JF-55 vs F-50R!!!

JimbowF212

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OK, here goes. I am interested in knowing the difference, Tonewise, between the F-50R and the JF-55. I know the F-50R at least as far as I know, has the scallopped Braces while the JF-55 has shaved. What's the diff??? If any???!!!
 

chazmo

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AFAIK the bracing has changed over the years on the F-50 series. The JF-55 and JF-65 *were* the F-50R and F-50 models in that period because Guild changed model names and then changed 'em back later.

The abalone ring was not in place on all the JF models I think (in the early years of the model).
 

Taylor Martin Guild

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I have asked the same question.
My answer was that they are an evolution of the same guitar.
So what does this mean?
Pick the one that you like and don't worry about the others.
 

adorshki

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Chazmo do all those models have the laminated arched back? I thought some of the "F" models were solid flat backs but every "JF" model I've seen was laminated archback. The operative words here being "I thought" and "I've seen".....
 

chazmo

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adorshki said:
Chazmo do all those models have the laminated arched back? I thought some of the "F" models were solid flat backs but every "JF" model I've seen was laminated archback. The operative words here being "I thought" and "I've seen".....
Al,

F-50 and JF-65 are all lam. maple arch-backs.

F-50R and JF-55 are all solid rosewood backs (except the 1967 model which was lam. Brazilian).

Edit: I'm not 100 sure of my dates, Al, but that's about the size of it.
 

adorshki

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Chazmo said:
Al,

F-50 and JF-65 are all lam. maple arch-backs.

F-50R and JF-55 are all solid rosewood backs (except the 1967 model which was lam. Brazilian).

Edit: I'm not 100 sure of my dates, Al, but that's about the size of it.
Yeah just saw some corroboration of this in Gardman's post about a G37 on ebay. Thanks!
 

JimbowF212

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Guys;
What I am asking is does the top bracing make a difference in the tone or not? I am only familuar with the F-50R that John Denver played and the CT one I played recently. The reason I am asking is that Guitar Center has a used JF-55 and I am just curious if the tone and sound is different between the two? Please let me know!!!
 

adorshki

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JimbowF212 said:
Guys;
What I am asking is does the top bracing make a difference in the tone or not? I am only familuar with the F-50R that John Denver played and the CT one I played recently. The reason I am asking is that Guitar Center has a used JF-55 and I am just curious if the tone and sound is different between the two? Please let me know!!!
HI Jimbow: Yes the top bracing affects tone but the point was made that the bracing varied over time and between models, the veers were related to other factors that also affect tone. I'm guessing you're not able to go play the JF55 easily to hear for yourself so asking around here is probably the next best thing.
 

JimbowF212

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Hey;
I've got an Idea, how about one of you guys who own the two models post a video on you tube!!!!! :)
 

pickoid

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The bracing under the top of my JF55 (formerly owned by TaylorMartinGuild) is pretty massive. Definitely not scalloped in this era (stamped late November 1992 on the neck block, serial number dates early in 1993). It also has the 3 big diagonal braces behind the bridge. Doesn't seem like there's much chance for structural problems with this top! But it still sounds great. I would really like to hear a more lightly-braced "modern" F-50R and compare it to mine, but as I've said before, Guilds are non-existent in this part of the world. I don't think there is a single (non-GAD) new Guild for sale in any store in the state of Arkansas.
 

chazmo

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Jim, I'd like to do that someday... I've been slowly working my way towards setting myself up to record. You guys'll be the first to hear it (someday). :)
 

JimbowF212

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Taylor Martin Guild said:
JimbowF212 said:
Hey;
I've got an Idea, how about one of you guys who own the two models post a video on you tube!!!!! :)
Take a look at Pickoid's video.
I brought it back up for you to see.

I took a Look and I have three ?s
1) Which Guild is it that he is playing?
2) Is he a session player in Nashville or somewhere? He should Be He's great.
3) Where does he live? I'd love to have him for a picking buddy.
 

pickoid

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JimbowF212 said:
Taylor Martin Guild said:
JimbowF212 said:
Hey;
I've got an Idea, how about one of you guys who own the two models post a video on you tube!!!!! :)
Take a look at Pickoid's video.
I brought it back up for you to see.

I took a Look and I have three ?s
1) Which Guild is it that he is playing?
2) Is he a session player in Nashville or somewhere? He should Be He's great.
3) Where does he live? I'd love to have him for a picking buddy.

:oops: Are you sure you watched the right video? Fat guy on a couch? :?:

Assuming we are talking about the Mother Nature's Son video, that is the 1992/1993 Guild JF55 formerly owned by TaylorMartinGuild, currently owned by me. Thanks for the nice comments. I'm humbled in the presence of much greater players. If you want to see some excellent guitar playing on YouTube, including Guild content, dial up Frosty's YouTube channel. Now that's the stuff!
 

Taylor Martin Guild

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JimbowF212 said:
Taylor Martin Guild said:
JimbowF212 said:
Hey;
I've got an Idea, how about one of you guys who own the two models post a video on you tube!!!!! :)
Take a look at Pickoid's video.
I brought it back up for you to see.

I took a Look and I have three ?s
1) Which Guild is it that he is playing?
2) Is he a session player in Nashville or somewhere? He should Be He's great.
3) Where does he live? I'd love to have him for a picking buddy.

I agree with you Jimbow.
That JF-55 sounds great in Pickoid's hands.
As he said, he purchased it from me.
I only sold it because the Jumbo size has become hard for me to play.
I also had to sell my beloved 12 string for the same reason.
I also wanted more volume from the guitar and I found out only after I had purchased the JF-55, that a D-55 is normally louder than a JF-55.
I now own a 2005 D-55 which is a Tacoma made Guild.
I love it! The D-55 is what I was looking for all along, I just didn't know it.

I hope that you find the JF-55 that you are looking for.
They are fantastic guitars!
 

JimbowF212

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pickoid said:
I took a Look and I have three ?s
1) Which Guild is it that he is playing?
2) Is he a session player in Nashville or somewhere? He should Be He's great.
3) Where does he live? I'd love to have him for a picking buddy.

:oops: Are you sure you watched the right video? Fat guy on a couch? :?:

Assuming we are talking about the Mother Nature's Son video, that is the 1992/1993 Guild JF55 formerly owned by TaylorMartinGuild, currently owned by me. Thanks for the nice comments. I'm humbled in the presence of much greater players. If you want to see some excellent guitar playing on YouTube, including Guild content, dial up Frosty's YouTube channel. Now that's the stuff![/quote]

Yes I watched the right video and it was GREAT!!!! Brought back fond memories of my youth when JD was on the radio All The Time!!! I miss those days and if we lived close to each other I would like to get togather and pick & grin a little and maybe I could learn something!!!!
I will look in on Frosys stuff to. I am learning Little Martha and as soon as I get it smoothed out I may post it on the tube but, we shall see.
 
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