Opinion on F-212xl

[chazmo]

The F-212XL is a wonderful beast. I've played a couple of '70s versions, and they were more resonant than my New Hartford F-212XL Standard.

Anyway, Rich, I think you got some good advice here about the finances. I don't think that's a fair straight swap; I think you would be on the losing side of that deal. That said, these aren't pure financial decisions. As a 12-string player, I can totally relate to that.

[gilded]

Well, if you can play a 412 comfortably, you can play a 212xl, so size is not an issue.

I had a 212xl, a 212c and a 112 at the same time. The 212xl was a very good guitar, the 212c was okay and the 112 was a delight to play. I miss it. I think that would be a fun 12 string to have in place of the 412. The sound would come out of the 112 very quickly. By contrast, the 212xl was a bit slow, with a deeper voice.

Finally, I think if you needed to fill a coffee shop with music without a mic or a pickup, the 212xl would be a better choice than the 112.

That's my 2 cents.

[Rich Cohen]

My hog deal is with Carter Vintage Guitars. Their repair staff have done the neck reset, bridge re-glue and fret dressing. What do you think?

[Cougar]

I need your opinion on whether to proceed with an acquisition of a 1975 F-212xl. I'm basically trading it for my 2012 F-47MCE (D-TAR) which is in minty condition.

No! Not a good deal. Even as a 12-string player, you need a 6-string or two. I'm thinking you need to renegotiate a new disarmament treaty with the president, allowing for trial periods at least where you're overabundant temporarily.... then maybe permanently with some additional "negotiation."

[gilded]

Rich,

I think it's your decision. Monetarily, you are leaving significant money on the table, but if you got to have it, well, most of us have been there.

Also, the guitar is in Nashville. That's 550 miles from your town, so it's not like you're gonna drive down Saturday morning to check it out and skedaddle back to Virginina after lunch!

Here is the link for the guitar: https://cartervintage.com/collection...nt=32303818243

Nice looking guitar, with a few noticeable scratches. My hunch is that they can sell your guitar for $400-600 more than they can get for their guitar. Again, that may not matter to you.

My guess is that Carter Guitars has very good repairmen. Still, before I committed to thrust, I would ask for some pictures of the the neck heel from all angles so the quality of work they did on this particular guitar can be seen. Necks are hard to pull cleanly on Guilds and you need to know what this one looks like.

Also ask for pics of the case. That could make a big difference in value to the next guy down the line.

Also, I have a question for you. Why do you like your F48 over your F47? Don't know jack about F48s, just curious.

thanks, Harry/gilded

[Rich Cohen]

Cougar,
I have two six stringers: F-48 and DV-52, plus the F-412, which is maple. The 212xl hog would complement the F-412.

[Rich Cohen]

Harry,
Thanks for the advice and ideas. I have thought of asking for more pics, which I'll do today. I like the F-48, which I have recently acquired, for several reasons. One, it's a hog, not maple, producing a very nice mellow tone, also partly because it's 42 years old and has opened up well. Third, it's got mojo. The F-47, is rather bright sounding for me -- though it sounds great for melody work. You're all right about leaving money on the table. But, we all are subjective beings!

[Rich Cohen]

Chazmo, thanks for your advice. Actually, a shop like Carter Vintage Guitars doesn't swap guitars. They offer 80% of its market value and put it towards the wanted axe's asking price.

[gilded]

Rich, I like Mahogany more than maple, too, but everybody's ears are different.

I know you have a solemn covenant with your wife, but you might consider promising her to put one up for sale immediately on Craigslist/local consignment, etc., after receiving the new guitar and deciding to keep it.

How much do you and they think your 47 is worth?

[Rich Cohen]

Harry,
Carter Vintage is using the number 1,400. Several F-47s comparable in age and condition are going for around 1400 -- 1500. So, I would say Carter is being reasonably business like with me.