NGD: new Starfire III

[Norrissey]

Like a lot of far Eastern guitars, it's a case of a sound base that you can upgrade (new nut, new electrics, do a little filing on the Bigsby), but there's nothing to be done about that inlay, alas.

Good to know. Thanks for the info!

 

[parker_knoll]

Good to know. Thanks for the info!

Given the choice between a new NS and a used USA I'd buy the latter, since they're about the same money

 

[guitarlover]

I agree with you that the American made Guilds- I have an X 500 from 1987- are in another league but in general I wouldn't describe the Korean made Guilds as cheap looking. In fact I am still amazed about the looks of my Korean Aristocrats (certainly the Goldtop) and X 175 . Also the feeling is very nice. There is really a " vintage vibe going on" . They "feel" more authentic to me than Eastwood guitars for example.
I don't own a Starfire but have seen several Korean Starfires in my local guitar shop. To be honest I like how they look.

 

[guitarlover]

By the way I am not "attacking" your point of view Parker Knol. When I read my answer again it seems a little "sharp" but this was not my intention. American Guilds are superb instruments indeed. (And if you see in Europe an American made Starfire at the price of a Korean made, you can always send me the online link )

 

[parker_knoll]

I think they look fine, just my little quibbles. Like I said, the body, neck, fretwork etc. is all grand so easily upgradeable. Just the crappy headstock inlay

here's an SFII in my city for just over a grand. Can probably be negotiated down. It's got a narrow nut and HB1s which rules it out for me, otherwise I'd be on it.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/312686030746454/

In the US the Korean Guilds are for some reason much more expensive than in Europe, and of course the USA ones are cheaper!

 

[guitarlover]

Is there a difference in neck angle between a starfire II and III from this era ? Can a bigsby be added to a Starfire II ?

 

[parker_knoll]

Is there a difference in neck angle between a starfire II and III from this era ? Can a bigsby be added to a Starfire II ?

Question a) I don't think so, but it does vary somewhat from instrument to instrument IME, with Guild break angles being low on the whole; b) yes, absolutely, just pop the tailpiece off and screw on a Guildsby, or a Bigsby B6 if you can't get a Guild branded one.

 

[guitarlover]

Thanks for your answer. I appreciate it. I found a near mint blonde starfire 2 from 1998. Price is a little higher than the guitar you showed. I am Considering it.

 

[parker_knoll]

Thanks for your answer. I appreciate it. I found a near mint blonde starfire 2 from 1998. Price is a little higher than the guitar you showed. I am Considering it.

nut widths also vary wildly, so it's worth asking if that's something that matters to you.

e.g. the guitar I linked you to has a nut of 42.8mm, whereas my SFIII-90 from just a couple of years later has a 45mm nut. Quite a big difference. I actually found it hard to play the skinny nut skinny neck X160 I bought after that so ended up moving it on and sticking with wide nuts for the moment.

 

[guitarlover]

Thank you again for your advice ! I mailed the seller to clear that out and a couple of other questions. Now my guild x 500 has also a narrower neck and this is not a problem for me.