Newbie question - market value of DeArmond Starfires?

[MisterTV]

Hi everyone - "longtime listener, first time caller" here. I'm interested in picking up a DeArmond Starfire, but the asking prices seem to be all over the map. I know these were incredible values just a few years ago, but the prices seem to have climbed back up... and in same cases, WAY up to real Guild levels.

So I guess I'm asking, what is a reasonable amount for a nice one with a case? Thanks!

 

[Default]

<waves>

I haven't been following the prices lately, although I'd really like a DeArmond Starfire. I assume you mean the double cutaway, not the single cut Special?

Links to models.

 

[MisterTV]

<waves>

I haven't been following the prices lately, although I'd really like a DeArmond Starfire. I assume you mean the double cutaway, not the single cut Special?

Links to models.

Correct, I'm focusing on the double-cut Custom, not the Special. I've seen them as low as $450 and some creeping up to $700...

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Default and others...you might want to be careful clicking on that link, going to that website...it sort of persistently tries to take over your computer... :shock:

 

[fronobulax]

Default and others...you might want to be careful clicking on that link, going to that website...it sort of persistently tries to take over your computer... :shock:

Absolutely no problems here.

 

[Default]

Haven't had that problem. :?

Of course, maybe it detects lack of funds and gives up?

 

[firestar]

For a minute there with the heading "market value of DeArmond Starfires" I thought that there were some Guild Starfires about loaded with DeArmond
pickups.
TV Jones now offers the Gretsch Dynasonic/Guild DeArmond pickup and a Guild Starfire 4 with a set of DeArmonds would be a very cool thing indeed
only they are not a simple straight swop for humbuckers.........for those of us who have got Corona made Starfires with those Gibson humbucker size
Fender made Guild HB1 look alikes which are not a patch on the original Guild HB1 has anyone got any alternative ideas or would a custom rewind get
the Fender units up to speed.
The far east produced DeArmond Starfires were very good value and quite popular and could be found second hand for bargain price just a couple of years ago but like Guilds themselves the prices have started to go up but are still incredible value compared to Gibson/Epiphone and Fender/Gretsch.

 

[dreadnut]

I have a DeArmond Starfire Special, it's a great axe. It's a '98, bought it new for $650 with HSC. I play Ernie Ball Power Slinky's on it, and it's a phenomenal guitar, those single coil 2K DeArmond pickups really snarl. The whole guitar has exceptional workmanship, and I've kept it perfect, not a scratch on it other than the pickguard. The Bigsby-style tailpiece w/ whammy bar stays in perfect tune. Very comparable to a Guild Starfire, but being a semi-hollow it is heavier.

Mine was made in Korea. Not sure, but I think they went to Westerly from there for final assembly? Either way, the model underwent some pretty significant changes when Fender moved the assembly to Indonesia, that's when the prices tanked. Anyway, if you can get a Korean-built DeArmond guitar, do it. BTW, I don't think the regular double-cutaway DeArmond Starfire has the single-coil 2K pu's.

 

[MisterTV]

Well I ended up getting very clean DeArmond Starfire Custom with a natural finish. With the OHSC, it set me back $550, which I think is a good price.

 

[Default]

<drool>

Sounds like a decent price to me. dreadnut's right about the singlecoils - great sounding pickups!I changed out the tuners for lockers, added a graphite nut and a roller bridge and the thing will not go out of tune. An American Bigsby would make it perfect, I think...