1986 Guild F-44

grayhermit

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I just picked up a 1986 Guild F-44. I'm having trouble finding information on it. I have Hans' book, but I see no mention of this model which I find strange. Gruhn's book has it listed and indicates it was later designated GF-60M in 1987. It's not in the Vintage Guitar Price Guide. I understand these were built during the time Gruhn and Kim Walker were at Guild. But, that's as far as I've been able to go. I'm really curious how many of these were made because it appears they were in production for a short period, maybe three years?

So, this is the place to find Guild answers, and I know there's a wealth of information here. I appreciate any and all responses.
 

Stuball48

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You will get a more thorough answer from others but Hans book covers Guilds from 1952--1977. Lot of love for your F-44
 

SFIV1967

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Congrats on your new F-44! There was just recently some discussion about her:



The 1986 catalog only showed a picture but didn't give specs:

1609636000531.png


This is from the Oct 1985 (blue) and the May 1986 price list (yellow):

1609636318621.png


1609636082182.png


Ralf
 
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GGJaguar

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Congrats! Post some photos (we love photos)!
 

HeyMikey

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Congrats grayhermit. That F-44 is absolutely stunning. Looking forward to your thoughts once you get some time with it.
 

cupric

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Stunning! Love the bookmatched back! The spruce is awesome too! Congratulations!
 

HeyMikey

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The wood that they used on that baby from top to bottom is droolicious!

I'd love to find myself an F-46 version someday.
 

SFIV1967

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I'd love to know how many were made. I have a feeling it's not many.
You will not get a good answer yet, you have to wait for Hans publishing Volume II of his book to get the corrected serial number list. But according to the existing serial number list (which has known errors in it) it looks like less than 300 but more than 250.
Ralf
 

grayhermit

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Wow, the F-44 arrived today, and I am simply blown away. Some of you may know that I am a retired dealer of fine used and vintage acoustics for 25 years. I have had many, many fine guitars come through my hands. This is not only, hands down, the best Guild I've ever owned, it's one of the best acoustics I've ever owned, period. It has a few warts and issues I'll have my luthier deal with, but I really hit a home run with this one. Can't put it down!
 

grayhermit

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Here are some pics. She had a horrid, old pick up system that I took out today. At least the three drilled holes are cleanly done and rather symmetrical. Guess I got myself a modified sound port! Seriously, I'm not sure what to do with this. I may just leave it as is. Plugging it has to be done right. Have to think about that one. This F-44 is sweet...sounds fabulous and I have set it up to my specs (low) and she plays great with no buzzing.
 

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Stuball48

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Do nothing right now but play it. As long as you love the sound and feel more than you dislike the three holes--do nothing!
Very difficult fitting a plug into a hole. Contraction and expansion of wooden plug would scare me. My 2 cents worth.
 
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grayhermit

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Yes, I think that's exactly what I'll do. It really is not a problem in any way. No structural issues here.
 

tommym

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Here are some pics. She had a horrid, old pick up system that I took out today. At least the three drilled holes are cleanly done and rather symmetrical. Guess I got myself a modified sound port! Seriously, I'm not sure what to do with this. I may just leave it as is. Plugging it has to be done right. Have to think about that one. This F-44 is sweet...sounds fabulous and I have set it up to my specs (low) and she plays great with no buzzing.

I always make mention that Collings Guitars picked up this design (their current SJ line of guitars) and put their twist on it. But the photos that you posted always reminds me that Guild nailed the aesthetics on the F44 and F46.

Tommy
 

bobouz

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That is just stunningly beautiful! Regarding the three holes, I'd probably install controls with very small knobs that aesthetically match up with the guitar's visuals. They could then be wired into a modern pickup if desired.

Congrats on a gorgeous guitar, and enjoy!
 

grayhermit

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Well, what do yo think? My unprofessional solution is not wholly disagreeable to me, but it should still be done professionally at some point. Ian up at Lark Street Music can do it, but he's swamped for the next three months, so these will do until then. They are 5/16" plugs painted amber and will pop right out. I didn't glue them in.
 

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