Sunburst: $2799
“That is the best acoustic 12-string ever made.” said Grant as I sat strumming the Guild F412 in preparation for this review. It’s not everyday I hear such praise coming from Grant, nor is it a statement that is easily dismissed. With almost 40 years experience in guitar restoration and repair, Grant’s opinion on any guitar is something I try to pay close attention to. I asked him to elaborate; “The sound, construction quality, design, even the look… this is the guitar all other 12 strings are aiming to beat. The sixties and seventies era Guild 12 string guitars were the only ones that didn’t need constant repair and service. They have a timeless design and I am happy to see the they have gone back to their historical roots.”
With Grant’s words in mind I put the guitar down and turned to face my keyboard and begin writing… but there really isn’t much more to say. The more I think about it, the more I realize just how true Grant’s statement is. The F412 has the perfect 12 string sound; a bright, shimmery high end with all the warmth you could ever need.
* Top: Solid AAA Sitka Spruce
* Bracing: Guild® Scalloped Red Spruce
* Back: Select Arched Laminated Figured Maple
* Sides: Solid Figured Maple
* Bridge: Rosewood
* Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/Walnut/Mahogany
* Fretboard: Ebony, 12″ Radius, (305 mm)
* Width at Nut: 1-13/16″ (46 mm)
* No. of Frets: 20
* Scale Length: 25-5/8″ (651 mm)
* Hardware: Gold-Plated
* Machine Heads: Custom Gotoh® Gold-Plated Open-Back 12-String Tuners
* Finish: High Gloss (Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
* Ebony Headcap with Pearl logo
* Dovetail Neck Joint with Slim Heel
* Lightweight Laminated Birch Tail-Block
* 30′ Radius Top
* Red Spruce Scalloped Braced Top
* Bone Bridge Pins
* White Neck, Headstock and Body Bindings with Multi-Laminate Purfling
* Bone Nut and Saddle
* Natural Mother-of-Pearl and Abalone Block Position Inlays
* Tortoise Shell Pickguard
* Dual-Action Truss Rod
* Graphite Reinforced Neck
* Case: Includes C5217 Deluxe Hardshell Case, p/n 3501075213
