A 1965 F212XL?

Heath

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I’ve read that 66 was the first year of the F212XL, but I found an old reverb posting that had what was said to be a ‘65. The serial number is 98 previous (AE-122) to the only ‘66 I’ve seen (AE-220). Could this in fact be a ‘65? Also of note, I’d this supposed 65 has the typical fretboard seen on 212XL’s, but the one I’ve seen has the ornate fretboard similar to a F612. Paging Hans...

https://reverb.com/item/446979-vint...g-acoustic-guitar-w-dean-markley-pickup-f-212
 

hansmoust

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I’ve read that 66 was the first year of the F212XL, but I found an old reverb posting that had what was said to be a ‘65. The serial number is 98 previous (AE-122) to the only ‘66 I’ve seen (AE-220). Could this in fact be a ‘65?

Hello Heath,

Welcome! I believe that the F-212XL with serial # AE-122 was completed during the year 1966. The other F-212XL you saw, with serial # AE-220, was not dated correctly.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

Heath

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Hi Hans,

I was told that AE-220 was 1966. I believe November. Could both be 1966?
 
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I have a F212XL serial number AE318 I think is a 1967 model? Guitar is in great shape but the plastic head stock veneer and pick guard has shrunk; should I replace the pickguard to prevent a soundboard crack?

Best,
Tim
Fairfax Station VA
 

geoguy

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I had a pickguard replaced once because it was shrinking & I could see the beginning of a crack adjacent to the guard. You might also consider doing so, but if a crack isn't readily visible perhaps it isn't an urgent need at this time.
 

wileypickett

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To give an idea of how much old celluloid pickguards "want" to shrink over time and why they sometimes crack the top trying to do so: a few years ago I removed a pickguard that had partially come up, intending to clean off the old glue and reapply it using double-sided tape. The next day I lined up the pickguard with its former "tan line" and discovered that it was about 1/16" smaller all the way around -- and that shrinkage had taken place overnight. I had to make a new pickguard.

On this (IMO, entertaining!) video Dan Erlewine demonstrates a similar story:

I'm glad I replaced the pickguard before it had a chance to crack the top.
 
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