An early New York made Guild, presumably with help from the Epiphone factory. It's early 4 digit (3263) serial number dates this to 1956, and it certainly has seen a number of better days. Listed As-Is, this guitar needs some substantial elbow grease, but could certainly come out the other side as quite the instrument.
The F-30 Aragon model was to compete with the ever popular 000-18 Martin, complete with a solid Spruce top and lacquered Mahogany back, with a similar orchestra model body design. As the shape would change throughout the years, its important to note that this particular example has a 15" lower bout, 9" waist and 11.5" upper bout. The body depth measures 3 3/8" at the heel, and 4 3/16" at the base. X bracing, with standard kerfing.
The neck is composed of three pieces, mahogany with a maple strip, and a nice rosewood fingerboard. It is designed with a 25.5" scale length, with a 1 21/32" nut width. The neck profile is thick, typical for the era, measuring .91" thick at the first fret tapering up to about 1.15" at the eleventh fret (before the curvature of the heel).
This guitar is missing all of its binding, a unique upgrade from an 18 model - albeit a fairly costly repair. Gouges are present in the top (treble side upper bout), as well as the cowboy chord region of the profile of the neck. The top has multiple open cracks (treble side lower bout). It is possible under tension this guitar would need a neck reset, but the neck angle currently looks and feels strong, with a nice tall bridge and mostly untouched saddle. The frets and fingerboard are both overall fairly clean.
A great way to save for the right luthier looking for a nice project.
Includes, what is likely the original case, albeit, slightly large for this guitar. The case has some ripped tolex, but does feature the classic 50's era emblem.