F312

[awagner]

I recently received the 1968 F312 I purchased on eBay. It is just what I expected. Well played with some wear damage, and in need of a neck reset. It also appears to be in original condition with no major issues that I can see. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

Even with very old strings on it, which I tuned to D (to be safe), I can tell this guitar has great tone, quite unique from my other guitars, which are different shapes, sizes and woods.

i will take it in for a thorough assessment within the next few weeks and do whatever work is necessary. I think the big issue will be how much, if any, refinishing work will be necessary or required, and I welcome opinions based on the pictures.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Sweet. The one and only 12 string I would ever buy. Congrats.

 

[charliea]

You know, it's the only older Guild I'm interested in. That being said, I seriously doubt anybody, blindfolded, could tell the difference between an F212, which costs a whole lot less, and an F312. Doesn't change the fact that the F312 is cooler.

 

[6L6]

My '71 F-312NT is the best sounding, easiest playing 12 I've ever held in my hands. Whatever you have to spend to make yours right will be well worth it!

Congrats!

Bill

 

[killdeer43]

Sweet. The one and only 12 string I would ever buy.

Why is that, Clay?

Curious Joe

 

[Westerly Wood]

Why is that, Clay?

Curious Joe

Love the smaller F body, and like the rosewood back and sides for a 12 string. Perfect combo.

 

[killdeer43]

Love the smaller F body, and like the rosewood back and sides for a 12 string. Perfect combo.

Imagine what a great 6 string it would make!
*Just kidding, of course. I would never do that. :wink-new:

Joe

 

[5thumbs]

Imagine what a great 6 string it would make!
*Just kidding, of course. I would never do that. :wink-new:

Joe

:laughing:

 

[jgmaute]

I love my '67 f-312 it has served me well (I bought it new) however I never play it. I just had it checked out by Randy Wood. ( the first step toward selling). It passed and now I'm going to have one of the studio musicians play it on a song I'm recording in November (I just can't play it as well as I used too, something about age...)then probably give it to Artisan on consignment. (I'll be in Nashville recording,) it's got repaired, but stable cracks so unless I can find someone who can actually see and play it before they buy it I'd rather let Artisan handle the sale even though I won't get as much. Am I crazy? I had a thread on this a couple of months ago and I think the consensus was it deserves to be played. Joan

 

[awagner]

You know, it's the only older Guild I'm interested in. That being said, I seriously doubt anybody, blindfolded, could tell the difference between an F212, which costs a whole lot less, and an F312. Doesn't change the fact that the F312 is cooler.

I am not sure I agree with you. The F212 is mahogany, right? My F212XL sounds different from my F512 and a F412 I used to own (all of these guitars are of similar shape and size) - somewhere in between the bassier Indian rosewood and the jangly maple tones of those guitars.

 

[charliea]

Many will tell you, and I agree, that tone woods are a minor factor in a guitar's sound. The F512, F412 and F212XL are very different instruments. The 412 has an arched back. The 212XL is considerably lighter than the 512. They're apples and oranges. The only way to do an unbiased A/B is to have the same person play the guitars in the same room at approximately the same time, after you've installed the same strings on the same day. What you'll find is that no two instruments sound alike. You can do it with two 512's. They'll sound different. Deciding which guitar of several is made of a particular wood would be guesswork.

 

[awagner]

I agree with most of what you are saying, except that tone woods play only a minor part in the guitar's sound, and that the 212XL is considerably lighter than the 512. They are both heavy, and my 1979 F212XL is definitely heavier than modern F512s I have played. However, I take your point that there are significant differences between each instrument.

Obviously there are many factors that contribute to a guitar's sound, but I believe the type of tone woods are a significant factor, or at least they can be. My example was anecdotal, but indicative of general differences between these types of woods, each of which has its own unique physical characteristics that I believe (albeit as a lay person) must influence the overall tone of the guitar. Again, I am no expert, but from what I do know, luthiers and quality guitar manufacturers do not select their woods based solely upon aesthetics and cost (which is always a factor), which would be the case if the woods did not significantly affect the tone of the guitar.

Nevertheless, I would definitely be interested in participating in your proposed experiment, which would prove neither of us right or wrong, but would still be fun. Although, based on the points you articulated, they would have to sound different from each other. In any event, I am sure the guitars both sound excellent. Which one sounds better, however, is another matter entirely, and would be the source of another unwinnable argument.

 

[charliea]

Go figure. My NH 212XL was more than a pound lighter that my NH512. Just barely over 5lbs, as I recall. Guilds have varied a whole lot over the years, for sure. How do you reckon this compares with rosewood? https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.394112512247.174750.83367472247&type=3

 

[awagner]

I am sure it is very playable and well built, but also that its sound is mediocre (at best), like most other Taylors I have tried. I have to believe a rosewood equivalent would sound better, though.

 

[70man]

I recently received the 1968 F312 I purchased on eBay. I welcome opinions based on the pictures.

Hey Andrew, Did I miss something,I don't see any pictures.I will look forward to them though if they have not already been posted

 

[awagner]

They are coming.

 

[awagner]

Here they are:



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More to follow

 

[awagner]

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[awagner]

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Hoboken label - Any way to confirm if it was manufactured there, or in Westerly?

 

[awagner]

Some slight separation

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Case appears to be original.

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