Guild JF30-12 Advice needed

[Texasdave75229]

Hello all!!
I am new here but would like to ask advice on a JF30-12 for sale locally. It looks really nice and is american made but I do not know the year. My question is what is it worth approximately ? I also was thinking of having an electric pickup installed in it. Is that a good idea or will it lessen the value? Also what pickup would you all recomend if I were to have this done.
I really appreciate any advice.
Sincerely,
Dave
I did not mean to post twice I am so sorry

 

[charliea]

Welcome, Dave. There's a lot of love for JF30-12s around here. For value info, it's hard to beat eBay completed listings. I haven't noticed that installed pickups help value, or hurt it. You probably won't get your money back if you sell, but if you need the pickup, who cares? There's a whole lot of opinions on which pickup is best. Just wait and see.

 

[twocorgis]

Welcome here Dave! It just so happens <shameless plug> that I have a really nice Corona-made JF30-12 for sale! :wink:

As for pickups, you'll find opinions all over the map, but a lot of fols will tell you to go with a K&K, which mine already has installed. It's passive, so there's no "barn door" cut out of the side, and if you like you can add an external pre-amp. Mine's very well-sorted, and needs nothing except a new place to live.

 

[redta]

Just got a 512 myself and thinking of a K&K myself. They are unintrusive except for the larger strap pin hole. Keeps the look of the guitar clean. I would never cut the guitar for an active pre amp. If you really think you want it, look for one with it already installed from guild. JMO
Good luck

 

[Texasdave75229]

Thanks for the reply's all. I truly appreciate you suggestions. I also must admit the I have drooled over your listing Sandy and am considering it.
Thanks again
Dave

 

[killdeer43]

Hello all!!
I am new here

Since you're already getting replies, I'll just add a WELCOME TO LTG and move along. :wink:

Enjoy your time here,
Joe

 

[Texasdave75229]

Joe:
Thank you very much. I hope to speak with you again.
Sincerely,
Dave

 

[Don]

My tuppence Dave is you can do a lot worse than confining your guitar buying to this forum. Most of the guys here are very helpful, though finding adjectives to accurately describe what some here consider humor and stay aright of the moderators can be a challenge.

As for your question on what is a good price, my own experience is this. I "won" a JF30-12 (Westerly) on eBay for about $550. I paid another $400 getting its issues sorted and upgrading the pins, nut and saddle to bone. Now I have an outstanding guitar for about reasonable money. Mine came equipped with an under saddle pickup. It works great with my acoustic amp.

If you report back with the serial number the shameless enablers will fall all over themselves to show you how well they can look it up on the Guild website for manufacture date. Another option is to take an automotive mirror on a wand and look at the date that should be marked inside on the neck block. Anomalous serial numbers are referred to Hans Moust, keeper of the flame and author of the current and future definitive texts on all things Guild.

Of utmost concern is neck angle. If you're looking at a reset look elsewhere or really talk the price down. Plenty of threads about resets and cost and who does them best here on the site.

Pictures would be nice. A degree in computer science is not required to post them here but it certainly helps.

Welcome!

Cheers!

Don

 

[Texasdave75229]

Don:
I really appreciate your help. You suggestions are very sound. I would want to do as you describe your guitar. I would want it to be perfect. I also am in a quandary about the pickup issue. I agree in cutting a barn door in the side bad idea to me. Looking at K&K wow nice pickups but can really get pricey. My other problem is I am the type that if more is good then too much is perfect so I would want their best setup. I do not know enough about their products to say. I guess I am just thinking out loud. I hope others will have suggestions
Sincerely
Dave

 

[Don]

Don't know what your local guitar looks like or costs but if you like bursts I just buy Sandy's and be done. I forgot to mention that my JF30-12 came in a soft bag. I had to shell out another $125 for a TKL case. So mine probably cost all told right about what Sandy is asking for his.

I guess I am an enabler too now huh guys?

Let us know how you fare!

Cheers!

Don

 

[Texasdave75229]

Don:
I am seriously giving that a lot of thought.
Dave

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

For what it's worth,
I sold a JF-30-12 about 3 years ago for $1,200.00.
It was a 1991 and in excellent condition.
The Guild Case was included.

 

[GF60MP]

Thanks for the reply's all. I truly appreciate you suggestions. I also must admit the I have drooled over your listing Sandy and am considering it.
Thanks again
Dave

Welcome to LTG, Dave. I just looked at Sandy's 12 string listing in buy and sell. I have 2 words for you...

BUY IT!

 

[chazmo]

Welcome aboard, Dave. Good luck in the hunt. JF-30-12 is a nice axe.

 

[hojo199]

Mine's a '94 in nice shape, came with original Guild case. Plays like a dream (but is pretty much out of saddle -- but hasn't moved a notch in the three years I've owned her). I paid 805.00 on Ebay plus shipping. The guitar is a lifer. I will never sell her.

I've been trying to sell my Taylor 12 string since the JF30-12 showed up, but really, who would want the Taylor if there are Guild JF30-12's around?

BTW, I agree -- buy Sandy's 'burst. That's a beauty....

 

[twocorgis]

First...

I also must admit the I have drooled over your listing Sandy and am considering it.
Thanks again
Dave

And then...

Don't know what your local guitar looks like or costs but if you like bursts I just buy Sandy's and be done.

And followed by Margaret...

Welcome to LTG, Dave. I just looked at Sandy's 12 string listing in buy and sell. I have 2 words for you...

BUY IT!

And again...

BTW, I agree -- buy Sandy's 'burst. That's a beauty....

Boy, we really know how to beat up on new members around here don't we? Poor old Dave never even got the tag on that Semi that hit him! :lol:

As a result, Dave and I have come to a meeting of the minds, and the JF30-12 is sold. We agreed to have my luthier here repair the ding and after that the JF30-12 will take up residence in the great state of Texas.

Repairs like this are a bit tedious, so Mike needs at least two weeks to complete it. That should give our new friend some time to sell that lowly old Breedlove. :wink:

 

[Memphis]

Congrats to both! And Dave, I am sure that you just purchased an incredible guitar!

 

[Texasdave75229]

I really appreciate everyones help, support and kind words. I am looking forward to my new addition !!! Very exciting.

 

[GF60MP]

I really appreciate everyones help, support and kind words. I am looking forward to my new addition !!! Very exciting.

Something tells me you will not have any regrets! Enjoy!!

 

[Scratch]

Welcome to LTG, TexasDave and a special Lone Star welcome to that JF30-12. Sandy is a great LTGer and you'll be well-pleased, I'm sure.

Give a holler if you find your way down to the Hill country. Lots of great Roots/Americana music in these parts.

Scratch sends