Guild F-20

[Hazcom61]

Hi, I would like to know the age of a Guild F-20. The serial number says 23 300 and that it came from Hoboken. I have checked resources online but the F20s have letters at the beginning of the serial number and mi e only has numbers. Also, is it worth it to restore the guitar?

Linda

 

[gjmalcyon]

Welcome. Stick around - good folks and lots of knowledge around here. Someone will be along shortly to answer you date question.

"...worth to restore the guitar" is a very broad question - its going to depend on your definition of "restore" as well as what actually has to be done.

Post some photos of what you think the issues are and the collective Guild hive mind here will offer some opinions.

 

[Hazcom61]

Welcome. Stick around - good folks and lots of knowledge around here. Someone will be along shortly to answer you date question.

"...worth to restore the guitar" is a very broad question - its going to depend on your definition of "restore" as well as what actually has to be done.

Post some photos of what you think the issues are and the collective Guild hive mind here will offer some opinions.

Thank you.

 

[ClaytonS15]

According to “the bible” (the Guild Guitar Book) it appears this F-20 is from 1963. That’s a very cool guitar and I would love to see more photos! Welcome to the forum.

 

[Hazcom61]

This is for my wife. It is hers and I want to fix it up for her. I know nothing about guitars.

 

[sailingshoes72]

According to “The Guild Guitar Book” by Hans Moust (a member of this Forum), your guitar dates to 1963. There is a lot of love around here for these small body F-20 guitars, especially vintage ones from the 1960’s. They were lightly built and are fun to play. As “gj” says above... a lot of it depends on the condition of the instrument. And, Welcome!

 

[Hazcom61]

Wow, that's old. Attached are more pictures. She loves this guitar.

 

[gjmalcyon]

This is for my wife. It is hers and I want to fix it up for her. I know nothing about guitars.

Are you concerned about cosmetics? Playability? Are you planning on doing the work yourself?

Do you have specific concerns about the guitar?

 

[gjmalcyon]

If you are not using a case humidifier for that guitar, I'd start with that - if it is dry, some of those cracks will close up with humidification.

Here's an old thread about it: https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/your-take-on-humidity-control-if-you-please.168876/

And that is a very sweet guitar.

 

[fronobulax]

She loves this guitar.

Then there is only one thing to do

Might I advise, however, consulting with her about the work to be done and not trying to surprise her.

Depending upon where you are geolocated there may be some recommendations for people who could advise you and do the work.

 

[Stuball48]

Beautiful 57 year old guitar. Welcome to a wonderful forum and sharing bunch of knowledgeable folks

 

[Hazcom61]

Are you concerned about cosmetics? Playability? Are you planning on doing the work yourself?

Do you have specific concerns about the guitar?

I am not going to do the work myself. I was hoping to get it looking better but more importantly, playing better.

 

[Hazcom61]

Then there is only one thing to do

Might I advise, however, consulting with her about the work to be done and not trying to surprise her.

Depending upon where you are geolocated there may be some recommendations for people who could advise you and do the work.

Thanks for the tip. I will consult her. We are in southern California between LA and San Diego.

 

[wileypickett]

It definitely needs some help, but you're starting out with a great little guitar.

There are two things to be concerned about.

The first is the structural. Repairing the cracks is an obvious first step, but to make the guitar play as well as it can, things like string height, neck geometry, intonation, etc., all need to be evaluted.

The second has to do with cosmetics. It looks like the lacquer finish may have been sanded off the sides, and there looks to be some loss on the neck as well. How much of that you want to have dealt with is your call, though the lacquer protects the guitar as well as helping its appearance.

For all that you need the advice of an experienced luthier. I don't know who might be in your area, but someone here will know, so stay tuned.

In any case, good luck -- that's a great gift for the wife!

Glenn

 

[Hazcom61]

It definitely needs some help, but you're starting out with a great little guitar.

There are two things to be concerned about.

The first is the structural. Repairing the cracks is an obvious first step, but to make the guitar play as well as it can, things like string height, neck geometry, intonation, etc., all need to be evaluted.

The second has to do with cosmetics. It looks like the lacquer finish may have been sanded off the sides, and there looks to be some loss on the neck as well. How much of that you want to have dealt with is your call, though the lacquer protects the guitar as well as helping its appearance.

For all that you need the advice of an experienced luthier. I don't know who might be in your area, but someone here will know, so stay tuned.

In any case, good luck -- that's a great gift for the wife!

Glenn

Thank you

 

[davismanLV]

That is a sweet little guitar and although the finish is wrecked and it's filthy, you can clean it up (carefully, with the finish gone you have to be really careful what you put on raw wood) and if the action is okay and it's playable it looks like the saddle is good and so yeah, what's been said checklist: neck angle (there's a way but if you know nothing about guitars, get a good luthier/repair person, you need one now), the soundboard crack which needs to be cleated and repaired and it probably needs a TON of humidity, and then it's a matter of aesthetics. A finish will protect the wood and structure from the elements in a world that wears on all of us. So, although it's not critical, it can really protect your guitar. And then once that's done get someone to string it up and CUT THOSE DAMN STRING ENDS OFF!!! That makes me crazy..... sorry, I just had to let it out. Since we don't know where in the world you are it's just words so far. Nice guitar, glad you're making the effort because it's worth it. Get some professional help to evaluate and help you. Say where you are, I promise we won't come to your house!! We have people everywhere...... there's help out there. Everything above ^^^ is exactly right. Just repeating the bros words...... Nice Guitar!!!

 

[walrus]

Love it! Lots of character in that guitar!

walrus

 

[Hazcom61]

I would like to thank everyone for their help with my questions. I will post again after I get it restored.

 

[HeyMikey]

I would take it to a good local luthier or two. Focus on the most critical structural and playability issues first. Far more important than cosmetics. Making it play better and easier will be very much appreciated.

Being such an old guitar I would be hesitant to do anything cosmetically until after the structural work, and then only so much as a little touch up and polishing to preserve its vintage appearance. I’d seriously question anyone recommending a refinish or major overspray.

 

[F30]

I agree completely with HeyMikey.
I made the mistake of doing things backwards and an older Guild years ago and ended up really disappointed.
Even after doing a neck set eventually - before actually playing the guitar for a spell - the guitar was just unstable and had to take a loss on it.
The top and neck were just not able to settle. Spent alot of time and money trying to get it right but it just wasn't going to happen.
Cowboy chords only on that old guitar.
I would get the guitar reasonably playable first and bond with it for a bit.
Then start working toward your goal of looking better and tweaking the playability.

Having said that an F20 can sure be a delight especially if all things fall into place.
You'll have to see how you feel as things progress as far as is it worth restoring.
If you get it set up and playing well, it will certainly be a better guitar for it and if you don't end up keeping it
the next guy can restore if they bond with it.

Best of luck with the guitar.