Woody's Guild F-512 12-string
guitar page
Visible with an automotive-style mechanic's
mirror through the sound hole,
the date
of construction stamped inside this
Guild F-512
12-string guitar SN: FL100278 reads October 22, 1980.
It was
apparently the 53rd of 137 F512
Guild's built in 1980.
I bought this guitar new from Rockley Music in Lakewood, Colorado.
It has been a great and rugged performer.
While I was shopping for a 12 string guitar,
I called professionals at major outlets around the USA for
opinions.
I was intending to purchase something like a Martin D12-28.
Consistently, I was advised, however:
"If you want a six-string acoustic, buy a Martin.
If you want a
12-string acoustic, buy a Guild.
The double truss rods in the Guild neck make it a superior instrument."
Every one of the authorized Martin
dealers that I consulted with
recommended the Guild 12 over the Martin 12.
I do own a Martin
D-45k koa as my six string acoustic guitar.
As to my Guild F-512 12-string purchase, I have never been disappointed.
The sound, volume, and clarity are
unsurpassed.
Equipped with extra-light strings (.009) the action is low and fast.
It has been a superior investment.
This guitar was built by Guild in
their old Westerly, Rhode Island facility by luthiers (craftsmen) before the company
was bought out by Fender.
Construction of all Guild guitars is now done at a climate controlled facility
in California.
When Fender took over Guild,
the story goes that they searched out and
purchased a number of older (now "vintage") Guilds to
assure that what is currently being produced meets or exceeds the standards of
the original.
The F-512 12-string guitar carries
Guild's top-of-the-line "G" peghead design and gold-plated tuners
It is interesting to note that the
investment prices for these older vintage Guilds are really escalating these
days.
Due to the quality of tonewoods and construction techniques from the older F512
guitars, their collector values continue to climb.
In early 2010, an eBay auction for the vintage Rhode Island built units are now matching
prices
for new units.
If I was to have to replace this F-512,
I believe I would seek another Guild before any other 12-string
brand.
Over the 30 year period that I have owned this Guild
guitar,
I have absolutely no regrets for adding this instrument to my personal lineup.
I would highly recommend a professionally setup Guild F-512 as one to consider.
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From a review at http://www.thisnext.com/item/B2CEE2B9/9A41A99D/Guild-F512-12-string-acoustic
Guild 12-strings are built to a different
standard.
The Guild 12 is a piano in your lap.
Yeah, it's heavy but that's not all. It packs stunning acoustic power.
The Guild 12's sound only improves, never degrades.
Dig deep and play.
From a commentary found at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=89711
12-string splendor
In the late '60s, when the folk and rock markets demanded the rich, bright sound
palette of a 12-string guitar, Guild's
luthiers accepted the challenge and designed a sweet-sounding 12-string jumbo
that offered more volume and much clearer definition than other flattop
12-strings.
It caught on quickly and remained one of the world's most-sought-after
12-strings.
A double truss rod system insures neck stability and prevents warpage.
Painstakingly true to the originals, the F412
and F512
guitars feature AAA Sitka spruce tops and gold Grover Rotomatic tuners.
The more-affordable JF30-12
also features a solid spruce top, and all of these instruments sound
magnificent.
Above: Pages from
the 1983 Guild sales literature and price guide
F512
Solid spruce top
Indian rosewood sides and back
Exotic African Padouk and
maple neck woods
Bound ebony fingerboard with
Inlaid mother-of-pearl inlays
Bound peghead
Gold plated Grover Rotomatic tuners
Ebony bridge
Seven-ply ivoroid binding
Delicate wood mosaic back and side inlays
SPECIFICATIONS:
17 inches (43.1 cm) wide
20 3/4 inches (52.7 cm) long
5" (12.7 cm) deep
Overall length 44 inches (111.7 cm) long
Neck width at nut 1 13/16" (4.6 cm)
BRINGING A GUITAR INTO YOUR HOME WHEN IT IS REALLY COLD
When bringing a guitar in from the cold into a warm environment
you will really want to leave the case closed for many hours to let the wood and
finish warm up slowly.
The guitar finish is hard and the wood underneath is soft.
This allows the wood and surface to change slowly, reducing the changes for
these cracks to form.
In my case, the guitar had been left in the trunk of the car for hours after use
earlier in the day.
I brought it in and immediately opened the case.
Oops. Instant permanent cracks.
Due to the common appearance of this type of finish crack occurring over time,
however,
they normally do not degrade value of the instrument as they do not challenge
structural integrity or sound.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
Dating
a Guild Guitar
Epinion
reviews
SN: FL100278
DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR
A PHOTO OF YOU WITH YOUR F512 ?
Email to Woody
and we perhaps can post it here.
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All personal comments, pictures copyright 1996-2010 - R. Linwood (4L RANCH)
LAST MODIFIED:
Since 16 Nov 2009:
