Calling all F512/ 412 Players

[idealassets]

I am now the proud owner of a new, unplayed Connecticut made F512. I also bought a used Corona, CA F412 to practice on, and also have a used Takoma F50R.

This is just the beginning of my fervent love affair. I know that the East Coast has a number of Guild players, but I live in northern Michigan, and I don't know anyone else that plays Guild. Martin and Taylor seem to predominate this area.

I especially like to fingerpick my Guild 12's for a very full range of sound. Does anyone have any suggestions for tuning that will make it easier on my fingers? Also Iwould like to buy a Westerly, R.I. made F412/ 512/ or 612. It will become an object d' art for me.

If any other Guild 12-string owners would like to contact me, please do. I would welcome any helpful hints on playing, care, anything other than 47% humidity at 70 degrees. When I improve some on my technique, and they listen to these great Guild instruments, I believe that the manufacturing facility will have to gear up and produce a few more to meet the new demand. -Craig.

 

[taabru45]

Hi Craig ...you can have a lot of fun with open tunings on a good 12, do try open C... fun to strum and experiment with....Stefan

 

[killdeer43]

I especially like to fingerpick my Guild 12's for a very full range of sound. Does anyone have any suggestions for tuning that will make it easier on my fingers? Also Iwould like to buy a Westerly, R.I. made F412/ 512/ or 612. It will become an object d' art for me.

You're talking about some great Guilds, Craig. We should all have one of each!!

I enjoy fingerpicking my 12 string and I keep it tuned down to D. It's easier on my fingers and I just like the sound better than when it's tuned to E.
Theory is that the neck likes it too! :wink:

Stay in tune,
Joe

 

[Christopher Cozad]

I am now the proud owner of a new, unplayed Connecticut made F512. I also bought a used Corona, CA F412 to practice on, and also have a used Takoma F50R.

Congratulations, Craig! You should find many friends here.

Though the years of the guitars may differ, I have the very same models.

This is just the beginning of my fervent love affair. I know that the East Coast has a number of Guild players, but I live in northern Michigan, and I don't know anyone else that plays Guild. Martin and Taylor seem to predominate this area.

Guild evangelists are needed everywhere. Please spread the love to the unwashed (Gibson, Martin, and Taylor players). Sometimes, it is the best (or only) way to find folks to jam with.

I especially like to fingerpick my Guild 12's for a very full range of sound. Does anyone have any suggestions for tuning that will make it easier on my fingers? Also Iwould like to buy a Westerly, R.I. made F412/ 512/ or 612. It will become an object d' art for me.

Tune down (from A 440) 1/2 or 1 full step. If the strings are too jangly, you can add a capo on the first or second fret. If that still doesn't work, and the action is set up well, you can try medium guage strings. I have my F412 set up with light guage strings tuned to concert pitch, and my F512 set up with medium guage strings tuned down 1 step. As a result, my F512 is 'easier' on the fingers than my F412.

If you can find an F612 to purchase, I may have to move to Michigan.

Christopher

If any other Guild 12-string owners would like to contact me, please do. I would welcome any helpful hints on playing, care, anything other than 47% humidity at 70 degrees. When I improve some on my technique, and they listen to these great Guild instruments, I believe that the manufacturing facility will have to gear up and produce a few more to meet the new demand. -Craig.

 

[chazmo]

Welcome aboard, Craig! Great selection of Guild axes!!

 

[charliea]

Finger pain? Better to give than to receive.

 

[Brad Little]

I keep both my 12s tuned to concert pitch, and in fact for at least 30 years had 12s or 13s on the F212. However, if you are having trouble with LH fingerings, you might go along with the suggestion of tuning down a half or whole step. Might have to do some adjusting or using a heavier string if the tension is so low that you get string buzzes. Even though I keep mine at pitch, there's something really nice about the rumble of a D-d tuned 12.
Brad

 

[Christopher Cozad]

Finger pain? Better to give than to receive.

:lol: Perfect! May I have permission to borrow that line?

Christopher

 

[idealassets]

Folks, Thanks for all your quick replies, especially from you players that are professional. Currently I play 12-string in D tuning. Pardon my "dumb" questions, but I need to know: Is D tuning, just like E tuning, only every string is one note lower? What is "concert tuning"? Until 4 months ago I didn't know much guitar lore. I had to buy these Guilds in order to find out anything about them, and to find what I like. I play in the local Folk Music Society, and have done open mic's; my playing is improving. How do you list your guitars for this site, just type them in like this-

1978 Alvarez 5200
2009 Martin HD28
2007 Guild F50r
2010 Guild F512
2003 Guild F412

 

[fronobulax]

Folks, Thanks for all your quick replies, especially from you players that are professional. Currently I play 12-string in D tuning. Pardon my "dumb" questions, but I need to know: Is D tuning, just like E tuning, only every string is one note lower? What is "concert tuning"? Until 4 months ago I didn't know much guitar lore. I had to buy these Guilds in order to find out anything about them, and to find what I like. I play in the local Folk Music Society, and have done open mic's; my playing is improving. How do you list your guitars for this site, just type them in like this-

1978 Alvarez 5200
2009 Martin HD28
2007 Guild F50r
2010 Guild F512
2003 Guild F412

Concert pitch is where the A is 440Hz. If you tune your A string to a pitch pipe, tuning fork or some other reference source it is almost certainly concert pitch. A lot of 12 string players tune to something lower (A < 440 Hz) because that reduces the tension on the neck. Sometimes people will also tune to non-concert pitch to make a song easy to play in a comfortable voice range if they don't want to mess with a capo.

At the top of the page is something called User Control Panel. Click it. Go to Profile and Edit Signature. You can list your guitars in your signature, as well as witty quotes, ant it will appear at the end of all of your posts.

 

[Brad Little]

Currently I play 12-string in D tuning. Pardon my "dumb" questions, but I need to know: Is D tuning, just like E tuning, only every string is one note lower? What is "concert tuning"?.... How do you list your guitars for this site, just type them in like this-

D tuning is standard tuning one note lower-i.e. D-G-C-F-A-D. There's also "dropped D," kept in standard tuning except the low string is dropped to "D," and double dropped D that also lowers the first string. Concert tuning is the same as standard tuning, using an A 440 as the reference pitch.
As to adding a list of guitars, you need to got to your user panel and add a signature.
Brad

 

[12stringer]

Welcome aboard....That is a well rounded stable of guitars you have there!
I think many here will agree that you have excellent taste in guitars! :wink:

 

[Bing k]

Welcome,
This thread inspired me to get out my F412 Cabernet. What an instrument! I start playing it about 4-5 years ago when we bought several of them from Fender. I have the action on this thing set so it plays better than most 6 strings you pick up. Just a killer guitar.
Welcome to the LTG

 

[12 string]

Some of us tune our 12ers higher and lower than standard because such set-ups and tunings make the 12 string a very different instrument than one tuned to standard. Many of the greatest old-time and contemporary players tune very low.

Here's what I do:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5518&start=60

Welcome aboard.

' Strang

 

[6L6]

I just tune my '06 F-412 down 1/2 step and use Light gauge Phosphor Bronze strings. Works for me!

6

'06 F-412