Feature:
I had a pickup installed from the factory on this baby (I named her Bertha, lol). Mostly, just because I wanted it done right. That way, I could just plug her in at the peg (where you would attach your strap). It has worked out the be great, and I've played a lot of concerts & clubs, also studio work.
Quality:
The quality is A rated, but I would have to agree that Guild factory should paid more attention to the 'finish' on the 'top' part of the guitar. Mine over the years has a few cracks in the finish, but may have been due to traveling. I brought mine, like a said from the factory. At the time I opted to 'pass' on the warranty, because there were SO many things that it did not cover. (I made them cut the price down due to this exclusion.)I got a REALLY good deal, bought in 1970, if I remember right.
Value:
This guitar IS worth it's weight in gold, if you're looking for THE BEST 12 string.
Desirability:
When you walk out onto a stage with this guitar on, people know the name. It's been used by many well known artist in the music business.
Sound:
First, I own 2 Guild 12 strings(the other one is the F312). Both guitars I have played in concerts, the larger one touring with B.J. Thomas and opening act for Leo Kottke (who could NOT believe the sound of this mass produced guitar. If you're wanting the BEST in a 12 string sound, this is the guitar for you. I have used both light & medium strings. When I used the medium, I did tune it down a half note-just because I was advised to. I have a JBL acoustic sound system for speakers and the sound of this guitar has always been clear on the high end, and strong-deep sounding when I tuned it down to E tuning.
Ease of Use:
Believe me-it's the ONLY way to go for a 12 string guitar. It's very playable for a 12 string, but remember I was playing more than the average person. (I did have a callas on several fingers, but when you play A LOT per week-you learn what a 'file' is in a hurry.)This was NOT due to any neck problems at all, just me over playing my poor fingers.
Support:
I never had any problems with this guitar and I still own both of my Guild 12's. Both are still playable, and in very good shape. The factory was always easy to talk to.
Overall:
There will NEVER be an option, or the NEED for me to even try to find a comparable guitar. It's the SOUND people-the sound.
Really nothing bad to say about this guitar that affects the sound or performance of it in a concert setting. It's a work horse of a guitar!
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