Explain the Starfire to Me

[Rich Cohen]

Here - I made something that should appeal to your educational background.

As a side note, I taught programming until about a year ago and when I'd use VENN diagrams for logic people's heads would just hit the desk. It amazes me that something that makes SO much sense just seemed to turn people off so quickly. Now I pretty much only see them in memes.

I can easily relate to your diagram. I use these diagram when explaining language history.

 

[GGJaguar]

Oh, I like the bits of birdseye figuring in that top!

 

[Rich Cohen]

Da**n. Thanks so much for clarifying many details for me, and others as well. The SF line is more challenging to understand of all of the Guild models. But, in there lies so many possibilities.

 

[walrus]

Great breakdown, gentlemen! One more relatively obvious observation - once you add a Bigsby, you have increased the weight, i.e., even though the SFIII is hollow, the Bigsby makes it a heavier guitar than the SFII. Over they years we have occassionally seen SFII's with an added Bigby, and SFIII's with a removed Bigby.

walrus

 

[GAD]

Da**n. Thanks so much for clarifying many details for me, and others as well. The SF line is more challenging to understand of all of the Guild models. But, in there lies so many possibilities.

I think it’s what you’re used to because the acoustic line is pretty overwhelming to me.

 

[Mark WW]

Wait then there are the block inlays. Only the V and VI (I think) have block inlays. I only state this for those of us that hate dot inlays.

 

[GAD]

Wait then there are the block inlays. Only the V and VI (I think) have block inlays. I only state this for those of us that hate dot inlays.

While generally true It's not that simple. For example Starfire IVs have ebony boards with dot inlays in the '80s.

 

[Mark WW]

While generally true It's not that simple. For example Starfire IVs have ebony boards with dot inlays in the '80s.

Thanks that's why I put "I think" in parentheses. Did Guild ever make a III with Block Inlays.

 

[SFIV1967]

Only the V and VI (I think) have block inlays.

The Starfire IV also had block inlays and a master volume from about 1973 till 1981...This was when no Starfire V was in production. Like this 1976 example from GAD:

No Starfire III with block inlays that I'm aware of. EDIT: See Hans' post #34 below!

Ralf

 

[musicofanatic]

To stir the pot -- what's the difference between the SF-III Guildsby (bigsby B3 ish) and SF-V+ (bigsby B7). One has the tension bar and must be attached to the top, correct? What's the difference in tone or action? The Bigsby page says:

• Model B-7 is designed for thin electric guitars with more downward pressure

But that doesn't really assist. I know some people on forums have a hate on for the tension bar...

In general, floating bridges will be taller (height off of the top of the guitar) and there is enough angle break over the bridge for a B-3. Bridges mounted on posts fixed into the body will mostly be not as tall and require the tension bar. Bridge height is dependent on the amount of neck-to-body angle, so there will always be exceptions to such generalities . Factor in personal preference...I know some that use the B-3 on a thinline Gibson and it works with their style. Action would be too sloppy for some with low tension over the bridge, but as always, one's mileage may vary....

 

[fronobulax]

Thanks for the explanation(s). It sounds confusing still; i.e., how does someone know what to choose?

Play bass instead. Two meaningful choices - how many pickups (1 or 2) and which pickup (vintage Bisonic, Guild Humbucker or Newark Street Bisonic). Insert obligatory joke about bass players not having the brain power to handle more choices here.

 

[parker_knoll]

Funnily I worked with Tony Scherr a few times when he was a jazz bass player

 

[mavuser]

Funnily I worked with Tony Scherr a few times when he was a jazz bass player

he is still a jazz bass player!

 

[hansmoust]

Did Guild ever make a III with Block Inlays.

No Starfire III with block inlays that I'm aware of.

Yes, they did, but those are somewhat rare. They're called Starfire III Deluxe.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

 

[SFIV1967]

They're called Starfire III Deluxe.

Is Walter's '61 "Starfire III special" one of them?

Ralf

 

[Guildedagain]

Is that green or black?

 

[SFIV1967]

Is that green or black?

It's black. I found a better picture from Walter's guitar ansd changed it above.
Ralf

 

[GAD]

Yes, they did, but those are somewhat rare. They're called Starfire III Deluxe.

Sincerely,

Hans Moust
www.guitarsgalore.nl

Well now there’s another Guild I need to own.

 

[musicofanatic]

simply put, SF-2/3 is in a class of it's own. the archtop tailpiece and floating bridge can limit technique, but that tone is full on grail.
a SF-4/5/6 also sounds sweet, and at the top of its class, but completely different.

Tony Scherr's SF-2 (1965? that's what he told me) with Gibson/Duncan humbuckers

It appears to have no binding on the back, so that's older than '65, no? I enjoy the way he exploits the honk, skronk and squeal available to a wielder of a hollow body electric guitar. Many list these attributes as impediments, I say make 'em part of your act!

 

[bobouz]

Over they years we have occassionally seen SFII's with an added Bigby, and SFIII's with a removed Bigby.

Yes, as with my own ‘97 SF-III, with a harp tailpiece: