Jumbos: Newish, vs older, vs old... how to choose?

[E-Type]

I've decided I want to add a jumbo to my arsenal. There are lots of used options in my budget. 1980s JF-30 or the smaller GF-50, 2012 New Hartford F-50, or 2020 Oxnard F-40.

One of the things I think I have sort of figured out (true or not) is that older wood sounds better. However, my lightweight '70 flatback D-25 fights the K&K pure mini (even with a good preamp and 7-band EQ) while the heavier '74 arch back D-25 with a K&K pure mini sounds so good it doesn't even really need a preamp.

A JF-30 is older, with an arch back and the GF-50 is older and flatback. The New Hartford is 11 years old with a arch back and the Oxnard F-40 is light, but with a flat back. I am not really looking for a big boomy wall of sound. Whatever it is, I need it to sit well in a mix (when amplified anyway).

I'm old enough that I don't want to wait for the Oxnard to be old enough to drive. Does the arch back make much of a difference in sound or how it works with a K&K (my very limited experience tells me yes, but I could be wrong)?

And no, without spending $4,000 on plane tix, I cannot compare them all.

Is there any hope of sorting out a better option? Or ruling out a worse one? Is jumbo just a bad idea in a band context? I strum, I flat pick, I use my bare fingers, but mostly strum.

 

[chazmo]

I made this comparison a couple of days ago. YMMV.

Rumble-jangle (solid rosewood).
focused with little rumble (maple arched).
F-40 somewhere in between.

There are many Guild jumbo options, E-type. Good luck in the hunt.

 

[chazmo]

I should note, E-type, that I have not actually tried an F-40... I have only heard good things from the rest of the gang here, except we all hate the model name (because prior Guild F-40s were not jumbos).

 

[E-Type]

I should note, E-type, that I have not actually tried an F-40... I have only heard good things from the rest of the gang here, except we all hate the model name (because prior Guild F-40s were not jumbos).

Yep, wasn't the F-40 more the size of a F-47 and GF-x0? And, IIRC, isn't it the F-48 that is the 17" jumbo with a flat mahogany back?

But the change sure is in keeping with Guild's model number changes (didn't the F-50 become the JF-30 for a couple of decades?)) and moves back and forth across the country.

 

[E-Type]

I made this comparison a couple of days ago. YMMV.

Rumble-jangle (solid rosewood).
focused with little rumble (maple arched).
F-40 somewhere in between.

There are many Guild jumbo options, E-type. Good luck in the hunt.

I can’t figure out why the flat back D-25 has such a difficult time with the K&K. But it certainly is waaay lighter, livelier, and resonant than the archback.

I wonder if it’s the arched back that is K&K secret sauce? Certainly your rumbly rosewood description fits.

 

[GGJaguar]

Yep, wasn't the F-40 more the size of a F-47 and GF-x0? And, IIRC, isn't it the F-48 that is the 17" jumbo with a flat mahogany back?

 

[twocorgis]

When it comes to Guild jumbos, I've owned most of them, including a GF25 and GF30. I don't lump them in with the 17" jumbos, because they're completely different guitars. Of the 17" jumbos that remain, I love the Orpheum and the F50ce equally, but I doubt you'll find an Orpheum. You'll have a much better chance with the F50ce, and I think there was a "regular" F50 standard for sale here recently. Very fine guitars, and the best F50s I've personally played, to my ears at least. I've owned a few rosewood F50R/JF55s, and they were nice guitars, I jusat never bonded with them. I had a Westerly JF65 (maple) that was similar, and is now living in Oz with @southernGuild.

 

[E-Type]

When it comes to Guild jumbos, I've owned most of them, including a GF25 and GF30. I don't lump them in with the 17" jumbos, because they're completely different guitars. Of the 17" jumbos that remain, I love the Orpheum and the F50ce equally, but I doubt you'll find an Orpheum. You'll have a much better chance with the F50ce, and I think there was a "regular" F50 standard for sale here recently. Very fine guitars, and the best F50s I've personally played, to my ears at least. I've owned a few rosewood F50R/JF55s, and they were nice guitars, I jusat never bonded with them. I had a Westerly JF65 (maple) that was similar, and is now living in Oz with @southernGuild.

I totally get that the GFs would be different, but maybe that might be my better play. How did they compare to the JF-65?
I have a bass player, so deep bass isn’t a huge issue.

 

[Cougar]

I've decided I want to add a jumbo to my arsenal.

Wise decision!

One of the things I think I have sort of figured out (true or not) is that older wood sounds better.

If true, I think you have to have a really discerning ear to detect this. And plugging in makes this a moot point.

A JF-30 is older....

My oldest is a JF30-12 out of Corona. Spectacular guitar.

The New Hartford is 11 years old with a arch back....

Some think New Hartfords edge out all the others.

I'm old enough that I don't want to wait for the Oxnard to be old enough to drive.

They're Made to be Played. Now. No waiting necessary.

Is jumbo just a bad idea in a band context?

Not in the slightest!

 

[twocorgis]

I totally get that the GFs would be different, but maybe that might be my better play. How did they compare to the JF-65?
I have a bass player, so deep bass isn’t a huge issue.

Totally different than the JF65/F50. Not as much bass, and punchier, but the GF30 is good enough for James McMurtry!

I owned a natural GF30 that was a terrific guitar and best of the GF line, but sold it because I was going through a wide nut phase. Last I knew, it was living with @RussD, but I think he has sold it as well. I wouldn't mind having another.

 

[E-Type]

Totally different than the JF65/F50. Not as much bass, and punchier, but the GF30 is good enough for James McMurtry!

I owned a natural GF30 that was a terrific guitar and best of the GF line, but sold it because I was going through a wide nut phase. Last I knew, it was living with @RussB, but I think he has sold it as well. I wouldn't mind having another.

So, GF30 > GF50? Those arched backs really do make a difference.

Sounds like the GFs are more articulate. Agree?

 

[twocorgis]

So, GF30 > GF50? Those arched backs really do make a difference.

Sounds like the GFs are more articulate. Agree?

I think so, although I've only played one GF50. I liked my GF30 quite a bit better than the GF25 I had, too.

 

[D30Man]

Totally different than the JF65/F50. Not as much bass, and punchier, but the GF30 is good enough for James McMurtry!

I owned a natural GF30 that was a terrific guitar and best of the GF line, but sold it because I was going through a wide nut phase. Last I knew, it was living with @RussB, but I think he has sold it as well. I wouldn't mind having another.

I first saw him play this guitar at Poor Davids Pub when it was on Greenville in Dallas. It was the first time I had ever seen a Guild played live and it is one of my all time favorite live performances ever.. He has a green / blue one too that he had in tow that night. I think his son Curtis plays that one now. Such mojo. I regret selling the GF30 I had. It was a tone monster and truthfully more staisfying than my F55.

I agree that that full on jumbos are just different guitars and I go back and forth with my F-55. It is my wife's favorite of my arsenal. However, she is not the one playing it Like I said, there are times I love it and times I feel like it is a little too big ( even for my large frame ). I also feel like you have to dig in a little more to get the tone you want.

 

[E-Type]

I first saw him play this guitar at Poor Davids Pub when it was on Greenville in Dallas. It was the first time I had ever seen a Guild played live and it is one of my all time favorite live performances ever.. He has a green / blue one too that he had in tow that night. I think his son Curtis plays that one now. Such mojo. I regret selling the GF30 I had. It was a tone monster and truthfully more staisfying than my F55.

I agree that that full on jumbos are just different guitars and I go back and forth with my F-55. It is my wife's favorite of my arsenal. However, she is not the one playing it Like I said, there are times I love it and times I feel like it is a little too big ( even for my large frame ). I also feel like you have to dig in a little more to get the tone you want.

Greetings from Dallas and thanks for the great response! The GF50 is on my list because I'd hate for a jumbo size to be too distracting.

 

[Stagefright]

It likely depends on your style of play. I own a GF-50, JF-55 and a maple arch back F-50. All seem to have their strengths. The GF-50 has an immediate and loud response that will startle you the first time you hear the sound bouncing off the walls. The JF-55 has volume and warm clear tones but I’m convinced that it wants to be in the hands of more talented musician playing complex fill chords in a large band (We may be parting ways soon). The F50 is a family heirloom and I don’t play it often. When I do she is loud and clear as a bell.

finger picking, solo artist- GF-50 (RW)
complex rhythm work- JF-55 (RW)
When every note needs to be heard- F50 (maple)

 

[E-Type]

It likely depends on your style of play. I own a GF-50, JF-55 and a maple arch back F-50. All seem to have their strengths. The GF-50 has an immediate and loud response that will startle you the first time you hear the sound bouncing off the walls. The JF-55 has volume and warm clear tones but I’m convinced that it wants to be in the hands of more talented musician playing complex fill chords in a large band (We may be parting ways soon). The F50 is a family heirloom and I don’t play it often. When I do she is loud and clear as a bell.

finger picking, solo artist- GF-50 (RW)
complex rhythm work- JF-55 (RW)
When every note needs to be heard- F50 (maple)

Every time I hear a JF-30 or GF-30 on a video, I love it. It seems they are more articulate and less bassy. As I have a bass player, that works for me. Also, I think the arch backs are more solid and less prone to feedback (I get that from comparing my '70 D-25 and my '74 D-25).

Haha, I would not call my rhythm work complex. It seems your F50 would be closest to what I am looking for. I am guessing it has an arched back?

How does the GF-50 do as a strummer? I wonder how it would do with a K&K.

Right now, the JF-30 or maybe a maple NH F-50 are where i am focusing. But I don't really want to fight a 6lb+ guitar either.

 

[Stagefright]

The GF50:is well suited for strumming, lead, or anything else you have in mind. I can’t speak to electrification. Thats a world far too complex for me.

As for complex strumming, see YouTube and Ranger Doug for examples.

 

[E-Type]

The GF50:is well suited for strumming, lead, or anything else you have in mind. I can’t speak to electrification. Thats a world far too complex for me.

As for complex strumming, see YouTube and Ranger Doug for examples.

Haha, if this is what you are talking about, then this is actually what I aspire to do!!!

 

[twocorgis]

Haha, if this is what you are talking about, then this is actually what I aspire to do!!!

Ranger Doug rules, and so do old J200s! You can see him in action with the Time Jumpers in a video that I uploaded to YouTube ten years ago, fully expecting it to get taken down quickly. Well, it didn't, and 279,000 views later, enjoy!

 

[Br1ck]

And the numero uno Nashville session player, followed by Paul Franklin in both the Time Jumpers and the studios. RIP Papa John.