Starfire I Inbound!

[GAD]

https://www.ebay.com/vod/FetchOrderDetails?itemId=362989709862&transactionId=1118030533023

I’m excited to see one if these in person and see how it fares.

 

[Bonneville88]

Me too - cool color!

Also wonder how it might compare to an MIK DeArmond Starfire.

 

[GAD]

It had to be that color and it had to be a good price.

 

[GGJaguar]

Starfire I is code for an X-400 right?

 

[zizala]

When I see "Starfire I" I think of the early 60's models with the single neck position DeArmond.
Just an old school Guilder I guess....I've always wanted of those.

Anyway...hope you love this one!

 

[twocorgis]

I'n not expert when it comes to electrics, but wasn't the Starfire I just one neck pickup?

 

[GAD]

When I see "Starfire I" I think of the early 60's models with the single neck position DeArmond.
Just an old school Guilder I guess....I've always wanted of those.

Anyway...hope you love this one!

I'n not expert when it comes to electrics, but wasn't the Starfire I just one neck pickup?

Yes - the new Guild, in their never ending pursuit of making things even more complicated, decided to release a series they call "Starfire I", which (hang onto your hats) includes single cuts, double cuts, stop tailpieces, and Guildsby-equipped models. So basically what we would call SFII, SFIII, SFIV, and SFV are all "Starfire I" in this series, though I believe they're all semi-hollow because ARRRGH!

These Starfire Is all have the new even more poorly named HB2 pickups in them, come in pretty cool colors, have very little in the way of bling, and are all incredibly low-priced (as in $500-600 street price) having likely been made in Indonesia.

You can see them all on the top of the list here: https://guildguitars.com/guitars/electric-guitars/newark-st-collection/

Here's a screenshot of the top of that page showing the SFIs:

 

[twocorgis]

Nice to see Cordoba carrying on the Guild naming "convention", and taking it to ridiculous new heights!

 

[shihan]

Looks like a fun guitar. As always, anxiously awaiting the review.
Wow, then the used price will be $300 or so?
Soooo no more Korean made SF3’s, 4’s, or 5’s? Or is this a budget line like the Gretsch Streamliners? I’m dazed and confused.

 

[Bonneville88]

Ha - me too! But man that body shape is gorgeous and has stood the test of time!

 

[ClaytonS15]

I’m looking forward to the review!

Is it just me or does that bridge pickup look really far away from the bridge?

 

[shihan]

I’m looking forward to the review!

Is it just me or does that bridge pickup look really far away from the bridge?

It sure does, except on the ‘SFII ST Dynasonic in Royal Brown’
Another mystery; how did a SFII get in there?

 

[Greg Feo]

Ha - me too! But man that body shape is gorgeous and has stood the test of time!

One on the left for me !

 

[Bonneville88]

I’m looking forward to the review!

Is it just me or does that bridge pickup look really far away from the bridge?

Had to do a quick comparison - a '66, an NS and the new kid...

 

[jp]

Is it just me or does that bridge pickup look really far away from the bridge?

I noticed that too. I do like the fact that they used a Guildsby B-9 for increased break angle, although it places the handle farther away from the right hand. I would prefer a longer arm like a Chet Atkins arm.

 

[AcornHouse]

Be interesting to see what corners are being cut to meet those price points.

 

[GAD]

Be interesting to see what corners are being cut to meet those price points.

That's what I aim to figure out.

 

[amnicon]

That's what I aim to figure out.

I'll be interested in your findings, for sure.

 

[Guildadelphia]

Those new models at the lower price points w/ less bling and most likely made in Indonesia appear to be Guild/Cordoba's entry into the same niche as the Gretsch/FMIC Streamliners. If they are as good as the Gretsch Streamliners they will be very nice guitars at a really reasonable price point.

 

[iamjethro]

I recently bought the NS Starfire III. I hope these new ones are good, but not quite that good.