1962 Favilla F12-H Natural

Favilla F-12H 12-String c 1962 | $875 | (v2143) Italian immigrants Giovanni and Joseph Favilla began building guitars in New York City in 1890. As the company grew, it moved a number of times. By the time this 12-string was made in the sixties, the factory was located at 57 Front St, Brooklyn, NY. The popularity of the electric guitar and the companies inability to refinance and adjust, caused the company to cease production in 1973.

According to company history, the Favilla F-12H 12-string was only produced from 1962 to 1973, with about 600 made over that span. The body size and shape were modeled after the Martin Dreadnaught, but constructed a bit deeper for greater volume. The back and sides are a nice grade of mahogany. The top is spruce, fan-braced, and bound in black with multiple purfling rings around the sound hole. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood retaining its original laquer finish. The neck is mahogany with a Brazilian overlay on the head stock which sports the gold Favilla crest. The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood with a steel truss rod installed underneath.

The body measures 15 1/2" across at the lower bout, and 4 3/4" in depth at the end pin. Scale length is 25 1/4". The fingerboard measures 2" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/4" across at the saddle.

There appear to be no prior repairs to the guitar other than some buffing based on some polish residue. The original pick guard had off-gassed and curled like a potatoe chip, and was replaced. The binding appears to have shrunk, but is intact with a 4" section that was re-glued. The finish is original with only a few signs of play wear and use. The guitar is completely original, including the nut, saddle and end pin, and retains its original green plush-lined Lifton hard case, which, by the looks of the stickers, appears to have traveled the world.

Action is set at 7/64" and the guitar plays well and produces a very full sound, with lots of jangle and sustain. Great guitar for folk music and blues.