2003 Guild F-512R

The Guild F-512 was made in the Westerly, R.I., plant, at first as a special order model to supplement the slightly smaller F-312 and then standardized as a response to Gibson’s super jumbo guitars; it is considered by many to be the greatest factory 12-string acoustic of all time. In 1990, its model number was changed to JF-55-12, which was made from 1991 to 2001 in the Westerly, R.I., plant, only to re-emerge as the F-512 once again in 2002: same specs, same inlay, same guitar each time. The serial number of this particular guitar (CUP000285) is off the Guild dating charts, but the previous owner says that it was built in 2003. It has dominated lesser instruments for 16 years now, and its resonance will only improve with its new generation of players. Its classic mojo, gorgeous woods, and extravagant inlay make it stand out in any crowd, but it’s the huge sound that will make other players turn around to check it out.

The F-512 features Guild’s revered jumbo body style in 12-string configuration, a solid AAA spruce top, gorgeous solid rosewood back and sides, three-piece mahogany and maple neck, scalloped bracing, multi-stripe inlaid rosette, bound 14/20 fret ebony fretboard with stripes and pearl block/abalone wedge inlays, gold-plated Grover enclosed tuners, and a rosewood bridge with ivoroid abalone-dot pins. It is fully bound, top and back, with multi-stripe binding on top, and it has a large tortoise pick guard and a bound blackface headstock with the pearl inlaid Guild name and G/Shield logo. It is a full-sized jumbo shape, with a 17” lower bout width, 5” body depth, and a 25.5” scale.

There is an obvious cosmetic issue to report, an over-repaired seam crack in the lower bout which the guy simply made more obvious (but it’s certainly solid). There also is another “renovation”: an after-market pickup was installed, necessitating that the original end pin was removed and a larger hole drilled; unfortunately, the owner subsequently removed the end pin jack and pre-amp (the Velcro is still on the neck block), plugged the larger hole, and installed a plain end pin below the original spot. The neck of the guitar has apparently been re-finished to a satin gloss finish, presumably to allow freer left hand travel, and I believe that the bridge has been re-set. There is relatively little pick wear or fret wear for a hard-playing 16-year-old guitar, and only a few visible dings and bruises. The twelve gold Grover tuners are original and work perfectly, and the action is fast and low—especially for a 12-string—at a bit under 3/32” at the 12th fret low E. All in all, this gorgeous tone monster is ready to rule the world—or at least your local jam.

This is a truly classic instrument, a real Guild, “Made to be Played”, and it has worked hard making music and beating up on banjo and fiddle players. Its beauty, mojo, and great sound will make anyone else forget whatever they’re playing and envy its owner. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, it will pass into the hands of a player able to make music and turn heads for a generation or two to come.

The included hard shell case is probably not original to this guitar, but it is in very good condition, and of course it fits the F-512 shape perfectly. The hinges and the latches work well (there’s even a key), the plush lining is soft and intact, and it is solid as a rock. It is an excellent complement to protect this wonderful guitar.

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 buy it.

Thank you for your interest in this excellent guitar.