NGD '63 F30

[Norrissey]

I picked up this lovely F30 the other day. A neck reset is in the future but it plays very well at the moment - I'm hoping nothing moves for a while! I think it's a '63? Looks like the bridge may have been replaced at one point - not sure - for sure the bridge plate is new, and of course the tuners were switched out. The original tuners are in the case.

Edit: Hans confirmed it's a '63 : ) Thank you Hans!

 

[The Hawk]

Looks like a beautiful guitar! How does it play and sound?

 

[BradHK]

That F30 looks great! I love the early ones with the chesterfield

 

[walrus]

Congratulations! Love it!

 

[chazmo]

Wonderful, Norrissey!!!! Happy NGD back at ya'!

I think it's a '63?

Yes! According to the bible, that is!

 

[jedzep]

Yee haa!!! Looks like the twin of mine, so you're in the ballpark. If that's a replacement bridge, someone made a helluva copy!

 

[Boneman]

HNGD! The old moustache headstock with a Chesterfield is so cool, and the F30 body size is sexy. Man, that should be a keeper guitar, congrats!

 

[Norrissey]

If that's a replacement bridge, someone made a helluva copy!

It may not be. I am just guessing that because the bridge looks so clean and the bridge plate looks totally pristine. 1960's F30s seem to come with several different bridge shapes so it's a little confusing. The bridge does look exactly like the one on your guitar so maybe it's original. Thank you for sharing those pics!

 

[chazmo]

I think it probably is original, Norrissey. The fact that it has a thru-saddle is good enough for me. I.e., if it had been replaced, it probably would've been with something without a thru-saddle.

 

[Norrissey]

How does it play and sound?

It's a pleasure to play - the neck is not too narrow which is a relief - I need to measure it but it feels really good. It has a rich, clear, resonant mid-range sound. Very nice. The low end isn't too bad either but it's not like the deep low end of a nice dread and I wouldn't expect that. I will try to make a video demo some time soon.

 

[GGJaguar]

 

[jedzep]

My neck at the nut actually measures 1 11/16", and there's room enough for an inch and 3/4 nut, a conversion I did on mine. If you get interested in that, feel free to contact me and I'll give you details. Thankfully, Guild was generous with their fret wire lengths in '63.

 

[Norrissey]

My neck at the nut actually measures 1 11/16"

Yeah. That makes sense. I would have guessed 1-11/16". That's pretty comfy for me so I doubt I will do a conversion.

 

[jeffcoop]

Congratulations on your new old F30! If it sounds anything like my '64, it's a fantastic guitar.

 

[bobouz]

Beautiful guitar - Congrats!

 

[M-30]

Congratulations on your beautiful F30!I recently bought a sunburst 1966 that has become my favorite.This after having many Guilds and guitars in general over the decades.Its perfect in every way and sounds fantastic.Light as a feather also.
Enjoy!

 

[HeyMikey]

Beautiful Norrissey! I bet that old wood sounds fantastic.

 

[Norrissey]

I bet that old wood sounds fantastic.

Thanks. Yeah! Of course it's been said before but there really is something special about old wood. It's obviously a hog back and sides guitar but the low end sound is reminiscent of rosewood guitars I have played - deep and clear. It's kind of tripping me out how great it sounds. A keeper for sure!

 

[M-30]

I agree Norrissey.Such a balanced,beautiful sound.When playing fingerstyle,every note is equal in volume.Very resonant and responsive.Scarborough Fair sounds magical.Yeah,I am having so much fun with my F30.