Weird Starfire IV and weird Starfire III Bigsby

[sonicreducer]

I came across a '72 SF IV in Cherry yesterday. It had its harp tailpiece replaced with a stop tailpiece, and it had a master volume on it as well. The tuners in the headstock say Guild on them, but the guitar won't hold a tune as well as I'd like. Would those be Grovers? Intonation is perfect, and it doesn't feel like it's slipping. Just won't hold. Doesn't have block inlays or a Bigsby, like the SF-IV did after the V was discontinued. Just a master. Also, it doesn't have a pickguard, nor any holes for a pickguard. There's no sign of any holes having been filled either. The finish is flawless. Does it merit the $1600 price they're asking for?

Also, there was a SF-III dated '67. Comes from Hoboken factory, stays in tune much better than the IV. However, the Guildsby felt off. It felt like the spring was too loose and low, and hits the pickguard when you try to do a little trill. I know they're not for divebombing, but does that sound right to you guys? Selling for $2000

 

[GAD]

Sounds high for both.

$1200 is the magic number for Starfires IMO. I bought a '76 all 'hog stereo SF4 for $1250. The guy had it listed at $2000 for months until he came to his senses.

It was bone stock and like new except for the output jack that had been replaced with a mono version.

I bought a '73 SF4 in great condition for $1300 and it was too much.

 

[sonicreducer]

Would it be lower, sans pickguard and replaced tailpiece and tuning problems?

 

[GAD]

Would it be lower, sans pickguard and replaced tailpiece and tuning problems?

Sure. If I can get a mint one for $1200, I would expect to pay less for one in any less condition. If you're dealing with Ebay though, it's up to the other bidders how high the price will go.

 

[krysh]

Sounds high for both...

+1

if you did not fell in love, just wait, she will come.

 

[kakerlak]

Don't know about pickguard-less SFs, but I've never seen one. (I've seen plenty that have been removed, but none that left the factory w/o one) I guess it could have been special ordered. Since it's had a stop tail put on, which isn't a totally insignificant mod, it's possible it's been refinished. The original tailpiece would have left screw holes from where it was mounted and a larger hole through which the ground wire would have gone to the end of the tailpiece. If those aren't there anymore either, I'd vote for them and the pickguard holes having been filled and the guitar refinished. Don't know what to tell you about holding tune. If the strings are brand new, they might just be settling and stretching.

As for the Bigsby sitting low, it's just a matter of how tall and stiff the spring is on it. You might be able to stretch the spring out a bit once the strings are off and get it to sit higher, or otherwise replace the spring altogether. Of course, if the strings are heavier gauge than what you usually use, then replacing them with lighter ones will make it sit a bit higher anyway.

In the end, I have to agree that both prices are considerably higher than normal. Especially so for the SF4 with its mod(s).

This'un was $1,000:

and this'un was $1,200:

Both are 100% original and in pretty good shape.

The SF I-III and SFIV-VI series are pretty different beasts, but both are good guitars in their own way. Good thing to look for and I wish you tons of luck, but I'd probably pass on those two based on price alone.

 

[sonicreducer]

That VI is brilliant! There's no way that an SF-VI can be found for $1200 today in such great condition. I guess I'll have to keep looking for that V of my dreams for under $2000.