Ridgemont's Standard Series F30R Review

[Bill Ashton]

OK, just a 'nother coupla logs on the fire before I try to sleep...

Take a look at these, as close as I could come to Guild specs whether F30/F30R Traditional or Standard...

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/00018.htm

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/00028.htm

Both fine guitars, and the seller is a good company. I don't think the Guild prices are that far off, if at all.

http://elderly.com/fmic/items/GUSF30R.htm

 

[Ridgemont]

Hey Bill, I did not measure the neck. I did play it right next to a traditional F30 and could feel the width difference. The F30 had a thicker C-profile than the F30R but the F30R had a wider neck. Apparently, Fender is also selling and advertising these to the dealers as 1&3/4" nut widths (according to the store owner). He told me this after I made my own assessment. I could also feel the wide nut width translate to wider string spacing at the saddle. Very comfortable in my opinion.

In response to your comments about price, I was not trying to say they were overpriced. I do think they are priced fairly and you have provided links in your previous post to demonstrate that. What I am saying is that once you sell a guitar for $2K, you are opening yourself up to more competition. Guild always had the edge in value. Now they are selling a $2K guitar for $2K which is fair. As a buyer, if I am able to commit $2K to a single guitar, I am able to look at many brands (new) and some higher end brands (used). I always think of the $2K pricepoint as bringing in the greatest variety (or competition) with the least amount of money.

 

[Bill Ashton]

...then I must get to Union Music with either a 2" mic or vernier calipers and measure the one there! I wonder, could the mahogany be 1/5/8" and the rosewood 1/3/4" ???

My pricing opinion was not aimed at your post specifically Ridge, just at the audience in general...but you are probably right, they have given themselves more competition now...

Or...have knowingly added themselves to the frey that was already there?

(Edited above, damn I have to be more careful )

 

[bluesypicky]

And Pascal, come on up and see me in Central massachusetts and I will direct you to a music store that will give you a price at least as good as Ridge's estimate :lol: ...maybe two.
Now, let me get back to my self-medication with Blackberry Brandy :?

Hey Bill!
As weird as it may sound (from pro-Gasser's such as ourselves :lol: ), since the arrival in the herd of my 000 Martin, I actually feel content... My nerves are calmed, my bank account relieved, for a while at least. :roll:
I feel like I have enough guitars now, would you believe it?!!! :shock:
I'd still love to visit however.... I spent a month in MASS. (Plymouth) for work a few years ago, and absolutely loved it. (Even the cold since I knew it was temporary!) But seriously folks are great there, it felt like home actually.
Take care of this cold!
P.

PS attention Treem :arrow: Don't give up on the search for an F50R under 1k... we're still on!! :lol:

 

[Ridgemont]

...then I must get to Union Music with either a 2" mic or vernier calipers and measure the one there! I wonder, could the mahogany be 1/5/8" and the rosewood 1/3/4" ???

My pricing opinion was aimed at your specifically Ridge, just at the audience in general...but you are probably right, they have given themselves more competition now...

Or...have knowingly added themselves to the frey that was alredy there?

Yes I would double check with a ruler. The Traditional F30 (mahogany) has the same nut width and neck profile as my '98 F30. Although the scale length on mine is 24&3/4" while the current models (both Standard and Traditional) are 25.5 inches. They did not have a Standard Series F30 (mahogany), only a rosewood. They owner told me about his conversations with his Fender rep. They were both very excited that Guild was coming out with a 1&3/4" nut width on an F30 with rosewood back/sides. That was the only one they ordered out of the Standard series as they have all other guitars in the Traditional line at the old prices (prior to October 1st). He said they plan to regularly stock the F30R. Based on their very enthusiastic opinions on the F212XL in the past, I foresee them stocking one in the near future.

Fender is a huge company with plenty of marketing gurus. I have trouble believing the idea that they have no idea what they are doing. Yes the competition is stiff and there is a lot more now. But tone and playability is subjective, and as a buyer, I go to the guitar store emphasizing those above all else. Guild has a unique tone that is unlike the rest of the market. Some like it and some don't. Those who like it and can afford a guitar in this price range will take them home. Look at Taylor. It is my observation that there are several people on this forum (myself included) that do not prefer their tone. But they still sell plenty of them because several others like the way they sound.