F-212 vs. F-512

[Brad Little]

I got my 212 back from the shop today, most of the octave buzzing is gone, although I guess short of raising the action I'll have to live with it for now. I suppose if I go back to heavier strings with a wound octave 'A' -that's what I used for 30 years or so-it will go away.
So, I spent about 15-20 minutes on each and here's a little comparison. My opinion may change as I play them more.
First, they have the same gauge of strings, although the 212 has 80/20 and the 512 PB. The 212 is definitely a louder instrument with more sustain, although that's probably a bi-product of the loudness. I now that describing sound quality is subjective, but I would say that it has more bite than the 512. How much of that is due to 45 years of aging and being played is hard to say. I also find the neck to be more comfortable, but again, I've been playing it for 45 years so that's probably why. I'll have to measure the fingerboards, but just from playing them, the 512 seems to be a little narrower, making the strings closer. Maybe that's why it is more comfortable for fingerstyle. As I said, it's not as loud, but it has a much more jangly sound, maybe a little more balanced than the 212.
Conclusion, I am definitely going to enjoy playing them both, although at 62, I probably won't get 45 years to enjoy the 512 . I think the 212 will be my 12 of choice for more aggressive flatpicking and blues and the 512 will be for song accompaniment.
Brad

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

I wish that I could try an F-212.
Never even seen one around.
My first Guild 12 string was either a D25-12 or a D212. I don't know which one but it never grew on me.
I traded it in for a Yamaha Rosewood 12 string that played easier and sounded better to me.
At the time, I knew nothing about set ups.

Several years later, I played a JF30-12 and fell in love.
I bought it and had it for about 15 years. I sold it because I found the Jumbo size had become uncomfortable for me. I always play sitting down.
The 12 string neck has also become very hard for me to play.

I doubt that I would ever buy another Jumbo guitar but I sure would love to play an F-212 and an F212 XL, just to hear one.

 

[twocorgis]

Brad,

I'm not sure if it's related, but I think that the Red Spruce that guild has been using lately will take quite some time to open up (hate that term). My New Hartford D40 is still very tight, and I'm actually thinking about leaving it in front of some speakers all day to try to loosen up the top some. I'm sure it will be fine in the long haul, but right now its sound leaves a lot to be desired compared to my Gibson SWD and D18DC (and the Gibson is pretty new). Curiously enough, it sounds much better plugged in through the DTAR. Much better than the Fishman in the Gibson (plus there's no hole cut in the side of the guitar).

I've heard that Red Spruce takes longer to come around; guess it's true, at least in this case.

 

[Brad Little]

B I'm actually thinking about leaving it in front of some speakers all day to try to loosen up the top some. I'm sure it will be fine in the long haul, but right now its sound leaves a lot to be desired .

Interesting. I've had thoughts about hooking up my Tone-Rite to the 512 and see what it does for the sound, but I'm not sure I could stay away from it for 72 hours. The more I play it, the more I like it. Of course, the same can be said about my F-212 and I've been playing it for 45 years
Brad

 

[devellis]

I'm pretty sure that the 512s are Sitka, not red spruce. I guess some sonic stimulation might still do something, though. On the other hand, if Sitka is less prone to tightness, then just playing that puppy may do the trick.

 

[chazmo]

Bob, I think the bracing on the NH 512s is red spruce (adirondack?). That said, even if I'm right, I don't think bracing actually ever "plays in."

In any case, your 512 sounded very much like mine (to me) in the store. Which is to say... "oh yeah....."

 

[EddieZ]

I am fortunate enough to have a 212XL and a 512. I bounce back and forth as to which is my favorite, the 212XL seems to be "boomier" but the 512 is so sweet. I wouldn't part with either.

Regards,
EddieZ
Austin, Tx

 

[Brad Little]

I am fortunate enough to have a 212XL and a 512. I bounce back and forth as to which is my favorite, the 212XL seems to be "boomier" but the 512 is so sweet. I wouldn't part with either.

Basically my observation, too.
Brad