1976 Guild F-30 F-30 Natural

This vintage Guild F-30 guitar was made in the fabled Westerly, Rhode Island, plant in 1976, judging from its serial number (139361) and the Guild website. This model was introduced in 1954 as a version of the original F orchestra style guitars, discontinued in the late 1980s to re-appear as the GF series, and has been continued in the GAD series and no doubt others yet to come.

But as we all know, newer isn't necessarily better in guitars. This particular guitar has been dominating lesser and larger instruments for 45 years, and the resonance of its aged woods will continue to improve with its new generation of players. Its classic design and well-aged looks make it stand out in a crowd, but it’s the surprisingly full sound that will make other musicians turn around to check it out.

The Guild F-30 has a "folk" or mini-jumbo body style, with a full 15 1/4” lower bout but a rather narrow 9 1/4” waist compared to a dreadnought, making it easier to handle for many players without sacrificing its powerful bass. It has a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back, neck, and sides. The body has multi-ply binding, top and back, and it has a large tortoiseshell pick guard, a rosewood bridge with white pins, and a multi-stripe inlaid rosette. The bound 14/20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl inlay position markers ends in a mahogany headstock with three-per-side chrome Grover tuners and the Guild logo decal. This is a really cool-looking guitar.

Considering its 45 years of seasoning and enthusiastic play, it’s not surprising that there are a few cosmetic and structural items to report: there is of course a bit of finish “crazing,” especially on the top of the lower bout (“to let the sound out,” as my luthier says), as well as some dings and scratches visible in the pictures and some slight fret wear. There looks to be a professionally repaired crack above the pick guard edge, and an obvious scratch beneath the strings above the bridge. Finally, the bridge is authentic but possibly not original, since there is considerable visible evidence of a solid bridge re-set.

This is not a museum piece. While it is a totally cool instrument, it is a real Guild, “Made to be Played,” and it has been making music and turning heads for almost two generations. It has now been thoroughly checked out and set up, the action is medium at a hair over 3/32” at the 12th fret low E, and it’s ready to beat up on some banjo and fiddle players. Any hesitation you might feel about it due to its honorable battle dings should be more than overcome when you hear the remarkable sound and resonance released from its solid woods by those years of experience. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, it will pass into the hands of a player able to make music and turn heads for a generation or two to come.

The deluxe tan TKL arched-top case is not original, and due to the F-30’s somewhat unusual shape, it’s a bit too large at the upper bout and waist. However, it fits adequately to offer outstanding protection for this vintage Guild guitar. The case is in very good condition, but the previous owner apparently locked the combination lock and forgot the combo, so he left it unhinged; this situation can be easily resolved by a locksmith.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have made every effort to describe and illustrate this guitar and case with scrupulous accuracy. Its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures before offering to purchase it.

Thank you for your interest in this cool Guild guitar.