Westerly Guild JF-30 insights requested..

[73Fender]

Stumbled on one of these not too far away and I may be going to have a look see. Early 90's in nice shape. Possible trade involved. I'd appreciate any thoughts on the model in general, pro or con. I have been doing my reading but there is not a ton of info out there. I only play finger style, one spec I haven't found is the string spacing at the bridge. I imagine they have pretty good volume. Thanks for any thoughts.

[3woodengulls]

I have a early 90's jf4 which I think is a stripped down version of the jf30. I love it. May have the best neck of any of my guitars. It is a jumbo so be prepared for the size. If I remember correctly or maybe I read it somewhere that the necks where all hand finished and that lead to some differences in neck sizes and consistency from one guitar to another. Anyway I absolutely love guild and my jf4

[drive-south]

Isn't the JF4 mahogany? I thought the entire 4 series was.

JF30 has solid maple sides and arched/laminated maple back. The back is a single piece of material so no center seam and no back braces inside. I have the 12 string version JF30-12. It's a great guitar with a rumble to the bass. They also have maple necks and are quite heavy guitars. Great in a bar fight.

Prices of JF30's have remained well under $1000 which makes them a great value.

[73Fender]

Thanks for the replies, I checked on Reverb for completed deals and the final prices are all over the map. Maybe not the most accurate info. i may be able to get this one for $900 or so.

[L20A]

I used to own one.
It was a nice guitar but the double truss rod system made for a wider nick that I was comfortable playing. The Jumbo body also started to become uncomfortable to me.
The tone was great though.

I sold mine for $1,200.00 about 7 years ago.
It was near mint.

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by drive-south

JF30 has solid maple sides and arched/laminated maple back. The back is a single piece of material so no center seam and no back braces inside.

I have a Westerly Guild D30 with similar specs. Definitely one of my favorite guitars. I like the solid feel and heaviness of the laminated back. It's a "cannon" and weighs a "ton". I'm mostly a strummer and this guitar can handle heavy strumming. Not sure a jumbo JF30 would be your best choice for finger style.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by L20A

I used to own one.
It was a nice guitar but the double truss rod system made for a wider nick that I was comfortable playing. The Jumbo body also started to become uncomfortable to me.
The tone was great though.

I sold mine for $1,200.00 about 7 years ago.
It was near mint.

Isn't it only the 12-string versions that have 2 truss rods? The JF-30-12?
The 6-string JF-30 has a single truss rod?

And yes, I can almost hear the finger-style purists collectively gasping and shaking their heads in horror at the thought of using a jumbo guitar!
It will be heavy as guitar george pointed out above.
It should also be responsive and loud and nicely balanced - the maple gives it brightness but the jumbo body gives it warmth.
Love it, go for it!

[Athens]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Isn't it only the 12-string versions that have 2 truss rods? The JF-30-12?
The 6-string JF-30 has a single truss rod?.............

Yes, the 12 strings have two truss rods. The 6 strings have only one, but he may be talking about a double action truss rod, which is still just one rod.

The Lets Talk Guild forum might be another good place to post this topic.

[drive-south]

Only 12 string models have dual truss rods. 6 string models have a single truss rod.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by Athens

Yes, the 12 strings have two truss rods. The 6 strings have only one, but he may be talking about a double action truss rod, which is still just one rod.

The Lets Talk Guild forum might be another good place to post this topic.

Found I note I made about it with information I'd been given - The Guild 12-strings went from dual truss rod to single truss rod with 2 support bars in late 2007/early 2008 in the final year of production at the Tacoma factory. Production moved to New Hartford in 2009.

[mattd]

I acquired a jf30 a few months ago, like others have said they are heavy, fabulous strummer, I haven't finger picked it much but my Martin OM and 000 are louder guitars.

[73Fender]

Thanks so much for the great comments. I'm no acoustic guitar expert by a long shot. Most of what I know is in regards to electrics.

I'm surprised that mattd says his small body Martins are louder. I would have thought the jumbo sized Guild would be louder. Help me understand. For finger picking, the smaller body sizes, or is it the build specs, make for more projection or volume? I do have an Eastman OM already and an old Augustino dread.

I may still have a look at it, for some reason it interests me. I have plenty of picks around too to pound out some sounds. I also have a teenage son who plays some. Might be a good sturdy addition to the family collection and something totally different.

Thanks again folks, I really appreciate it.
EDIT: the seller tells me he has an offer on Reverb so this deal may be history. We'll see

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by drive-south

JF30 has solid maple sides and arched/laminated maple back. The back is a single piece of material so no center seam and no back braces inside. I have the 12 string version JF30-12. It's a great guitar with a rumble to the bass......

I've got a JF30-12 out of Corona. Fantastic guitar!

[L20A]

Yes, I misread the guitar.
Mine was a 12 string.
A 6 string won't have 2 truss rods.

I did have a couple of Guild Jumbo guitar over the years.
Loved the tone but again, the size was too big and uncomfortable for me.

[mattd]

If you are interested in a guild that will do everything well, check out some rosewood dreads, I had a D-55 That was superb at everything and had volume in spades.