Recomendations please

[kentukblue]

I dont want to insult any of the Guild purist here but im looking for an entry level electric and i love the thinline semi-hollow sound. Plus I want a versatile guitar that i can do some travis style thumbpick, blues or rock. I have narrowed down my choices by reviews, aesthetics and price to the Dearmond Starfire(IV) and the Epiphone Sheraton. I love the dark bursts on the Shereton but im thinking the Dearmond is going to have better craftsmanship and sound. Any opinions or options? How much is a Dearmond Starfire IV worth and which pu's are best?

 

[dreadnut]

Try to find one made in Korea, these were apparently better than the subsequent DeArmonds made elsewhere. My Starfire Special III has the single coil white DeArmond pu's, I'm not sure what they put in the IV's as far as pu's.

You should be able to get one for less than $600. Good luck. I love mine. Impeccable workmanship and wonderful sound, I'd love to have a IV too

From one DV-52 owner to another...

 

[Guildmark]

Here's one to look at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190136866277&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=009

 

[kentukblue]

THis is the one ive been following and thinking about jumping at. It looks like a great guitar. THe Dearmond on the headstock isnt pearl is it...it looks like its painted on.

 

[mad dog]

Pickups are to taste. The Dearmond starfires I've seen have been two variants: Starfire special, single florentine cutaway, true semi-hollow (has a centerblock), came with 2k pickups. The Starfire Custom is double cutaway, I think (not sure) also semi-hollow, has DA Goldtone p/us. Don't know about the III and IV.

I much prefer the 2ks myself. Also, that single cutaway on the Special is so pretty. The one I got had a 600 price tag. I traded something, no cash out. In terms of sound, function and build, you get much more with these guitars than price indicates. A good setup might be necessary. I'd definitely recommend upgrading pots, p/u selector switch and input jack. Small stuff really, pretty cheap improvements.

Try before you buy if you can. I played one Starfire Special that did nothing for me. The next one I picked up is proving impossible to put down. Find the one that speaks to you.

 

[dreadnut]

She looks like a beauty, Kentuck. The headstock logo on mine is definitely inlaid MOP, not painted on, I am assuming this is also true for the Korean produced IV's. My advice is: Go for it, I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed. These were one bright spot in the Fender takeover, seriously underrated axes, IMHO.

 

[northbayj]

Not to commit Guild blasphemy or anything, but the Sheratons are seriously good guitars also. My buddy Paul has one and the playability and workmanship is outstanding. He swapped out the original humbuckers and dropped in Gibson 57 classics - which I think cost him just over $100 - and the thing simply sings now. Lots of big fat sustain like you'd expect with a center-block semi-hollow. It sounded good before the pickup switch and just incredible now. If you're looking for that thick Freddy King / BB King semi-hollow tone, these guitars got it nailed.