Guild F-512E 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Antique Sunburst Reviews
Guild defined the 12-string sound with some of the most sought-after models ever produced. Having more strings shouldn’t lead to a muddier sound, and that's why legends like Tom Petty, David Gilmour, and Stevie Ray Vaughan all turned to Guild jumbo acoustics for their 12-strings needs. The F-512E is a faithful acoustic-electric re-creation of those early California-built 12-string acoustics that defined a generation. Complete with a jumbo rosewood body, Sitka spruce top, scalloped internal bracing, and an LR Baggs Anthem acoustic pickup, the F-512E delivers significantly more volume and clarity than a standard 12-string guitar. Focused bass, shimmering highs, and resonant mids with excellent response to player dynamics truly set this guitar a notch above the rest — if you’re after a US-made 12-string guitar with unbeatable clarity, the Guild F-512E is the instrument for you.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Guild F-512E So Sweet
Wow what a sweet guitar. Fit & finish is perfect. The sound is amazing! Rosewood back & sides with soli spruce top, need I say more? The pickup sounds great as well! Couldn't be any bettered, I am absolutely loving it!!!!!
Guild F-512E 12-String - Antique Sunburst
Guild does it again for me. I already owned a Guild 6-string which receives compliments when I play, so I knew I had to give the F512e a try and I immediately was drawn by its great tones. It also plays very nice and feels good in my hand. If you are looking for a lifetime 12-string, this one is it!
Guild 512E in Rosewood
I now understand why so many people consider the Guild 512 the gold standard for 12 sting guitars. Unlike guitars I've purchase before where I open the case and immediately reach for the instrument; This time I opened the case and gazed at the impeccable workmanship. The build on the Guild is phenomenal due to the attention to detail.
The mother of pearl inlays with the abalone, ebony fingerboard, Indian Rosewood bridge, bone nut and saddle, Gotoh tuning machines are just some of the things that leaped out at me when I opened the case
Tonal qualities are hard to describe other than just saying they are amazing. The bass tones due to the Rosewood back and sides create a synergy with the mid-range and highs. The mid-range is warm and the highs are not overly sharp and do not create a tonal contrast that's unpleasant; rather, they penetrate the bass and mid-range revealing a tonal sound like none I've heard before. The non-arched back still allows for superior projection in contrast to a standard dreadnought shape instrument. Lastly, the sustain is amazing.
The action/playability far exceeded my expectations. The LRBaggs is a very nice fit with the 512e.
Guild F-512E 12-String - Antique Sunburst
The MOTHER of 12-strings for sure! I have owned several 12-string acoustic guitars over the years, always knowing that someday I was going to acquire the dream 12-string, and this is it. The construction is over-the-top, perfect intonation, low action, and extremely well balanced sound, with the low-end vibrating right through your body. Excellent electronics when needed, in which the natural sound remains true. The only negative is that it might interfere with your sleep… it has a way of beckoning you to play it all the time!
Worth the Wait
Waited so many years to buy a 12 string of this quality, yet I must say it was well worth the wait! I own a Yamaha Red Label that is almost 50 years old...played so much I had it refretted in first two positions. Then, about 4 years ago, bought a Taylor 150e...very nice for the price but left me wanting more bass and a bit more flash, and I recently learned even on their higher end 12 strings, Taylor is no longer making a dreadnought shape which I truly wanted.
This guitar chimes like a bell, and adds the bass I had been looking for all along. The inlay, frets, and feel on the neck are wonderful. Despite being a very hefty instrument with a jumbo body, it is easy to play and Greg Baum was so helpful getting the action set for me even during the very busy GearFest 2019 sales activity. I have been playing it almost daily since purchase and it does keep me up very late some nights. The color and build quality are second to none, and it truly is the Cadillac of 12 string guitars. Once again, many thanks to Greg Baum who helped me as I considered this amazing guitar. Even the case it over the top beautiful, and fits the instrument like a glove. Only reason I did not rate this a 5 was I prefer the Gotoh tuners over the ones Guild uses - that 1:21 gear ratio is tough to beat, but that is really minor on a guitar of this quality.
Sweetwater is truly second to none when buying any gear, and Greg Baum gives the best assistance.
Guild F-512e ASB
I received the guitar on a Friday late afternoon and let it acclimate until late Saturday morning.
Opened everything up and there is cloudiness in the finish around the lower waist and bout.
The neck joint at the body on the upper bout has "bumps" in the wood and white marks in it.
Fit and finish issues which are unacceptable to me at this price. Should have never left the factory like that.
Waiting to hear from my sales engineer for a RA.
Guild quality is subpar on this one.
