Starfire III dating question

[dgaggi]

I've recently purchased a Starfire III S/N EK 3124. The last serial number for 1969 was EK 3098 and then they apparently changed entirely in 1970. Can anyone help me pin this down?

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! Very cool SF-III you have there. Hans Moust will know what year your guitar was made. He may be along shortly or you can contact him directly by PM.

 

[geoguy]

Welcome . . .

Your guitar was probably built during the first half or so of 1970.

The s/n system changed to all numbers sometime later in 1970.

 

[dgaggi]

Thank you geo and GG! I assumed it was a transitional serial number.

 

[walrus]

So nice in black! Congratulations!

walrus

 

[SFIV1967]

Welcome to LTG! Your Starfire III with S/N EK 3124 was made during year 1970. The change back to the previous serial number system only happend towards the end of 1970.

Ralf

 

[dgaggi]

Thanks Ralf!
So my next question is are the DeArmond pickups original? I've seen a 1970 catalog and the Starfire III in there didn't have them and it wasn't mention of an option. They are great sounding pickups and definitely vintage.

 

[hansmoust]

So my next question is are the DeArmond pickups original?

Yes, they are original and the guitar most likely has the 'Special' designation on the label.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[dgaggi]

Hans,
Thank you! Attached is a picture of the label.

 

[Shakeylee]

a SFIII in black with dearmonds? wowsers!! congratulations !!

 

[Smiert Spionam]

Wow -- that's gorgeous.