F-212 feedback please?

[bluesypicky]

Hi gang,

I have been without a 12 strings for too long, and just stumbled upon an ad for a 70's F-212 that I am going to look at in a couple of days. This mahogany back and side sounds like a good omen to my blues "penchant".
Any feedback from F-212 connoisseurs (around 1705-1715, borrowed from the French connoisseur, from the verb connoître,obsolete pre-1835 spelling of connaître (“‘to know’”)).welcome...Thanks!

 

[chazmo]

Well, that's one of the iconic 12 strings in Guild history, bluesy. I don't have one myself, but I keep hoping to pick one of these up to add to the 12er aresenal. I don't see how you could go wrong with that model, except be sure to have a very close look at the condition of the one you buy or (like any old guitar) it could've been dehydrated or damaged and require significant work.

 

[killdeer43]

Hi gang,
Any feedback from F-212 connoisseurs (around 1705-1715, borrowed from the French connoisseur, from the verb connoître,obsolete pre-1835 spelling of connaître (“‘to know’”)).welcome...Thanks!

This is a great forum; i.e., I had no idea that some Guilds were made in France! That must explain the "F" in F-212. Sacre bleu! :lol:

I live to learn,
Joe

 

[chazmo]

Hi gang,
Any feedback from F-212 connoisseurs (around 1705-1715, borrowed from the French connoisseur, from the verb connoître,obsolete pre-1835 spelling of connaître (“‘to know’”)).welcome...Thanks!

This is a great forum; i.e., I had no idea that some Guilds were made in France! That must explain the "F" in F-212. Sacre bleu! :lol:

I live to learn,
Joe

Ouesterlie, mes amis?

 

[bluesypicky]

Hi gang,
Any feedback from F-212 connoisseurs (around 1705-1715, borrowed from the French connoisseur, from the verb connoître,obsolete pre-1835 spelling of connaître (“‘to know’”)).welcome...Thanks!

This is a great forum; i.e., I had no idea that some Guilds were made in France! That must explain the "F" in F-212. Sacre bleu! :lol:

I live to learn,
Joe

Ouesterlie, mes amis?

:lol: :lol: :lol:
That etymological reference was a hook for all my bilingual friends here, in an attempt to test their seemingly boundless culture...... :mrgreen:
Joe, thanks for enlightening me again here, I didn't know they were French made (not maid) either...... maybe I should start looking for them on Ebay France!!!! :lol:

 

[killdeer43]

:lol: :lol: :lol:
That etymological reference was a hook for all my bilingual friends here, in an attempt to test their seemingly boundless culture...... :mrgreen:
Joe, thanks for enlightening me again here, I didn't know they were French made (not maid) either...... maybe I should start looking for them on Ebay France!!!! :lol:

Etymology is one of my well-known passions in these parts and I'm always happy to give as well as receive.
And, it's all good!

*Ebay in France....would that be, perhaps, le Bay? Or something equally silly?

Joe

 

[killdeer43]

But seriously, back to the original query....I've had occasion to play an F-212 in the past and really enjoyed the sound and the way it felt in my lap (big considerations).
I just wish that I could find one when I have the $$ to pick it up and add it to my wall.

Good luck in your quest,
Joe

 

[bluesypicky]

But seriously, back to the original query....I've had occasion to play an F-212 in the past and really enjoyed the sound and the way it felt in my lap (big considerations).
I just wish that I could find one when I have the $$ to pick it up and add it to my wall.

Good luck in your quest,
Joe

Thanks Joe,
Talking about $$, it's been a while since I haven't seen one for sale (Westerly that is), any idea on what would be an average "market value" based on a good condition (no cracks. no repair etc..)?

 

[Scratch]

Hey Bluespicky,
I passed on a 67' Hoboken at the Arlington show this past weekend. Near mint condition was priced at 2k or best offer. I think I could have picked it up for 1700 but Pam was right there beside me... :roll: :lol:

I absolutely love my F212CNT; probably the smoothest, easiest playing 12er in the corral. I paid 1100 last summer for it in near mint condition from another LTGer who knew I was GAS'n big time for one. Highest recommendation; hope you find one. You'll find them on the bay for anywhere from 800 to 2000 depending on condition...

 

[dogberry]

Bluespicky,
I have a '74 F212, and it's a great guitar. Very playable, great sound, and really solidly build. I put light strings on it, tune it to standard tuning, and it's rock solid. A couple years ago I detected a little left in the bridge, but my local guitar guy glued it back down, and it's holding steady. The top is as flat as when I got it new. The tuners have in the last few years gotten really stiff, but I'm pretty sure they can be refurbed or replaced, and they are, after all, 35 years old. If you find one in good condition, I predict you'll love it.

dogberry

 

[BluesDan]

If an old G212 pops up you may want to consider that also. Hog back & sides, spruce top, 12 string version of the D40. Love mine for blues. Unless you are set on the "F" shape, then disregard.

 

[bluesypicky]

Thanks all for your very helpful feedback!
Can't wait to check it out on Friday.... Will keep you posted.
Bluesdan, can you tell me more about differences between the G and the F soundwise, or is it mainly a shape issue?

 

[BluesDan]

Thanks all for your very helpful feedback!
Can't wait to check it out on Friday.... Will keep you posted.
Bluesdan, can you tell me more about differences between the G and the F soundwise, or is it mainly a shape issue?

I have not played an F212 so I can't say for sure but I would think they should be very similar soundwise. Both are spruce top, hog back & sides, same nut width at 1 13/16, same depth, same scale. Bout size only slightly different with the F212 listed as 16" and the G just slightly less. I just mentioned it in case one came up, it might fit the bill for the sound you are looking for. Good luck with the F112 you are checking out on Friday!

 

[jte]

The store I managed sent an F212 in for a customer for some extensive repairs (bowed top, pulled bridge, etc.) This would have been around 1986 or so. It came back and was one of those just awesome guitars. We called him and left voice mail for him to come get it.

Several times...

After a LONG time (years?) we sent certified letters to his last address...

It was still in the back room of the store when I quit retail in 1988.

I was helping out at the store around 2000, and found the case in the back room still! I pulled it out, tuned it up and played it for half an hour.

I talked the the store owner (my friend and old boss) about it the following Wednesday. He'd just sold it to the store's amp repaiarman the day before.

It's one of a small handful of instruments that have passed through my hands I regret not getting. It sounds like a guitar, not a harpsichord like so many other 12-strings do. It's perfect for me.

John

 

[Brad Little]

I've never played a 12 I liked better than my F-212, only a few I liked as much (all Guilds). It plays like a dream and sounds great-makes me want to pick up a nice mahogany six. It's been through the mill, mostly due to my 10 years or so playing in sleazy gin mills (often while enjoying too much of their product). Interestingly, when I bought it (new), I had my eye on a Gibson 12 in the same store (hadn't really heard much of Guild at the time), but it was $100 more and I couldn't come up with the difference. I certainly am glad I couldn't.
Brad

 

[southernGuild]

Reading THIS gives ME GAS!!!!!! :lol:

 

[bluesypicky]

Reading THIS gives ME GAS!!!!!! :lol:

If all I read is proven true (as I suspect) when I get to it Friday, it should come home with papa :mrgreen: and I promise I will help soothe your GAS with a couple of nice pics....
Or will it make matters worse? :roll:

 

[capnjuan]

... when I get to it Friday, it should come home with papa :mrgreen: and I promise I will help soothe your GAS with a couple of nice pics.... Or will it make matters worse? :roll:

Hi BP; not for me ... my '66 F212:

Congratulations .... in advance :wink: . CJ

 

[bluesypicky]

Wowww!!! You got me drooling like a mad dog Captain....
That thing looks brand new! Is it the original finish?

 

[capnjuan]

Hi BP; yes, it's the original finish but it's being flattered some by the camera. Has a couple of dings but otherwise very light playwear and a dead-straight neck. Tuners upgraded to Gotoh minis and the bridge has been refitted. I'm sure you'll be very pleased with yours! J