What was the 1960s AE serial number prefix used for?

[F-412Spec]

In the Guild serial number charts, I never see "AE" designated except for 1980s SB201-SB202 guitars, but I know '60s AE guitars exist. What did AE mean in the '60s?

Also, I have seen the word "amber" on these '60s labels....was that a ref to a special finish?

 

[donnylang]

F212-XL, 1966-70ish

 

[F-412Spec]

"F212-XL, 1966-70ish"

Also '66 F-412 Special, so it's not tied to a model.

What's the source of the 212XL reference? I'm just looking at an old list, I guess.

 

[adorshki]

In the Guild serial number charts, I never see "AE" designated except for 1980s SB201-SB202 guitars, but I know '60s AE guitars exist. What did AE mean in the '60s?

Also, I have seen the word "amber" on these '60s labels....was that a ref to a special finish?

Yes, on the label that refers to the finish color, sort of a honey color, resembles a "natural" finish after it's aged and darkened, even reddened up a little bit, like my D25. I like it a lot.

"F212-XL, 1966-70ish"

Also '66 F-412 Special, so it's not tied to a model.

If you mean the finish color, correct, it was used on various models at various times.
EDIT: Just realized you may have meant the "AE" prefix, and yes obviously re-used on different models at different times, but in general the "alpha" prefixes only applied to a given model in a given period.

What's the source of the 212XL reference? I'm just looking at an old list, I guess.

The F212"XL" was based on the 17" lower bout jumbo body, the F50 outline. The F212 was based on the 16" lower bout "jumbo" F47 of 1964.

 

[donnylang]

"F212-XL, 1966-70ish"

Also '66 F-412 Special, so it's not tied to a model.

What's the source of the 212XL reference? I'm just looking at an old list, I guess.

I guess I’m confused as to what you’re asking- “AE” was the prefix for the F212-XL serial number scheme ... the ‘69 F412 I had was “OB”, but maybe the AE designation was used on other “Special” 12-string models (i.e., non-standard) at some point?

The source is every F212-XL I’ve seen that was made 1966-69 (probably into 1970) was designated “AE” ... but I think some of the early ones did say “F212 Special”.

Putting this info together, I would guess Guild gave the AE designation to non-standard 12 strings that were full jumbo maybe ... then at some point around 1968(?), they just used it for the F212-XL, and introduced the F412 and F512 with their own serial schemes.

 

[donnylang]

... something tells me this Reverb listing might be relevant:

Guild F-212 1963 - 1985 | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

Though I think this would be a 1968 guitar, not ‘66-67.

 

[SFIV1967]

What's the source of the 212XL reference? I'm just looking at an old list, I guess.

Page 129 of The Guild Guitar Book from Hans Moust and also Hans stated before that the records for the F-212XL AE numbers between 1966 and 1969 were not available to him at the time he wrote the book more than 25 years ago, so also the "official" list on the Guild site is missing the numbers.

Ralf

 

[F-412Spec]

Ah.... thank you for the Hans Moust reference and the finish notes. Sitting right here on my bookshelf. I gotta do more reading.

"...Reverb listing might be relevant:"

Imperial is advertising that particular guitar on our local Craigslist here, but I had not seen the Reverb ad. Beat as it is, it still seems like a pretty good guitar. It has the volute, which I happen to like. I see this guitar has an ebony board and "amber". As noted, maybe the non-212 AEs were all oddballs in some way.

1966/67 Guild F-212 Natural Finish 12-String Acoustic Guitar w/OHSC...

1966/67 Guild F-212 In Fair Overall Condition (Please See Photos) Natural Finish Shows Scratches, Dings, and Wear Throughout Body & Neck (Please See Photos) Saddle Has Been Shaved Down, Guitar...

losangeles.craigslist.org

 

[donnylang]

Yeh seems a bit on the high side when you factor in the cost of the neck reset (looks to me to be needed currently). Then again, the guitar is fairly rare, particularly with that “Amber” designation. Though I’m not sure anyone really cares tbh.

Personally, I much prefer the regular F212 over the XLs. I’m not a fan of ebony boards and the size and volume are a bit much.

 

[Heath]

My 212XL is AE220 and Hans believes it to be late 1967 but more likely an early ‘68. If that’s true, that listing is also likely a ‘68 or possibly even ‘69.