D-55 or F512 which is worth more?

Taylor Martin Guild

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Is a D-55 and a comparable year and condition F-512 worth about the same amount?
I know that there 6 more strings on the F-512 but that doesn't necessarily mean that is it worth more than a D-55 as far as used resale valued goes?

I ask because I may be looking to make that switch.
It would need to be a newer 12 string with the single truss rod and smaller neck.
My D-55 is a Tacoma from 2005.
 

chazmo

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Interesting comparo, TMG... I had always considered the F-50R vs. F-512 as apples to apples as far as 6- to 12-string comparisons, but the D-55 is probably pretty close in market resale value to an F-50R.

Of course, the real issue is "the market," TMG. There are lots more D-55s out there of all years than F-512s, but then the D-55 is a much more popular instrument since their are far fewer 12-string players.

So, there you go. Clear as mud. Good luck with the hunt!
 

Taylor Martin Guild

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I went to Reverb and it looks like there is about a $200.00 dollar difference on average with the F-512 being the higher valued guitar.
If these prices are what the guitars are actually selling for,
WOW Guild has really jumped up in used prices!!!

Good for sellers, not so much for buyers.
 

wileypickett

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Condition matters too, of course. But if they're in comparable shape, no one's getting a bad deal in a straight-up trade IMO. If both parties are happy, I say go for it.

In terms of value, I recommend checking "sold items" or "completed auctions" on eBay or Reverb to get an idea what guitars are REALLY selling for. Folks' asking prics are sometimes "ambitous" -- i.e.; wishful thinking.
 

Brucebubs

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Look at it another way.
Sweetwater list a new D-55 for $3499.00
They also list a new F-512 for $3699.00

So a F-512 is worth more to buy new than a D-55 ... I think that would also apply to a 'D-55 and a comparable year and condition F-512'.
 

JohnW63

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Resale value has as much to do with how many people want one as how much they cost new. However, I have not seen a really good condition F-512 sell for what a D-55 sells for. The 512s are always higher. It's hard to find a 512 under 2K, but I have seen 55s under than not infrequently. Maybe a lot more D-55s were made, so there is more competition to get yours sold and the prices come down.
 

dreadnut

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Both fine guitars. In my opinion, hang on to the D-55, it's much more versatile than a 12 string. Plus the Tacoma Guilds were outstanding!
 

johnny3j

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The D55 has some competition in the dreadnaught arena, but the F512 pretty much rules in the 12 string arena...
 

twocorgis

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The D55 has some competition in the dreadnaught arena, but the F512 pretty much rules in the 12 string arena...

That's pretty much true. Not many doubt the superiority of an F512 relative to other 12 strings.
 

Taylor Martin Guild

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I'm in no hurry to sell the D-55. I'm just heavy on Dreadnought guitars.
They are all different from each other but they all still all have that big, full, rich and deep tone that I love.

I would have to find and play a newer F-512 to see how it feels compared to the older necks when Guild had 2 truss rods in their 12 string guitars.
For now, my LL-16-12 Yamaha is filling my 12 string needs very well.
 
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