txbumper57
Enlightened Member
There have been several of the early 90's JF-4 jumbos with the arched mahogany back listed on Ebay and Reverb as of late. A few looked to be in good shape as well.:single_eye:
LOVE Guild Jumbos...but a bit confused!
- Thread starter The Retro Rocker
- Start date
There have been several of the early 90's JF-4 jumbos with the arched mahogany back listed on Ebay and Reverb as of late. A few looked to be in good shape as well.:single_eye:
jcwu
Senior Member
That's an interesting way to look at it. It'd be like being shown a photo of the stirrups from the bed where my wife gave birth to my kids.
adorshki
Reverential Member
Yeah. More important: How many stirrups?
Neal
Senior Member
I was speaking metaphorically...
Neal
Neal
adorshki
Reverential Member
And you thought we'd let you get away with it?
The Retro Rocker
Member
Adorshki,
Thanks for your info!
If I read you right, you're saying the JF-65 is basically the same as the F-50?
They just changed the model designation to signify George Gruhn's involvement at Guild?
Thanks for your info!
If I read you right, you're saying the JF-65 is basically the same as the F-50?
They just changed the model designation to signify George Gruhn's involvement at Guild?
Neal
Senior Member
That is correct, Rocker. Same guitar, different model designation. Might have been some minor changes in top bracing. Not totally sure.
Neal
Neal
adorshki
Reverential Member
As I understand it Gruhn was responsible for the revamp of the model number system, it was intended to bring consistency to the system but seemed to cause some confusion instead.
He also brought in master luthier Kim Walker and introduced some new models.
"basically" the same is the important qualifier there.
Like Neal said, it wouldn't surprise me if bracing was slightly changed under Gruhn/Walker, it was part of their self-defined mission to improve the line, but I can't remember specific references about F50s/JF65 bracing, although for sure we know it changed on models like D55's, and not just under their stewardship either.
Later versions of JF55/65 got abalone rosettes for example.
Some versions of F50 had ebony fretboard and rosewood bridge, but http://westerlyguildguitars.com/guitars/f50.html shows JF65 with ebony bridge.
Also I think at least some versions of JF65 got 3-piece laminated necks (resists twisting), but I don't know if that was true of all F50's, I seem to recall some of 'em had one-piece necks.
So the basic formula of size and arched maple back/sides remained constant although little details could change.
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The Retro Rocker
Member
I just missed a very clean looking JF-65. Owner had it on ebay and reverb. Actually, I saw it on reverb and didn't realize it was on ebay until almost too late. Hopefully another one as nice as that will pop up! ( I like the G-shield, binding on neck and headstock, abalone...all the "bling", but still spruce/maple.)
There's actually one on ebay right now...but it seems kinda...I don't know if the owner just doesn't know how to properly describe and show something he has for sale, or just doesn't care. Take a look and tell me YOUR thoughts, please.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111775098144?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
There's actually one on ebay right now...but it seems kinda...I don't know if the owner just doesn't know how to properly describe and show something he has for sale, or just doesn't care. Take a look and tell me YOUR thoughts, please.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111775098144?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
adorshki
Reverential Member
Not uncommon to see listings like that. I assume a good percentage of 'em are just "flippers".
Take a look and tell me YOUR thoughts, please.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111775098144?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT[/QUOTE]
Seems somewhat overpriced, 'specially for an '89, with the blems and the non-original strap pin in the heel, although that is in what some of consider to be the best spot.
I'd ask him for a neck alignment check and if he can vouch for all the bracing being tight, or if he offers returns, before making offer.
I'd be thinking maybe $900-1000 if I was interested, but I seem to tend to overvalue 'em (Guilds in general) by some other guys' standards and regional prices.
Be patient, they're not that rare and are usually in better condition for about $1200.00 tops for late Westerlys, "IIRC".
Neal
Senior Member
Seller had limited transactions, and thus, limited useful feedback. Buyer beware.
Is the damage to the finish at the neck joint the result of a poorly-executed neck reset? Or possibly a fairly serious impact to the neck? The saddle has lots of height left, so that is a good sign, but not a sure bet that the neck angle is correct.
I personally like to find the most pristine examples I can, which usually run a couple hundred dollars more but are easy on the eyes and way easier to sell if the time comes. One notable exception is my '71 F-20, which is so abused, it's cool.
I would definitely get a 7-day trail period if I were to buy it sight unseen. That way, you are only out the shipping cost if you have to return it.
Neal
Is the damage to the finish at the neck joint the result of a poorly-executed neck reset? Or possibly a fairly serious impact to the neck? The saddle has lots of height left, so that is a good sign, but not a sure bet that the neck angle is correct.
I personally like to find the most pristine examples I can, which usually run a couple hundred dollars more but are easy on the eyes and way easier to sell if the time comes. One notable exception is my '71 F-20, which is so abused, it's cool.
I would definitely get a 7-day trail period if I were to buy it sight unseen. That way, you are only out the shipping cost if you have to return it.
Neal
Neal
Senior Member
Uhh...make that a 7-day trial period.
Neal
Neal
The Retro Rocker
Member
I'm finding a few JF65s, some F-50s...but under really close scrutiny, some don't stand up to the asking prices. Some seem to, but their prices are higher, naturally. And lots of rosewood back and sides! I guess they were more popular than the maple? I've been listening thru headphones at the differences between rosewood and maple, and there IS a difference! That arched maple really does give it a brightness and big "cannon" volume that rosewood doesn't. Rosewood IS very warm, though. I might consider a JF-30...same size...less bling (oh but I LOVE the bling!)...and I believe the bracing is somewhat different? I think what I'm really wanting is a nice, well-cared for, used, JF-65 with some sort of pickup (or I'll get one installed on one without.)
The search continues...
By the way, anyone have any experience or insight on Reverb vs Ebay?
The search continues...
By the way, anyone have any experience or insight on Reverb vs Ebay?
SFIV1967
Venerated Member
Maybe RW is better to record with than Maple in the studio? Not sure.
Here are a few Maple F-50 users:
Maybe the most famous, Elvis! (see also here: http://www.scottymoore.net/ep76guild.html)
Eric Clapton posed with one:
Paul Weller played a F-50CE in Maple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIRnffj1kEY
Bobby Womack played a nice very old F-50 in Maple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3gAZekJ4BY
Utah Phillips as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M2ABPpp1vY
John "Marmaduke" Dawson played a F-50: http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u113/10foot/Craigslist/MarmadukeandMickey570_zpscdccaad4.jpg
Brewer and Shipley with F-50 (the left one): https://seventiesmusic.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/brewershipley3.jpg
Justin Hayward auf The Moody Blues played a black Maple JF-30E: http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums...es Guild/JustinGuildBlackcrop_zps1e361e7e.jpg
Ralf
Neal
Senior Member
I have made purchases and sales on both Reverb and eBay. Bargains can be found on eBay if you are patient and careful. However, Reverb generally carries fewer guitars with major "issues".
The older the guitar, the more likely there will be something wrong with it that will require a luthier's attention. Sometimes, that is factored into the deal. I bought a '71 D-25 that had a cracked and lifting bridge, but got it for a price that gave me some room for having the repair done.
The most expensive flaw in older Guilds is a shallow neck angle, which requires a neck reset (~$400-$500). I would heavily scrutinize any guitar that has only a sliver of saddle left. Another would be one that needs a refret/fret board leveling.
Playing before buying is always the best policy. Buying with a no-hassle return policy is next best. Buying a "no returns" guitar is always risky.
Neal
The older the guitar, the more likely there will be something wrong with it that will require a luthier's attention. Sometimes, that is factored into the deal. I bought a '71 D-25 that had a cracked and lifting bridge, but got it for a price that gave me some room for having the repair done.
The most expensive flaw in older Guilds is a shallow neck angle, which requires a neck reset (~$400-$500). I would heavily scrutinize any guitar that has only a sliver of saddle left. Another would be one that needs a refret/fret board leveling.
Playing before buying is always the best policy. Buying with a no-hassle return policy is next best. Buying a "no returns" guitar is always risky.
Neal
adorshki
Reverential Member
In first 2 years ('87-'88) at least, they had top-of-the-line scalloped bracing. Wouldn't surprise me if that changed though.
If you run across a seller who knows what he's looking for you could ask him to check for you.
adorshki
Reverential Member
Actually we've heard from a couple of folks (including Marcellis who should know)that maple records "truest".
I'm thinking this may be a case where people aren't as willing to sell their maple bodies, or maybe for some reason (like popular perception/demand) rosewood models were produced in greater numbers at certain times?
Maple has a probably undeserved reputation among many people for being too dry and trebly, until they experience the Guild treatment, at least.
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Neal
Senior Member
I sold my F-50R, which lost a Darwinian battle with my F-47R.
I kept my F-50. It is so sweet.
Neal
I kept my F-50. It is so sweet.
Neal
The Retro Rocker
Member
Went to a different guitar shop in the Valley today and played their 2010 F-50 New Hartford! Wow! Pristine condition...and what really surprised me was...it's as light as a feather! But STILL sounds awesome...and played great! It was loud when I wanted it to be, but amazingly easy to control. Really low action, smooth neck. great feel.
Strings seemed to be a lighter gauge than what I'm used to, so I had to ease up a little or I got a slight clack on the low E. Plenty of saddle and straight neck. But I was almost disappointed about how light it was. (Almost, but not really! LOL!) I'm used to a bit more heft! But I could get used to it. However, 2300.00 is a little 'up there' for me price-wise (I'd still have to fit it with a pickup/pre-amp) ...and he didn't seem willing to "deal", he knows what he's got. (Has a BUNCH of nice NH Guilds...might have been, maybe still IS, a Guild dealer), but it's one of the nicest guitars I've played in a LONG time!
Is that a common trait...that the New Hartfords are lighter than the Westerly's? Or was it just this particular guitar?
Strings seemed to be a lighter gauge than what I'm used to, so I had to ease up a little or I got a slight clack on the low E. Plenty of saddle and straight neck. But I was almost disappointed about how light it was. (Almost, but not really! LOL!) I'm used to a bit more heft! But I could get used to it. However, 2300.00 is a little 'up there' for me price-wise (I'd still have to fit it with a pickup/pre-amp) ...and he didn't seem willing to "deal", he knows what he's got. (Has a BUNCH of nice NH Guilds...might have been, maybe still IS, a Guild dealer), but it's one of the nicest guitars I've played in a LONG time!
Is that a common trait...that the New Hartfords are lighter than the Westerly's? Or was it just this particular guitar?