F312 1964

[rich johnson]

I'm looking at a 64' F312 with Braz rosewood. My questions to the experts...and I'd love to speak with one (516-435-8382) is
1. is the body as large as large as say the F412 or F512.
2. The pic makes me think it is not and might "neck heavy" as the neck is huge...which I like
4. has a small top crack repaired...set up fairly low action but low saddle so my money says neck reset.
5. fair price?? the price asked is in the middle of "book" retail

thanks

 

[Brad Little]

I have a '64 F212, so very similar only with mahogany instead of RW. A 312 will not be as big as a 412 or 512. 312 Specs, 512 specs.
As to being "neck heavy," mine was well balanced until I had the original tuning gears replaced with bulkier Schaller machine heads that have considerably more weight. I keep planning to replace them with lighter open gears, but just never seem to get around to it. The only issue with the heavier gears is that the strap button I put on the body makes it a little top heavy, so I use a strap that connects behind the nut.
Neck reset would probably run $500 to $700, maybe more. I've had some top cracks cleated on mine, no appreciable difference in sound. Be aware that in '64 Guild 12 strings had no fingerboard radius. Some people who've played mine have remarked that it seems concave! I don't notice it, probably because I've been playing it for almost 60 years, in fact., I sometimes take a while to adjust to the radius on my 2010 512!
As to price, I couldn't begin to make a guess. Without the Brazilian RW, I would say $1800 to $2500 depending on condition, with a possible neck reset, the lower end. Best guess would be another $500-$700 for the BRW, but that's just a wild guess.

 

[HeyMikey]

The F312 is not as big as a 412 or 512. It is based on an F40 size with a roughy 16” lower bout. So if you have shoulder issues a 312 or 212 should be more comfortable.

Note that the very early ones often have a flat and wide neck, roughly 2”, whereas a little later they have a slightly rounder radius and closer to 1-7/8 or 1-15/16 nut width.

 

[Brad Little]

Note that the very early ones often have a flat and wide neck, roughly 2”, whereas a little later they have a slightly rounder radius and closer to 1-7/8 or 1-15/16 nut width.

Yes, I was going to measure mine, but pretty sure it's 2" or very close to that. I'll check when I go to play it later today. Not sure when they stopped the flat fingerboard, but AFAIK all '64s had it.

 

[rich johnson]

yes he says 1-15/16 almost 2 inches

 

[Brad Little]

Here's mine:

 

[rich johnson]

yep that's 2 inches..hahahaa

 

[chazmo]

Is it this one, @rich johnson ?

https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/1965-f312.221133/

Oh, and we really can't give you a fair price without seeing pictures/details.

 

[HeyMikey]

Most likely this one that surfaced yesterday on Reverb. Did you buy it Rich?

1964 Guild F-312 12-String (Brazilian Rosewood) | Reverb

Up for sale is the widely regarded “holy grail” of 12-string guitars: a 1964 Guild F-312 with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides! This is a rare example from the first year of production for this model. Check out the included demo video.This guitar sounds phenomenally lush and huge. Having played ...

reverb.com

 

[chazmo]

Looks like the action might be a little high. I hope not at that price. Good luck, Rich! Looking forward to your NGD!

 

[rich johnson]

I'll probably pass...need a larger body

 

[F-412Spec]

I recommend playing the larger body sitting down for an hour before deciding you need it.

 

[chazmo]

I recommend playing the larger body sitting down for an hour before deciding you need it.

That's excellent advice for anyone first wandering into jumbo territory.