Guild F-1512e 12 String ★ Guitar Review

[@crazyoldcatman318]

Thanks so much. I just discovered you while looking into options for a 12-string guitar. I love how you do things and enjoyed your talented demo playing as well. I just wanted to thank you and let you know I liked and subscribed because I know I want to come back for more. This guitar just might fit the bill for me. I played a jumbo Guild 12 string when I was in my late teens working in a small factory. The lady who let me try her beautiful, fancy, HUGE guitar with the HUGE sound worked there too. Her name was Claire. If I get one I will name it for her. She also did leatherwork. I still have the hand tooled custom made leather strap she crafted for me. I was using it just last night in fact! Although I am 63 and might name a guitar, I haven't started naming straps yet despite my affection for Claire and her kindness in hand crafting one for me at a time when I was living on 2 bucks an hour under the table and living in a tiny apartment costing 80 bucks with the heat included. That sounds worse than it was. I was playing guitar constantly, usually the free entertainment for partying friends (good thing it was free too!) and my memories of those times are good ones, very good. Hope you are well and having a great day! Play on!

[@fingrstyleguy]

I bought an F-1512 and had Sweetwater add an LR Baggs Anthem system 2 years ago. What an AMAZING guitar! It will feed back on the lower end if you aren't careful! Everyone wants to play it! Love it!!!

[@nhm1069]

Thanks for the video Tony. I researched and played many different models and this video helped me in my decision. I ended up purchasing the Guild F-1512 about two months ago and I'm extremely happy with it. It looks and sounds great, has great action, is very easy to play, and is extremely affordable. This guitar was much more affordable than other models with solid spruce top and solid rosewood body in a jumbo shape. Like you said, I can really dig into it and play it hard and it sounds/feels great.

[@danFonzare]

Hi Nathan. Have you played the Bluerigde BR160-12? I had one and I sold it because I moved overseas. I am thinking to buy this Guild F1512, so I would like to know someone who can compare them.

[@bradchervel5202]

I am happy to have found you again Tony!!

[@brocklanders6172]

Got me a Westerly RI - made Guild JF 65-12. Boy! The best sounding acoustic ever.

[@david_a_uno]

Thank you for this! It sounds just magnificent.

[@nigelmccluskey]

Folks the Guild F512 is gonna make a come back sometime next year.One of the best twelve strings out there.

[@davidfield8122]

Totally different price point!

[@johngallacher]

@@davidfield8122 three times the price of this.

[@jimiguitar100]

thats a fantastic guitar. Price is high but why not, we live once

[@wyoruss]

Beautiful guitar! We are both from Bozeman too!

[@backpackertony]

I just purchased one this past weekend. Love it! Tested 6 different models and it definitely came down to this model or the Taylor 150e. They both sounded nice and played great. The Taylor sounded just a bit thinner (but not in a bad way) and the neck profile was smaller, whereas the Guild had a much warmer and boomier sound with a fuller neck. What ultimately made me decide on the guild was the real Rosewood back and sides. It just felt right and I like the fuller sound. I would recommend people try the Taylor, as well. Really nice guitar

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I bought the F1512E based, in no small part, on this review, and it's just awesome.

[@NoCoverCharge]

good to know i am thinking about getting one

[@paulgeorgia8013]

@@NoCoverCharge I still have it. And I still love it. I’ve used it for recording lots of tracks on my new project, and it’s amazing
No one does 12 strings like Guild

[@NoCoverCharge]

@@paulgeorgia8013 man thanks because a 12 string is such a individual kinda thing ... i need one for recording but didnt want to spend a ton on a 12 string and yes it is for some recording about to happen ... i know guild makes good 12 strings ... so thanks for sharing you probably made up my mind

[@paulgeorgia8013]

@@NoCoverCharge the thing about 12 Stringers is: you sacrifice some bass for all the bright midrange sound. But with the jumbo body and thick rosewood, this one maintains some bass resonance.
Although the pickup on it is great, I record it live with mics at the 12th fret and near the bell. It tracks great

[@jackaman1474]

Hey Tony...could you comment about playability? Maybe compare to Taylor in this regard? Thanks. I enjoy the videos.

[@snuffyballparks6501]

I have a Guild F212XL and I've played Taylor 12 strings as well. The Taylor has more playability by comparison. The Guild has the better tone and power. I've played my Westerly built Guild for 30+ years and I'm used to it. Prefer the Guild, but the Taylor is a fine guitar and a bit easier to play.

[@DavidWalker-wz9rl]

Def has that Guild chime and clarity to it :)

[@thejakeyboi]

Thank you so much for this man. Just discovered your channel.

[@dirkjanklijn9949]

I have the F150 6string and I love it, for 12 string I have a Cort MR710F/12, and once properly set up a great 12 string.

[@theo9952]

Dirk Jan Klijn
I have JF-55 Westerly-made six string Guild and a Cort CJ 3 12 string. I wish I could afford a US made 12-string jumbo Guild too, but there is no way i can pull that kind of money ever again. My solid spruce top, laminate maple back and sides Cort is fine really, very playable and resonant but i wish there was more bass in it. Maybe this all solid wood Chinese Guild which is much more affordable than US Guilds, though not cheap by any means, would be the solution, but without trying it first, I am very reluctant to pay about a thousand Euros for it, in fear that I might be dissapointed.

[@paulbyrne2445]

Nice review 👍. I'm looking at retiring an old Fenix 12 string and the Guild is on my shortlist. Thanks for helping me decide.

[@AudenLassoChaveztigre]

I love Guild guitars, I even own one the only thing is I wish they had that one with a Cutaway but even if they don't I can't get enough of their robust sound, not even an old Taylor Jumbo can touch them perhaps why Taylor gave up their Jumbo 12-Strings.

[@scotchgod8478]

You actually can get this guitar with a cutaway.

[@tomformanek3312]

I love my all hog Westerly D1212, but this review has got me thinking about a RW jumbo!

[@snuffyballparks6501]

I have 1979 Guild F212XL NT (Mahogany). Incredible sound, with a wonderful bright chime and POWERFUL! Love Guild 12 strings. I've had mine for 30+ years and will pass it on to my guitar playing (much better player than me) son. Taylors are very good... but for 12's... nothing like a Guild, especially the Westerly produced versions. I installed a K&K with a Zoom A3 preamp. Couldn't be happier.

[@tomcatrecords]

very nice review & playing!

[@ZacharyWhite25]

Guitar heaven indeed! As a guitar player, there’s no such a saying as “you have too many guitars”. They all play and sound different and unique. That Guild looks and sounds nice. I have three Yamaha’s, an Epiphone, an Applause Balladeer, and a Gretsch. Four of those six are twelve strings. I’ve never played a “Jumbo” body styled guitar before, the five acoustic guitars I have are all dreadnought. How does the Jumbo body style feel to you compared to the Dreadnought body style?

[@peterspokes4579]

Like myself, you clearly suffer from GAS - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. As you say you can never have too many guitars. My Guild 12 string sits beside my Gibsons J45 and SJ200 and Martin HD28, But since picking up the 12 strings every song I play is like a new version. The Jumbos sound are awesome and recommended..

[@petermakesmusic]

With the new 2017 D28 coming out, you should do a comparison with the new model and the old!

[@tacguitar]

That is an awesome idea, I just read the specs of the new D28 and think it would make a very interesting comparison :-)

[@Shelley550]

Wow sounds magical

[@MikeSmith-lt4rh]

Man I really enjoy your videos.

[@Old-dog-jams]

Tony. If you still have this guitar,
I would really like a review or even just a reply on this guitar now 5 years later. For instance how is the top and neck holding up. Has it needed any work etc.?

[@susanconlin9404]

Tony, please identify the strings on your Guild 12 string review thank you.

[@stormcorrosion176]

My brother. Am thinking of getting this one!!

[@mattfromcleveland]

Like the channel, very viewer friendly and well put together.

[@williamfriggle]

Love 12 strings.

[@markharwood7573]

Good vid, good review, ticks the boxes...but there are some questions posted that deserve replies.
ps: What a guitar!!

[@ivanmay7890]

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp plays Guild 12 string acoustic guitars.

[@mandyboose8983]

F - 512

[@NytronX]

Same with David Gilmour, Tom Petty, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Oh yeah, and John Denver.

[@hillbilly224]

i remember my dad playing that 2nd song you played all the time.cant recall the name of it though??

[@snuffyballparks6501]

2nd song was 'Freight Train', written by Elizabeth Cotton.
Here is a classic version by Doc Watson... ua-cam.com/video/00zi1F3iBHg/v-deo.html

[@bennydemario4624]

Westerly RI.....my dad's home town!!!!

[@chanceman122]

I'm in love with you channel keep it up

[@bigmac51290]

Surely the octave G isn't supposed to be offset like that.

[@simmerend3154]

Hi Tony! What string gage,and make, are on your cannon”? I installed some Martin 10-47”s on mine(GAD series), D# tuning, and I’m less than satisfied! Love your pickin

[@mainsblanches8793]

Can't beat Guild for 12 strings!!...

[@clydeortego8332]

Have you ever thought of Reviewing the Epiphone DR- 212 12 String?

[@ceevalencia8766]

Hey Tony! I love your reviews. Could there be a chance for you to review some guitars from Southeast Asia? Particularly Jeffrey Yong's guitar with 2 soundholes?

[@bonzobonham8337]

hey Tony this might be a little off the genre but could it be possible you doing a review on an ovation guitar? I think their 12 strings sound great!!!

[@michalzaw5575]

Can you tell me the difference? & Which one is all solid wood (front, back, & sides)? Guild OM140sce vs Guild 150sce?

[@cliffsandifer3877]

is the 1512 tuned to standard pitchj ....you think it could stand standard pitch all the time? or be kind to it and tune it below . does it have one or two truss rods?

[@yinghanngoh4153]

hi Tony, would you kindly do a review on the new Taylor 324ce with blackwood back & sides? thanks.

[@macinman]

Hey all, just found this video today. I've been playing the guitar for quite a few years, (though pretty out of shape currently) Anyway, I currently have a left handed 6 string Martin guitar, and have recently come across 12 strong guitar videos on UA-cam, and really love the sound. Out of curiosity, how much harder is a 12 string to play and maintain over a traditional 6 string ? Based on this video the chording looks the same, and the extra strings simply add fuller sound, at least in this video it appeared, and sounded that way. I've mainly had experience with the 6 string, and Hawaiian steel guitar. Great video.

[@NytronX]

Yes, it's harder. More force required by your fretting hand. Wider nut/neck width. Harder and more time consuming to keep in tune.

[@macinman]

@@NytronX Thanks, gives me an idea of what to expect, if I ever decided to try one.
I think for now, I'll stick with my 6 string and work at getting back into playing it more, first. The other consideration I would have to keep in mind is: do 12 strings come in left-handed models. Anyway, thanks again for the reply, have a great day!

[@NytronX]

@@macinman Yes, there are left handed 12 string models, but they are rare.

[@roenvalenzuela2492]

Every 12'er plays differently,even within their own brand!
The Guild's I have, play and sound unique to each other.
Early US '70's F-112 play easier
than the D 1212,or F 2512, Chinese.
The most consistent 12'er brand , either made in US,or Mexico are Taylors .
Never have played a bad one !
Honorable mention are Seagulls, and Alvarez 12's !

[@DeltaBluesGuitarLessons]

I am looking at this guitar and the Martin Performing Artist Series GPC12PA4 12, the Martin is 500.00 more but comes with a hard shell case what would your advice be please

[@astrophotonics9470]

Nobody better at reviewing acoustics...

[@donbabcock2062]

I just purchased a Guild 1512E, 12 string. Can you recommend the best strings to give me a warm tone? I would appreciate it. I’m looking at using the Martin Retro set, what do y’all think??

[@christopherg9806]

Tony, was this F-1512 a Westerly or a GAD model? I hear that there is a difference between the two.

[@antonyalumkal1526]

It's a Westerly. The GAD had a 3 piece Mahogany/Maple/Mahogany neck. The Westerly has an all Mahogany neck. Both were/are made in China. Specs for both are on the Guild website.

[@stuboyle666]

Hey, at the end of this video (see 5:15+), there is a Guild with the Chesterfield logo over Tony's right shoulder which look like its koa. Is that a custom job? What model is this?

[@engelbertus1406]

so, if this guitar is so great - which I happily believe since I consider saving up for one - what does the 4000€ F-512e has to offer that this one hasn’t? Playibility, sound, looks?

[@mikebennett7261]

David Gilmour has one...

[@Ned-ke3ui]

She's a beauty I want one

[@kentjm0330]

hey tony! what do you think about sigma guitar? to be specific sigma 000m-15

[@Ricardo15121]

Tony, could you review the Martin 00-15e Retro?

[@alexflowers3455]

can you review the Martin backpacker?

[@racerguy500]

I am not sure if you have seen it but there is one on youtube. It's total junk, I have played one at GC and it is a joke. Don't waste your time or money on one.

[@jonschrader2063]

@@racerguy500 and you forgot doesn't stay in tune, bad intonation anywhere past the third fret, impossible to hold comfortably etc... I paid $25 for one and wanted my money back that night...

[@itsrobertv.-_-1301]

has he ever done a review of an Alvarez acoustic guitar

[@adamalper804]

Hi Tony, I know this is old, but I recently picked up one of these guitars, based in part on this video. So thanks for that! Mine did not come with a pickup, so I am on the hunt for one. It would really only be used in a band setting, with another guitar (electric), bass, drums and occasional keyboards. In addition, I'd only use it for 2 or 3 songs, I would guess. So I don't want to go too nuts on cost and guitar surgery. I'd like to get a balance of natural sound with feedback resistance and presence in the mix. I don't know what's realistic with that, but I would think the feedback resistance and presence in mix would be most important. Do you have any thoughts? Soundhole, blend or UST? If soundhole, I'd prefer it not be a permanent install. Many thanks for your opinions, and for your videos!

[@joshfoss7407]

HIGHLY recommend the K&K pure mini on any acoustic. They cost around $100 and can be installed yourself if you're patient and have some simple tools. otherwise, install would be around $100 most places.

[@adamalper804]

Thanks Josh...I had read that the Pure Mini was not good in a full band context, really for solo or small combos. Have you used the Mini in an acoustic with a full electric band?

[@joshfoss7407]

@@adamalper804 I use it in a 3 piece band and solo. I'm not sure why a given pickup would be considered good for solo but poor in a band setting. If you're worried about feedback, use a port hole cover. If you want the guitar to sound less like an acoustic guitar so that other instruments can have space, just use a low cut and eq to your desired sound on the mixer.
The k&K will give you the best starting spot for true acoustic tone without a mic. I plug mine into a fishman aura spectrum to blend it with models to further enrich the sound, but it's good enough on it's own. I've heard they can be picky with preamps and may sound boomy on some gear, but I haven't experienced that yet.

[@adamalper804]

@@joshfoss7407 Thanks so much for your thoughts! I think feedback has been cited as a big issue at band volumes, as well as it not cutting through the mix with electric bass, electric guitar and drums. I may just try it anyway and get the K&K preamp with it. Thanks again!

[@joshfoss7407]

@@adamalper804 "cutting through the mix" is just laymans terms for EQ. The k&K has a full range acoustic sound by default. If you want it to cut more in a live band setting, use the high pass button on the mixer to cut everything below 120hz, and then further mess with your EQ from there. a lot of folks like to scoop the mids so they don't compete with vocals. For feedback, the soundhole plug is a fix I've used and it works great.

[@Arcturian1111]

What's the difference between this one and the F 2512e, the binding?

[@adamshifflet70]

This one had solid back and sides as well, the 25 has a solid top but laminate back and sides

[@beasheerhan4482]

This guitar has a nice ring, but, it is not one of the better Guild 12 strings. Raising the action would help it.

[@williamcole9040]

ISTHIS THE 5 HUNDRED QUID JOB ? SOLID R W BACK SIDES. AMAZING. IF ITS TRUE.

[@wishkeba]

Hey "Acoustic Life" is it taboo to say its made in China?

[@gerrardhart6040]

Please review the Faith Guitar Naked series..

[@gefqkfmwkqfm2150]

you should review a Protocol 38" Acoustic Guitar (that's what it's called) (cheap!)

[@MikeSmith-lt4rh]

My boy&I just looked at a Martin x series 12 string at Sam A. In Tampa &it sounded better than the 4 of the 6 other 12 strings there .the ones over$2500. Sounded only slightly clearer and louder but they had no Guild in a 12 .OH NO!!!!LOOKS LIKE WE GOTTA GO ON GUITARSAFARI AGAIN! Drat!

[@davidfield8122]

The martin D12X1AE is definitely a great sounding guitar. I bought one after testing out several other leading competitors in the same price range. My only criticisms are: (a) the cheap-looking, imitation wood back/sides. Makes it resemble a toy (b) the uncomfortable neck. It's way too fat and takes a gorilla grip to play with the factory setup. Also after playing for a while, you can feel the ridges of the plywood in your hand. If you're okay with the above, it's a fantastic sounding guitar. Also very loud! I recommend the Martin X series as an informal jamming guitar.

[@frontbum420]

Whats the body depth on this guitar?

[@gooseit]

Any problem with keeping it in standard tuning over time?

[@Sonicguy95]

gooseit
A lot of guys tune a whole step down and capo up to standard. Makes life a lot easier because a lot of songs are written that way.
But before I learned that my seagull coastline held standard tuning well. Just really pointless if you ask me since you can capo up.

[@stewartoftheearth]

you kept saying 115 ?

[@bricemazz]

Lovely guitar

[@orabidoomed]

So much better than the Taylor!

[@nomonument5113]

Guild f1512e or Taylor 150e ?

[@Elm3224]

Guild

[@Minecraftrocks5667]

This guys beard ♥

[@phenixreturns]

And vs a Yamaha ll 16 12 are?

[@Metr01d3]

The Guild hands down. Yamaha sounds hollow!!! No depth to the sound! Just tried them both yesterday as I was going for the Yamaha (I really like the aesthetics) but I ended up buying the guild!

[@fabiancugbechie2374]

thanks Tony
please whats the difference between Guid f-512e and Guild f-1512e. i am soo loving 12 strings with rosewood back and sides

[@javijavi9497]

512 is USA made and 1512 is made in China

[@joshrincon2502]

Badsss guitar and amazing sound.

[@federicoines1848]

Chinese made guitar is getting better and better

[@rennyzero420]

👍

[@tonydardi332]

Hey is the guitar made in China or the United States?

[@alejdr]

China

[@sesa2984]

Played one of these at Guitar Center last night, it sucked, but thats Guitar Center's fault. They ruined every acoustic in their charge. Tge "expensive room" wasn't humidifier. There was a brand new j-45 all checked with a cracked top. Guitar Center sucks.

[@davidallen346]

U have turn into a tattooed mountain man

[@robertbohnaker9898]

I think that affordable Taylor sounds better. 😄

[@JDChicago]

Back when Tony started reviewing guitars......Guild was selling guitars straight to Elvis.

[@brettbambouturton3117]

Sweet as a nut!

[@Bigasstbone]

Are these being made in the CA factory? I don’t want to buy ones made in China!

[@MrBrookesharley]

tony please play somthing differant

[@timmytexlonghorns2206]

Who else heard the few chords from wish you where here

[@keithwigley1256]

Amazing how so many guitarist can't get a really good sound out of a 12 string ...

[@danielmiller5521]

Got some vids of you showing the world how it's done?

[@tomthomas8472]

@@danielmiller5521 Love it, my thoughts exactly.

[@David-cm4ok]

We're still waiting Keith.

[@lynott8672]

only big with mouth rofl

[@Mike-pv3hg]

fakest beard ive ever seen