Now this what I like to hear about my 12 string.

[adorshki]

Thanks Gar - mm, so maybe the pairs weren't compensated from the factory. Interesting if not, as my compensated F-2512 plays noticeable more in tune than the JF30-12 with the straight saddle.

They were not compensated from the factory in Hoboken, Westerly or Corona.

 

[adorshki]

Wouldn’t the BRW have been used up long before? Since we’re talking 1991. And are there 512’s with the BRW?

Wouldn’t the BRW have been used up long before? Since we’re talking 1991. And are there 512’s with the BRW?

Braz for sides/backs was gone by about '73. There're some verified examples of models (D50's) with mixed Braz and EIR back/sides from that year. There was Braz suitable for fretboard/bridge use well into the mid '80's.

For sure F512's had or used Brazilian bodies in the '60's. In fact there was even a short run of Brazilian arched back F512's, done by gluing 2 bookmatched pieces to each side of a substrate for lamination. Gives the appearance of a solid back with a center strip.

 

[richt54]

I always learn a thing or 10 about Guilds whenever Adorshki chimes in. Much appreciated.

 

[F-412Spec]

And are there 512’s with the BRW?

The 1960s F-512 prototypes (F-412Special) are also Brw.

 

[wileypickett]

Thanks Gar - mm, so maybe the pairs weren't compensated from the factory. Interesting if not, as my compensated F-2512 plays noticeable more in tune than the JF30-12 with the straight saddle.

I can confirm! As much as I love my old Guild 12-strings -- and I have a bunch -- the F-2512 has better intonation, as well as a slimmer neck profile and more comfortable fingerboard, which are easier on your hands.

Of course I haven't abandoned my classic Hoboken and Westerly 12s -- the sound can't be beat! -- but when I recorded my last 12-string piece I went with the F-2512.

 

[mavuser]

they probably added the abalone rosette in 94 or 95, and anything before that probably did not have abalone rosette.

I have played @twocorgis ' NH F-512 and that one is as good as it gets. they are a little big for me, but my interest is always perked when one comes available (from any year).

FWIW my 1965 Brazillian RW F-312 is no slouch. it has a 2-inch nut and boy does that guitar ring! not better or worse than a F-512, similar but different...

have to say also though, the mahogany Guild 12-strings, like an F-212 or D-212/D-25-12...also sound absolutley incredible. my playing is probably more suited to that mahogany 12 sound. but those rosewood 12's are the crown jewel(s)

 

[Bill Ashton]

Somewhat sadly, my 2013 NH F512 was moved on some time ago, not that it was her problem but mine...

The single-truss NH neck was significantly slimmer than the Tacoma (Chaz's is the only one I have played...several times back then), and while that was good for my left hand, NH also slightly narrowed the string spacing at the bridge. At the time I bought mine, I was a fingerstyle-player, and I just could not get my cement-fingers into the strings to fingerpick. Transitioning to flatpicking, it was great, but I was only practicing fiddle tunes on her which just was not right, so she moved on to a more "appreciative" household.

Interestingly...maybe...prior to getting my 512, I stumbled upon a 1512/2512 (?), whatever the Pacific Rim version was at that time. I nearly bought it on the spot, but in the back of my mind I thought the proper F512 must be better, and so I ordered a new 512...I could have saved myself better than a grand getting the import, and it probably would have been fine for this "edge-of-the-bed" player