1975 Guild G-212 Good, Hard, $895.00

This is one of the great Guild 12-strings of all time (as far as I'm concerned): not quite as big and cumbersome as the more jumbo-size F series, but with quality solid tonewoods which project its rich sound much more effectively than other dreadnought 12-strings. Basically, the G-212 is the twelve-string version of the tremendously popular D-35, with a few obvious upgrades.

Like the D-35, the G-212 has a solid spruce top with a mahogany finish and solid mahogany sides and back. The 14/20-fret rosewood fingerboard on the mahogany neck ends at a 1 13/16" nut. At the other end of the 25 ½" scale is the rosewood bridge, set off nicely by the tortoise pickguard and the w-b-w purfling and full body binding (top and back). The black-face headstock features the inlaid pearl Guild logo and Chesterfield, and six-per-side enclosed chrome tuners (replaced on this guitar with vintage-style open chrome tuners). Although there's not a lot of abalone and stuff tricking it up, the quality of the wood and the unusual design make this one powerful guitar!

Considering this guitar has been making music for 43 years, it is not too surprising that its condition suggests that at one time it was “rode hard and put away wet,” as my horsey friends would say. It apparently had a humbucker-style pickup screwed into the top at the sound hole, necessitating the removal of the original pick guard. When this pickup was removed, the top was lightly sanded and sealed, the four screw holes were plugged, and two of them were covered by a replacement tortoise pick guard, leaving two still visible above the sound hole. In addition to the pickguard replacement, it appears that the tuners (as mentioned above), bridge pins, and truss rod cover have been replaced, and the label is too grungy to read. There was also a typical crack as the center seam opened below the bridge, and two short cracks in the top below the pick guard; these have all been professionally glued and cleated, and are completely stable.

On the whole, however, the binding is tight, the bridge is secure, and the neck is straight. The action is excellent for my old fingers for a twelve-string—just 3/32” at the 12th fret low E—and the Guild dual truss rod design makes adjustment easy. There's relatively light fret wear—it will be ready to play as soon as you open the box. As far as I know, there are no other cosmetic or structural concerns.

And of course the sound is extraordinary. Guild has always been kind of the "gold standard" for twelve-strings, but the aged tonewoods of this guitar make it more like an orchestra than a guitar. The sustain is outstanding, the bass is strong but not muddy, the doubled trebles ring like bells, and even the mid-range is balanced throughout strummed chords—not the "thud" on the bottom and jingle-jangle on the top of so many twelves.

The included hard shell case is probably not original, but it is in very good shape. It is structurally sound and of course a perfect fit, the hardware is only slightly tarnished, and there are only a few expected dings around the edges. The interior plush is soft and clean, and it really offers excellent protection and integrity to this outstanding instrument.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this instrument, so its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this solid Guild vintage guitar.