Hoboken vs. Westerly

[fordcat]

I'm new on this block, but I've been a Guild fan for years. I own an '87 Nightbird that I have a hard time putting down most days. I am looking to expand my arsenal and am looking for a Starfire III or IV. There are a lot of Westerlies on ebay and elsewhere, but recently I've noticed a few '60s Hobokens popping up here and there, and the prices on them generally aren't bad. So, here's my question (to those of you who may have experience):

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of the guitars made in the Hoboken plant in the '60s compared to the quality of those made in Westerly? I know the Westerly guitars are great; I've played a few and obviously I own one, but not sure about the Hobokens. Opinions, please.

 

[dapmdave]

I'm new on this block, but I've been a Guild fan for years. I own an '87 Nightbird that I have a hard time putting down most days. I am looking to expand my arsenal and am looking for a Starfire III or IV. There are a lot of Westerlies on ebay and elsewhere, but recently I've noticed a few '60s Hobokens popping up here and there, and the prices on them generally aren't bad. So, here's my question (to those of you who may have experience):

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of the guitars made in the Hoboken plant in the '60s compared to the quality of those made in Westerly? I know the Westerly guitars are great; I've played a few and obviously I own one, but not sure about the Hobokens. Opinions, please.

cat,

Welcome to the block...

I think I speak for most LTGers when I say that quality was very good from both locations. But you'll find that the main difference is in the pickups used in the Starfires, which changed in a big way about the time Guild went to Westerly.

Dave

 

[krysh]

I'm new on this block, but I've been a Guild fan for years. I own an '87 Nightbird that I have a hard time putting down most days. I am looking to expand my arsenal and am looking for a Starfire III or IV. There are a lot of Westerlies on ebay and elsewhere, but recently I've noticed a few '60s Hobokens popping up here and there, and the prices on them generally aren't bad. So, here's my question (to those of you who may have experience):

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of the guitars made in the Hoboken plant in the '60s compared to the quality of those made in Westerly? I know the Westerly guitars are great; I've played a few and obviously I own one, but not sure about the Hobokens. Opinions, please.

cat,

Welcome to the block...

I think I speak for most LTGers when I say that quality was very good from both locations. But you'll find that the main difference is in the pickups used in the Starfires, which changed in a big way about the time Guild went to Westerly.

Dave

really? I don't think this has to do something with the move.
in general, the older woods seem to be better, but not necesserily guarantee the better guitars.
I'd buy blind each of them, but if you have the chance, try each of them. maybe they feel different. :mrgreen:

 

[dapmdave]

I'm new on this block, but I've been a Guild fan for years. I own an '87 Nightbird that I have a hard time putting down most days. I am looking to expand my arsenal and am looking for a Starfire III or IV. There are a lot of Westerlies on ebay and elsewhere, but recently I've noticed a few '60s Hobokens popping up here and there, and the prices on them generally aren't bad. So, here's my question (to those of you who may have experience):

Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of the guitars made in the Hoboken plant in the '60s compared to the quality of those made in Westerly? I know the Westerly guitars are great; I've played a few and obviously I own one, but not sure about the Hobokens. Opinions, please.

cat,

Welcome to the block...

I think I speak for most LTGers when I say that quality was very good from both locations. But you'll find that the main difference is in the pickups used in the Starfires, which changed in a big way about the time Guild went to Westerly.

Dave

really? I don't think this has to do something with the move.
in general, the older woods seem to be better, but not necesserily guarantee the better guitars.
I'd buy blind each of them, but if you have the chance, try each of them. maybe they feel different. :mrgreen:

Sorry, Krysh. :wink: I was not clear. Am I incorrect in saying that the pickups on the Hoboken Starfires are different from those on (most) Westerly Starfires, due to the introduction of HB-1s.

Dave

 

[krysh]

Sorry, Krysh. :wink: I was not clear. Am I incorrect in saying that the pickups on the Hoboken Starfires are different from those on (most) Westerly Starfires, due to the introduction of HB-1s.

Dave

yes.
and... :wink:

 

[fronobulax]

It might help if you mentioned specific models. My understanding, for example, is that the specs for the double cutaway Starfire did vary and there are reasons to choose a Hoboken or a vintage Westerly or a reissue Westerly that have more to do with personal preferences and specs than when or where the instrument was made.