Another Starfire set of questions

[Synchro]

So, you like the NS Capri ? I thought they would be afflicted by the miswired pickup issue , like the Starfires ?

No problems with mine.

 

[Default]

Unless they revised them, they are still the same underwound pups.

 

[guildman63]

The one I played sounded very good on both pickups.

 

[JohnW63]

I had to write down the specs of the SF-III, IV, and V as well as the CE-100D and T-100D to get a feel for the different thicknesses and Hollow vs Semi-hollow. I used the current NS lineup, which I understand may not be the same as the instruments through the years. I hope it is at least close.

Given the NS X-175B I have is a deeper hollow body guitar with single coils, I would agree that I should look at a semi-hollow, more shallow body with HB style pickups for the biggest change in tone. I think that means a SF-IV or SF-V. Getting the "better" pickups means looking at ones in the Mid 90s or earlier, I think. Just which pickups and neck size will still vary as I go back in time.

Which ones might be the best bargain, or in other words, least coveted ?

 

[Guildadelphia]

If the issue with the bridge mini-buckers has been addressed I would think any of the solid center block Starfires would fit the bill. If the overall quality of the NS Starfires is like my NS X175B I don't believe you could do any better at that price point. I'd also be curious as to whether we will see the new fullsize "HB-1's" appear in any of the NS Starfires or possibly the return of some variation of classic Guild single-cut solidbody in the NS line ?

 

[kakerlak]

Which ones might be the best bargain, or in other words, least coveted ?

I think, if you want the real Guild HB-1 sound, you're best off looking at late 80s-early 90s models. Those are very well made, still have the same, great HB-1 pickups and don't seem to have inflated in value the way the 1970s models have begun to. I also think that finding one of the stop tailpiece models will give you a bigger difference in tone -- it'll be longer sustaining and less "woody" sounding, for lack of a better word. (That's not an indictment on the harp-tail models, just an observation of which will give the sound most distinct from what you have already).

You might go try out a Telecaster or two, too, though...

 

[parker_knoll]

The one I played sounded very good on both pickups.

one man's good is another man's underwound

 

[JohnW63]

I've been watching the Guild electrics at the GC used web page, and some just aren't moving. I suspect the pictures do not reveal all. For instance, there are two that seem to be a good price.

A 1972 for about 1200 bucks

and

this one for about 1050

Any obvious reasons for them to be aging on the peg hooks ?

 

[krysh]

I've been watching the Guild electrics at the GC used web page, and some just aren't moving. I suspect the pictures do not reveal all. For instance, there are two that seem to be a good price.

A 1972 for about 1200 bucks

and

this one for about 1050

Any obvious reasons for them to be aging on the peg hooks ?

the '72 wa fiddled with (non original dotson fretboard, non original knobs, I'd try it before buying.) and the

200X has the fender buckers.
since you want a more carlton type sound just swap the fender buckers for some seth lovers or gibsons and you will get very close.

 

[Steve Messenger]

re: hollow feedback, has anyone tried Doug's Plugs? http://www.dougsplugs.com/index.html

 

[guildman63]

re: hollow feedback, has anyone tried Doug's Plugs? http://www.dougsplugs.com/index.html

I tried to order some about 2 years ago and was told they were no longer being made. I don't know if that is still the case. They are supposed to work well, and without affecting the acoustic tone of the guitar, but I have no personal experience with them. My solution is my AP Aristocrat. Hollow, but no f holes. Great for rock, Blues, and jazz!

 

[GAD]

I think, if you want the real Guild HB-1 sound, you're best off looking at late 80s-early 90s models. Those are very well made, still have the same, great HB-1 pickups and don't seem to have inflated in value the way the 1970s models have begun to. I also think that finding one of the stop tailpiece models will give you a bigger difference in tone -- it'll be longer sustaining and less "woody" sounding, for lack of a better word. (That's not an indictment on the harp-tail models, just an observation of which will give the sound most distinct from what you have already).

I agree, but they are very hard to come by in my experience. One of the most beautiful looking and sounding Starfires I ever played was a 1994. I was an idiot for selling it.

You might go try out a Telecaster or two, too, though...

A Tele won't replace a Starfire. I know, lots of people love Teles, but they leave me cold. I'd take a Starfire over a Tele every day and twice on Sundays.

 

[Frank4001]

...some of us do fine with the stock Fender humbuckers too.
I mean don't assume you must change them but, if you want to, that era Starfire is really well made and has a mahogany neck and rosewood board like a 335....and you can easily swap the pickups..
I love mine the way it is though. The front man I play with loves the tone.
He's blind but has the best ears I've ever come across. 99% of the time I'm playing an old Deluxe Reverb too..
So give them a shot. Get them adjusted well and if you don't like them...easy enough to swap out..
Good Luck.

 

[GAD]

...some of us do fine with the stock Fender humbuckers too.
I mean don't assume you must change them but, if you want to, that era Starfire is really well made and has a mahogany neck and rosewood board like a 335....and you can easily swap the pickups..
I love mine the way it is though. The front man I play with loves the tone.
He's blind but has the best ears I've ever come across. 99% of the time I'm playing an old Deluxe Reverb too..
So give them a shot. Get them adjusted well and if you don't like them...easy enough to swap out..
Good Luck.

There's a lot to be said for how much tone can drip from a fine old tube amp!