I checked out a couple of F2512's at GC

[portsider]

One thing I do when I go a guitar store is see what Guilds are on hand. There was a F2512e and F2512ce. I have checked out multiple F2515s and they were all not buyable. These two were actually properly set up and sounded good. They were close enough to in tune that I could tune them by ear, rare for GC 12s.
The 2512e was set up better and played quite nicely. The 2512ce was not as well set up but was playable and it was black and had the cutaway, it was also $80 more. If I was in the market I'd buy the CE and get it set up.
I could happily play either one of these guitars if the need arose and it was really heartening to find them so playable off the rack.
There were a couple of Guild Sixers I played one that looked like it was based on the F30. There was something wrong with it, the fretted high E had a sitar sound on decay, back on the wall and walk on.
The moral of the story is the Westerly Collection guitars can be nice but it's wise to try before you buy.

 

[wileypickett]

I bought an F2512 around the time they were first offered. Don't know if the build specs have changed since then (these days most seem to be cutaways or electrics, or both; mine is neither), but I'm very fond of it. It's a pleasure to play and it sounds great -- and you can't beat that price!

Here's a used one for $300.00 right in my neighborhood:

Guild F-2512E 12-String - musical instruments - by owner - sale

Great condition 12 acoustic/electric 12 string. Bought it used about 5 years ago, always kept in humidity controlled environment, never had any issues. Slight bridge lift but no bellying. Was this...

boston.craigslist.org

I also picked up an F1512 around the same time. I didn't like it quite as much as the F2512 and sold to another LTGer -- who loved it.

 

[beecee]

That 12 on CL looks like it has a 2 piece back. Surprised they could arch a 2 piece back.

 

[wileypickett]

Yeah, it does!

The inside laminate (which you can see through the soundhole) appears to be one-piece, which is what you'd expect to see on Guild's arched back models, but the back IS two-piece -- mine is made this way as well.

Hadn't registered that that is unusual till you pointed it out Beecee.

 

[beecee]

I have a strong grasp of the obvious.......

 

[sparksguitars]

I juts purchased a new F-2512CE Deluxe and I think it's an excellent guitar for the money! And I mean excellent. I have a 1980 F-212XL and a 1990 JF30 and so I have something really great to compare them with. My 212Xl has mahogany back and sides and is warmer, but not louder...My JF30 is all maple with the laminated arched back and this 2512 has a similar tone. Of course I say similar as the JF30 is 32 years old! The top has had plenty of time to open up! I wasn't shy about picking up the 2512 after a good experience with the China made OM140e I bought in 2020. It was my getting in the door with an OM at a low price and I am happy with it. Like a few other entries here, my 2512 was already set up perfectly hanging on the wall in the vault at GC. I have my first gig with this new 12 this Thursday and the second one this Saturday, so I will put it through the paces and see how well she holds up!

 

[beecee]

Nice family portrait!!

I'm taking lessons at GC and get to play one before I get into the booth. They've sold a few.

I probably should have bought a nice burst they had there about a month or so ago...it was warm for a maple, but I passed. The others have been fair to very good...i find the charcoal ones I've tried to sound kinda flat.

 

[portsider]

I stopped in to get some strings yesterday and both of the Guilds in the original post were gone. They had a blue F2512ce that I tried out. It wasn't nearly as nice as the other two and I wouldn't consider it, but it was close enough to properly set up that someone with more patience than me could probably get it functional pretty easily.

 

[sparksguitars]

I have used mine now for a couple of gigs since I go it and it's working our really great. Sounds great through the PA (direct into mixer and then into BOSE L1 Model 2). I have changed out the strings several times and the neck is stable and the action is incredible!

 

[Boneman]

heck yea! Show that 12 string love.

 

[portsider]

I have used mine now for a couple of gigs since I go it and it's working our really great. Sounds great through the PA (direct into mixer and then into BOSE L1 Model 2). I have changed out the strings several times and the neck is stable and the action is incredible!

I'm jealous of anyone who has that much room to move at a gig. That Guild looks great. I always get complements on my D2612CE at gigs, the Westerly Collection certainly delivers the goods.