I understand ownership changes. But why change the name? It would be like changing the name of the Strat, or Corvette. It's a iconic model(s). The old naming system was understandable, and worked. And there were enough differences between the models to warrant the different nomenclature.
As Frono mentioned, after CMG acquired 'em, Guild produced a chart which explained their new model naming system, still up on their website, link here because it's a PDF:
Note that "F412" would imply an instrument with a spruce top and hog body, and that a maple bodied-instrument is ID'd as a "5" along with the "maple" suffix to note the tone wood.
We've already been through all the hue and cry about the F20 now being the M40 and the F30 will be the OM40 if they ever get around to building it.
But the biggest crime is that
there is no slot for the 16" jumbo (
TRUE F40) family.
At all.
Callin' an F412 an F512 Maple is irrelevant compared to that glaring oversight, which has resulted in them deciding to use the F40 designation for a 'hog bodied 17" jumbo. Now THAT's sheer arrogance: Capitalize on the name without making it the same. Grrrr.......