Walnut stain on late 70's Maple F50's

[uptonlaw]

I have been in the market for an older Maple F50 and have found two recently ( a 1975 and a 1978) that have a walnut stain over the Maple. The sellers have assured me that this is a very rare finish hence increasing the asking price and value of the guitars but I was thinking if they were so rare how come I just found two for sale. Can anyone shed some light on just how rare is a walnut stained Maple F50 from the 70's and does it really increase the value of the guitar.

 

[hansmoust]

I have been in the market for an older Maple F50 and have found two recently ( a 1975 and a 1978) that have a walnut stain over the Maple. The sellers have assured me that this is a very rare finish hence increasing the asking price and value of the guitars but I was thinking if they were so rare how come I just found two for sale. Can anyone shed some light on just how rare is a walnut stained Maple F50 from the 70's and does it really increase the value of the guitar.

Hello uptonlaw,

Guild called it 'mahogany shaded' sides and back and it was one of the several finish variations that were standard during the '70s. It was not the most popular finish during that period which is the reason you see them less often than sunburst or blonde. I wouldn't think that's a reason they're worth more money but hey .......... I've heard crazier things than that!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl