1960’s Starfire III Emerald Green

[jacob]

Long time Guild player/collector, but first official post here.

On a sliding scale of 1-10, what’d my odds be of finding a 60’s emerald green Starfire III?

This has been on my “need to have list” for waaaay too long!

 

[chazmo]

Welcome aboard, Jacob.

 

[Rocky]

On a sliding scale of 1-10, what’d my odds be of finding a 60’s emerald green Starfire III?

Welcome!

It depends on how thorough your search is, and how much money you're willing to throw at this, I think. Green is one of the rarer colors.

 

[chazmo]

I agree with Rocky, Jacob. However, they are definitely not unobtanium. You might even want to put up a want-to-buy thread in the FS section, although I think you need more posts under your belt to be able to do that.

Again, welcome aboard!!!!

 

[walrus]

Welcome! Good luck in your quest!

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! Patience and money is what it's going to take to find that Starfire. Good luck!

 

[GAD]

Moved to correct forum.

 

[Mapleman54]

Share your enthusiasm for green… I have one, a ‘66 Starfire XII, and it gives me joy just to get it out (then compounded by being an awesome guitar) I know posted this before (apologies!) but I get excited just because it is what it is! Good luck in your SFIII search!!

 

[JerryK]

I know your not in Australia but here after working and playing in bands and music shops for 30 years or more Ive only ever seen 4.
One my stepfather had when we were kids that was a red one. Another guitar player I knew as a kid had a black one. That was in the 80's. I didn't come across another one for 30 years. I bought my 65 a few years ago and saw one other sunburst one in really bad condition in a shop. Thats it 4 in 30+ years and never a green one.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

Welcome! Don't give up hope, they exist.

This is an SF III that I used to own - a 1970 special order with block inlays and DeArmond pickups. I bought it used in the '90's but sold it because the wide very thin neck was too uncomfortable for me to play. Sometime prior to my ownership it suffered some water damage and much of the finish was gone from the back. The case was so mildewed and smelly that I got rid of it.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

I also bought a '61 that was listed as a green SF III but returned it to a very upset seller because it smelled of mold and mildew so badly that it made my hands and clothing smell after just playing it for a few minutes. It was also actually a black finish that had faded to green:



Good luck with your search! Some people say that's half the fun but I think the fun is purchasing and playing your dream guitar!

 

[jacob]

Thank you to everyone who’s replied so fast and encouragement!

I know they’re out there, and likely playing a nasty game of hide and go seek haha

From my understanding and research, in the past believe Hans mentioning the emerald green colored starfires had to be somewhat custom ordered. At the time paying an extra $10 would buy you the emerald green vs the standard red (please, correct me if I’m wrong).

 

[jacob]

I know your not in Australia but here after working and playing in bands and music shops for 30 years or more Ive only ever seen 4.
One my stepfather had when we were kids that was a red one. Another guitar player I knew as a kid had a black one. That was in the 80's. I didn't come across another one for 30 years. I bought my 65 a few years ago and saw one other sunburst one in really bad condition in a shop. Thats it 4 in 30+ years and never a green one.

Oye! Now a much taller task than ever expected.

By any chance, as stereotypical of a question this may be, are you a fan of John Butler?

 

[jacob]

I also bought a '61 that was listed as a green SF III but returned it to a very upset seller because it smelled of mold and mildew so badly that it made my hands and clothing smell after just playing it for a few minutes. It was also actually a black finish that had faded to green:



Good luck with your search! Some people say that's half the fun but I think the fun is purchasing and playing your dream guitar!

Couldn’t be happier seeing someone’s enthusiasm for something great!

 

[SFIV1967]

From my understanding and research, in the past believe Hans mentioning the emerald green colored starfires had to be somewhat custom ordered. At the time paying an extra $10 would buy you the emerald green vs the standard red (please, correct me if I’m wrong).

The 1960 (?) catalog only showed Cherry-Red:




All 4 colors were offered in the 1961 (?) catalog:

catalog as standard:


The December 1963 price list had only Cherry Red left as standard and made the other colors an extra $20:



That is our member @mbrindell collection of the 4 colors:



Ralf

 

[jacob]

The 1960 (?) catalog only showed Cherry-Red:




All 4 colors were offered in the 1961 (?) catalog:

catalog as standard:


The December 1963 price list had only Cherry Red left as standard and made the other colors an extra $20:



That is our member @mbrindell collection of the 4 colors:



Ralf

I stand corrected and also love seeing those Starfires!

 

[Fender1980]

Long time Guild player/collector, but first official post here.

On a sliding scale of 1-10, what’d my odds be of finding a 60’s emerald green Starfire III?

This has been on my “need to have list” for waaaay too long!

I searched reverb.com. There's only been about 1 dozen listings for 60s emerald green Starfires in the past 9 years of all varieties.

It looks like it will run you over $3000 (us) to get one if you find one.

There's a 1962 Starfire husk on reverb that could probably be painted Emerald and brought back to life.

Or you can get the really cool looking Newark St. Green Starfire 3 until a 1960s comes up. There's a used one on Reverb for $1050.00.

Good luck!

 

[BradHK]

Nationwide guitars has a 1962 on their website for sale. I have not called or anything to see if it is still available. It looks nice but they have a VERY high asking price!

1962 Guild SF III

 

[Norrissey]

Someone has probably already mentioned this but Mark Knopfler is going to be auctioning one in a month or so. He is also auctioning an Emerald Starfire II with Dearmonds.

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6465784?ldp_breadcrumb=back&intObjectID=6465784&from=salessummary&lid=1

 

[mavuser]

...it smelled of mold and mildew so badly that it made my hands and clothing smell after just playing it for a few minutes. It was also actually a black finish that had faded to green:

the green part was the mold and mildew!