Another first-time Guild owner... w/ pickup, Bigsby ???

[Fab4ever]

Hey all, I have acquired a 1984 Starfire IV with the XR-7 pickups. I *love* the way it plays and how it rings like a bell acoustically. However, those pickups...

Here are a few photos of my new find: https://plus.google.com/photos/11200161 ... banner=pwa


What I would *like* to do is to replace those pickups with older HB-1s, or if I can't find a suitable set, something in the low-wind humbucker arena such as Lollar Imperial Low Wind or Fralin Pure PAF or somesuch.

In any event, I'd like to sell the XR-7s. Does anyone have any idea what they might be worth? EBay is not much help, as they are pretty rare. They're just TOO HOT for my tastes.

Also, I would love to find a Guildsby. Lacking that, I would like to purchase a Bigsby.

But the big question on Bigsby or Guildsby: tension bar or no? I prefer the feel of a Bigsby without a tension bar, but I am uncertain if the neck angle is sufficient to where a no-bar Bigsby would work. I use .11 gauge and I do not use the Bigsby for dive-bombing -- only for that luscious subtle shimmer.

Can anyone shed any light?

Thanks,

 

[guildman63]

Re: Another first-time Guild owner... with Bigsby questions

Very nice guitar, and welcome!

I found a guy in Hawaii that made two custom pickups for my 2000 X-170T. They are being installed as we speak, so I should have a review posted over the weekend. Pete Biltoft is his name, and for $225 he made the pickups to simulate the old Franz pups, but to be used as humbuckrs as well. I sent him the original pups with rings and he designed the new pups to fit within the original covers and rings, and with a 3 screw design, so that no cutting or drilling is necessary. He also included two sets of magnets, alnico 2 and 5, that can be switched as desired with his pickup design allowing an easy switch. He then shipped them via 2 day shipping to my tech in Boston, all for $225. I will let you know in a few days how they are.

Pete Biltoft at http://www.vintagevibeguitars.com

 

[Fab4ever]

Re: Another first-time Guild owner... with Bigsby questions

Wow Guildman, what a great solution you found! Can't wait to hear about those pickups. I have heard of Pete but am not familiar with his work. A good thought! Best of luck with your guitar.

 

[Kslam]

Also, I would love to find a Guildsby. Lacking that, I would like to purchase a Bigsby.

But the big question on Bigsby or Guildsby: tension bar or no? I prefer the feel of a Bigsby without a tension bar, but I am uncertain if the neck angle is sufficient to where a no-bar Bigsby would work. I use .11 gauge and I do not use the Bigsby for dive-bombing -- only for that luscious subtle shimmer.

Can anyone shed any light?

Thanks,

Congrats on the new guitar! I have a 67 Starfire V that came with a Guildsby with a tension bar. The Guildsby broke at the hinge and was replaced with a Bigsby without a tension bar and it works absolutely fine. I like the feel of it better than I do my tension bar equipped Bigsby on my Casino.

Also, if you think you can sell your Starfire, rather than tracking down pickups, you might want to consider purchasing Billy Budapest's 1980 Starfire IV.

 

[Fab4ever]

Good to know about your Bigsby - I am going to ask my tech if he agrees that a unit without tension bar would work.

I wish I had the cash for that beautiful blond Starfire!