First introduced in 1954, the Guild F-30 holds a legendary place in acoustic history as one of the definitive instruments of the 1960s Greenwich Village folk revival. Famously played by icons like Paul Simon, this 1997 example was built during the golden "Westerly Era" in Rhode Island, a legendary facility revered among acoustic purists for producing some of the finest, most resonant instruments to ever carry the Guild name.
The F-30 features a compact "Orchestra" or 000-sized body built with a solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides. Over nearly three decades of natural aging, the nitrocellulose top finish has ambered into a gorgeous golden hue, allowing the tone-woods to dry out and open up completely. Sonically, it delivers an amazingly balanced, articulate voice - boasting a tight, punchy low-end response, a rich, complex midrange, and glassy treble clarity. Its exceptional note-to-note separation makes it an absolute dream for fingerstyle players, light strumming, and studio recording sessions.
As seen in the photos, this 1997 model has seen some honest play wear but still a cared for original example. There has been some shrinkage on the binding which has been re-glued but has taken away little chips of the finish in some areas.
