1966 F-30

[devellis]

I have a lead on a possible trade for a 1966 F-30. I'll need to get more information but from the image, it looks to have more or less the expected degree of wear and is missing the TRC. Any idea what would be a fair value for something like this? Any special issues to ask about other than the neck angle? The collective wisdom of my Guild brethren would be very helpful.

 

[shepke]

I've got a 1968 F30 and it's the one guitar I'll probably never part with. I've seen Hobokan F30s go on eBay in the last 3 years for anywhere roughly between 800 and 1400 or so depending on condition (occasionally a little more if they're in really nice shape). The Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars has them listed for between 1000 and 1750, which seems a little high to me. If you can get a decent price and the guitar is good structurally, I'd say go for it - you don't see many of them from that era around anymore. Just watch out for neck angle and saddle height (as you said). Also, make sure the truss rod is working and watch out for cracks and any loose bracing or bridge lifting. They were inexpensive models and tended to get knocked around a lot in their day. If it's got a fixable problem or two but you can get the right price they're well worth some additional repair costs in my estimation. These older 60s F30s, by the way, have a different body shape and sound than most of their younger Westerly bretheren.

 

[Bluelizzard]

I have a 64. One of my all time favorites.

 

[devellis]

The owner is really looking for a clawhammer banjo, so no trade happened. It's listed over at the Gibson Forum if anyone wants to take a look. You may have to register to get to the Buy/Sell section.

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/56670-1966-guild-ft-30-nt-and-ohsc-for-trade/

 

[devellis]

I communicated further with this seller and he's looking for $600 on a cash deal. That sounds pretty good from what I'm hearing. I have never met him, have no connection to him, and know nothing about him other than that he has this guitar he's looking to move. I'm not considering deals involving a cash outlay at this point so I thought I'd pass the information along to others.

 

[Ian]

I've a '70 with a hoboken label. Super rough cond, repaired top cracks, bare wood in places etc, really paid it's dues if you know what I mean. Very light weight, but amazing sound. Frosty has had quite a few early F30's, might pay to drop him a line if anyones keen.

Cheers, Ian

 

[glazed67]

i have a '65 f-30, absolutely love it, plays and sounds incredible. I got extremely lucky, as the one I found is nearly perfect shape as well as the case. If you can find around that price, go for it.

 

[Guest]

I have an F-30 that came out of a trash can. It is a 1963 with incredible sound, very balance and bright. It is both a good flat picker and a finger pickers dream. The body is quite shallow, about 3 1/8" deep.

I recent bought what I thought to be an F-30 from 1970. The label is missing. It matches my 63 in all but one area. It is 4/14" deep and while this body is wedge shaped the 63 is nearly flat. Can anyone verify that it is an F 30 or is it something else. This box is a cannon where it comes to bass tones and it has sustain like no other guitar I have played.

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome. Any tips for successful dumpster diving, while we wait for a helpful response to your post?

 

[Ian]

I have an F-30 that came out of a trash can. It is a 1963 with incredible sound, very balance and bright. It is both a good flat picker and a finger pickers dream. The body is quite shallow, about 3 1/8" deep.

I recent bought what I thought to be an F-30 from 1970. The label is missing. It matches my 63 in all but one area. It is 4/14" deep and while this body is wedge shaped the 63 is nearly flat. Can anyone verify that it is an F 30 or is it something else. This box is a cannon where it comes to bass tones and it has sustain like no other guitar I have played.

Welcome along. My F30 is also a 1970 model, hoboken label, but actually made in Westerly according to Hans. Very light. I havent got the measurements to hand cos I'm at work (huh),
but 4 and something inches sounds about right. I'ts certainly deeper than the typical Martin 000 types. Sustain goes on forever. Great guitar.

 

[Guest]

Hello everyone, I am the owner of the 1966 Guild F-30 NT. It is still for sale for $600. Comes with the original case, has the truss rod cover (but no screws), good neck angle and saddle, no loose braces. It does have a crack in the headstock and plenty of scratches/love. The crack hasn't moved as long as I have had it (about a month). I got the guitar on a trade and as cool as it is, I have a '53 J-45 that I am currently in love with. I would rather not ship the guitar but I will if I have to. I am located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Thanks!

 

[MrBoZiffer]

I saw this F30 yesterday. I'm in Birmingham and met the seller with the guitar. He's a nice guy and I really like the guitar. I'm kind of looking at several different acoustics right now, but I may get this one. The guitar felt great and played well. The board felt a little dry to me, but that's a personal preference and an easy remedy. The headstock appeared to be stable even with the crack in it. It would probably benefit from a little glue at some point, but it didn't seem to be very weak as it is. I think it would be fine for just playing and recording around the house.

Anyway, I'm going to think about it through the weekend. I think it may accompany my F20 nicely. But if someone else is interested then go right ahead. I can probably help facilitate shipping if needed.