Do I have an F30 or an F50 please?

tim foster

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Can someone please advise. I have purchased a 1973 Guild F50 (according to the Add) but the Label seems to say F50?
the body is 17 ins top to bottom and 18.5 in’s long and is 4 1/2 in’s deep plus curved back… basically the same as a J200 Gibson Serial Number 82934
Do I have an F30 or a F50 with a bad label?
 

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tim foster

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Hi Walter… I agree with you it looks like an F50 and feels big enough to be an F50 but doesn’t that Label look like it says F30?
I tried to check on the Guild Date Listing Chart and the Serial No is 1973 but there does not seem to be a way of checking the Model Number against the Serial Number … do you know of a way to cross reference to confirm the Model Style?
 

chazmo

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Tim, you're not wrong. That looks like a "3" to me as well, but many Guild labels are hard to read and sometimes they're wrong too. Just double check that the serial number matches what's stamped into the back of the headstock. In any case, it's an F-50, my friend.

And, welcome aboard!
 

awagner

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It does look like F30 due to the small gap, but if you ignore that, you can see that it is a 5. And even if it was a 3, it would not make the guitar an F30.

As Hans has stated many times, it is the specs of the guitar that matter.

As to value, the market is pretty strong right now. If the guitar is in excellent condition, and does not require a neck reset, $2,300 - $2,800 is probably a fair range.
 
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chazmo

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It does look like F30 due to the small gap, but if you ignore that, you can see that it is a 5. And even if it was a 3, it would not make the guitar an F30.

As Hans has stated many times, it is the specs of the guitar that matter.

As to value, the market is pretty strong right now. If the guitar is in excellent condition, and does not require a reset, $2,300 - $2,800 is probably a fair range.
^ Tim, as awagner states above, it's the guitar not the label that matters. :D :D That comment made me smile by the way, because "specs" in Guild land are an ever-changing phenomenon, *especially* with regard to the myriad of F-30 models over the years. But, anyway, rest assured, that's an F-50.

Oh, and "Hans" refers to Hans Moust, who is the author of "The Guild Guitar Book" and perhaps the most respected historian of Guild products ever. He is user hansmoust here on LTG, and can be contacted, if needed, at his website which I think is guitarchives.com (not sure)

EDIT: Sorry, this is his website: www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

wileypickett

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I first read it as "F30" too, with the "3" being a European type "3," with the flattened top. But if you compare that "3" to the "3" in the serial number below it, which is the typical American-style "3," they are dissimilar. Therefore I think it's a poorly executed "5" -- or "F50."

Also, the value estimate is correct for the US, where you are. However Guilds typically change hands for more than their US valuation overseas. (I notice the currency in the ad was given in pounds.)

Are you happy with your purchase?
 

tim foster

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Really..my eyesight must be messed up … it really looks like a 3 to me! WoW… what do you think it’s value might be please?
It does look like F30 due to the small gap, but if you ignore that, you can see that it is a 5. And even if it was a 3, it would not make the guitar an F30.

As Hans has stated many times, it is the specs of the guitar that matter.

As to value, the market is pretty strong right now. If the guitar is in excellent condition, and does not require a neck reset, $2,300 - $2,800 is probably a fair range.
Thank you for your enlightening it is much appreciated Sir. Condition is Good… a few fine scratches on the varnished front but nothing major also a fair bit of antique crackeling in the varnish … neck is perfect and plays well.
Paid 2,200 euros.

Frets look fine… came with original Case.. it was just that strange looking 5/3 that got me.
For the future to prove it is a 5 to the Insurance Company is there anyways on Guilds Records that says Serial Number 82934 if a ?

Warm regards and thanks

Tim
 

tim foster

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Some pictures of the ageing… I have 14 days to return it … what would you advise?
 

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awagner

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For the future to prove it is a 5 to the Insurance Company is there anyways on Guilds Records that says Serial Number 82934 if a ?
I wouldn't worry about that. If your insurance company requires an appraisal, then the appraisal will indicate that the guitar is an F50 and that will be the end of the inquiry. Otherwise, you will accurately represent that the guitar is an F50 on your policy rider, and if a claim is later made, the pictures of the guitar will establish what the guitar is. I can't imagine that the carrier would challenge the authenticity of this guitar.

To my knowledge, there is no way to match serial #s to model #s during this era, when serial #s were purely numerical. But as I stated, it should not be necessary to do so.
 

wileypickett

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Cracked binding on a guitar this old isn't unusual and is likely to be fine so long as it's not loose or coming up. The finish checking is also to be expected and nothing to worry about.

If the guitar was mine, however, I would have the back of the neck relacquered. If the raw wood is exposed it will collect oils and dirt from playing which may discolor the exposed area.
 

awagner

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Some pictures of the ageing… I have 14 days to return it … what would you advise?
Agree with Glenn (wileypickett) about addressing the neck issue.

If you love the way the guitar plays and sounds, it is a no-brainer that you should keep it. You did not overpay for it, and most examples from this era will have some issues. Yours appear to be minor, and it looks like a great example.
 

Cougar

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...what would you advise?
I'd advise you to rejoice! I'd say you got a pretty good deal on that old F50, which are fabulous guitars.

Along with the comments regarding the neck finish, there is that small crack extending from the base of the fingerboard (on the right side) which picks up again on the other side of the soundhole. I don't know if there's a similar crack on the other side, but such cracks suggest there may be a shifted neck block. Don't know if that's the case here, but you might get a local luthier's opinion on it.
 

davismanLV

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Wow, Tim!! That's four (count 'em), FOUR Songbirds!! Super nice collection of guitars!! Thanks for sharing!! That is probably one of the worst labels ever, which is saying something with Guild. What are the digits after F50? BLD or something??

Also, I agree with Cougar about that crack down to the soundhole. It's a fairly major thing when the neck block lets go. Maybe get it evaluated and nip any trouble in the bud while it's still minimal. Beautiful guitar, congrats!!
 

cupric

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Songbirds are my favorites! Nice collection.
 
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