1990 JF30-12 Stable

[Budha]

I bought my first Guild, a 1990 JF30-12, three years ago last month. The seller reported it had been stable for many years. I wasn't all that sure it would remain stable. I thought I may be facing a neck reset by now. The saddle was shaved as far as you could go and the action was right where I wanted it. The geometry of the guitar top looked like what you would expect from a new Guild 12 string. Short version is that the guitar has remained totally stable for the last three years. Nothing has changed with relief, action, or general geometry. The only thing that has changed is that it sounds better every day. I am amazed by this guitar. I do keep it tuned down a half step and the original owner also kept it tuned down a half step.

 

[GGJaguar]

Excellent! I hope it continues to give you many more years of playing enjoyment!

 

[Stuball48]

"Made To Be Played" and I love a story like that.

 

[wileypickett]

A Westerly JF30 12-string was my first Guild. It was my intro to the brand.

A number of other Guilds have come and gone (mostly come!), but I still have that JF30.

 

[Cougar]

I bought my first Guild, a 1990 JF30-12, three years ago last month.

Yep. JF30-12 was also my first Guild -- a 2002 out of Corona. Must have been close to 8 years ago soon after I joined LTG. It remains spectacular in every respect!

 

[beecee]

Yup....mine sits on the rack next to an F-412....and a pretty burst JF-30.

All three are keepers!

 

[Boneman]

That’s great to hear, and reinforces the notion that Guilds are not only made to be played, but they are built to last! I’ve only had my JF30-12 just over a month, but it’s twenty years old and and feels great, and more importantly sounds tremendous.

 

[adorshki]

I bought my first Guild, a 1990 JF30-12, three years ago last month. The seller reported it had been stable for many years. I wasn't all that sure it would remain stable. I thought I may be facing a neck reset by now. The saddle was shaved as far as you could go and the action was right where I wanted it. The geometry of the guitar top looked like what you would expect from a new Guild 12 string. Short version is that the guitar has remained totally stable for the last three years. Nothing has changed with relief, action, or general geometry. The only thing that has changed is that it sounds better every day. I am amazed by this guitar. I do keep it tuned down a half step and the original owner also kept it tuned down a half step.

My best buddy has an '87 he bought new, his dream guitar, a Guild 12-string. It did suffer some bridge lift a couple of years in, fixed at Sylvan in Santa Cruz CA IIRC. He also tuned down a half-step afterward, and also went to silk'n steels. No problems since.

Your comment about a 1/2 step down reminded me I actually dig jamming with him 'cause I get to practice playing in flat keys.
Lotta folks find it awkward or just tune down themselves.