JF30-12 vs JF65-12 vs F412

[pyrotech]

Hi, this is my first post. BTW, great forum!

I'm looking into getting a jumbo maple 12-string, preferably from the Westerly era, and would like opinions on the differences among the JF30-12, JF65-12, and F412. The cosmetics are fairly obvious, but I'm more concerned with the sound, playability, reliability, etc. Are the higher-end models really worth significantly more than the JF30-12? Thanks in advance for any experiences you have to share.

 

[6L6]

After playing anew F-412 I went out and sold my beloved '70 Martin D-12-20 and bought one. Best sounding/playing 12 string I've ever experienced!

Fact is though... You just can't miss with a Guild. ANY Guild.

6

 

[Scratch]

Just my 2 cents worth:

I got my JF30-12 for under 900 on ebay. One very small mark on her and she sings great; I think it was a super buy... Can't speak for the others, but compared with four other 12s in my stable (2 Martins, a D4-12 and an Epiphone FT-160 Texan), the JF-30 jumbo is louder and brighter. My smaller hands fit my D4-12 better; in fact it is probably my favorite for playability ease, but nothing sings like that JF-30-12! As previously stated, I've never seen a negative Guild 12 post on this site. Whatever you do, give Guild your highest consideration. They earned their reputation as THE standard by which all other 12s are judged. Bar none...

 

[guildzilla]

The ornamentation is nicer on the JF-65-12 and on the F-512 and F-412, and those models command higher prices, compared to the JF-30-12. For the additional money, it's kind of a judgement call. I've seen some excellent values on F-512 (rosewood) and F-412 (maple) on e-Bay recently, mostly on Corona and Tacoma guitars.

That said, the JF-30-12 is a great guitar for the money with a lot of high end features - mine has gold tuners, ebony board and bridge - as well as the arched laminated maple back. The arched back has a unique sound, feel and vibe. Mine also has Corona-typical finish checking, but it sounds wonderful and I got it delivered for less than $700, one of my most fortunate e-Bay deals.

The JF-30-12 also varies more than most Guilds vis a vis features. Most have maple necks up until about 2000 when a change is made to mahogany necks. At that same time, I think, the fingerboard change is made from rosewood to mahogany.

Toss all the other Guild 12-string models into the mix and it gets a lot more confusing.

 

[Ragpicker]

Guildzilla, I own a bright Red JF30 that I purchased a little while ago, and it has a large headstock and a one piece mahagany neck. Very nice grain. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I tell 'em its mahagany and not maple. What else do you know about this change?
I do believe fretboard and bridge are rosewood however.
thanks for any info.
RP

 

[pyrotech]

I noticed something quite interesting on the Guild dating charts. Apparently, the F412 was discontinued in 1987, the same year that the JF30-12 was inaugurated. Whether this means there was just a change in model numbering, or some re-design, is not shown on the chart. Then the F412 was re-introduced in 2002. A GAD-JF30-12 model has just been introduced at the start of 2007, apparently without the arched back or double truss rod. Whether there was any type of JF30-12 between 2001 and 2007 isn't shown - it could be that until this year there was either a JF30-12 or a F412, but not both at the same time.

I'm just not going to let it bother me no mo'. Thanks, everyone, for your responses.

 

[pyrotech]

Well, I made the jump - just got a 1990 JF30-12 off eBay for $1000. Maybe a bit more than some others have paid, but the only flaws are a finish crack (not into the wood and a missing bridge pin). That is, if the seller is telling me the truth about the top, bridge, neck, and tuners. At least he has a substantial good feedback rating and a 48-hour return policy.

"Got them old 'GAS'ing blues,
My fingers got the St. Vitus dance,
Too much stuff on eBay to choose,
BIN don't give me no chance, no no,
With BIN I don't stand a chance."

 

[capnjuan]

Congratulations Pyrotech! Spending the money was the easy part; good packing, safe shipping, and some seller integrity....these are hard to buy sometimes at any price. BTW: I had an F412. It was great and I'm sure yours will be fine too.

John

 

[Scratch]

Congrats pyrotech. Send pics!!