Looking to Buy; Can't Try; Would Like Answer from Users

[Shovelhead]

Greetings - old guy here -

I'm very knocked out with my Martin D-35, Gibbie J-45 and Guild D-35. I've never had the urge to have a high end 12 string so .. I come to you.

I've been searching to my wits' end on the internet for an affordable used F-412 or a F65-12 in playable condition. I'm too old to be paying for neck resets and the like.
If you were looking for either one of these beauties, which one would you prefer and why?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[chazmo]

Jake, welcome aboard. I think we have a couple of beauties in our FS section just waiting to be gobbled up.

I agree. Don't buy sight-unseen if you're not willing to deal with setup issues. When you're buying from our own folks around here, you will get honest and accurate details about the conditions. Else, tell one of (us) moderators and we'll crack the whip.

 

[ReevesRd]

Welcome to LTG, Shovelhead. There are many 12-string players and owners here.
Someone with 12-string experience will comment soon.

There are four F-412 guitars listed on Reverb. The F-65 12 may be harder to find.
The F-412s listed on Reverb range from $2,000 to $3,300. It looks like the sold listing is around $2,000 plus.
If you are going to buy online, make sure to ask questions and ask for additional photos.

I like this F-412 listed on Reverb. https://reverb.com/item/78124354-guild-usa-f-412-2014-natural
It may seem to be a little on the high side, but it is a New Hartford model from 2012.
I know that it is listed as 2014, but the label shows 2012. So, a twelve year old F-412.

Check the online listing section here on LTG. Also watch the For Sale section. You could also list a WTB (want to buy) in this section.
That's my two cents. I hope it helps.

 

[chazmo]

BTW, I strongly recommend taking a day or two reading the posts here if you want to get a feel for what Guild 12-strings are and what's out there. Some of us, myself included, are quite steeply invested in them.

 

[Br1ck]

My favorite Guild 12 string is the often overlooked F 112. Twelve strings put out a lot of sound and can get muddy. You may or may not want that many overtones. The F 112 puts out a lot of tone. A friend does a lot of Kottke on his and the size is comfortable.

 

[Shovelhead]

Thank you folks! I have no desire to purchase from Reverb or FleaBay or any other oufit like these and as a matter of fact - I won't. Two major purchase events have soured me from these junkyards. Although there are a good number of reputable sellers out there, for the most part, other peoples' kids can play with them.
I would like to find and conduct a private purchase.
Hey ReevesRd .... sorry you went through all that in your answer post to me.

I've been a career electric player since 1969 - got out in 2002 because I got old, fat, bald & ugly - not necessarily in that order. A few years later, I decided to go solo acoustic so I got me a Gibson J45 (banner w/adirondack top) and a nice new Martin D-35. Pair these up with my 2 Nationals (a tricone and duolian); musically, life is very good. The missing link is a 12 string.

Hopefully, this note might get through to someone in need of a hair transplant or weight loss surgery or cosmetic face surgery and gets them the money required to do these things.
Which do you prefer tonally? F412 or F65-12

 

[chazmo]

Which do you prefer tonally? F412 or F65-12

These essentially differ in name only, Shovelhead. At least if you mean an F-412 compared to a JF-65-12...

There (I think) is a small-bodied, shallow, acoustic/electric that's an F-65, and it might be available in a 12-string, but I don't think that's what you mean. There is no comparison tone-wise if that's what you are referring to.

Best wishes.

 

[ReevesRd]

Hey ReevesRd .... sorry you went through all that in your answer post to me.

No trouble, Jake. Finding one from an LTG member is going to be your best bet. Good luck!

 

[Shovelhead]

These essentially differ in name only, Shovelhead. At least if you mean an F-412 compared to a JF-65-12...

There (I think) is a small-bodied, shallow, acoustic/electric that's an F-65, and it might be available in a 12-string, but I don't think that's what you mean. There is no comparison tone-wise if that's what you are referring to.

Best wishes.

Yes Chazmo ... 12 string is what I be meanin'. Thx.

 

[Rayk]

Thank you folks! I have no desire to purchase from Reverb or FleaBay or any other oufit like these and as a matter of fact - I won't. Two major purchase events have soured me from these junkyards. Although there are a good number of reputable sellers out there, for the most part, other peoples' kids can play with them.
I would like to find and conduct a private purchase.
Hey ReevesRd .... sorry you went through all that in your answer post to me.

I've been a career electric player since 1969 - got out in 2002 because I got old, fat, bald & ugly - not necessarily in that order. A few years later, I decided to go solo acoustic so I got me a Gibson J45 (banner w/adirondack top) and a nice new Martin D-35. Pair these up with my 2 Nationals (a tricone and duolian); musically, life is very good. The missing link is a 12 string.

Hopefully, this note might get through to someone in need of a hair transplant or weight loss surgery or cosmetic face surgery and gets them the money required to do these things.
Which do you prefer tonally? F412 or F65-12

Bawahahahaha ! He said “ I got old, fat, bald & ugly - not necessarily in that order. “ lmao well said !
My two cents worth well actually I might owe in this case . lol
Maple is hard , bright and loud . Rosewood is Rich , lush and warm with sweet well controlled overtones .
Mahogany well , plays the middle field in this case . As we all know it’s midrange bliss !
What hooked me in Guild was these guys ! well actually it was Guilds consistency in note and tonal balance especially on overtones .

So depending the tone you want all are good . I have the F212XLCE bought here and it always makes me smile .

I had a F512 gas forever but fell into a deal that could not be refused on Jumbo rosewood Blueridge BR180 which number two guitar brand ! lol I still think about the F512 though . Hehehehe
Oh and welcome aboard , if anything goes wrong it’s not my fault ! Swear !

 

[Cougar]

I'm very knocked out with my Martin D-35, Gibbie J-45 and Guild D-35. I've never had the urge to have a high end 12 string so .. I come to you.

Hey Jake, welcome to LTG! Those are some nice 6-strings! You're right -- Guild is the right place to be looking for a high-end 12-string. I've got three US-made jumbo Guild 12ers, but I'm definitely not looking to get rid of any of them! The two you've mentioned are jumbos with Guild's unique braceless maple laminate arch-back. As mentioned, they're pretty much the same guitar. Another one with those specs is the JF30-12, which just has a little less bling. I've got a solid rosewood backed F512 and solid mahogany backed F212XL -- both jumbos -- and they're all spectacular, but the archback maple has kind of snuck in there to be my favorite.

BTW, all of mine were bought off reverb -- except for the JF30-12 -- and they're keepers. Actually, I did buy an F412 off reverb before I knew to ask the crucial questions -- it had a low saddle. I had the pin holes ramped but still ended up selling it. Gotta ask about the saddle height, the neck angle, and the action at the 12-fret. A couple other questions and a fair assessment of the overall condition, and if everything suits your needs, you ought to be good to go. I tend to prefer newer (10-20 yrs old?) as opposed to "vintage" to avoid repair issues, but there are definitely guys who prefer the Westerly, RI builds, which are 23 years and older.

In any case, enjoy the research and get yourself a good one. You won't be disappointed!

 

[Br1ck]

How many 12 strings have you played? It is pretty much gospel here that Guilds are the best, but are you sure they(12 strings) are for you? I wasn't, so I bought an 0 sized Pono on blowout for $800 a few years ago. An all solid rosewood parlor, it puts out all the sound I could want, including bass, but had I bought a Guild of any kind, it would sit in it's case like my Pono does. I just have different guitar directions to pursue. Just offering a different perspective. I'd much rather have a D 55, or an F 30, or an M 20.

 

[chazmo]

How many 12 strings have you played? It is pretty much gospel here that Guilds are the best, but are you sure they(12 strings) are for you? I wasn't, so I bought an 0 sized Pono on blowout for $800 a few years ago. An all solid rosewood parlor, it puts out all the sound I could want, including bass, but had I bought a Guild of any kind, it would sit in it's case like my Pono does. I just have different guitar directions to pursue. Just offering a different perspective. I'd much rather have a D 55, or an F 30, or an M 20.

Excellent points, brick. However, I'm certainly not going to sit here and try to talk someone out of joining the Guild 12 club.

You might be wrong, BTW. Until you've actually played a Guild 12 you don't really know what you're missing.

 

[Shovelhead]

Thanks for your question. I've been fooling with them for decades ... just not seriously. I do own a cheap Epiphone p350-12 which I bought in the mid 90s. It is no problem as the neck is slightly hairs thicker than my Martin D-35.

 

[Br1ck]

Excellent points, brick. However, I'm certainly not going to sit here and try to talk someone out of joining the Guild 12 club.

You might be wrong, BTW. Until you've actually played a Guild 12 you don't really know what you're missing.

I have logged quite a few hours on my friend's excellent F 112. My double course instrument of choice is a mandolin.