All images and text copyrighted and property of Greg Gagliano.

FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

The F-412 jumbo 12-string model first hit the Guild catalog in 1969. Along with the F-512, it was Guild's first full-size jumbo 12-string model. It was given top-of-the-line ornamentation including G-shield inlay on the headstock, V-block fret markers, gold hardware and premium wood. The model evolved in terms of details and nomenclature (and it's a bumpy ride, so get ready). Unlike the F-512 with its traditionally braced, solid rosewood body, the F-412 had a figured maple body with a laminated, arched back. The Guild catalogs did not specify if the sides were laminated or solid until 2000 when solid maple sides were listed. However, we know catalogs are not always accurate. In addition, there is some evidence that, in 1980 at least, the sides were laminated. The Sitka spruce top was fitted with red (Adirondack) spruce bracing at least by 2013, but perhaps earlier. Theoretically, the stiffer red spruce braces allow for a thinner and, therefore, more responsive top. Check out this handy list of features that documents some of the F-412 details that changed over time. Probably the craziest change was to the model name itself. It was the F-412 from 1969-1987, then the JF65-12 from 1987 to 2001, and then back to the F-412 from 2002 to 2014. After a 4 year hiatus, the model returned to the catalog in 2019 as the F-512 Maple. Why?!! We may never know. The good thing is that all versions of the F-412 sound great. The tone is bright and focused that stresses the fundamental notes from the initial pick attack and then blooms with overtones. Really, it comes down to player preference with regard to neck profile, features, and vintage. The F-412 has stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular acoustic 12-string guitars ever made.

GUILD F-412 (2003)

 Body:  Hollow; solid 2-piece Sitka spruce top, laminated arched flame maple back, solid flame maple sides; 5-ply bound top and back

 Finish:  Natural, nitrocellulose

 Neck:  3-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany, set-in; triple bound ebony headstock overlay with pearloid logo and G-shield inlay

 Fingerboard:  Ebony, single bound; mother-of-pearl block markers with abalone inserts

 Number of Frets:  20

 Pickguard:  Tortoise

 Bridge:  Indian rosewood with bone saddle

 Nut:  Bone

 Tuners:  Grover Mini-Rotomatic, gold

 Scale Length:  25 5/8 inches

 Neck Width at Nut:  1 13/16 inches

 Body Width at Lower Bout:  17 inches

 Body Depth:  4 5/8 inches

 Weight:  6.5 lb






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