F30 Question/GAD-30 Question

[mdutr0]

Are these guitars the same size? I had a chance to play one of each today and I could have sworn the F-30 (a NOS Tacoma model) was bigger than the GAD-30. Is this the case or was my mind playing tricks on me?

If I had the cash, that F-30 would be in my lap right now and I wouldn't have the time to post this question!

Thanks,

Micah

 

[Ridgemont]

Same size, but the gad has a 1&3/4 inch nut while the f30 has a 1&11/16 inch nut and a beefier neck.

 

[mdutr0]

Thanks for the info. I am really GASing for the F-30 but I can't afford it (unless I part with my Martin, which I don't know that I want to do). I'm not sure why the F-30 felt bigger.... It seemed deeper and a bit larger in the upper bout. But they weren't at the same store and I ate lunch between stores so....

I liked them both - though I would choose the F-30 if my bank account would allow it. I am a Guild n00b! I really liked the sound, very different from my 000 Martin!

I may get the GAD-30 for now and put the F-30 on my Future Guitars list.

 

[Ridgemont]

I may get the GAD-30 for now and put the F-30 on my Future Guitars list.

that is what I was planning with my gad. They just sound so good that in the end I will keep the gad and an f30

 

[Theem]

Well the GAD wont have much of a resale value, remember that. So try to get a used one so you dont suffer such a loss if you later on decide to sell it.

But the f-30 is better built and the finish is better, it could and should age better tone wise.

 

[mdutr0]

Fortunately, the GAD 30 I have my eye on is used.

But I must confess to having evil thoughts about trading in my Martin 000 for the F-30. The F-30 is so deliciously different, a very warm and balanced tone compared to the stark clarity of my Martin....

Being very unfamiliar with Guild guitars I was blown away by first experience with them.

 

[Theem]

I've done most of my playing on my dads martin 000-18 from the 60s, and I borrow it frequently. But I can tell you that I grow accustomed to a guitar, say a martin, then the guild feels fresh again and vice versa. This is the biggest issue when people sell a guitar to buy another, when they get accustomed to the new you'll miss the one you sold.

Either way I hope you get a guild! But get a good one, otherwise your thirst might not get satisfied!

 

[mdutr0]

I have a feeling that even if I get the used GAD-30 a new F-30 will still be in my future one day!

Discovering Guild is like having a whole new world open up.

 

[Ridgemont]

I have a feeling that even if I get the used GAD-30 a new F-30 will still be in my future one day!

Discovering Guild is like having a whole new world open up.

The GAD is great but take it from me and my own experience, it won't satisfy the F30 crave. There is not a day goes by that I do not think about the possibility of an F30. What Martin 000 do you have? No matter what the answer, it will be distinctly different from the F30, but diversity in sound is not a bad thing. It helps you appreciate the strengths of each maker. All my guitars have their own unique sound, an I hope that my next guitar also has its own distinct voice. If I find that the F30 I am interested in is too similar the tone of my D25 (for example), then I may opt for a different guitar/maker. Good thing I am broke, so I do not have to make any decisions anytime soon. As for resale of a GAD, yes they depreciate like a Hyundai and getting one used is a good goal. The GADs in my opinion offer us a good travel guitar once you upgrade. They sound great and with the polyester finish, you do not have to worry about finish checking.

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome. For what it's worth, Mrs. Fro. played a F-30 in the New Hartford factory and fell in love. I suspect she'd trade in her D-25 in a heartbeat.

 

[mdutr0]

My Martin is a 000-16GT.
I am going back to play the GAD today as soon as I get a chance. If the price is right I will probably buy it.

I know it won't scratch the itch I have developed for an American Guild but hopefully it will be a financially gentle introduction to the Guild world.

 

[chazmo]

Definitely go used for now as you're exploring. You won't take the big hit on a new instrument until/unless you're ready. Great move, and have fun!

 

[Ridgemont]

Couple of things before laying down the big bills. If you don't mind, how much are they asking for the used GAD30? Is it a GAD30 or a GAD30R (rosewood)? Does it have a burst finish or electronics? I am asking because it seems like GAD prices are all over the place (both new and used) and one should be weary not to get ripped off. Also, Take your 000-16 with you and A/B them before you make your final decision. Those 16-series guitars sure do have some clarity and almost a very bright character to them although I have only played the rosewood versions.

 

[mdutr0]

They want $325 for it.

It's a GAD-30ASB to be exact. It has no electronics. There wasn't a mark on it that I could find and the neck angle seemed good, though I did not have a straight edge with me at the time.

 

[Ridgemont]

They want $325 for it.

It's a GAD-30ASB to be exact. It has no electronics. There wasn't a mark on it that I could find and the neck angle seemed good, though I did not have a straight edge with me at the time.

At that price, I wouldn't hesitate assuming the neck is strait and no other issues. You should expect to pay around $1000 for a good used F30.

 

[mdutr0]

I got it! It came in around $350 (with tax), OHSC included. It has a very nice antique burst top. I really like the neck profile and the very low profile heel.

It has a very warm, mid-rangy sound. A Martin die-hard would say it lacks bass presence but I find the tone to be very balanced. I can't wait to get home to play it!

 

[adorshki]

Congrats! Welcome aboard! We'll be looking forward to hearing about #2 in oh, about a month or so.... :lol: