Starfire IV date?

walrus

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Hi - I guess this is a message for Hans - can you date a Starfire IV, serial # AG001285...I think it is a 2000, made in Westerly, but I'm not sure.

Thanks!
 

hansmoust

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walrus said:
Hi - I guess this is a message for Hans - can you date a Starfire IV, serial # AG001285...I think it is a 2000, made in Westerly, but I'm not sure.

Thanks!

Hello Walrus,

You were close! It's an intrument from 1999, which autonatically makes it a Westerly-made instrument. Do you own this guitar?

Hans Moust
http://www.guitarsgalore.nl
 

walrus

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I am going to a store tomorrow morning to look at it, and perhaps purchase it. It is quite a drive, so I wanted to be informed before I go!

I am going to be replacing my Bluesbird, and am hoping the SF IV is lighter - due to a few medical issues, I am finding the Bluesbird a little heavy (I play in an amateur jazz band), although it plays and sounds great. I tried a T-100, which was like a feather, but could not control the feedback that well.

So, we'll see - I will be sure to report in. I just joined this forum - it's great! I have a 1961 A-50 archtop acoustic, a 1984 D-64 (Gruhn design), and a 2002 Bluesbird.

Thanks for your quick response!
 

teleharmonium

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walrus said:
I am going to be replacing my Bluesbird, and am hoping the SF IV is lighter - due to a few medical issues, I am finding the Bluesbird a little heavy (I play in an amateur jazz band), although it plays and sounds great. I tried a T-100, which was like a feather, but could not control the feedback that well.

Can you post the weight of your Bluesbird ?
I'm not sure a SF IV will be any lighter. I suppose they will vary.
 

walrus

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I never really weighed it, I am just going to go by feel. I know the SF IV has a block in it to cut down on feedback, but I think it will be lighter by at least a little bit. Also, the one I am going to look at does not have a Bigsby, so that will help.
 

walrus

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Thanks for the info - I'm going to check it out anyway. I play in an amatuer jazz band, and the sound of the SF IV may be more to my liking too.

I used to have an Epiphone Casino, and I really liked how the full body felt across my stomach. To be honest, and without getting into my personal problems too much, the "weight" issue is really more of a "where does it hit my stomach/torso" issue. It is all about the kidneys for me...

If I like the SF IV, and the deal is a fair one, I may do it. And either trade the Bluesbird there, or sell through a dealer nearby that I do a lot of business with.

Thanks again, walrus
 

coastie99

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Walrus.

I don't recall the weight difference being significant (haven't got the SF here to check), but I do recall thinking it would be heavier than the 'birdie when I first lifted it out of the case.

Why not offer your 'birdie for sale here if you decide the SF is for you ?

See FS/FT.
 

yettoblaster

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walrus said:
...I play in an amatuer jazz band, and the sound of the SF IV may be more to my liking too...

My '01 SF-IV Rivals my Savoy X-150 for a good Jazz sound through either my tweed Deluxe clone OR my Polytone.
It's a different Jazz sound as it has the metal saddles adjust-o-matic type bridge, but still can get plenty mellow and fluffy, as well as Rock & BLues.
 

walrus

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Thanks for the info yettoblaster, that's what I'm thinking too. We'll see...

Coastie99 - nice thought, but if I can I would rather avoid the packaging and shipping, etc. That'swhy I don't like eBay as an option either. I would hate to have anything happen to it in transit. One of the shops near my house is owned by a big Guild fan - he has a 1966 Starfire himself, and has been talking with me about the Bluesbird, so that would be my choice if a trade is not an option (assuming I get the SF IV).
 
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