't see many spectrum GT's (x185) come up for sale, but the spectrum LX (x198) seems to be readily available. lots of variations of price due to condition, and missing or replaced parts. most of what is residing on ebay right now seems a bit overpriced. others seem to agree, which is why they are for sale for so long with no buyers. affordable ones come up and get sold. just watch and wait for one you like. or you might find one around here if you poke around a bit.

electra versions are not hard to find either. there are some slight differences in the control setup between electra and westone models. bodies and necks are pretty much identical.

you are right about the versatility of these guitars. i don't think there is another guitar anywhere that can compare to all the tones available from a Spectrum.

You might find the frets to be larger on the Westone. Some of those Westone/Electra's used small frets.

Spectrums (and Electras) rule!

But it is a bit confusing to sort the models out. The basic guitar is virtually the same from model to model, so they all feel and play in a familiar way.

What you need to decide is if you want a straight humbucker sound, more single coil sound, or a combination of each. From there, do you want a tremolo or fixed bridge for your playing style? If yes to a Trem, depending on how aggressive you are, do you need string locks?

With very few exceptions, they all have a coil cut so that's a given. Then you decide if you want or need phase reverse.

Oh, then there's colour choice, solid, burst or trans finish...set neck or bolt on...

See? Simple.

While Mike is correct in not seeing Spectrum GT's for sale often you do see the grandparent to that particular model very often in an Electra Phoenix x185.

The other bonus there is that they can be found right around $200 or less most of the time. On occasion you can find the father of the GT as well in an Electra Phoenix x189, which is identical to a GT since it has a 2 post tremolo rather than a 6-screw TekGlide trem found on an x185.

Making sense yet??

You all may be surprised, but this does clear up a lot on my end. As long as I get the flexibility in sound and good neck of the Spectrum, it's not going to matter to me what I get as long as it has the HSH pup set up.

So, in a flood of details, a focus has taken shape!

You know what, you can't get a better guitar for the price. Period. Versatility, feels, construction, it's all there and more with these. They're WAY to inexpensive for what they are.