Should I Buy This 1977 F412?

Mosthigh · May 6, 2024

Hello, I have a chance to buy a 1977 F412 in seemingly decent shape for $2200 USD or $3000 CAD. I need to determine if it needs a neck reset or has any other issues before I travel 4+ hours to potentially buy it. The owner has provided photos and said it was 'gone over' by a luthier not too long ago, but I don't think it has had a previous reset. Maybe not the best pics but that's what he sent me. Thanks.

chazmo · May 6, 2024

Very hard to tell anything for certain with the pictures. But, well, there is no saddle left. That's not a good sign.

Good luck!

davismanLV · May 6, 2024

Well, it's hard to tell from those photos if the action is okay, BUT (and it's a big one) that saddle is non-existent! That's going to affect sound and volume!! If he has a 24" straight edge, have them lay it down on the fretboard and slide it down to the bridge. I'll give you a LINK to some help with this!!

Even if the action is okay now, the sound is compromised without the downward pressure on the saddle, which is what drives the soundboard. I'd say proceed with GREAT CAUTION!!

davenumber2 · May 6, 2024

Even if the action is okay now, it needs a reset. As davisman said, tone suffers when the saddle gets that low and if you have to take it lower you're SOL. Not a deal breaker if it gets factored into the price and you have someone you trust to do the work.

kostask · May 6, 2024

To my eye, the bridge doesn't look very tall/high, either, in addition to the saddle being extremely low. It looks like it has been sanded down at an angle towards the front edge of the bridge, so the straight edge test will not prove as much as it would with a standard height bridge. How far are the strings off of the soundboard?

I am going to assume all done to avoid the neck reset (i.e. the guitar needs a neck reset, and probably a new bridge).

rmoretti49 · May 6, 2024

To me it looks virtually certain that it will need a neck reset. At that asking price, I wouldn't even make the 4-hour drive to see it. Be patient. You are almost certain to find something better.

wileypickett · May 7, 2024

Looks like the bridge may be coming up too.

Where is the guitar, if you don't mind revealing it? There may be someone on LTG who is closer to the seller who'd be willing to look at it for you?

Mosthigh · May 7, 2024

It's in Vancouver BC, still listed on Facebook Marketplace. I've pretty much decided to pass on it and don't want to bother with a neck reset or anything else even if the seller lowers his price.

Thanks for the comments.

D30Man · May 8, 2024

Mosthigh said:
It's in Vancouver BC, still listed on Facebook Marketplace. I've pretty much decided to pass on it and don't want to bother with a neck reset or anything else even if the seller lowers his price.

Thanks for the comments.

Probably a good call. I see expensive repairs ahead for this one and I am far from a luthier..

chazmo · May 8, 2024

Mosthigh said:
It's in Vancouver BC, still listed on Facebook Marketplace. I've pretty much decided to pass on it and don't want to bother with a neck reset or anything else even if the seller lowers his price.

Thanks for the comments.

Hey, are you in the market for an F-412, or are you just being opportunistic for a good deal? If the latter, then you should also be looking at JF-30-12s as well (just my opinion). If you really are looking for an F-412, why not post a WTB thread in our marketplace, @Mosthigh ? Lots of our members have 'em, and maybe someone wants to part with one.

Horse · May 8, 2024

Offer $1600 - ($1700 absolute max) and if they say no, just take a walk. That is the difference in case you end up needing a luthier to give it a massive going over (which is a worst case scenario ---and I do not think this is a 'worst case' here, but definitely will need a good deal of work).

Be prepared to walk away. Other gems are out there.

Cougar · May 8, 2024

Mosthigh said:
I've pretty much decided to pass on it and don't want to bother with a neck reset or anything else even if the seller lowers his price.

I'd say that's definitely the right call. I recently got a great deal on a 2007 Tacoma-built F412 in super excellent condition for just a few dollars more than what that guy is asking, so although they're getting sort of rare, there are good ones out there. Don't give up the hunt!

Should I Buy This 1977 F412?

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