Guild F45-12CE-NT, 'Crossroads Series', 1983, 1st Production Run - S/N -021, LR Baggs System, OEM 'Guild' hard Case, Free World Wide Shipping !

Made for a very brief period in the early 1980's and produced in very limited numbers, this rare Guild 'Crossroads Series' F-45-12-CE 12-string acoustic/electric represents Guild’s early and ambitious entry into the emerging “slim-line” performance acoustic-electric market.

This example is a very early production instrument, bearing serial number GS100021 (No. 21), placing it within the first production batch of this short-lived Westerly, Rhode Island USA catalogue series. These early Crossroads-era Guild instruments were part of a transitional design period where Guild moved toward modern stage-oriented acoustics, combining traditional build quality with forward-thinking electric performance features.

The 'Crossroads Series' appeared in early 1980s Guild catalogue material as part of the company’s experimental and performance-focused acoustic-electric development programme. These instruments were built in USA Westerly, Rhode Island in small numbers over a short production window during the early 1980s and feature early adoption of cutaway, slim-profile, 24-fret stage designs with integrated onboard acoustic-electric systems. This instrument dates from the first production period (circa 1983) based on serial range and construction features, and sits firmly within Guild’s transitional design era between traditional acoustic builds and modern stage instruments.

The body features a Florentine cutaway, solid mahogany construction with a spruce top, multi-layer binding, oval sound-hole with multi-ring rosette, and rosewood bridge with compensated saddle. Lower bout width is approximately 16" (406 mm), body depth approximately 1 1/2" (38 mm), with a weight of around 3.5 kg (7 lbs 14 oz). The neck is a slender-profile mahogany construction with a comfortable slim “C” profile, cream binding with black side dots, and mother-of-pearl Guild “Chesterfield” headstock inlay, designed for fast, stage-oriented playability. The fingerboard is rosewood with mother-of-pearl dot inlays and all 24 original frets are present with minimal wear and plenty of life remaining.

Hardware consists of original Grover Rotomatic machine heads, with one tuner professionally replaced with a cosmetically matched tuner head unit. There has been no headstock modification or additional routing, and all tuning functions are stable and precise. Nut width is approximately 1 3/4"–1 7/8" (Guild 12-string specification range), and scale length is Guild standard long-scale 12-string (approximately 25 1/2"). Originally fitted with Guild TASS / LFT EQ01 onboard system, the electronics later became non-functional due to circuit failure and have been professionally upgraded to a modern LR Baggs onboard acoustic pickup system. The original volume and tone controls have been retained for visual originality and period-correct appearance.

The guitar is currently strung with medium gauge strings and has been professionally set up for optimum performance with low comfortable action, excellent articulation and string balance, straight neck with correct relief, and a fully functional truss rod. It remains highly playable across all 24 frets with stable tuning and strong intonation, making it a rare example of a vintage 12-string that is genuinely stage-ready without compromise.

Cosmetically, the instrument is in excellent structural and cosmetic condition for its age, showing only light handling wear consistent with careful use. There are no cracks or structural repairs, no buckle rash, and only very minor lacquer handling marks. Fret wear is minimal, including in the first position. The neck is straight and stable under tension, and overall the instrument presents as a very well-preserved example of an early Guild performance acoustic-electric.

The equally rare and near impossible to find; in any condition, original Guild monogrammed fitted hard shell case is included, in good functional condition and structurally sound, forming a correct and highly desirable complement to this instrument.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an early Guild 'Crossroads Series' 12-string acoustic-electric from the first production run, combining USA Westerly build quality, early experimental performance design, low production and short catalogue lifespan, excellent structural condition and playability, original case provenance, and modern stage functionality via LR Baggs upgrade.

Highly desirable and sort after by Collectors, Investors and discerning Stage Players, due to very limited numbers made, and significantly appreciating in value over the past few years due to the very limited examples ever coming to market.

Not just a great, unique guitar but a very sound investment piece.

It’s a real Guild, ‘Made to be Played’!

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