12 string Guilds under $1000

CARAVANSERAI

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Hello all of you Guild Guys… I am new here…I sometimes type in capitals to help my vision. I live in South America and will be spending some family time in the USA in May. I want to purchase a 12-string jumbo and put the F2512E Deluxe into consideration. I was ready to buy an Epiphone inspired by Gibson Hummingbird 12…thinking that in the long run it may have a better resale value in my country than other brands, but I decided at last minute to think more about my playing enjoyment and my music itself than the selling of the guitar when I am too old to play. Then, I began to read about Seagulls, Taylors, and so on…until I said…”Guild is a great name in the guitar business”…and here I am…tapping on your brains.

I am willing to spend up to US$1000 on the right 12-string…though if I don’t have to go so high…better…case is always a factor that adds up. I have 3 other 12 strings…an Adamas W598 given to me by my family when I turned 50, which I often play…a Takamine EG523SC-12, with great tone and fantastic wood…but which is so hard to play that I decided I am going to sell… and a 1960’s MIJ 335 style Lyle…which I plan on keeping. I read the available threads on the F2515E Deluxe…but I was wondering what additional contributions I may be able to find. Action is a decisive factor for me…after my battle with the Takamine.

Thank you Guild Guys…and Gails!
 

geoguy

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Welcome . . .

Sounds like your Takamine would benefit from a professional setup, assuming it isn't in need of a neck reset.

The Guild F2512E appears to be only about $500, but a case will cost extra. Maybe you can try one when you visit the USA.
 

Guildedagain

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Bienvenudo, I had that album for many years, little known Santana but incredible. Just right for the drugs I was on back then ;]]]

I still see the humble and very playable vintage Guild F112 going for under $1k, has got to be the most incredible value in a guitar for the real thing, USA made vintage Guild made with very fine woods back then, and the tone...

The summer I got my F112, I could hardly play a six string, it was just missing something, like six strings ;]
 

Cougar

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...I read the available threads on the F2515E Deluxe…
Yeah, those are a great deal. Of course, they're actually made in China according to Guild's instructions. The USA-made Guild 12-strings are really the supreme 12-strings. I'd keep my eyes open for a very good condition JF30-12. They are super good. Here's an example that sold for $1100 (with case) that would be well worth going $100 over your limit for a lifetime keeper guitar!


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CARAVANSERAI

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Hello Cougar... thanks for your reply and contribution...I thought that all the acoustics from Guild were still made in the USA, but every day we learn something. I have a 6-string Alvarez dreadnought made in China...which I bought thinking was from the US, but I have never had any complaints about it. It is my only Chinese made axe...and I play it almost daily...it is a keeper. Your suggestion will be taken into account. Thanks again.
 

CARAVANSERAI

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Welcome . . .

Sounds like your Takamine would benefit from a professional setup, assuming it isn't in need of a neck reset.

The Guild F2512E appears to be only about $500, but a case will cost extra. Maybe you can try one when you visit the USA.
Thank you Geoguy... I had my Takamine set up a while ago...but I have also seen videos from other owners who complain about the same issue...though. Thanks anyway. Now...the F2512E does seem to be about $500....the Deluxe goes for a bit more...I think. And yes...I will need to get a case for it.....
Thank you again.
 

CARAVANSERAI

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Welcome . . .

Sounds like your Takamine would benefit from a professional setup, assuming it isn't in need of a neck reset.

The Guild F2512E appears to be only about $500, but a case will cost extra. Maybe you can try one when you visit the USA.
Bienvenudo, I had that album for many years, little known Santana but incredible. Just right for the drugs I was on back then ;]]]

I still see the humble and very playable vintage Guild F112 going for under $1k, has got to be the most incredible value in a guitar for the real thing, USA made vintage Guild made with very fine woods back then, and the tone...

The summer I got my F112, I could hardly play a six string, it was just missing something, like six strings ;]
Hey Guildedagain... I never had that Santana record....it was hard enough for me to go passed his Soul Sacrifice...due to the strength of "red point" I was smoking then...LOL, way before the Sin Semilla era.....
I will check the Guild F112...you suggested... I can see...and read....that a lot more research needs to be done before I make up my mind.
Thanks
 

HeyMikey

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Welcome!

I will second Cougar’s suggestion of a good used USA made JF30-12, or an F212, both of which may be found in your price range. The JF30-12 is like an F412 (maple) with less bling. The F212 (mahogany) is a great all around size for picking and strumming. Either can be lifetime guitars.

I owned a China made F-2512e. There was nothing wrong with it, but there was nothing special about it either. It is a good value for the money but not something I would fly thousands of miles for. I would look into the solid wood F-1512 instead if you want new or a recent made used guitar. I have not played one but the reviews are very good.

I also owned an F112, and while it was a terrific guitar for finger picking and slower, quieter tunes, it did not have the bass end I prefer for strumming.

Best of luck !




 
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CARAVANSERAI

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Welcome!

I will second Cougar’s suggestion of a good used USA made JF30-12, or an F212, both of which may be found in your price range. The JF30-12 is like an F412 (maple) with less bling. The F212 (mahogany) is a great all around size for picking and strumming. Either can be lifetime guitars.

I owned a China made F-2512e. There was nothing wrong with it, but there was nothing special about it either. It is a good value for the money but not something I would fly thousands of miles for. I would look into the solid wood F-1512 instead if you want new or a recent made used guitar. I have not played one but the reviews are very good.

I also owned an F112, and while it was a terrific guitar for finger picking and slower, quieter tunes, it did not have the bass end I prefer for strumming.

Best of luck !




HeyMikey...Great info! You guys are being of a lot of help. Your opinions...I can see..are based upon sound experience.... Thanks to all of you.!
 

Rayk

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Hmmm 1,000 plus a tad more for something you’ll love
... well should love ! Lol

The F212 is a good choice . Mine is a 2013 I believe. She is a amazing guitar . The gang is probably tired of me posting this but here’s what she sounds like when you dig in.
This one is also the 212
 

SFIV1967

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I thought that all the acoustics from Guild were still made in the USA, but every day we learn something.
Look on the Guild webpage, only the "Guild USA" models are made in Oxnard, California. All the other acoustic guitars under the "Westerly Collection" series are made in China.

If you scroll down on that page you first see the US models and later the Westerly Collection (= China) models.


Ralf
 

CARAVANSERAI

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Hmmm 1,000 plus a tad more for something you’ll love
... well should love ! Lol

The F212 is a good choice . Mine is a 2013 I believe. She is a amazing guitar . The gang is probably tired of me posting this but here’s what she sounds like when you dig in.
This one is also the 212
Thank you Rayk...
I am actively looking into the suggestions received here...F212 included. What a nice pair of tunes you shared...and they are so different too. I can't imagine how a "fast burn" would be...LOL...real nice piece. Incandescent made me go back in time a bit...I like the way the song evolves into such a charming glow of light and fire. Thanks for sharing.
 

Rambozo96

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Sometimes a F-112 shows up for under a grand but you’ll have to make sure it was still playable and not structurally wrecked. D-4-12 and D-25-12 is another good Guild 12 that goes for under $1000
 

gjmalcyon

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CARAVANSERAI

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Look on the Guild webpage, only the "Guild USA" models are made in Oxnard, California. All the other acoustic guitars under the "Westerly Collection" series are made in China.

If you scroll down on that page you first see the US models and later the Westerly Collection (= China) models.


Ralf
Thank you
SFIV1967
Ralf... I overlooked that when I visited the Guild web site last week.... thank you for the good info.
 

CARAVANSERAI

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Sometimes a F-112 shows up for under a grand but you’ll have to make sure it was still playable and not structurally wrecked. D-4-12 and D-25-12 is another good Guild 12 that goes for under $1000
OK Rambozo....I can see there are a lot of models that can potentially be within my budget. Thanks a lot.
 
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