NGD! 1958 Ghost Label F-20

[LateStart]

Just worked out a deal on a 'lost-in-the-closet-for-30+ years' F-20.

Has binding issues, action looks a bit high, but otherwise in lightly used condition at a nice private party sale price. Should arrive middle of next week.

Look at the 'Ghost' label:

 

[AcornHouse]

I think you'll love it. F-20s are special; small body, not a small sound, so comfortable to play. Hard to put down.

 

[Westerly Wood]

Is the ghost playing a banjo? Weirdest label ever. Nice find! If Guild was a bird, it would be a snipe. The history is sometimes like a snipe hunt. Hope action isn't too high. What a score.

 

[keith7940236]

Fantastic find, congratulations!!

 

[killdeer43]

Score!! :applouse:

Joe

 

[killdeer43]

Is the ghost playing a banjo?

Where do you see a banjo?

Joe

 

[LateStart]

Copied from web:

"Ghost Label. A second rectangular label design was introduced in 1959, featuring a ghost-like figure playing a guitar against a fretboard backdrop. These labels use the full Hoboken address, and are printed in black and white. Utilized until the end of 1960, this label did not evolve, nor has any variants."

Interestingly, this guitar serial is late 1958.

 

[SFIV1967]

Is the ghost playing a banjo?

Banjo??? See Hans' book page 28. Also the Newark St. guitars re-use this old style label.

Interestingly, this guitar serial is late 1958.

Hans himself created the serial number list until end of 1958 as the Guild records were lost at the time when he wrote the book. So the 8300 as last number in 1958 might or might not be 100% correct. Hans might be able to tell you today if your guitar (8295?) was made 1958 or 1959 (based on his research since he wrote the book 20 years ago). Means also the "introduced in 1959" might be just a rough date.

Ralf

 

[Neal]

Congrats, LateStart. You are on a roll!

Does anyone else find it funny that the ghost is wearing a bow tie?

Neal

 

[killdeer43]

Does anyone else find it funny that the ghost is wearing a bow tie?

It's so typical of the well-dressed Guild aficionados. I wear one every time I play, don't you? :friendly_wink:

Joe

 

[jeffcoop]

What a find!

 

[Westerly Wood]

Where do you see a banjo?

Joe

sorry folks. on my vbulletin phone view, the guitar looked like a banjo last night. this morning on LTG, pic is way bigger and it indeed looks like a guitar Hillarious

 

[walrus]

A beauty! That's a birth year for me, it looks to be in better shape, too! Great catch!

walrus

 

[BJ_Toscano]

Awesome, well done. Looks like a nice original bridge that hasn't been shaved. Would love to see some better pictures when you get the binding fixed up!

 

[AcornHouse]

Whoops, posted this in another thread, I meant it for here.
Custom binding tips.

 

[davismanLV]

Chris, that's SO FUNNY!! I replied to the post of this video in the OTHER thread, and thought I was in THIS thread. Then after posting scrolled back up and was initially dazed and disoriented and confused. I thought, "Wait, this guitar has no binding..." Then I figured, "Oh well..." It's a great video, no matter where you post it!

It's so typical of the well-dressed Guild aficionados. I wear one every time I play, don't you? :friendly_wink:

Joe

I do as well, Joe. But mine twirls around and I also have a squirting lapel flower so..... you have to take it all into consideration. :encouragement:

 

[LateStart]

Arrived!

What a nice little guitar. Condition very good, maybe a little better than expected.

Pluses:
> Very well packed by seller
> General condition is good. Neck and headstock are just about unmarked, looks straight.
> Frets look unused.
> Pickguard has shrunken slightly, BUT no cracks!
> Bridge looks very original and unmolested, is the old 'thru bridge' type, saddle is ok
> Original case included. Not very protective, but it's there.
> Inside is PRISTINE, braces all solidly glued on brief inspection.
> Neck angle seems just fine.

Minuses:
> The strings may be original, or if not, REALLY old...
> bridge is lifting just a little bit. Just need to remove/reglue at some point.
> Binding should probably be replaced all around, it a bit of a mess.
> The (binding) on the back of the neck is cracked and messy
> Tuners are stiff, guessing they can be dis-assembled and lubed...
> Back has some light scratches
> end-pin missing

Pictures to come...

 

[LateStart]

F20 Pictures!

Pictures - This is good looking for 55 years old... Many years in the closet...

 

[Neal]

Wow. Look at the quality of that sitka top, will ya?

This one is in WAY better shape than the '71 F-20 I bought on impulse last night. Your's is worthy of putting some money into to get her right. Congratulations!

Neal

 

[sailingshoes72]

That is a real find!!! I have always wanted one of those late 50's F-20 guitars. At first glance, the grain in the top looks to be book-matched and the sunburst on the back of the neck is tastefully applied. I like the transition style pickguard... half Martin teardrop and half Epiphone contour with curves. I hope it sounds as good as it looks!