Starfire #2 Arrives - '73 Blond

[GAD]

Of course it's a blond (Qvart be quiet!)

Here it is side by side with my 2000 SF4.

I've got a real problem now.

I like the feel of the neck on the '00 better. It seems wider.
I like the look of the neck on the '73 better. I love block inlays.
I like the look of the stop bar on the '00 better.
I like the pickups on the '73 better.
I certainly like the case on the '00 better (not that it matters).

The '00 is pristene, while this ones got some minor dings and what-not as you'd expect from a 36 year old guitar.

This thing is a MONSTER plugged in. Wow! Man these pickups smoke. Makes the '00 sound thin and empty by comparison, and up until now I really liked the '00 pickups!

The master volume is scratchy, and the toggle is off-kilter, but those are easy fixed. The trussrod cover is broken too. All minor stuff. The guitar is structurally sound. Super-minor binding issues starting, but you really have to look for it.

Looking at the harp tailpiece, it looks like the holes might line up with a bigsby, so I might just make this my rockabilly-type guitar. Gonna have to think on that one a bit.

As usual, my plan started with "I'll keep the best one", and now there isn't a "best" one. Foiled again...

GAD

 

[danerectal]

Maybe you should just buy a third and sell me the 73. I don't have much money, but you seem like a real nice guy.

 

[GAD]

Maybe you should just buy a third and sell me the 73. I don't have much money, but you seem like a real nice guy.

Well it's not much money... compared with a '73 ES-335.

GAD

 

[stclrob]

As usual, my plan started with "I'll keep the best one", and now there isn't a "best" one. Foiled again...

What a terrible problem you have on your hands.

Wow! Man these pickups smoke. Makes the '00 sound thin and empty by comparison, and up until now I really liked the '00 pickups!

I never tried the Fender HB-1s, but those vintage ones really are something special.

I like the look of the neck on the '73 better. I love block inlays.

Block inlays are the only thing I wish my S 300 A had. Oh well. That is one sweet looking axe, GAD! Where is the updated blonde group shot???

 

[GAD]

What a terrible problem you have on your hands.

It's a good problem to have indeed.

I never tried the Fender HB-1s, but those vintage ones really are something special.

I wish they were the same size. I'd love to try the vintage HB1s in my '00 SF.

Block inlays are the only thing I wish my S 300 A had. Oh well. That is one sweet looking axe, GAD! Where is the updated blonde group shot???

I take those sensual pictures late at night when everyone is sleeping.

The guitar needs a good cleaning. I'll pull it all apart and take my requisite detailed pics then.

GAD

 

[walrus]

Beauty! I'm partial to vintage models myself... The proximity of the bridge to the pickup on the '73 is also very interesting - does that affect playability at all?

walrus

 

[cc_mac]

GAD,

Another Blond? Geez

So how's the master volume wired up? My 1969 Starfire IV doesn't have one and the way it's wired always kind of bugged me. Maybe it's standard but in the middle switch position I get basically all or nothing of both pickups. I'd be nice to be able to do more blending. Someone once told me this was normal and it's how Gibsons are wired but I've never had a Gibson so I really don't know.

Oh, and if you need my mailing address to send me that complimentary X170 just let me know.

Thanks
Chris

 

[GAD]

Another Blond? Geez

It's a disease.

So how's the master volume wired up? My 1969 Starfire IV doesn't have one and the way it's wired always kind of bugged me. Maybe it's standard but in the middle switch position I get basically all or nothing of both pickups. I'd be nice to be able to do more blending. Someone once told me this was normal and it's how Gibsons are wired but I've never had a Gibson so I really don't know.

I haven't opened it up, but I seem to recall seeing a diagram that showed the MV being inline with the output jack. Just a simple pot to control level to the jack.

I don't think my Les Paul is wired like that, but I'll have to check.

I did notice on the '73 SF that the tone on the bridge pickup is not quite sane. I'll have to dig into that a bit more.

Oh, and if you need my mailing address to send me that complimentary X170 just let me know.

I'll tell you what. I'll do a "buy one get one free" deal. Buy my Starfire for $3500 and you get the X170 for free.

GAD

 

[Qvart]

Of course it's a blond (Qvart be quiet!)

Haha! You know that is an IMPOSSIBILITY! That that can never happen!

(oh damn, I've slipped into movie quotes now...)

Welcome to my world with my S-100's - the good and better of the '70's vs. the later models.

BUT - if those pups are like the ones I have, you gotta love 'em. I haven't played the Fender-issues, but I'll take the Guilds any day.

I'm not a hollow body player myself, but those would definitely be cool to test drive. Quite the collection you got going GAD! Good work!

 

[fab467]

Congrats GAD on the greatest and, at least for the moment, the latest! Beautiful instrument...

 

[GAD]

More pics:

GAD

 

[GAD]

My kids are diggin' the 70's bright orange case too.

GAD

 

[shadowcastaz]

Those are beautiful! IMHO they are nicer than the 335.

 

[jp]

Hey GAD,
Tough one. It would be easier for me to choose. The block inlays, harp tailpiece, and master volume would do it for me. Plus it's a little harder to find a '73 SF than a '00. :wink: Once again, though, that's what I would do.

 

[GAD]

I have a sneaking suspicion that the more I play the '73, the easier the choice will be. We shall see.

This cracked me up. Yours go to 11? Mine only goes to 9:

I love the little indicator dots in the wood. That is so much sexier than the blood-letting tabs that Gibson used.

GAD

 

[danerectal]

I love the little indicator dots in the wood. That is so much sexier than the blood-letting tabs that Gibson used.

GAD

When I got my first guild, I thought some stooge had added those after the fact. I liked them even more when I got the next three. If you were to ask me, the '73 is the sure keeper. Of course, I'd still consider keeping the double ought.

 

[cc_mac]

I
I love the little indicator dots in the wood. That is so much sexier than the blood-letting tabs that Gibson used.
GAD

My '69 Starfire has those too. In fact seeing these pics of your reminds me that I should go home tonight and hug my Starfire.