Guild Starfire as First Electric Guitar?

[idealassets]

I began playing a Guild F512 last summer. As you might suspect, I immediately became a dedicated fan of the Guild brand.

I am considering getting a Guild Starfire III or IV as my first electric guitar. I would like to consult 1st with eeryone, and hopefully gain some knowledge, which I also like to pass on to my other guitar friends.

1. How does the sound, action, and quality of the Guild Starfire compare to the similar Gretsch, Gibson, and Ephiphone holoow body makes; and Gibson Les Paul? (did I forget any of the major makes).

2. Is the Guild Starfire a good guitar to begin playing electric on?

3. What musical style do they fit in with best?

4. How easy is it to get luthier work done, and to find parts if needed?

5. Are these "player" guitars, or actually vintage, or collector guitars?

Thank you!
Craig

 

[taabru45]

Made to be played...we like 'em around here....heck of a beginners guitar.....lots of gibsons and gretchs sold if favor of guilds...but its always a personal matter...they hold their own though...Steffan

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

To me it really depends on what kind of music you plan to play and where you plan to play it.

It you're going to be playing with a band on stage, the hollow Starfire lll is likely to feedback. The Starfire lV with the block in the middle is much less prone to feedback. You can play a lot of different rock-n-roll on a Starfire but you would look a little silly playing "metal" on it.

The really nice thing about a "full sized" electric is that they are very comfortable to play while seated. "3/4 sized" guitars like Bluesbirds and Nightbirds are not so comfortable as you have to hunch over them when they're on your lap. And then some people find a "full sized" guitar a little unweidly and chunky when playing standing and like to sling their "3/4 sized" guitars down low.

Since you're an acoustic player just going electric, The Starfire is nice because the body still resonates a little like an acoustic as where a solid body doesn't. So, the Starfire is sort of between a flat-top acoustic and a solid body electric.

There's my $.02!

 

[taabru45]

That advice is worth at least a bag of nickels.... :lol: Steffan

 

[idealassets]

Thanks guys,
No I don't plan on playing any heavy metal. Steffan, evidently you are familiar with the Starfire? I usually see you overin the acoustic guitars.

My main thing is that I really don't want be another Stratocaster player. Every guitar shop I go into has avirtual truckload of them.

Its nice to have something a little interesting to play on, and not the same guitar that everyone else is using. And yes it would be nice to find a Starfire IV. Our local open mic's have grown immensely. Thats where I plan to play it.

Craig

 

[taabru45]

Hi Craig its a lot like a Gibson 335. nice neck and feel...I don't have one...but one day....They are very versatile if you want to get a feel for the sound, go play a 335, and know it will sound that good and maybe better, for a couple of grand less... :wink: Steffan

 

[MojoTooth]

The answer to this question is YES. Starfire IV

Yes get one. Yes a player guitar. Yes easy enough for a competent luthier to work on. And it is a rock and blues beast! but cleans op nicely and can play about anything.

So in closing: YES.

 

[GAD]

I have 12 electrics. if I were to be forced into selling all but one, the Starfire would be a strong contender for that position. I play a lot of Brian Setzer though, so I might want a Starfire V more.

 

[dapmdave]

I just bought one a few weeks ago. I've been a mostly acoustic player, off and on, for 40 years, and I've always had a hard time "bonding" with any electric. But I've played that Starfire IV every day since I bought it, and I usually don't play every day (I know, I should). I absolutely love it.

But if you think you will ever be using it in a higher volume setting, consider getting one with the center block (IV, V, VI).

And get a good amp. The best electric guitar will sound crappy on a crappy amp. It took me way too long to discover this obvious fact.

Dave

 

[idealassets]

Thanks! I am still playing my acoustic guitars, but will own the Starfire as soon as my check clears. I will give a full report of how it works.

It is a Starfire III, which I acknowledge may have some feedback (per your thoughtful advice), however I got a good deal on it, and don't want to pay big denaro right now (around $2900+) for the other models of Starfire that I see currently advertised. I am getting this one for less than $1000 and everything on it matches all the images that I have compared it to.

My first Guild guitar was a charm 2007 F50r (unplayed, new). This is my first electric guitar, so I will be psyched getting used to it, and hope I like it as much as my other little corral of Guild's.

-Craig

 

[dapmdave]

Thanks! I am still playing my acoustic guitars, but will own the Starfire as soon as my check clears. I will give a full report of how it works.

It is a Starfire III, which I acknowledge may have some feedback (per your thoughtful advice), however I got a good deal on it, and don't want to pay big denaro right now (around $2900+) for the other models of Starfire that I see currently advertised. I am getting this one for less than $1000 and everything on it matches all the images that I have compared it to.

My first Guild guitar was a charm 2007 F50r (unplayed, new). This is my first electric guitar, so I will be psyched getting used to it, and hope I like it as much as my other little corral of Guild's.

-Craig

Sounds like an "NGD" is coming your way, Craig. Don't forget the pics!

Dave

 

[idealassets]

I won't hazard to guess, what is an NGD?

Craig

 

[idealassets]

dapmdave,
I will trade you the the intro and lead tabs of Turn Turn Turn if you can get me the tabs to My Back Pages. I would like to learn that song. Want to trade? Let me know.

Craig

 

[Default]

New Guitar Day


A holiday if ever I heard one!

 

[GAD]

Thanks! I am still playing my acoustic guitars, but will own the Starfire as soon as my check clears. I will give a full report of how it works.

It is a Starfire III, which I acknowledge may have some feedback (per your thoughtful advice), however I got a good deal on it, and don't want to pay big denaro right now (around $2900+) for the other models of Starfire that I see currently advertised. I am getting this one for less than $1000 and everything on it matches all the images that I have compared it to.

My first Guild guitar was a charm 2007 F50r (unplayed, new). This is my first electric guitar, so I will be psyched getting used to it, and hope I like it as much as my other little corral of Guild's.

-Craig

No Starfire should sell for $2900+ unless it's amazingly rare and pristine.

One of the great things about Starfires is that you can get them for around $1000. I've owned probably six of them over the past four years. I don't think I ever paid over $1200, and that includes a 1973, a 1976, a 1999, a 2000, etc. Vintage and reissues are around the same price, though certain vintages are obviously worth more than others. If the Starfire III isn't what you really want, don't buy it. There is a large team of enablers here who will be happy to find you exactly what you want.

We hunt Guilds for sport. It's what we do. We also believe in catch and release, and there are many guitars here that have been owned by multiple members on this site.

 

[idealassets]

GAD,
It sounds like I came to the right place. Ok, I ought to begin inquiring- What Guild Starfire models are known for what characteristics? I see that the Starfire IV has a double cutout, which certainly looks advantageous to me.

And as you can well imagine I will also begin hunting for a Starfire bass.

Tonight I brought out my Guild F512 at our local folk music society jam. I opened my first song Turn Turn Turn by the Byrds with all the intros, leads, and outro. Then for the second set I intended to take out my Martin 6 string, and was requested to play the Guild 12 string instead, since the committee wanted to hear it some more.

Hmm.. my Guild is the first anyone has seen in this area, and they want more. Please tell me that it is my playing, and not just the guitar!

Craig

 

[taabru45]

Its your playing and not just the guitar.....I have one of those too.....and people like my playing it a lot..... :lol: :lol: :roll: Steffan

 

[dapmdave]

dapmdave,
I will trade you the the intro and lead tabs of Turn Turn Turn if you can get me the tabs to My Back Pages. I would like to learn that song. Want to trade? Let me know.

Craig

PM sent!

 

[fronobulax]

We hunt Guilds for sport. It's what we do. We also believe in catch and release, and there are many guitars here that have been owned by multiple members on this site.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

But very true, nevertheless.

 

[fronobulax]

And as you can well imagine I will also begin hunting for a Starfire bass.

You'll get plenty of help and encouragement. We'll be looking forward to a new member. Join us in Bass. Let us know what your patience and budget are. $2,500 will get you a vintage bass in a week. $1,200 will get you a playable instrument with some compromise but might take a couple of months. The folks who have to close the deal for under $1,00o have been looking for a while but there is hope.

Oh yes. Starfire Bass p0rn!!!