Pics of my new 1978 Starfire SF-4

GAD

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I noticed the frets on this 78 are really low and flat compared to the NS.

Yup. I've had people complain to me that the frets were worn down to nothing because they were used to modern jumbo frets and I'd have to explain to them that those low flat frets were all the rage at the time.
 

Quantum Strummer

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I noticed the 78 had a wound 3rd string, which I couldn't bend much so I restrung it with my go-to 10-46 Ernie Ball's. I noticed the frets on this 78 are really low and flat compared to the NS.

Ah, a wound third and low frets: right in my wheelhouse! :) For someone like me, who does a lotta hammer-ons and pull-offs, '70s Guild frets are lovely.

Congrats on a real beauty!

-Dave-
 

GAD

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Ah, a wound third and low frets: right in my wheelhouse! :) For someone like me, who does a lotta hammer-ons and pull-offs, '70s Guild frets are lovely.

Congrats on a real beauty!

-Dave-

I do a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs and I tend to favor the jumbo frets because they force me to play with a lighter touch, though over the years I've learned to play on pretty much anything.

Why do you like the lower frets?
 

RyanV

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If I was going to gig this 78' a lot I would consider a refret, but I'm going to keep it all original. I've got it setup pretty nice and slinky right now. :encouragement:

This article helps explain flat frets. https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/features/all-about-frets/

"Many jazz players prefer ultra-low frets. The 50s Les Paul Custom was marketed as ‘The Fretless Wonder’, and in the bend-free era of wound Gs, low frets made sense. However, guitar playing evolved and vintage guitars with ultra-low frets can cause difficulties for blues and rock players. Attitudes towards fret originality have changed in the vintage world, and these days a pro refret is deemed acceptable – indeed desirable – on all but the most historically significant and original examples."
 
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RyanV

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I cleaned the guitar up some.

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Interesting birthmark in the finish.

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Quantum Strummer

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I do a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs and I tend to favor the jumbo frets because they force me to play with a lighter touch, though over the years I've learned to play on pretty much anything.

Why do you like the lower frets?

'Cuz I have a heavier touch and higher frets mean I'm more likely to push a string a little outta tune. ;) (Not really…I can adjust to anything, but the first time I played a guitar with low (by design) frets my immediate reaction was "Oh, this feels nice!" That's still how it feels.)

-Dave-
 

JohnW63

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So, it sounds like the NS line was the intro guitar for the USA made ones. I'm not surprised. I enjoy mine. Still need to sell the X175B version I have, since I don't use the bar at all.
 

DrumBob

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When I worked for Guild, I remember the Starfires were extremely solid instruments. They were fairly heavy for a semi hollow guitar, or at least I thought so at that time. My only mistake was not buying one when I was there, as I could have gotten it for 50% off list price. I also could have bought the M-80 prototype in 1981 if I wanted it, but I think salesman Tony Colantonio snagged it instead. Buddy Guy was a Starfire endorser when I worked at Guild.
 
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