Guild F 512 - why the huge differences in $$$?

[Toby Walker]

Doing a quick search for this instrument brought up a surprising result: while most dealers are pricing this at $2400 to 3G Sweetwater has what appears to be a very similar one going for $1400, on sale from a retail price of $1829!

Sitca top, rosewood back and sides with a Fishman pickup instead of a DTAR pickup. I can't see what else is different.

What am I missing?

[HHP]

I looked at their site. The guitar you are looking at is an F-1512, not an F-512. It is part of the "GAD" import series.

[Toby Walker]

Ah, missed that, thanks. So the only difference is that one is made in China. I'd be curious to A/B the two for differences.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

...I'd be curious to A/B the two for differences.

Far fewer than you think - personally, I like the 1512's neck better...

[charlesa]

There are several differences, some more important than others. Biggest, to me at least, is that the 1512 has a poly vs nitro finish. The 1512 has synthetic vs bone nut, saddle and pins. Cheaper tuners. No headstock binding. No abalone in the position markers. Rosewood vs ebony fretboard. 2-piece vs three-piece neck. No G-shield on the peghead. Everything I've heard about the 1512 is positive but it's simply not an American-made, top-of-the line instrument. Pay your money and take your pick.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Far fewer than you think - personally, I like the 1512's neck better...

Hi Steve,

Very interesting comment on the 1512 neck. Did you feel that the sound was comparable?

- Glenn