Starfire III vs. X170?

[Rickenmaxer]

I'm still on the hunt for a Guildsby-equipped hollow or semi-hollow body. On the hollow-bodied front, for those experienced with the two models, what would you say the fundamental differences are between the Starfire III and X170? X170 is a slightly deeper body; how great an impact is that on overall tone? Both are laminated tops and backs, yes? Besides the sharp florentine cutaway on the III, any other distinctions in construction? It looks like both models used the same pickups for similar time periods. I admire the nicer block inlays on the X170, but overall condition will be the most important consideration. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[GGJaguar]

The X-170 body is wider in addition to being deeper than the SF-III. It also has a small soundpost under the bridge while the SF-III is fully hollow. I think the X-170 is more versatile, in part due to the soundpost, but I like the "woody" hollow tone of the SF-III, too. You can't go wrong with either one as there are more tonal similarities than differences. Good luck with your quest!

 

[GAD]

To very much generalize the X170 will “jazz more” while the SFIII will “rock more”.

the X170T is what you’d want to compare since it has a Guildsby.

the SFIII is crazy light.

Year will matter due to neck width and pickups, too.

 

[drlucky]

What GAD said above. I have an X170, and from the factory (especially with the wooden bridge vs. the aluminum Bigsby on the SFIII) it definitely tends to be more "jazzy" or "bluesy", but I've used it for rockabilly/roots rock. I put a tuneomatic on mine so I could use a plain third. The soundpost really helps cut down on feedback issues. My only wish is that it had either Franz or P90 single coil pickups, as those are my favorite on hollowbodies.

Get one now, they're starting to go up in $$.

 

[parker_knoll]

I have an x160 which is a plainer version of the X170, and have owned a few Starfires, including currently a Starfire iii-90.

The X160/170 is all maple. The US Starfires USUALLY have a maple body and mahogany neck. There are a few mahogany bodies around. The Korean Starfires are all hog, I believe.

I find the X160 "stiffer" than the Starfire. Not as lively or responsive. It's also slightly wider at just under 2.5" at the binding and a deeper arch. I like both but I prefer the Starfire. It's light and comfortable and the neck is perrrfect. I didn't gel as much with the neck shape on the X160. The nuts got wider after the Fender takeover and personally I'm now looking for an affordable SFIII from the late '90s to early '00s

 

[Rickenmaxer]

Thanks all for the great info and feedback. Much obliged.