57'-58' F30F/20 Maple back and sides?

[flotownslim]

Curious to know if anyone has played either of these? If so, comments on the tone? Maybe compared to the Mahogany versions.

Wes

 

[jfilm]

I have a '57 F-20 and had a '69 F-20 for a short time. The '57 was noticeably louder when played side by side. Not sure how to describe tone really, the '57 has a nice bell-like tone, a surprisingly big sound for a small guitar. I'd say the mahogany b&s '69 sounded more as you'd expect for a guitar of its size, in volume similar to the GAD M20 or M120 (which I've also owned). Nice in its own right, but quite a difference in the sound compared to the maple b&s version. I liked the neck better on the '69 but ended up trading it.

 

[flotownslim]

Thanks! So you kept the 57'. For what reasons?

 

[spoox]

I have that '56 F-20 with the DeArmond, and it is surprisingly loud for its size. I would say that that it's at least as loud as my '73 F-30, but with a brighter, clearer voice. I have never played a mahogany F-20 for comparison (except once at Buffalo Bros. I played a GAD version).

 

[flotownslim]

That's gorgeous! And funky cool!

 

[walrus]

Oh my, I love that pickup and the knobs! Sweet!

walrus

 

[jfilm]

Thanks! So you kept the 57'. For what reasons?

Still have it because it sounds so good - dug out a photo next to the '69 that I traded:

 

[flotownslim]

Man! You guys are killing me! I need to add a 50’s F-20 to my stable.