I shouldn’t have done it!

[Cougar]

There is also one in VA on Facebook...

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Seller says "will not ship." But then he also says "price is firm" and "make an offer" LOL.

Here's another "local pickup only," in Georgia. Almost $1200 but would probably take less. It's made in Corona, looks a lot like my JF30-12, which I love, but it does not have an ebony fretboard....

https://reverb.com/item/86724885-guild-usa-jf-30-2002-sunburst

 

[Granddaddy]

All righty folks. You have gotten through to me. (Well you and my wife who keeps saying "You never spend money one yourself. You only spend money on other people, but then you have some weird issue when it's for you. Buy something nice, get what you want. You are kind of sick in the head, you know." Smart lady, huh?

The F-50 is what grabbed, me but I'm still not going to do that. (Hey, my sickness is a work in progress, all right? Lay off me! Baby steps.) But the JF-30 alternative is the smartest approach, and I'm glad that you guys (girls too?) got me out of my own head and on the right path. It's going to give me the sound I crave, and seems to be 98% the same guitar as the F-50 (small fundamental differences) just with less of the fancier accoutrements.

I think my epiphany moment was trying to imagine myself unboxing a USA JF-30 vs. the GAD one, taking it to the music-in-the-round session I frequent, showing it my musician friends, stepping on stage with it ... and just having it. And I knew that the GAD just wasn't going to make me as happy. It would always feel "less than."

So now that I've gotten my head in the game and out of my a**, I gots to find me one. Now I want it yesterday. (Aren't we all just children when all is said and done?) After yesterday's lightning round purchase of the D-212, maybe I'll find something agreeable and pull the trigger soon. I have a performance one week from today. The 12-string will be here, but now I want the jumbo there too. Patience, grand-hopper.

 

[Br1ck]

The fox is in the henhouse, but I'd have advised against trying any guitar you wouldn't buy. I guarantee that if you buy the cheaper alternative, you'll regret it.

 

[steveintampa]

Thanks Steve. That one caught my eye too, and I had asked the owner a question. It’s definitely on my (very) short list. In fact right now I think I’ve whittled it down to two. The ‘97 you linked and a budget approach. Two different ways of skinning the cat or scratching the itch.

Here is the other one that is on the list - the budget one. https://reverb.com/p/guild-gad-jf30 The write-up about the fix-up is interesting and he has some good pictures showing some of that. It appears that they took a lot of care. I put it my Reverb watch list and received an offer of $625 plus shipping.

What I would love to hear from y’all is a *guess* as to how the real deal USA JF-30 and the GAD version *might* compare. And I’m not holding anybody accountable. Just interested in thoughts from those who have played or heard one

If the consensus were, I dunno … that they’re 90% the same or something like that the price difference might make it worthwhile. But if most people said they’re not bad, something like 70% the same, it gets well into the nah-I’ll pass territory.

I know it’s all subjective and you can’t accurately put a hard number on the tone and personality of a guitar. Just trying to get a feel for it.

So yeah, are they siblings or 3rd cousins? Next door neighbors or strangers?

I think that one is a well cared for plum and sorry to see that the old guy has to let it go. Reckon we will all get there one day...

 

[Granddaddy]

I think that one is a well cared for plum and sorry to see that the old guy has to let it go. Reckon we will all get there one day

His has electronics (JF-30e). Judging by the fact that it has a volume and tone control I assume it has a preamp. And I can't put my hands on it, but somewhere in an old thread I saw a catalog page that I *think* said it was a Fishman Matrix [something] ... and that would be with what, a piezo pickup? I'm wondering whether those 28-year old electronics add any value when I'm comparing it to a JF-30 straight acoustic. Or will I just end up wanting to put something else on it anyway? I'm looking at the Guitar Center one also, and checking on another. When I get all my facts together I'll let you guys know the deets to see if one or the other seems to stand out. Assuming neither one sells while I'm fiddling around. ) I managed to eliminate from the competition - a private seller - who was kind of a di*k and refused to take any more pictures beyond the incomplete ones he had in the listing, or provide the serial number. Said just to come see it. (50 miles away.)

 

[HeyMikey]

I agree with the be patient approach. Now that spring is just around the corner and it’s getting warm enough to ship safely more guitars will be coming onto the market.

Unless you’re talking about a limited run or rare model, which you are not, you should see some good examples pop up throughout the spring, summer and fall.

 

[Boneman]

Glad to see you’ve come around to the idea, I don’t know enough to know if those are factory electronics but if that one speaks to you, nab it and you’d likely be plugged in and playing in no time. Although if it were me, I would be patient and keep my eyes out, those pop up all the time.

 

[HeyMikey]

You can always place a WTB post on LTG. Interests and circumstances are always changing around here.

 

[Cougar]

When I get all my facts together I'll let you guys know the deets to see if one or the other seems to stand out....

Very good idea. Years ago, I saw an F412 on reverb for $1,000 and hurriedly bought it. There was a reason it was only $1,000. The saddle was very low, so the break angle of the strings over the saddle was kind of flat, robbing the guitar of that rich, thick sound. I had the pin holes ramped, which does increase the break angle, but still, it was no match for my JF30-12, so I ended up selling it.

Moral of the story: Don't be in such a hurry that you neglect to ask all the right questions or get additional photos before going for it.

 

[West R Lee]

My opinion, and $8 will get you a cup of Starbuck's coffee. Buy the guitar you really want. If it doesn't work out you can always sell it. And I too believe a really nice guitar will inspire you to play more, which improves your skill. So I do indeed believe a nice one can help you to be a better player.

West

 

[mavuser]

buy the nh F-50. nothing will play or sound like that. offer 2000 cash, stay firm (as firm as u can) and be patient (again easy for me to say). one of the best guitar investemnts you can make (especailly if u gig!) good luck.
ps its easilly worth 2,500, if no major (or medium) surprises

 

[Canman2112]

We are going to Nashville at the end of April for 4 days. Plenty of time to go to Carter's, Gruhn's, and The Gibson showcase.

I leave my wallet in the car.

When I went to Nashville last fall I convinced my wife I was buying a guitar at the Gibson Garage she was happy when I only got a”cheap” used guitar at Gruhn’s.

 

[bobouz]

JustI went back & re-read your original post. When that NH F-50 is sold & gone, if it is not in your home, it’s imprint on your memory will remain, and any financial gain from the purchase of a lesser guitar will seem insignificant. Buy the F-50 Before it’s too late!