NH F512 vs Hoboken F212

Brad Little

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Over the last couple of months, I've done something that was long overdue, getting all my acoustic guitars professionally set up. The last was my 512 that I picked up yesterday. Tonight, I spent an hour comparing the two, playing the same things on each, alternatingly. First, the nuts 1.87" (512) vs 1.99" (at least on my cheap digital calipers). Center of back to top of strings around the 3rd fret, both at .99", but the 512 has a much rounder shape, the 212 is broader. I'll try to get a shape picture tomorrow. Of course, many, if not all, Hoboken 12s had no fretboard radius, (at least one person remarked that it felt concave after playing it) and the 512 is 15", I think. To me, the 212 is more comfortable, but then I've been playing it for 57 years, and much of that time it was my only steel string guitar. I also have played a lot of classical guitar over the years, and that's a similar board. The 512 would probably be an easier transition for a six string player. Strings, the 512 has D'Addario light XS and the 212 D'Addario PB XLs. Both have solid spruce tops, RW vs. Mahogany, 17" vs 16", both 5" deep (according to http://westerlyguildguitars.com/index.htm. 212 is louder to my ears, and has what I've always thought of as growl. 512 has what some call the chimey sound that a lot of people associate with a 12. Different animals. To my ears the 212 is better suited for blues and hard driving rhythm playing, 512 for more crooning type material. I'll try to get some recordings of them tomorrow.
I do wonder how much almost 60 years of aging has to do with the sound, also the 512 hasn't had nearly as much playing time in its 10 years as the 212 did in its first 10 years.
 
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GGJaguar

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Godzilla versus Rodan! Should be a fun comparison.
 

Brad Little

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Neck profiles at 5th fret:
F512
Imj6ng.jpg

F212.
r39cK0.jpg


Probably won't get any sound files today, got a new Zoom H4n Pro and want to get some learning time with it and the editing software it came with.
 

tommym

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That has to be the best way to show a neck profile I have ever seen.

I recently used this process in articulating the difference between my Guild F-30 Standard neck and my Froggy Bottom Model M. You can see in the image below, the light shining through the gap between the neck and the needle gauge. The needle gauge is the profile of the Guild F-30 Standard (taken at the first fret) placed over the Froggy Bottom Model M neck at the same fret location. At this location, the Guild F-30 Standard has .030" more meat below the shoulders of the neck. Note the use of painter's tape to protect the finish from the needle gauge. I typically take two profiles; one at the first fret, and one at the ninth fret.

One last thing. This metal needle gauge rust like crazy in a humid environment so I need to spray this gauge after every use before I store it. If you don't need this kind of accuracy, use the plastic ones that Brad Little shows in his post.

Tommy

2b87atX.jpg
 

Brad Little

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One last thing. This metal needle gauge rust like crazy in a humid environment so I need to spray this gauge after every use before I store it. If you don't need this kind of accuracy, use the plastic ones that Brad Little shows in his post.

Tommy
Yeah, I had one that rusted beyond recovery. Went with the plastic because I use them infrequently.
 

Brad Little

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Still planning on doing a recording. Have some vision issues, and last night was one of those days, and the display screen on the Zoom Hn4 (though bigger than the previous model) is a little hard to read. May need to get a partner to help.
 

Bernie

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You can work on the contrast too, by going to 'system' in the menu (if you haven't tried that yet), or get a magnifying glass as well (that's how I do). BTW not in a hurry, we can all wait I bet... 😊
 

Brad Little

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You can work on the contrast too, by going to 'system' in the menu (if you haven't tried that yet), or get a magnifying glass as well (that's how I do). BTW not in a hurry, we can all wait I bet... 😊
OK, took me a while, had to sign up for Soundcloud and figure how to link.


 
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Bernie

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I find both guitars pretty comparable in terms of tone, and couldn't really say I preferred one over the other through my computer's loudspeakers. So I tried with headphones and I think I liked the 512 a bit better (but I like rosewood more than mahogany usually)...With different strings on too, it's hard to make a definite conclusion ; both sound good to my ears and so I came to the conclusion that N. H. does well, and as Hoboken remains a standard of excellence for many Guild enthusiasts, I'm happy that my (New Hartford) F-30 may compare to quite a few great Guilds then 😊... Whatever guitar you'll choose to play, don't hesitate enjoying it then(y)😉
 

Horse

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Both very nice ... the F212 is sweeter sounding, and a bit more balanced imo -- funny (and oddly) but at same time I sensed that (212) had, overall, a more "cavernous" sound --meaning depth I suppose? That could just be the mohogany "talkin'. I liked the way all the strings rang truer on regular strumming. I am listening on some good Sony anc buds.

Overall I felt the sound was a bit more melodious on the Hob. And this is from a proud NH (and Westerly) owner. May I ask, did you feel that your overall fingering and picking were easier with one over the other? I just ask because your overall 'attack' seemed different as I kept listening back and forth. Really interesting, and I am wondering if the different neck shapes any bearing on right hand work.

Thanks for the demo. I'll take one of each, please! (pay no attention to my obvious preference, I really would take both! ;) )
 
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