In search of a 'lost' Starfire ...

[Chrispk]

Good morning/afternoon/evening forum ...

I've signed up as a matter of curiosity to see if I can track down my old Starfire lll which I parted company with back in the very early 70's. It was an absolute beauty with the white DeArmond Dynasonics but, after joining a blues band, the problem of feedback led me to p/x it for a solid body - in retrospect, BIG mistake - as I've regretted it bitterly ever since. For the past several years, I've trawled through Ebay, auction sites, etc trying to find summat similar with very little success.

My old SF has a single identifying feature - a Reslo mike (M8 stylee) fell and struck the side of the fingerboard around the (5th ?) fret leaving a small but distinctive mark. SO good people, my question is, could any kind owners out there please check ... BTW, I'd love to get it back!!

Many thanks - Chris

 

[sailingshoes72]

Welcome to the LTG forum. I know the feeling! Over the years, I have sold a couple of guitars that I dearly wish I still owned. Those Starfire III guitars with Dynasonics are special instruments. Good luck with your search!

Bill

 

[Los Angeles]

Can you help us out with any other information? The color? Case? What year or at least what "range" of years?

 

[Chrispk]

Hi Bill - thanks for the post and words of encouragement!! Case of haystacks and needles I fear ....

Kind regards - Chris

 

[Chrispk]

Hi LA - this is the best I could come up with - http://www.retrofret.com/products.asp?ProductID=4271&CartID=839898982009 - I guess it's languising somewhere here in the UK. Many thanks for your interest.

Kind regards - Chris

 

[sailingshoes72]

Chris... LTG member txbumper57 discovered this listing on Reverb (London, England). This looks to be a good deal, and retro-fitting it with a Bigsby vibrato and bridge would not be too difficult. There are several threads here on LTG with members discussing adding a Bigsby (or Guildsby) to an archtop, and the best style bridge/saddle to match the radius of the neck and arch of the top. It just takes a little ingenuity and patience to scan the search results.

https://reverb.com/item/3223432-1963-guild-starfire-ii-starfire-red-andy-baxter-bass-guitars-ltd

Best, Bill

 

[Chrispk]

Hi Bill - many thanks for that but I've had a good look at this one already - sadly it hasn't exactly been 'loved' and the seller's description of 'very good' is a little optimistic. I will, though, keep looking in the hope the right one appears. I'm prepared to spend reasonable money on the right instrument in the UK - buying on your side of the pond entails prohibitive costs of inport and other taxes . But I really do appreciate yoiur interest and I ain't giving up!!

Kindest regards - Chris