Newbee from the West Coast.

[RichM752]

Greetings all Guild Fanciers. I just recently purchased a 1971 F312 NT. Found it in a Guitar Center store in the bay area. I played every 12 string there and this smaller bodied sweetheart was by far the best. Any information knowledgable folks may be able to share would be appreciated. I see lots of info on 112,212, 412, & 512 but not much on 312.
From what little info I have gathered by the serial number 53450, it was made in 1971
It appears to be Indian Rosewood on the back and to me the sides look more brown colored, maybe brazilian?
The guitar has it's share of dings and scratches, but it is crack free, the bridge is secure with a slight wave on the lower end. 1 13/16 nut width fits my meaty claws just fine.
I have a 30 trial period which I can certainly return if I choose, but I think this one is a keeper.
Thanks in advance.

 

[killdeer43]

WELCOME TO LTG!
Heck of an entrance with a great guitar AND pics! :shock:

Stick around, you'll like it here. :wink:

Joe

 

[adorshki]

Hey, welcome aboard from a fellow left, er, west coaster!. :lol:
Wherabouts be ye in the Bay Area? We've got a few members scattered through the region.
Interesting observation about the woods. I think '71 was kind of a borderline period where it's possible Brazilian was used on the sides, I'm thinking especially if they no longer had pieces big enough for complete backs, but our "go to guy" Hans Moust has always cautioned that trying to verify the actual wood by visual inspection is very difficult at best.
Looks like a nice score! How's the neck angle?
I case you don't recognize his name, Hans, btw, "wrote the book" about Guilds (The Guild Guitar Book vol 1 1953-1978), so when he does post here you can pretty much take what he says to the bank.
I'm sure he'd be happy to verify the year from the s/n too. He keeps a database of s/n's.

 

[6L6]

Beautiful guitar and welcome to the Forum of Guildheads!

Bill

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Welcome to the club.
Guild makes the best 12 string out there.
Enjoy yours.

 

[southernGuild]

8) Great intro, and with photos too. Well done. Welcome. Great guitar too. Sure looks like a keeper to me....and a very good find as well. Enjoy.

 

[chazmo]

Rich, welcome aboard, and congrats on a truly wonderful addition to your stable. That's a heck of an introduction into Guilds!

Many/most of the rosewood Guilds from that era have different-looking wood for the sides than the back. It's a good possibility that the back is Indian and sides are Brazilian, but there's no way to be sure. I had a 1971 F-50R that had that different look. What a fantastic instrument, by the way!!!!

 

[walrus]

Welcome! Beautiful guitar!

walrus

 

[learnintoplay62]

Welcome , you'll have a lot of fun here. Post often and love the pics

 

[evenkeel]

Welcome to LTG land. Very nice pics. Thanks.

 

[davismanLV]

Welcome to LTG, Rich. Great first post with pictures and all.... BEAUTIFUL guitar! Thanks for sharing..... :wink:

 

[RichM752]

Thanks for the welcome folks. I finally put the Guild down today and picked up a 6 string. I feel like I've been put under a spell. Just when I thought I was gassed out they pull me back in.
Actually I live in far northern California, Mt. Shasta. Originally from the bay area, Berkeley. I ran to the mountains years ago, but still visit the bay area numerous times a year.
I'm sure to gain a wealth of information here.

 

[bluesypicky]

Another "welcome-nice-guitar" combo comment! Have fun around....

 

[Wilfred]

Welcome & very nice guitar! I happen to own its broader waisted first cousin, a wonderful G-312.
The tone of these is just wonderful, an orchestra on its own.