Since the '60s, the Guild name has remained deeply tied to 12-string guitars. For many years, it seemed like anytime you heard a good 12-er—both on the stage and on recordings—it was always a Guild. Most Guild 12-strings are massive jumbo guitars with Maple back and sides. While they have a sound and a vibe that's undeniable, this smaller Guild 12-string has a different appeal.
This F-212 was made in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1966, the last year before Guild moved production to Rhode Island. Based more on the standard F shape, its lower bout measures only 15-5/8" across, so it feels smaller and more manageable than the enormous 17"-wide 12-string jumbos (such as the more common F-412 and 512). Plus, the waist is a hair tighter at 9-1/4" wide, and the body still measures 4-7/8" deep at the end pin to help with bass and resonance. A lot of Guild 12-strings have Maple back and sides, but this F-212 sports Mahogany back and sides. Its tone is open and woody with a focused midrange you don't get from the bigger jumbos. The depth is present, but it doesn't overpower. The Mahogany lends a warmer quality than you get from Maple, too.
Considering its age, this Guild F-212 is in nice cosmetic condition. There are some scuffs around the edges of the peghead, and there's a scratch on the upper bout worth mentioning (see photos). The neck has been reset, and there is a repair at the heel that has been discreetly masked. These three-ply Guild necks are notoriously hard to reset, so it's very possible that is how the heel broke. The bridge has been shaved down, too. We recently sent it to luthier Lou Hayes of Hayes Guitar in Paonia, Colorado, and he carved a new bone saddle for it and did what he could to improve the action. Tuned down in Eb, the action is actually pretty nice. Combined with the approachable body size, it makes for a more comfortable playing experience.
In your hands, this 1966 Guild F-212 is a fun 12-string with authentic vintage vibe. If you've ever wanted a 12-er that would be good for fingerpicking, this F212 is an excellent choice. But it's nice with a pick, too! There is a certain feel to the real Hoboken-made Guilds. This one includes its original case. Because of the action and the reasonable body size, this F212 feels like a true find. Because of the body size and mahogany back and sides, it's different from most Guild 12-strings. Warmer, woodier tone and a comfortable size. As soon as you put it to work, the tone is undeniable.