Cost of Starfire I vs Starfire V

[timk]

Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking of getting my first Guild. I'm looking at the Starfire I and Starfire V because I'd like a mahogany body. I was able to play a Starfire I at a shop and it seems like an amazing guitar, especially at that price. I'm curious why the Starfire V is so much more expensive. I've looked at the difference in specs(pickups, fretboard, etc.). But I was so impressed by the Starfire I, I wonder if the Starfire V is worth an extra $1,000.
I'd appreciate what people familiar with the Starfire V think.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! I owned a Korean SF-V and I liked it a lot. It is a higher quality guitar for sure, but since you were impressed by the SF-I DC (and assuming you played an SF-V), I'd say that it will be more than enough to make you happy. If you find the SF-V equally impressive you can always hunt down a used one or even a B-stock model for much less than a new one. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted!

 

[GAD]

Take a look at my site and look at the electronics gut shots of the Starfire I:

GAD's Guilds | GAD's Ramblings

GAD's Guilds: One man's obsession with Guild electric guitars and his quest to buy and review them all. Reviews, sound clips, wiring diagrams, and more.

gadsguilds.com

Then take a look at the gut shots of some of the Korean Newark St. Models.

 

[Prince of Darkness]

I would say that as the Starfire I has really impressed you, that's probably the one you should buy You'll only be able to judge if the V is worth the extra money if you get a chance to play one. I've never played any Starfire model, though I would quite like to get one at some point.
I've seen a few online reviews and the Starfire I range does seem to have impressed a lot of people. They may have their faults, but they do seem to be great guitars for the money! The other current Starfire models appear to be better made and if you can get a used one at a good price that might be a better option. Best of all, as always, are the American made versions, but they haven't made any electrics in the USA for quite a while!
I would also recommend reading GAD's Ramblings, and not just to help you decide which guitar to buy. It's filled with a lot of revues and information about Guild products, all really well written!