How long would you wait?

Stonehauler · Jul 25, 2022

It seems guild is not producing the F-512 Maple (they are producing the rosewood version).

I've had my paid-in-full order in to a major internet seller since February, but even they can't get one and I am now being told a late fall delivery that is constantly being pushed back (3rd time)

Should I consider switching to the Rosewood version?
Is there another company that makes a good jumbo Maple 12 string? (pref. is North American made) Note: I have auditioned a few F-2512 and I don't like the build quality on them

I would consider a bespoke guitar maker if anyone has some suggestions.

Thanks.

Cougar · Jul 25, 2022

Stonehauler said:
Should I consider switching to the Rosewood version?

Tough question! My rosewood F512 is great -- a real full bottom end -- but I just love my (maple) JF30-12, too. I'm not in the market, but if I was, I think I'd be looking for something in maple instead of rosewood (for some unknown reason, lol). That F512 Maple might just be worth the wait.

JF30-12

mavuser · Jul 25, 2022

on those full size jumbos i like rosewood for 12 strings and maple for 6 strings. i think a really good player can make a maple 12 sound incredible (Dave Gilmour). but when i play one every note and chord sound the same to my ears. they are really bright and loud. almost like an electric. if u sound good, u sound *really good! mahogany or rosewood 12s, much more forgiving. i need to wrangle a 6-string maple Guild at some point, that I can handle.

RBSinTo · Jul 25, 2022

Stonehauler,
You are asking questions only you can answer, as they all require subjective opinions.
And in the end you'll not get a consensus, but a variety of advice that will get you no closer to a resolution.
Your opinion with respect to which guitar is the only one that counts, and in the end, will be the correct one for you.
RBSinTo

chazmo · Jul 25, 2022

Stonehauler, that's really a shame. Are you against going used?

By the way, I waited about 4 months (maybe more?) when I ordered my F-212XL Standard from New Hartford, but that was because they weren't in production yet and I wanted to put my order in so they would make it. As I recall, it was a deposit, not a payment in full though.

davismanLV · Jul 25, 2022

If the maple is the one you want, wait for it. It's almost August now so Fall isn't that far away, assuming they don't push it back again. Doubt I'd change my mind because of a wait. Think of how long you'll have the guitar, and realize that this waiting period is a drop in the bucket. Also, as RBS has said, only YOU can answer these questions. I'd be patiently waiting like this......

Boneman · Jul 25, 2022

Seeing as you paid in full, I’m in the wait it out camp too. Like Tom Petty sings:

Of course there are used ones out there that‘ll save you some money if you really need one now

GGJaguar · Jul 25, 2022

It's just the nature of the beast. I've ordered limited edition G&Ls, Fender Custom Shop and Martin Custom Shop guitars and had to wait. And wait. But in the end it was worth it and made for the most fun NGDs.

cupric · Jul 25, 2022

I think almost all manufacturers are backordered. Definitely all US.
Back in the very beginning of the pandemic I was intent on getting a fiberglass top for my Geo Tracker. There were two companies making them, mostly to order. The lead time was sketchy at best. I put in my order with a anticipated delivery in about two months.After two months with no update I found that the delivery was now several months out, maybe 12. I cancelled my order. The company dropped out of sight. I think they are out for good. The other manufacturer is still making them in California. Only one in existence.
But someday I may try again....And wait it out.
Guild is the best in existence, IMHO, and the wait is worth it. Unless the money in limbo is an issue.

Br1ck · Jul 25, 2022

I'd look for a used one, but keep your order in. When it comes, pick the best one, and sell the other.

D30Man · Jul 25, 2022

Plus one for either waiting until late fall or finding a nice used one. I love maple and I love rosewood, but in my experience we are talking about two discernable tonal profiles. I have a RW F-55 ( the 6 string version of what you are looking at ) and I can tell you now I will one day own a Maple F-50 / F-55 new or used because it will sound different enough.

Quick Maple story: I was in Zoo music Garland, TX on Saturday picking up an extra mic before my gig. Also nabbed a well-priced NOS Fender Vibro Champ XD ( killer amp in the 5w category ), but I digress. A musician came in with a Maple F-50 that was well played but structurally in great condition - played beautifully as it should have. He told me the story about how a year ago he found it in its case at a Goodwill marked at $195... He said he dropped $200 on the counter and got out of there as quickly as he could. He also said he ran every light going home

D30Man · Jul 25, 2022

I'll add that maybe the stars will align one day and I will have the cash at the same Richard wants to sell that amazing Oxblood GRS F-55

One can dream....

Westerly Wood · Jul 25, 2022

Stonehauler said:
It seems guild is not producing the F-512 Maple (they are producing the rosewood version).

I've had my paid-in-full order in to a major internet seller since February, but even they can't get one and I am now being told a late fall delivery that is constantly being pushed back (3rd time)

Should I consider switching to the Rosewood version?
Is there another company that makes a good jumbo Maple 12 string? (pref. is North American made) Note: I have auditioned a few F-2512 and I don't like the build quality on them

I would consider a bespoke guitar maker if anyone has some suggestions.

Thanks.

I would do the rosewood, especially on a 12 string. a RW 512 will ring for days and be so full sounding. It will be huge.

cupric · Jul 25, 2022

I want one of each!
My favorite ever was a Westerly F412 at a GC in RI, (vintage unknown but likely 80s). Early 2000s or so. It was about $1600. I think about it a lot! I should have got it. I didn't because of the family finances, as a stay at home mom household. And I would not be able to live with myself if I sold the kids. So....

dreadnut · Jul 25, 2022

Good things come to those who wait.

I woulda coulda shoulda bought an F412 at GC for $900 a few years back. It was beautiful, played and sounded like a dream.

I also owned an F512.

Nothing wrong with either one!

davismanLV · Jul 25, 2022

Maple archbacks are a real thing!! Don't forget that!!

JohnW63 · Jul 26, 2022

Keep a search on Reverb.com and see what pops up. Just keep in mind they were called a few things before being called an F512 Maple. F412 mostly but not always.

Wilmywood · Jul 26, 2022

davismanLV said:
Maple archbacks are a real thing!! Don't forget that!!

I have an archback maple '72 G 37 I wouldn't trade or sell for anything.

BradHK · Jul 26, 2022

If you are thinking about used (or buying one while you are waiting), this one just got listed. No affiliation

Guild F-412 12-string Jumbo Maple Guitar w/ beautiful inlay & Orig HSC, 1983. | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Guild F-412 12-string Jumbo Maple Guitar w/ beautiful inlay & Orig HSC, 1983. at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

GardMan · Jul 26, 2022

I read the SN as FK100890, which makes it post 1987... Hans could confirm the actual build year.

Correction: it's FK100390 (I didn't see the label pic, and was trying to read the blurry headstock SN). That makes it a 1983 model....

How long would you wait?

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