Starfire III-90

[stevieboy]

Here's my Starfire III-90.

[img:360:717]http://thestevieboy.tripod.com/starfire.jpg[/img]


I picked it up not too long ago. I'm a big P90 fanatic anyway, and when I saw this one, well, you all I'm sure understand. It is in almost new condition, and I understand the sunburst is a fairly unusual color.

It's got a Westerly sticker. I've researched the model as well as I could on the net, not a lot of info. As near as I can tell, the last year at Westerly was the first year of production for this model. The pickups are apparantly basically Seymour Duncan Antiquties without the antiquing.

I play mostly pretty straight electric blues, and this guitar sounds great. The tone is at once P90 fat but with an element of darkness that I love.

It came with two bridges, one for wound G and one for unwound G. Would this be how it came new, or did as I suspect someone add the second bridge? The pin spacing is slightly different on the two, so that you can't just interchange the top piece, but they are both of the same material.

If anyone has any more info on this model I'd love to hear it.

 

[hansmoust]

It's got a Westerly sticker. I've researched the model as well as I could on the net, not a lot of info. As near as I can tell, the last year at Westerly was the first year of production for this model.

Hello stevieboy,

Congratulations with your Starfire III-90. 2001 was indeed the official year of introduction for the P-90 option but a few 'custom' orders had been done before that; that's often the way that new ideas come about.

It came with two bridges, one for wound G and one for unwound G. Would this be how it came new, or did as I suspect someone add the second bridge? The pin spacing is slightly different on the two, so that you can't just interchange the top piece, but they are both of the same material.

I've never heard of Starfire IIIs coming with 2 bridges but I guess it's always possible that somebody requested it.

If anyone has any more info on this model I'd love to hear it.

Well, if you give me the serial number, I might be able to tell you a little bit more about it. If you don't want to post the serial number, just send it to me in a PM.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[KuuKOO]

Great looking guitar-- Since I first saw them I've GAS'd for one but have never pulled the trigger.

If you or anyone else with one wants to sell let me know!!

KK

 

[stevieboy]

Thanks for the replies. Hans, it's A0302XXX, is that enough of it? I'd certainly appreciate any knowledge you could share.

KuuKOO--I just got it, I don't think I'll be selling it any time soon!

 

[hansmoust]

Hans, it's A0302XXX, is that enough of it? I'd certainly appreciate any knowledge you could share.

Hello stevieboy,

Not really! For your information the serial number prefix is AG.
With what you gave me, #AG302XXX, your guitar could be from end 1999, 2000 or 2001. I need the next 2 digits to date it properly!
It's probably from 2001 but it could be an earlier one.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[hideglue]

stevieboy,

Are there initials where the truss rod nut is located? Like JT ?

Not that JT is like TG on Teles...... yet.

Just curious.

 

[hansmoust]

stevieboy,

Are there initials where the truss rod nut is located? Like JT ?

You mean JT as in 'spider'?

Hans

 

[hideglue]

You mean JT as in 'spider'?

Hans

Hans,

Thats him. sPiDeR

Waddya think.....
The next Tadeo Gomez?

Anyway, I always liked the P90's - regardless of neck-fitter.
Nice one, stevieboy!

 

[hansmoust]

Waddya think..... The next Tadeo Gomez?

Maybe .......... but probably not the next Speedy Gonzalez!

Hans

 

[stevieboy]

Yes that is a G upon closer inspection. The last 3 digits are 529.

I peeked under the truss rod cover. There is some finish or something that is caked up unevenly in there that is difficult to see under, but it appears there is something penciled there. I can see what appears to a "B" but can't tell for sure, and can't tell if there is even another initial in front of it--but then I thought a G was a 0!

Thanks

 

[hansmoust]

The last 3 digits are 529.

OK, that makes it a Starfire III-90 from 2001.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[Walter Broes]

Nice looking guitar! The complete and utter guitar geek in me loves how those Duncan P90's have the narrower "pre-55" covers, they look great!

 

[stevieboy]

Thanks Hans! That's where I had put it, given the Westerly time line. But I don't have near the knowledge about Guilds that I know you and others have.

Which segues to...Walter! Thanks, glad you like it.