Info on 1980 Guild F-20NT

Hello all,

One popped up in my area for a steal of a price ($950) and wondering what the stats are on it?

I've heard there were many changes to this model throughout the years (as it seems there are with other models).

Wondering what the nut width and scale length on this small body would be?

I'd have to drive two hours for it but may be worth it. Currently own a Martin 00-18 but I've always wanted to try a 0 body from guild. I've heard mixed things about Guild small bodies as it seems they are more known for their dreads and jumbos.

GeoffHW said:

Hello all,

One popped up in my area for a steal of a price ($950) and wondering what the stats are on it?

I've heard there were many changes to this model throughout the years (as it seems there are with other models).

Wondering what the nut width and scale length on this small body would be?

I'd have to drive two hours for it but may be worth it. Currently own a Martin 00-18 but I've always wanted to try a 0 body from guild. I've heard mixed things about Guild small bodies as it seems they are more known for their dreads and jumbos.

Click to expand...

Hi, I don't know if the one I'd had was similar, but it was stamped both on the side of the neckblock, as well as underneath the top, 1981. Mine was the same sunburst I have seen on other models from that time, namely - the D25. Mine was long scale, had an arched back & was 1 1 11/16 " nut width. There was a bit of a challenge in finding a proper fitting case, given the scale length & arch-back. But I eventually did - a case that came w/a Santa Cruz, of all things. Ameritage, maybe? Heavy as heck at the top, or lid, did not stay open (by design). There was another model from Guardian, maybe that would have worked as well (fit wise).

So if you have troubles, and something like that would be acceptable, it was the fancy one with green lining and a lot of latches. I could look it up, if you'd wanted. Mine had a defect, and so sent it back & they didn't have another in stock. It was (mine, anyway) an impressive instrument (got it from G. C., was told it came w/original case, it came wrapped in bubble wrap inside the box). Anyway! ~they made it right, with reimbursement for the purchase price of the initial case I was looking at.

The Guild case that comes with the current M-20, did not fit it. At all. As in top of headstock was touching the case from inside - if that makes sense? I realize, however, some people could care less about cases, or if this comes with one that is appropriate to you--then I apologize for all of the additional (& unwanted info.) / To me: it was a stellar instrument, that I'd had nearly refretted (12 were replaced?) & then it was getting closer to neck reset time. So I had little patience, I guess. . . Take care & good luck!

It’ll be long scale, with a 1-11/16” nut. Here’s the one I bought new in the mid to late ‘70s. Nice playability, but the bass response was too weak for my fingerpicking style, creating a significant lack of balance from string to string. Still, this was just a sample of one.