NGD - FS46-12CE

[awagner]

I actually acquired this one several months ago, but just brought it home recently after the neck was repositioned and the guitar set up.

I have not yet put it through its paces because one of the tuners is shot and needs to be replaced (I started a separate thread seeking a replacement). I am also exploring options for upgrading the stock electronics, which work, but are antiquated. Once I get these issues resolved, I think this is going to be a super fun guitar to play. Basically, the 12-string equivalent of a Peregrine, although it predates my Peregrine by 17 years.

Thanks to Glenn (wileypicket) for evaluating the guitar and acquiring it for me from a pawn shop near him. Thanks also to Dave (hearth_man) for providing great information about the electronics (a Barcus Berry system), and presenting me with some upgrade options. I will hopefully know what is feasible next week when I take it in to a different guy. My objective is to install the best electronics possible that don’t require physically modifying the guitar, and which retain the use of the volume and tone knobs.

Initial impression is that it is a substantial guitar. A solid body that takes acoustic strings. Not that I need it, but the guitar has 24-fret access, which is crazy for a 12 string. All of my acoustic 12 strings join the body at the 12th or 14th fret. So this one will allow me to try a lot of new things. It should also be a great gigging guitar.

Anyway, here are some pics:

 

[davismanLV]

I remember seeing this guitar, did I not?? The only thing was that missing string and bridge pin. What a cool guitar!!! I love these a whole lot. So what's your total now, Andrew?? * million? LMAO!! Congrats!! What a cool guitar!!

 

[awagner]

I remember seeing this guitar, did I not?? The only thing was that missing string and bridge pin. What a cool guitar!!! I love these a whole lot. So what's your total now, Andrew?? * million? LMAO!! Congrats!! What a cool guitar!!

Thanks, Tom.

I have the bridge pin, but removed it so I don’t lose it. The tuner for the low D is the one that is shot.

My Guild total is a fraction of GAD’s and GROT’s.

But since I recently sold my Rickenbacker 360/12 and Les Paul Custom, my collection is now almost 100% Guild.

 

[davismanLV]

Thanks, Tom.

I have the bridge pin, but removed it so I don’t lose it. The tuner for the low D is the one that is shot.

My Guild total is a fraction of GAD’’s and GROT’s.

But since I recently sold my Rickenbacker 360/12 and Les Paul Custom, my collection is now almost 100% Guild.

So how many guitars do you play a day? Just curious. I'm not playing that much these days, but I grabbed the Breedlove for about 30 minutes. But I've got only 5. The DV-72 needs new strings. Hell, they ALL need new strings but how do you choose?? Just a weird question from a goof....

 

[awagner]

So how many guitars do you play a day?

I wish I played every day, but sadly I do not.

Recently, the Studio 24, F50 SB, Peregrine and JF55-12 Custom have gotten the most playing time.

But I always come back to the Brazilian F512, F412 SB, JV72 and D80-12, which are my pantheon guitars, with many others being right up there, and getting playing time as well.

 

[hearth_man]

Very interesting... a three piece neck. That's great and unusual too! I don't think I have seen a three piece neck on any other of FS46 series guitars before. Including the FS46-12CEs.

Nice find Andrew!

 

[wileypickett]

Hey Andrew,

You mean you won't be playing this guitar at the 24th fret?!

When I went to the pawn shop to check it out for you, I saw a 12-string that needed a little help but one that had a lot of potential. It wasn't abused so much as neglected. (The strings were ancient and when I opened the back panel, the battery inside was completely corroded.)

It's a rare bird for sure -- delighted to see you bringing it back to life.

Good luck -- keep us posted!

 

[awagner]

Very interesting... a three piece neck. That's great and unusual too! I don't think I have seen a three piece neck on any other of FS46 series guitars before. Including the FS46-12CEs.

Nice find Andrew!

Thanks! This one is #3, so it is an early one.

 

[awagner]

When I went to the pawn shop to check it out for you, I saw a 12-string that needed a little help but one that had a lot of potential. It wasn't abused so much as neglected. (The strings were ancient and when I opened the back panel, the battery inside was completely corroded.)

It's a rare bird for sure -- delighted to see you bringing it back to life.

Good luck -- keep us posted!

Thanks, Glenn! The F50 SB you helped me acquire was similarly in need of some TLC, and it is one of my favorite players.

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Barcus Berry? I think mine has a modified Fishman AGP UST...also has a factory Mag PUP....and no the two will never balance out...not from 1984 or so...

There was also an issue with the saddle slots for the wide compensated saddles...not level...factory jig issue...so you may need to do something at that end.

Besides the 24 frets, the scale length is 24 3/4.

If you use a capo, you need one that fits a very flat fretboard radius...I've found the Kyser 12 string models work...and some of the G7th.

Have fun.

 

[awagner]

Thanks. Great info.

 

[chazmo]

Andrew, I know you said you had the bridge pin, but the hole there looks very small. I wonder are all the string holes the same or was that one just not drilled out? Just curious. Very cool piece.

 

[awagner]

Andrew, I know you said you had the bridge pin, but the hole there looks very small. I wonder are all the string holes the same or was that one just not drilled out? Just curious. Very cool piece.

I have not looked at the other holes. All of the pins seem to hold the strings well, but some of the pins are white, while others are off-white.

So perhaps some of the pins are not original.

 

[chazmo]

Hmm... Keep us posted. Looks like a really nice axe. I think Jane has one of these.

 

[GF60]

Nice guitar. I don't think I have seen that modal before.