Difference between the F-312 and F-512

bdeclee

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
449
Reaction score
1
Location
Buckeye, AZ
Hey guys,
I was reading the post about strings for jgmaute's F-312, and started wondering... what is the difference between the 312 and 512?

I had an F-312, made in 1972, stolen from me in 1984. That's when I found my current amazing F-512. But honestly, even though it was so long ago, I can't say I know the difference between the two. I mean in terms of sound, not cosmetically. Is the bracing different? I don't think the size differs...they are both rosewood, I'm pretty sure...

Everyone seems to hold the 312 in high regard, so I'm curious now.

Thanks,
Barbara
 

hansmoust

Enlightened Member
Joined
Jun 10, 2005
Messages
9,202
Reaction score
3,507
Location
Netherlands
bdeclee said:
Hey guys,
I was reading the post about strings for jgmaute's F-312, and started wondering... what is the difference between the 312 and 512?

I had an F-312, made in 1972, stolen from me in 1984. That's when I found my current amazing F-512. But honestly, even though it was so long ago, I can't say I know the difference between the two. I mean in terms of sound, not cosmetically. Is the bracing different? I don't think the size differs...they are both rosewood, I'm pretty sure...

Everyone seems to hold the 312 in high regard, so I'm curious now.

Thanks,
Barbara

Hello Barbara,

It's mainly the size. The F-312 is a 16-inch wide guitar and the F-512 has a 17-inch wide body, which again proves that a one inch difference doesn't really matter!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

chazmo

Super Moderator
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
25,473
Reaction score
7,131
Location
Central Massachusetts
I'd love to try an F-312 someday and A/B it against my F512. I'd especially love to get my hands on an F-612 (like I'm unique in that desire)... 2" probably does make a difference. :) :)
 

Scratch

Enlightened Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
6,909
Reaction score
20
Location
Canyon Lake, TX.
I play the G312 and F512 at least once a week. More like twice a week, actually. Took them both to Ninfa's last month when I played my first solo gig. My two cents worth on their performance:

For beginners, I was a bit disappointed with 'Boogie' when I first received her last year. I'd read all the hoopla and expected it to play itself right out of the box, I guess. I took 'Boogie' to the luthier for a setup, replaced the plastic saddle with bone (the nut was already bone; go figure on that one) and had a b-band installed for electronic capability. Still wasn't overwhelmed and she sat in the closet rarely played for a while as I found and immediately became infatuated with the G312 (Hanzz) I purchased at the Texas Vintage Guitar Show in Arlington last fall. I also took 'Hanzz' to the luthier soon after the purchase for a setup and some minor repairwork. The sound from that G312 is to die for...

Anyway, long story longer, I started experimenting with 'Boogie' more often as I started preparing for the 21 March gig. I played the F512 every night capoed (both are stepped down to 'D') for certain songs, then when my setlist came to playing a 12er in 'D' (uncapoed), I'd just reach over and replace the F512, with the unplugged G312 (rather than fine tuning which I've found, happens almost every time after putting on or removing a capo). Distinctly different performance too, because Hanzz has no onboard electronics.

Here's the verdict... Once I gave her some play time, that 512 opened up like crazy and now plays itself... What a wonderful, beautiful, hunk of Guild Rosewood/Spruce... It is a bit louder than the G312; I think the extra 1" actually makes a difference. Now so as not to get one jealous of the other, I play them equally as often as I can, and they'll both go to Ninfa's with me again on Saturday evening. How much playtime for 'Boogie' to open up? In this case, about 20 hours... I'm sure each new guitar is a bit different. I can only imagine how 'Boogie' will sound as she ages.

So which one of the two Rosewood Guilds wins? No help here, fellers, it's a tie...it's a tie...

Finally: To ensure fair and balanced testing, and after experimenting with other (12er) brands, over the past 18 months or so, I've recently trimmed my herd by selling two Martin twelves and a Taylor 12. One now sits in the closet awaiting eBay, my one remaining Taylor 355-12. Very pretty, mint condition contender but tinny in comparison... Taylor 12 anyone? 950.00. Guild 12ers? Priceless...
 

chazmo

Super Moderator
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
25,473
Reaction score
7,131
Location
Central Massachusetts
Scratch, I'm afraid Bugly is going to have some tough competition to measure up with in your stable when you get her back from DKL!

:)

Cool A/B there, Scratch. I guess my F512 had gotten enough play in the music store before I got her to be pretty much "wide open" from the git go. Here she is, showing off my new guitar stands. I think I'll go bang out a few notes right now!

S5000729.jpg


S5000730.jpg


S5000732.jpg
 

Scratch

Enlightened Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
6,909
Reaction score
20
Location
Canyon Lake, TX.
Chazdude!,
Impressive wood (floors, stand and of course the 512)! Abolutely beautiful... Where did you find the stand?

Betcha Graham would like to see the windowsills! :lol:
 

12 string

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
1,513
Reaction score
413
Location
CA
Guild Total
5
I think we may have some conflation of the F-312 and the G-312. The F-312 is a 16" rosewood and spruce jumbo, the 12 string version of the F-47; the G-312 is a rosewood and spruce drednought, the 12 string version of the D-50. It's a shame that neither has been produced for a long time. Both models were among the very best in the Guild 12 string line.

David
 

bdeclee

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
449
Reaction score
1
Location
Buckeye, AZ
Chaz,
Yeah, where'd you get that stand???? It is BEAUTIFUL! Oh yeah... so's the git.

:)
Barbara
 

Scratch

Enlightened Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2007
Messages
6,909
Reaction score
20
Location
Canyon Lake, TX.
12 string said:
I think we may have some conflation of the F-312 and the G-312. The F-312 is a 16" rosewood and spruce jumbo, the 12 string version of the F-47; the G-312 is a rosewood and spruce drednought, the 12 string version of the D-40. It's a shame that neither has been produced for a long time. Both models were among the very best in the Guild 12 string line.

David

Duh Scratch!!! More coffee!!!!! Strang is right; I typed F312 where I shoulda typed G312 on my post. I corrected it and now, because 'Hanzz' is not pleased with me, I'm sprucing her up to make up for my geezerness.
:oops: :oops: :oops:
 

chazmo

Super Moderator
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
25,473
Reaction score
7,131
Location
Central Massachusetts
Scratchy, you got us all hosed up here. ;) :) :) So, you love the G-312. Coolness. As 'Strang said, sounds like a wonderful 12-er too!

So, FYI, folks, I had my luthier (Pete Maricle) build me 3 of those stands. I put a thread up in AGF on it, if you're interested: http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/foru ... p?t=122692

If anyone wants a hook-up with Pete, let me know. They are truly works of art.
 
Top