First Post: Can anyone help identify this Vintage Starfire IV I Just Bought?

[kracdown]

Well, I've never owned a vintage Guild Starfire IV let alone play one, but I've always been interested in one. I've only heard great things about them and every demo I've heard sounds like a sound I'm after. Anyway, I found a black model online, that I've already paid for (being shipped Monday), that was listed as a 1968. I got it at a good price regardless of year. However, I see features consistent with early 70's models and late 60's models. Serial Number seems to put it in the '68 range. Can anyone assist? I'm super excited for this guitar!

The HB-1 pickups, the Schaller bridge and the master volume indicate a 1970s guitar, however, it's got dot inlays.


Images are from the add:

Thanks!

 

[Quantum Strummer]

Interesting. Could be an "upgraded" '68. Caveat: I'm no expert about this stuff but some folks here indeed are. If you were to unmount one/both of the pickup surrounds you might be able to see evidence of the pickup routs having been enlarged (depending on the quality of the work).

This is the kind of old guitar I like…played a lot, likely with stories to tell. Dudes & their belt buckles… :nevreness:

-Dave-

 

[xilef regnu]

Black is beautiful! Can you manage a photo of the label inside the guitar?

 

[hansmoust]

Well, I've never owned a vintage Guild Starfire IV let alone play one, but I've always been interested in one. I've only heard great things about them and every demo I've heard sounds like a sound I'm after. Anyway, I found a black model online, that I've already paid for (being shipped Monday), that was listed as a 1968. I got it at a good price regardless of year. However, I see features consistent with early 70's models and late 60's models. Serial Number seems to put it in the '68 range. Can anyone assist? I'm super excited for this guitar!

The HB-1 pickups, the Schaller bridge and the master volume indicate a 1970s guitar, however, it's got dot inlays.

Hello kracdown,

Welcome! From what I can see in the photos it looks like a 1968 superstructure that was completed or updated during the early '70s; not an unusual practice at Guild all through its history.

By the way, the bridge was made by Muller, not Schaller.

Black is beautiful! Can you manage a photo of the label inside the guitar?

If my theory is correct I expect this guitar to have the oval label with 'Made in USA' at the bottom.

Looks like a cool guitar!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[walrus]

Very cool! That looks like it is going to rock! Let us know how it sounds when you get it home...

walrus

 

[killdeer43]

You've heard from our guru so allow me to simply add a WELCOME TO LTG!
You're off to a great start with a slew of pics, no less. You'll do well here.
:wink:

Enjoy the forum,
Joe

 

[kracdown]

Hello kracdown,

Welcome! From what I can see in the photos it looks like a 1968 superstructure that was completed or updated during the early '70s; not an unusual practice at Guild all through its history.

By the way, the bridge was made by Muller, not Schaller.



If my theory is correct I expect this guitar to have the oval label with 'Made in USA' at the bottom.

Looks like a cool guitar!

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

Thanks for the kind and helpful words! Guitar should arrive thursday! Here's a (blurry) picture the seller sent me. Cannot wait to plug it in...

 

[hansmoust]

Guitar should arrive thursday! Here's a (blurry) picture the seller sent me. Cannot wait to plug it in...

Not a real clear photo, but pretty much what I expected. It looks like a re-labeled guitar, so most likely you have a 1968 Starfire IV that was updated at the Guild factory towards the end of 1972 or somewhat later.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[chazmo]

OMG, a Guild hung up on nail posts like a rake! I'm so glad this cool instrument is joining an LTGer's herd!

Enjoy it, kracdown. Maybe treat it with a little more respect than the heathen who took those pictures. That axe has some great mojo workin'...

 

[kracdown]

Got the guitar!! Could be the best guitar I've ever played... Sounds spectacular! One problem... Pickup selector doesn't go down to the bridge position. It bounces back up into the middle (almost like its spring loaded). Would this piece work? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-1970s...920799?hash=item48831647df:g:7xgAAOSw~gRV5jqH Have a 1964 Guildsby going on it too! Good pictures to come shortly.

 

[Quantum Strummer]

Bad switches on well-used guitars aren't uncommon. Replace that thing, either with the one you've linked to or a modern equivalent. (After you've removed the old switch, see if you can take it apart…it may be salvageable.)

-Dave-

 

[kracdown]

Got some better pictures. This really be the best sounding guitar I've ever owned.

 

[Neal]

Man, that thing has been PLAYED!

 

[SFIV1967]

Cool guitar! Congratulations! Like Hans already said, the serial number on the visible second lable and the headstock is a 1968 serial number but the second label glued above the first indicates the later upgrade at Guild.
Ralf