What about this DeArmond Starfire IV

[northernblue]

:?:
Hello All

I'm looking at buying a 1999 Dearmond Starfire IV online. The pics look flawless the owner says it was recently setup professionally. My problem is the guitar is half way across the country and I've never touched a DeArmound. I've read good reviews online but I was hoping someone hear may have owned one and can share a little about the guitar it's sound, playability etc. I'm a archtop guy at heart and play a Hagstrom HJ500 and Hofner Verythin. I got the Guld hook with my GAD40P and there is a vintage starfire IV in my future.

Thanks
Northernblue

 

[Default]

No experience with that model, although the pickups get raves. I like my M75T. Not in the same league as a Guild, but I like mine very much.

 

[mad dog]

There is no DA Starfire IV. You're talking about the Custom, the double cutaway with humbuckers?
MD

 

[northernblue]

Your right MD it is a double cutaway with dual Humbuckers.

 

[mad dog]

I had the DA Starfire Special ... not the same guitar, either in body shape or p/us. But a semi-hollow. Mine was on the heavy side, built like a tank. A good setup later, quite a nice guitar for the money. This Custom is probably like that. I'd be curious how those goldtone humbuckers sound in a semi-hollow. Nice, twangy p/us.

MD

 

[Qvart]

The Goldtones were too bright for my taste, but a lot of people dig 'em. Might be good in a Starfire-style guitar.

As for quality - they compare to Guild kind of like Epiphone compares to G*bson. I had an S73 for awhile, which is the DeArmond version of the S-100. It really was like having an Epi version of a Gibby. My collection of S-100's grew and the D was sold off.