SPE stamp on early 70's Guild 12

[beecee]

Is this a code for Second?

 

[beecee]

Was I being totally naive ...or have I stumped all?

 

[GardMan]

Is this a code for Second?

Not that I recall seeing before. A common mark was a red printed "2" on the label or back brace. IIRC, sometimes a "Z" instead of a two...

If it was written on the label, I would have guessed "Special," but don't recall ever seeing that stamped onto the wood. Does it have SPE after the model designation? That was used for "special."

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

 

[beecee]

Chuckle!

Guardman, it is a plain ol' F-112

 

[chazmo]

Yeah, maybe Hans knows, beecee. I'm not familiar with it.

The "SPEC" Gardman mentioned would've potentially been on the label, but I haven't seen "SPE" stamped on the back like this, and I don't know if SPEC was even used on labels by 1976. This might not be a factory marking,

 

[beecee]

This might not be a factory marking,

Good point.

Here is the guitar in question. Bridge looks a little thin.

 

[hansmoust]

Is this a code for Second?

The 'SPE' designation was used for instruments that were set up or ordered with features that were not standard for the model. It means the same as 'Special' or 'Spec.' and it was sometimes written as a suffix after the model designation and sometimes ink-stamped on the label or somewhere on the back inside the guitar. ( See 'The Guild Guitar Book' - page 48 and 164 - 'Special Orders')
Without seeing the entire guitar I do not know what the 'special' feature on this F-112 would have been, but in most 12-string cases it meant the use of a higher grade of machineheads.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Cougar]

Beecee, your guitar is special!

 

[chazmo]

Hans to the rescue!

Beecee, that guitar looks great! Not sure what you mean about the bridge being thin; looks fantastic to me.

 

[beecee]

Well...I was on the road all day, missed Han's input. Just sent him the link to the guitar. Regrettably sold while I was away.