Guild F-30 Acoustic Guitar | 1966 Vintage American Folk Guitar
Guild F-30 Acoustic Guitar | 1966 Vintage American Folk Guitar
Made in USA (Westerly, RI). Solid spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. Ebony fretboard. Original case. $4,200
The Guild F-30 is a vintage American acoustic guitar originally introduced in the early 1960s as part of Guild's lineup of high-quality steel-string instruments. This 1966 example exemplifies the tone, build quality, and compact body that made Guild revered alongside makers like Martin and Gibson in that era.
The F-30 was regarded as a small orchestra / 000-style acoustic, designed to sit comfortably and project well for fingerstyle or light flat-picking. Mid-1960s was a transitional period for Guild when production had largely moved to Westerly, Rhode Island after earlier New Jersey builds.
Test it for yourself at our Sydney shop, or we can ship it safely to your door anywhere in Australia. Contact us for a shipping quote.
In stock at Guitar Garage Sydney.
Key Features
Year: 1966
Made in: USA (Westerly, Rhode Island)
Top: Solid spruce (bright, responsive, lively)
Back and Sides: Mahogany (warm mids, clear balance)
Neck: Mahogany, comfortable "C" profile
Fingerboard: Ebony (great condition)
Bridge: Rosewood
Scale Length: Approximately 25.5 inches
Nut Width: Approximately 1-5/8 inches
Body Shape: Small orchestra / 000 style
Bracing: Vintage style spruce bracing
Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Case: Original case included
Sound and Tone
Vintage Guild F-30s are well known for rich, balanced tone with clear highs, warm mids and a touch of low-end warmth for a small body. They offer excellent projection and responsiveness, delivering plenty of volume for blues, folk and singer-songwriter styles without harshness. These guitars respond beautifully to a light touch and develop a rich vintage voice with playing and age.
Feel and Playability
The smaller orchestra-style body is lighter and more balanced than a dreadnought, making it comfortable for long playing sessions or fingerstyle work. The mahogany neck with comfortable "C" profile feels smooth and inviting.
Condition
Good condition. Neck reset completed. Ebony fretboard in great condition. Some refinishing around neck pocket. All original. Includes original case.
Historical Context
The F-30 was introduced in the early 1960s as part of Guild's high-quality steel-string lineup. By 1966, production had largely moved to Westerly, Rhode Island. These vintage Guild acoustics are valued for their rarity, tone that rivals higher-priced vintage guitars, and collectible status with that classic Guild voice.