Smaller sized bodies of the Starfire

[Jszfunk]

Just wondering if it has ever been considered by Guild to build a smaller size hollowbody version on the Starfire. The reason why I ask is that Gibson/Epiphone has the 339 which is a smaller size of the 335, Gretsch has the streamliner series ,D'angelico also makes a smaller hollow body model.

 

[GAD]

They sold a mini-Starfire under the Burnside by Guild brand. Not many out there, though.

 

[fronobulax]

There are vintage models that are not named "Starfire" but have some specs similar to a Starfire. There was a special run of Starfires in the 2010's ("GSR") that have different body shapes and dimensions. There is a strong belief that Guild built the bodies in the 1990's as an experiment that did not get to market. Of course those are expensive and rare. But for the most part Starfire dimensions are consistent.

 

[Default]

The GSR SF6 (not Starfire) are 335 shaped and sized. I have never seen any Guild branded smaller bodied double cutaways.

 

[fronobulax]

The GSR SF6 (not Starfire)

You're right but in a world where we can argue about what instrument Guild called a "Starfire I" in the 70's (guitar or bass?) I'm not going to get too concerned.

 

[AcornHouse]

In a way, the Aristocrat and Freshman WERE Guild’s smaller body hollowbodies. I like how Guild never felt the need to have 2000 “different” models with minor differences, trying to cover every possible niche market.

And personally, with the thinness of the Starfire design, I don’t feel the need for a smaller body version (and I love small body Guilds in the acoustics.)

 

[GAD]

In a way, the Aristocrat and Freshman WERE Guild’s smaller body hollowbodies. I like how Guild never felt the need to have 2000 “different” models with minor differences, trying to cover every possible niche market.

And personally, with the thinness of the Starfire design, I don’t feel the need for a smaller body version (and I love small body Guilds in the acoustics.)

Starfires are just too big for some people. My daughter can't play my SF4s.

 

[parker_knoll]

In a way, the Aristocrat and Freshman WERE Guild’s smaller body hollowbodies. I like how Guild never felt the need to have 2000 “different” models with minor differences, trying to cover every possible niche market.

And personally, with the thinness of the Starfire design, I don’t feel the need for a smaller body version (and I love small body Guilds in the acoustics.)

Yep, I was going to chime in and say Freshman.

 

[hearth_man]

In a way, the Aristocrat and Freshman WERE Guild’s smaller body hollowbodies. I like how Guild never felt the need to have 2000 “different” models with minor differences, trying to cover every possible niche market.

And personally, with the thinness of the Starfire design, I don’t feel the need for a smaller body version (and I love small body Guilds in the acoustics.)

I agree. I would consider the original Aristocrat an Freshman guitars to be Guild's small hollow body archtops. I'm still keeping an eye out for a nice 60s Freshman.

 

[Rocky]

I agree. I would consider the original Aristocrat an Freshman guitars to be Guild's small hollow body archtops. I'm still keeping an eye out for a nice 60s Freshman.

There's a really nice one on Reverb, https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/60-blonde-m-65-full-scale-on-reverb.212525/

 

[parker_knoll]

There's a really nice one on Reverb, https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/60-blonde-m-65-full-scale-on-reverb.212525/

yes, and I was going to mention you have to pay attention to scale length with Freshmen

 

[matsickma]

I recall that the "M" designation stood for "Miniature". I believe it was Guilds attempt to build a miniature X175 to fill the guitar line gap set by the release of the Les Paul. Totally different designs of a hollow body M75 and M65 verses a Les Paul but the guitar size was more manageable.

I have M65's but still regret selling the late 50's sunburst and the red M65's with Franz pickup!

 

[SFIV1967]

They sold a mini-Starfire under the Burnside by Guild brand.

Burnside by Guild "Mini-Starfire BE-110", the one sold by Heritage Auctions. And yes, very hard to find.



Ralf

 

[Default]

You're right but in a world where we can argue about what instrument Guild called a "Starfire I" in the 70's (guitar or bass?) I'm not going to get too concerned.

It was named SF6 because Washburn owned the Starfire moniker at the time, for clarity.

 

[mavuser]

Just wondering if it has ever been considered by Guild to build a smaller size hollowbody version on the Starfire. The reason why I ask is that Gibson/Epiphone has the 339 which is a smaller size of the 335, Gretsch has the streamliner series ,D'angelico also makes a smaller hollow body model.

a Bluesbird/Nightbird/Nightingale are chambered and actually are about the same size body as a 339- as an epiphone 339 hard case (not gibson) fits those guitars perfectly. those Guilds are not double cut, and have necks mounted at 16th vs. 18th fret. but they are real nice. nothing sounds like a Starfire 4/5/6 though

 

[krysh]

...nothing sounds like a Starfire 4/5/6 though

in fact my 1971 M-75 with HB-1's sounds very, very close to my 1998 SF-4 with Duncans....

 

[mavuser]

in fact my 1971 M-75 with HB-1's sounds very, very close to my 1998 SF-4 with Duncans....

I agree that those Duncan SD-1's sound wonderfull, and the neck pickup in particular is as warm and punchy as an HB-1 (can say the same for some Dimarzios as well). I don't know what strings u have on the SF-4, but with 11's tuned standard, it should have a semi-hollow acoustic type resonance that a 71 solid M-75 would not typically have.

I will say when I write "HB-1" I am generally speaking of the early ones 1970-1971, and your post is spot on tone-wise. 90s Guild pikcups seem hotter like 70/71 (whether they be Guild, Duncan, or Dimarzio). The Fender buckers actually sound great as well (just got a questionable review online that went viral, thats all!)

 

[walrus]

The smaller body (15" lower bout), among other things, is why I love my '09 Sadowsky Semi-Hollow.



walrus

 

[krysh]

I agree that those Duncan SD-1's sound wonderfull, and the neck pickup in particular is as warm and punchy as an HB-1 (can say the same for some Dimarzios as well). I don't know what strings u have on the SF-4, but with 11's tuned standard, it should have a semi-hollow acoustic type resonance that a 71 solid M-75 would not typically have.

I will say when I write "HB-1" I am generally speaking of the early ones 1970-1971, and your post is spot on tone-wise. 90s Guild pikcups seem hotter like 70/71 (whether they be Guild, Duncan, or Dimarzio). The Fender buckers actually sound great as well (just got a questionable review online that went viral, thats all!)

My M-75 is hollow with a soundpost under the bridge, that‘s why they are so close and why I love my M-75 so much. And I play D‘Addario 11s in 432Hz Tuning on both

 

[mavuser]

My M-75 is hollow with a soundpost under the bridge, that‘s why they are so close and why I love my M-75 so much. And I play D‘Addario 11s in 432Hz Tuning on both

ooh very nice!