Like its six string sibling, the F-50, the F-412 twelve string model features a jumbo body and the trademark Guild(r) arched back design that allows it to produce extraordinary volume. Its characteristic articulation, clarity and balance come courtesy of its tight grain Sitka spruce top and figured North American maple back and sides. its smooth playability, exceptional build quality, and premium specifications have made it one of the most sought after twelve string guitars in the world.
Billy has had a long relationship with Guild Acoustics as he explains here. “In my opinion Guild Acoustics are very underrated. They’re a brand that don’t have the same status as a Martin, a Gibson or a Taylor but they’re absolutely fantastic guitars, really well made. My association with Guild goes back to my very first high School Band in the 1970s (Four Way Street) when the drummer Rob Allman had one. He was a bit of a folk music fan and he bought a six string Guild acoustic which was fabulous. It was inexpensive but a really well made American guitar.
I used to have one of these jumbo twelve string acoustics but like many of my guitars I either sold it or traded it. You can hear it quite a lot on the song ‘White’ on The Cult’s ‘Ceremony’ album, as well as a bit on some of the other songs like ‘Heart of Soul’. There’s even a picture of me with it on the cover of album as I had it with me for the photo shoot.
So anyway I got this current one from Mike Schulz (Gretsch, who also works with Guild) when I was in the studio recording the ‘Capsules 1 and 2′.”
Billy Duffy – January 2013
Photo Courtesy of Michael Schulz