NGD 1972 F512

[RGSmith265]

Just picked up this early F512, a “pre-production” model with fancy 612 style inlays. Lots of work to do on it…
After looking closely, I think someone must have electrified it at some point… there are two perfectly round plugs in the top that are not damage repairs.
It needs work on the end binding where the endpin is, some binding work around the top and back, refinishing work where those plugs are in the top… some drop-fils in the top, some work around the inlays on the fretboard, oiling the fretboard, some fret dressing and crowning, maybe a new nut, and the usual overall cleaning and polishing. But overall it’s in good shape for a 51 year-old. It’ll be a fun project and “keep me off the streets“ for awhile!

 

[GGJaguar]

Wow, very cool guitar! Congrats!!

 

[wileypickett]

Scarce with that fingerboard!

Looks like the heel cap was painted with nail polish -- and a possible neck reset at one time to judge by where the neck meets the body?

But whatever you have to put into it you'll get back in spades.

Congrats!

 

[RGSmith265]

The heel cap is missing entirely. It was literally crumbling into tiny shards. I’ll have to make a new one. I didn’t see any evidence of a neck reset and the original block inside looks undisturbed, but it’s possible. I bought it to restore and the price was right. It’s a nice addition to my Guild collection… completes the F series. I have one each of them including an F212 I bought new when they first came out in 1964 when I was in college. I recently found an F312 that was played at the Fillmore in SF in 1968… it’s amazing!

 

[Cougar]

It needs work....

Nothing too terrible! Major congrats! Time to play that baby!

 

[davismanLV]

Wow, what a cool guitar!! Congrats!! There's some work to do but that rosewood is BEAUTIFUL!!

 

[RGSmith265]

Thanks everybody. I’m looking forward to playing it soon. I’m waiting to string it up until I get the persimmon bridge pins I ordered for it. In the meantime I can work on other things it needs… I’ll post some photos when it’s ready!

 

[RGSmith265]

The bridge pins are in and Hans very kindly sent me a piece of the original heel cap material to use in fashioning a new one. Almost there. Still have some stain work to do matching the new heel cap to the old binding and lots of tedious slow smoothing… but here are some interim photos along with one showing the original condition.

 

[chazmo]

Very nice, RG!!!

 

[Guildedagain]

Dang, that's a holy grail.

 

[RGSmith265]

Yup. It sure was mine! It is the only F series 12 I didn’t have. Started collecting them in 1964 when I bought my F-212.

 

[Guildedagain]

I'm content with my F112, and I don't want to upset it.