D-40 vs F-40

[Aahzz]

So, as mentioned in my other thread about the "plain" D-40 as compared to the Traditional, I'm about to be in the market once some other guitars sell.

I realized I've been only looking at dreadnoughts, because I don't generally like smaller bodied guitars as much.

However, in poking around the interwebz last night, it occurred to me that I was excluding jumbos. I've never owned a jumbo. I've never actually played a jumbo. I really like the word jumbo .

So, while I'm waiting for a chance to play them all, which I will do before purchase, please hit me with your thoughts on these 2, dreads and jumbos in general, and any other recommendations you might have. My playing style is strummer/singer who takes the odd solo now and then.

 

[Cougar]

I really like the word jumbo .

Ha! There's nothing like a Guild jumbo! They're big, they're bold... they're so big, guys with shoulder problems have to forego their greatness, mainly due to the width, I guess. The only thing better than a jumbo Guild is a jumbo Guild 12-string!

 

[chazmo]

... I really like the word jumbo .

Me too!

Unfortunately, it means different things to different brands. At Guild, though, a "jumbo" is defined by a folk-style body (two bouts, not one like a dreadnaught), and a 17" lower bout. So, at least there's no confusion about that when it comes to Guild. The only exception I know of might be the F-612 which had an 18" lower bout... But, honestly, I don't know if they called it a "jumbo" or not, as technically it was bigger than any other Guild jumbo.

What is confusing though is that the F-40 model from Oxnard became a jumbo, when in all previous iterations it wasn't. I haven't tried an Oxnard F-40, but I've tried many other Guild 6-string jumbos including their 12-string counterparts.

Anyway, you should definitely try one and see what you think. And, there are maple and rosewood versions of each, other than the mahogany that you'll already have with the D-40... So very worth the sonic experience! And, jumbos are big guitars, especially if you like to play seated... You have to make sure you're comfortable with one, despite the great (to me) sound!

Good luck in the hunt, Aahzz. And, for the record, take nobody's word on it; it's all about your reaction.

 

[Aahzz]

Me too!

Unfortunately, it means different things to different brands. At Guild, though, a "jumbo" is defined by a folk-style body (two bouts, not one like a dreadnaught), and a 17" lower bout. So, at least there's no confusion about that when it comes to Guild. The only exception I know of might be the F-612 which had an 18" lower bout... But, honestly, I don't know if they called it a "jumbo" or not, as technically it was bigger than any other Guild jumbo.

What is confusing though is that the F-40 model from Oxnard became a jumbo, when in all previous iterations it wasn't. I haven't tried an Oxnard F-40, but I've tried many other Guild 6-string jumbos including their 12-string counterparts.

Anyway, you should definitely try one and see what you think. And, there are maple and rosewood versions of each, other than the mahogany that you'll already have with the D-40... So very worth the sonic experience! And, jumbos are big guitars, especially if you like to play seated... You have to make sure you're comfortable with one, despite the great (to me) sound!

Good luck in the hunt, Aahzz. And, for the record, take nobody's word on it; it's all about your reaction.

My local GC had a used Westerly Collection F1512 that I played today. Still not going with a 12 string, but it did give me a feel for the Guild Jumbo, and it felt comfortable enough to me. That said, with my own guitars, I always play with a strap, even seated, so I know that if I was comfy enough playing it without one, I'll be perfectly comfy playing it in strap position .

 

[chazmo]

I don't think the Westerly series F-1512 is a real jumbo, Aahzz. Ah well, I guess my previous post was inaccurate (mea culpa) because now Guild calls something with less than a 17" lower bout a "jumbo." Oh well. Sorry about that. Nothing is clear with these guys anymore.

Anyway, enjoy the hunt, Aahzz. I'm a huge fan of the US-built jumbos (pretty much all of them) if you get a chance to try one.

 

[Cougar]

I don't think the Westerly series F-1512 is a real jumbo, Aahzz.....

What? News to me. But you're right! "Body width lower bout: 16-5/8 inch." 3/8 inch short of 17". I haven't measured my jumbos lately, but some spec sheets list them as 17.25", not just an even 17.

A true Guild jumbo Aahzz might consider (if he were to run into one) is the JF-30. My first Guild was the 12-string version (previously pictured), and I'm as crazy about it now as the day I bought it.

 

[Boneman]

I think since you’ve never played one, and you like the word jumbo, you need to get one . Watch this, and you’ll be on the hunt!

 

[Aahzz]

I think since you’ve never played one, and you like the word jumbo, you need to get one . Watch this, and you’ll be on the hunt!

I've watched it 6 or 7 times already I love Quinton's playing!

 

[Boneman]

I was always a dread guy, got a Fender Jumbo and realized what I was missing. Sold the Fender during my collection tweaking, and am in the hunt for an Oxnard F40 Trad in natural. I almost bought one from their shop in fact, but it had finish issues, and after exhaustive search, determined the only ones out there are sunburst, nat tops won’t be available new until December.

 

[chazmo]

. . .
A true Guild jumbo Aahzz might consider (if he were to run into one) is the JF-30. My first Guild was the 12-string version (previously pictured), and I'm as crazy about it now as the day I bought it.

Ah, so many to choose from. All great!

 

[richardp69]

I love my Oxnard F 40. I know some have an issue with naming this one the F 40 which is a very different guitar from a vintage F 40. I have one of each and think they are both superb.

Also, if you are a fan of Maple as a tonewood, you need to give an F 50 or F 50R a try. I love most all guitars regardless of size but I will say if I had to pick a favorite it would be the F 50 or F 50R. Another alternative to the F 50 is the JF 30 which is pretty much an F 50 w/o all the bling and at a substantially lower price point.

 

[chazmo]

My only objection to the modern F-40 is the name. I would love to have one of these modern ones, Richard. And, as you say, the prior F-40 models are wonderful and different -- I love my F-40 Cocobolo GSR that I was originally one of yours, Richard. .

I think the modern F-40 should've been called an F-48, or whatever the 6-string solid mahogany jumbo used to be called. Or at least a "JF-40" to distinguish it from the original... Whatever. I've given up trying to explain/justify Guild's weird attitude toward model names/numbers.

As I recall, the F-48 (if I've got the original model correct) was a rather short-lived run, but I never understood why. The F-212XL 12-string brothers of that guitar were hugely popular (and marvelous guitars, too).