Quality of Tacoma F512's

[bobbyk]

I have a '70's F412 that I absolutely love. I'd like to add a F512 to my collection. Looking for opinions/advice here: Buy a TAcoma-built F512 or hold out for a Westerly-built one? (Money is not an issue here and I don't need the F512 right away.)

Thanks.

 

[sitka_spruce]

As other threads on here will tell you Tacoma-mades are great guitars, but Westerlies have a different sound many like. Therefore it's in many ways a matter of taste which route you choose to go.

 

[chazmo]

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[chazmo]

Bobby, welcome to LTG.

I have not had an opportunity to A/B my Tacoma-built F512 with a Westerly-era F512 or JF55-12. I can only tell you that the Tacoma F512 (and I've played two of them) is built to older Guild specs from when the model was young back in the '70s. The body's a little thinner than an '80s Westerly, but I think slightly wider.

Tacoma has tweaked around with the a few things, including the bridge, saddle, and pickguard, and I like what they've done. I've seen no construction issues with the Tacoma F512s to report to you. My 2006 is built great. The 2008 I checked out recently just seemed to lack a little luster in the look of the spruce they used on the soundboard, but it played beautifully.

Since I can't compare tone with a Westerly F512, I will only tell you that my 2006 is the most responsive and flexible 12 string I've ever played. If you're comfortable with a Westerly 12 string neck, you'll be comfortable playing a Tacoma F512. Playability is "like butter" if you ask me -- certainly for a 12 string.

Whether you're finger picking or strumming, this guitar sets a standard for all other 12 strings to aspire to.

I created a thread recently on 2007/2008 changes... You might want to look through that to see if any of that is important to you (regarding buying a new Tacoma or a used one).

Best wishes.

 

[6L6]

Gotta say I've played numerous Westerly 12's and Tacoma 12's and I've loved ALL of them.

That means you're in luck because you're gonna love whichever you buy!

In my case, I bought a new Tacoma F-412 in '06 and I've just had nothing but sheer joy playing it.

6

'06 F-412
'06 D-55
'06 D-40BJ
'74 D-40
'98 Martin D-45V
'98 Collings D-1
'03 Taylor 214

 

[count savage]

Since I have only had one Guild 12-string I can't compare. I have a new Tacoma-built F 512 and it's simply a stunning guitar. It's really a beautiful thing. Now with the D-Tar on it, it lists for around $3,300, which isn't chickenfeed, so I would expect it to be a really well made and built guitar. But price aside, it's just an incredible instrument. Guilds have their own sound, which is as it should be. If you like the Guild 12-string sound, this is it. It plays extremely well. It stays in tune up the neck, which is no small thing on a 12-string. The only other really 'outside' observer who has seen this guitar is Dave Rogers, who owns Dave's Guitar Shop and from whom I purchased it. http://www.davesguitar.com/ Dave had just gotten back from being flown to Nashville so that Gibson could study one of his own guitars for a fortieth anniversary reissue they're doing, a 1959 Les Paul Standard. (worth between $300,000 - $500, 000). He has a nearly unbelievable electric guitar collection and has sold to some of the legends. I bring this all up because Dave was hugely impressed with this guitar, as someone who lives and breathes guitars day in and day out.

 

[taabru45]

I have a 1980 F512 R NT....chimes and sings and rings anyones bell....Nice to know its in such good company.....Not sure it could say the same about me :!: :? Steffan