Guild Jumbos

[NateD]

Hey, I'm new here, and I don't own a Guild yet. I'm really interested in the jumbos, mainly because the two Guild jumbos I played had a better sound than anything else I've touched.

There are so many models that I get a bit lost while trying to figure out what I want. For example, what's the difference between an F-50R and a JF-55? What other jumbo models are there?

I think I may have a chance to buy an F-40 Valencia for very cheap, but the person doesn't seem to know much about guitars, and is slow to communicate via email. They said it is a vintage mahogany Guild in excellent condition, and just through my brief searching, the F-40 Valencia seemed to be the only guitar to fit that description. Any thoughts on the F-40? How does its tone compare to other guitars?

Oh, and just as a side note, the first reason I started checking out Guilds was that Dave Van Ronk plays an F-50R, and I think the tone is just incredible. Once I played one, I was sold.

Thanks for your help,
-Nate

 

[NateD]

Actually, it may be a GF-25. The seller is changing information, and not doling out much...

 

[pickoid]

It does get confusing. First of all, I am not an authority on Guilds, I am here more to learn than anything else. I'm like you, I was interested in rosewood Guild jumbos and ended up buying one from a member here. Here is what I know, for what it's worth:

The original Guild rosewood jumbo was the F50R (called a "Navarre" in some old catalogs I have seen). It was the rosewood version of the F50, which was maple. These models continued with these designations until sometime in the 1980s. I believe it was during George Gruhn's involvement with Guild that the F50R was renamed the JF55, and the F50 became the JF65. As far as I know, there were no changes to the actual guitars, only the model designation changed. This was done because the F50R was the jumbo equivalent of the D55, so it brought parity to the numbering system.

At some point in the mid-90's (perhaps when Fender bought Guild), there were some changes to the models. For example, the JF55 gained an abalone rosette and the pickguard changed from tortoise to black. I think when the Westerly factory shut down, and production of jumbos resumed on the west coast, they changed the model designation back to F50R. I guess this was done to reconnect with "tradition." At some point, scalloped bracing was introduced. I don't know if that happened at Westerly or not. My 1992-1993 (late '92 date stamped inside, '93 serial number) JF55 does not have scalloped braces or an abalone rosette. I guess it is "old school."

There is probably a bunch of misinformation in my post, but somebody more knowledgeable will be along shortly to clean up my mess...

 

[chazmo]

Nate, welcome to the fold.

You won't get any argument here about Guild jumbos. I love 'em (obviously).

As for model numbers... that's not too bad, but it takes a while to wrap your mind around 'em.

Your best first step is to acquire Hans Moust's "The Guild Guitar Book," which covers the brand up through 1977. Hans is a regular contributor on LTG too, so specific questions usually come up with quick answers. The GF and JF stuff, however, occurred later in Guild's history.

We've had lots of threads around here, but I don't think we've actually compiled a full inventory / list of models.

I can help you with 17" jumbos, mostly. The GF-25 and F-40 models are not 17"ers, I believe. Dave Van Ronk's F-50R was. If you're looking for an F-50R, it is the same as JF-55 -- Guild just changed the model name during the Gruhn era (and then changed it back again much later). There are a couple of detail differences over the years, which we can discuss.

Just to add some confusion, an F-50 (without the R) is an arched maple-back, as compared with the rosewood on the R model. That is the same as a JF-65. Go figure.

 

[fungusyoung]

Hi Nate, welcome aboard!

Others will no doubt chime in with much more useful info than I can, but I believe the F50R and JF55 are essentially the same design, but only separated by the years in which Guild produced each of those models.

If you are a fan of maple back/sides, another full sized jumbo well worth checking out is a JF30. Much less bling than a JF55 or JF65, but tone for days.

The F20's and F30's (not sure about the F40) are a much smaller body, but jumbo shaped. I believe the GF is a mini jumbo of sorts... I think those are in between the size of a "J" and F20 or F30 type models.

I'd be careful about seeking out a "deal" from somebody that doesn't know much about guitars unless you can see and play it first... because it can be difficult to determine how well the guitar's been cared for or what sort of shape it's in if the seller is not a player.

Good luck, and enjoy the hunt!

 

[plaidseason]

Without getting too scientific . . .

The F50, J55, etc are true jumbos, 17" approx. at the lower bout

The F40/Valencia is a "mini" jumbo, 16" approx. at the lower bout

The F30 is basically an OM/OOO , 15" approx.at the lower bout.

The F20 is basically a 00: 14" approx. at the lower bout.

 

[NateD]

Thanks for all the information. To fill you in on my situation, at the moment, I'm sitting in a dorm on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, where I'm working for the summer. No cell phone reception, so I'm negotiating the deal through email, and a friend. My friends are coming out here to visit me soon, and, if the deal seems worth going for, I'm going to have them (three of whom play guitar) stop by and make sure it's in decent condition etc. The original price quoted was $550, but now the listing has been updated to $650. I'm going to try to get it for 550 still, but we'll see. I'll keep you all updated. Is that a good price?

 

[JerryR]

Hi Nate and welcome - can't help with Jumbos though - I've only played dreads

 

[Jeff_L]

Well, I can't add much to the knowledge already passed along.

Yes, a JF55 and an F50R are pretty much the same instrument.

An F50 (maple) will be brighter than an F50R (rosewood).

However, I can offer an opinion based on my experience:
If you want the rich, lush, resonant, gut-wrenching, mind-blowing, earth-shaking sounds that will make you glad to wake up in the morning, get your hands on a Tacoma-built F50R!

I've had mine for a little over a year and it's still the only guitar in the house that gets played on a regular basis. And, as you can see from my signature, I've got a pretty nice group to play.

The Martin is for sale, I've got a guy interested in the Goodall, the Gibson is my bedroom guitar, but the F50R is my baby - it may just be buried with me so I can play it in the hereafter.

Find one and try it out - you'll never look back!

Jeff

 

[kitniyatran]

Another not an authority, but last week I found a new one on me in a pawn shop reasonably local; a JF4. It's a jumbo with arched mahogany back, & no bling. The price is a steal, except I don't have it to spare, $395. So if your current deal doesn't go through...

 

[fungusyoung]

The original price quoted was $550, but now the listing has been updated to $650. I'm going to try to get it for 550 still, but we'll see. I'll keep you all updated. Is that a good price?

Probably, but it depends a bit on the specific model & condition. There is probably a label inside the soundhole that includes the model and serial number (serial number should also be etched into the back of the headstock). With that info, we might be able to help you further on the value.

Enjoy the lake!

 

[NateD]

Bah, that person wasn't communicating well, and I've just decided to drop that as a lost cause. I'll post it in the craigslist/ebay section if anyone else wants a go.

As for the JF-4, thanks for the info. I'll do a bit of research and get back to you. Where are you located?

Edit: I've simultaneously discovered the location information and edit feature. Southwest Florida is one heck of a distance to ship a guitar that I've never played even the model of, so think I'll pass on that, but thank you very much for letting me know about that. Also, after having a rare chance to get to a guitar shop today, I think I'm leaning heavily towards a rosewood b&s guitar. Thanks, though!

 

[NateD]

I just posted a wanted ad in the FS/FT forum, because after lots of thinking, I figure I might as well shell out a bit more dough for the exact guitar I want than settle for something smaller, and with different wood than I'm looking for. Thanks again for all the welcoming, and all the help. I'm leaning towards a rosewood 17", which would seem to be either the F-50R or the JF-55. Thanks for all the clarification.

 

[Graham]

Southwest Florida is one heck of a distance to ship a guitar that I've never played even the model of, so think I'll pass on that, but thank you very much for letting me know about that. Also, after having a rare chance to get to a guitar shop today, I think I'm leaning heavily towards a rosewood b&s guitar. Thanks, though!

Hey Nate, in the future just ask if there is someone in the area that will check it out for you. We do that you know. :mrgreen:

 

[fungusyoung]

I just posted a wanted ad in the FS/FT forum, because after lots of thinking, I figure I might as well shell out a bit more dough for the exact guitar I want than settle for something smaller, and with different wood than I'm looking for. Thanks again for all the welcoming, and all the help. I'm leaning towards a rosewood 17", which would seem to be either the F-50R or the JF-55. Thanks for all the clarification.

I think this is a great plan. Go for exactly what you want!

Those guitars are not cheap, but they are very, very nice and can probably be found these days at as good of a price as you're likely to see.

Best of luck!

 

[chazmo]

I just posted a wanted ad in the FS/FT forum, because after lots of thinking, I figure I might as well shell out a bit more dough for the exact guitar I want than settle for something smaller, and with different wood than I'm looking for. Thanks again for all the welcoming, and all the help. I'm leaning towards a rosewood 17", which would seem to be either the F-50R or the JF-55. Thanks for all the clarification.

Great approach, Nate. Best of luck in the hunt.

I think one or two of our LTG board members were looking to sell one... Definitely sift through the threads in FS/FT and see what you can find first.

I've been considering selling one of mine, too, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself to do so.

 

[chazmo]

Nate, here you go... Jazzmang is selling is JF-55 with factory electronics. This looks really nice: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=14259&start=0

 

[kitniyatran]

Bah, that person wasn't communicating well, and I've just decided to drop that as a lost cause. I'll post it in the craigslist/ebay section if anyone else wants a go.

As for the JF-4, thanks for the info. I'll do a bit of research and get back to you. Where are you located?

Edit: I've simultaneously discovered the location information and edit feature. Southwest Florida is one heck of a distance to ship a guitar that I've never played even the model of, so think I'll pass on that, but thank you very much for letting me know about that. Also, after having a rare chance to get to a guitar shop today, I think I'm leaning heavily towards a rosewood b&s guitar. Thanks, though!

No problem; I really want to buy it, even if it's for someone else; I just can't spare the bucks!

 

[dayuhan]

However, I can offer an opinion based on my experience:
If you want the rich, lush, resonant, gut-wrenching, mind-blowing, earth-shaking sounds that will make you glad to wake up in the morning, get your hands on a Tacoma-built F50R!

Amen. Same experience, same opinion. I paid $1500 for mine, worth every penny and then some.

 

[Treem]

A Big Welcome and Congratulations NateD!!! Your dream has come true!!!

Happy New Year!!! 8) 8)