Guild Starfire V - Buy one or build one?

[sonicreducer]

Hey friends, i am new to the forum but a longtime reader. So ive been GASing for a starfire v for several years now, but they rarely come by los angeles in the color i want (cherry red or red sunburst), if at all, or within my price range. A few weeks ago, lightning struck and i came across two on craigslist. The first was an orangeish brown, and i was set to buy until one turned up a week later in the color i want, but just a little worse for the wear on the finish. They both slipped through my fingers, and ive grown disheartened and impatient. Im considering just buying a IV and installing a master volume and bigsby and block inlays. The master is important to my style, which is rooted in pedal steel country licks. How sensible would that be price wise? Im young and just want to play, and care little about collecting. Im in love with the guitar and want one i can play forever.

 

[fronobulax]

No advice for you, but welcome.

 

[Brad Little]

If you don't want to cut into the top, you might go with a IV and use a volume pedal in place of a master volume knob.
Brad

 

[Walter Broes]

I'd just re-wire the existing knobs if you need a master volume, or have a custom pickguard made you can drill a hole in for a mini-potentiometer, so you can have your master volume on the pickguard.

 

[sonicreducer]

thanks frono.

Brad, i considered that but i like to travel light. Im content with my 2 pedal setup. I'd get a gretsch if i werent so hellbent on guilds. Plus the difference in value is tremendous.

Walter, I imagine its difficult putting apot through the f-hole for an extra knob. I have the choice to get an SF-4d that already has a master, but i know the dimarzio super distortions are associated with 80s shred guitars. Imconcerned it would lack the rich sweet twangy tone im looking for that the HB-1s can get. Tracking down replacement pups is a whole other matter

 

[Walter Broes]

You can get the harness in and out through the pickup- and f-holes, but easy and fun it isn't.

For a pickguard mounted pot, the pot wouldn't have to go in the guitar though..

 

[sonicreducer]

so if it were up to you, would you get an SF-4d with a master and swap the pups and get a bigsby or get an SF-4 with HB-1s and install a master and bigsby?