Does an F50R Sound like a Six-string F512?

[count savage]

I love the sound and feel of my F512. Does an F50R have the same unique low end sound, but with six strings instead of 12, given the similar if not same body shape? That aren't any around here to compare. I'm torn for the future between a D55 and an F50.....

 

[chazmo]

I love the sound and feel of my F512. Does an F50R have the same unique low end sound, but with six strings instead of 12, given the similar if not same body shape? That aren't any around here to compare. I'm torn for the future between a D55 and an F50.....

Count,

That was exactly the question I asked myself when I got interested in the F-50R a few years ago. My answer to you is that you *must* try the F-50R now that you've asked the question. I totally love mine, and I even sold a Taylor GS model (another magnificent 6) recently to get a second (special) F-50R into the Chazmo herd. Crazy, I know, but I feel blessed.

 

[count savage]

Chazmo, I'd love to try one, you're right. I'll keep looking. You're also right that there isn't a simple answer to a question like this and that one must play the actual guitar and decide. That said, I take your answer to be a pretty positive one that there are some similarities. You sought one out and you still have it in your stable. Plus, I think it would LOOK really cool with the two of them side by side. (Now, I'm hoping Guild doesn't screw around with the pickguard etc, the way they did with the new D55!) I will add that I've had my F512 since October and rather than becoming disillusioned or finding drawbacks after time, which is often the case with guitars, I've become more in awe of this particular instrument, and that's not due to the fact that I own it and am trying to convince myself I like it. I mean, it's really a special guitar. That's not BS. I now think that along with the old Gibson this guitar stays for good. Which has led me to thinking that if this 12-string is this good, the six-string version could be.........And thanks for the prompt response.

 

[chazmo]

We are of like minds, count. My F-512 blew me away too, and continues to do so. I know exactly how you feel. It's an astonishing guitar, and if I had to pick one guitar in the collection to keep with me -- sentimentality and other factors notwithstanding -- that would be it. Hopefully I will not have to face that predicament though.

What I haven't done is play a late-model F-50R, count. The ones I have are old models (the '67 is being worked on as we speak). Since then, Guild has scalloped the braces and made some shape changes to create the current version. I have no doubts whatsoever that I would love a new one.

I have heard nothing about New Hartford starting production on any new F bodies. It may be a while before we get any news. I'm sure there are "last of the breed" Tacoma versions out there still new (check with Bing K if you're interested). New Hartford probably *will* change some of the appointments, as they did with the D-55. Personally, I like the open-back tuners on that model, but I hear you on the pickguard.