Guild DeArmond Starfire Bass: New Pickups.

[Pete Kraemer]

I've got an early 2000's Guild-branded DeArmond Starfire bass. It has "DeArmond" pickups, which I would like to change to Guild BS-1 (BiSonic style) pickups. What I'd like to know is: 1) will I need a template to install the BS-1s, 2) is such a template available from someone on this site, or somewhere else? Guild does not appear to have, or supply one with the BS-1s, and 3) what is the string spacing on the BS-1s, so I can see if those pickups are compatible with the string spacing on the DeArmond bass. Guild has been "reluctant" to answer these questions, and has referred me to this website.

I would be grateful for any assistance you can offer.

Pete Kraemer

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome.

I think @bassmyf dropped vintage Bisonics into a D'Armond. He hasn't been around in a while but a few folks keep tabs on him at another site so maybe he can comment, one way or the other.

Novak's BSDS has the Bisonic form factor. His website says, about his pickup:

Available in 3 different string spacings:

• 15.6mm – Vintage Hagstrom Bisonic, Starfire, and Gibson

Novak also offers a routing template for $20.

 

[Default]

Here's a thread that has bisonic content that you might find interesting. I know I traced the pickup and mounting ring, I just have to find it.
Be very careful with the soldering iron - the pickup plastic melts with a hot look.

Reference post: Bisonic hack

This is a technical thread for historical purposes. If you have no interest in bass, or in re-engineering pickups, please do not posts veers. Thank you Lunginsam had a Bisonic that had been dropped and had shattered. As it wasn't more than a paperweight, I volunteered to repair it. Having not...

letstalkguild.com

 

[Default]

@mellowgerman

 

[lungimsam]

I used the black mounting ring for the BS-1 as a template and traced it on the bass face (pic in linked thread below), then I free hand routed the hole to install a BS-1 in my Starfire I bass and it worked great.
I think the pole piece spacing is 16mm, but can check later and confirm.

Making my Starfire I a Starfire II

First step- Measure a lot. The black bezel is a touch smaller on its inside hole than the factory hole cut for the bridge hole so using the bezel as a template since means less material will be removed but the pup will still fit. Oriented it like the neck PUP of the II and flipped it face down...

letstalkguild.com

 

[twocorgis]

Welcome.

I think @bassmyf dropped vintage Bisonics into a D'Armond. He hasn't been around in a while but a few folks keep tabs on him at another site so maybe he can comment, one way or the other.

Novak's BSDS has the Bisonic form factor. His website says, about his pickup:



Novak also offers a routing template for $20.

Pretty sure Jeff had Dark Stars in his, and it's his main gigging bass. He has since added a Hipshot Alembic style bridge, which I've been thinking of doing, and is very pleased with it.

Since dark stars are basically unobtanium these days, Novaks are pretty much the only way to go. When I installed the Dark Stars in my DeArmond (which I couldn't have done without @mellowgerman), my luthier made simple mounts out of pick guard material, and they're fine.

 

[lungimsam]

Pole piece spacing on my BS-1 is 16mm.