Starfire questions

[tmoll]

I'm considering adding a Starfire (probably the IV model) to the pile here and am looking for some input.
1. How similar in sound is a Starfire to an ES-335?
2. Some people describe the 335 as a "one trick pony", although I did not necessarily find that to be the case years ago when I owned a 335 - is a Starfire sonically more flexible than an ES-335 ?
3. Were there any "bad years" in the Starfire production to avoid? How were the DeArmond model years for build quality?
4. I'd be interested in any other general opinions or advice on the Starfire model.
5. Anyone out there offering one for sale at this time?
TIA!!
Tom Moll, Sherrills Ford, NC

 

[Dreamlander]

My '74 Starfire IV was my favorite guitar of my fleet, before the recent headstock break. I actually thought it was the most versatile guitar I own. From the warm bassy neck pickup to the very bright bridge pickup. My guitar also has a maple body.
I really don't think there was any bad years of production. I am quite fond of Guilds 70's electrics because I just love the sound of those HB1's and the adjust-o-matic roller bridge. I have never played one from the 60's, but I sure would like to. I really want to find out what the 60's mini humbuckers sound like. It is just so hard for me to believe that anything could sound better than an HB1.

 

[krysh]

he tmoll,

when I decided to go for a semi-acoustic guitar, I checked every brand and size I was able to and ended up with the guild.
compared to the 335 (or heritage 535) the sf4 has a more open sound to me than the "original". since the sf4 has a slightly bigger body it sounds a bit more "woody". the jazz sound does even more sound like a jazzbox and the "rock"sound slightly more rocking. maybe it is because my model also has a maple neck that this one is also a bit more percussive in the sound. alltogether the starfire ads a bit gretch/rickenbacker character to the original without copiing any brand. there is this certain special guild-tone you won't ever get with another brand. You will love the sound of an sf as far as I can tell, and also for me it is the most versatile guitar I ever played. and the neck ist fery fast with enough wood to (EDIT: not prevent but PROVIDE, ) a great tone.

 

[Guildmark]

Michael,

Did you, perhaps, mean "...enough wood to provide a great tone." ?

 

[krysh]

Michael,

Did you, perhaps, mean "...enough wood to provide a great tone." ?

sorry, of course you are right mark, just edited it. thanks

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Shopping Moll,

To my ear, a 335 and a starfire 4, 5, or 6 would be as versatile as you can get. The sound differences would have more to do with pickups, bridges, and woods. Starfires are plentiful and absurdly cheap.

How is Sherrill's Ford running?

Hatted Frau (Guild's official wise guy)

 

[pdks]

I've got a roomful of electrics and acoustics, Gibsons, Fenders, PRS, etc., and absolutely love the unique tone from early '80's SF4 custom. It is a pleasure to play standing up, despite it's substantial size, and it's well-built and gorgeous too!

 

[Volt]

I can't add much here except that I have been researching the Starfire (because I may buy one) and some models or years had a mahogany body and neck, which would sound different than a Gibby 335 which has a maple body, and either a mahogany or maple neck.
My Guild Bible hasn't arrived yet so I'm relying on the web info to be accurate.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

it's well-built and gorgeous too!

Sounds like you have the Coastie of guitars.

 

[Bong-O]

I have a 1966 Starfire IV, sunburst in excellent shape with the original case, also great shape for sale......$1735 (includes shipping) paying with Money Order, $1765 with PayPal. Vintage Guitar price guide has it at $2200 (which is a bargin compaired to a 1966 335).

Incredible guitar, sound, look..... everything about it...... and versitile, for sure!

Email me for many detailed pictures if you are interested.....

 

[lautmaschine]

I have to echo Michael's comments above. I looked very hard at 335s and was convinced I was going to buy one. I played new 335s, early 70's 335s, the MIJ Epiphone Elite 335 and even a 60s 335 (I had to try it, even though it was WAY too expensive for me).

But one day I walked into the shop to discover a 1967 Starfire IV, and this thing just blew away every 335 I'd ever played. Acoustically it has a much better sound and the versatility of the minihumbuckers is significantly better than the PAFs. The best part was the Starfire was also cheaper than every 335 I'd tried, including the Epi Elite. Needless to say I put the Starfire on hold and raced back the next morning with my money to purchase.

Some people complain that the older floating bridges and harp tailpieces take away from the guitar's sustain, etc. But I would argue my IV's sustain is as good as any of the 335s and furthermore probably lends to the overall woodiness of the tone. I also think it's a shame that Guild slowly made their IVs more 335-like over the years by introducing larger pickups (more PAF-like, but still very good), stop tailpieces and bolted bridges that are much more similar to the Gibsons than the old Hagstrom bridges they used in the 60s. I suppose it was a competitive thing, but I think the modernization took away some of the charm. I only write these things, as recently I had the pleasure of playing a modern IV -- nice guitar but definitely more 335-like, if that's what you truly want.

Easily the best guitar I've ever owned or played. :mrgreen:

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

the older floating bridges and harp tailpieces ... probably lends to the overall woodiness of the tone.

Yes. That is exactly why I like Guilds with floating bridges. And to me, the quality of the tone is more important than the sustain.