Starfire III Age?

[Adam Stone]

Having a debate with a buddy over the age of this guitar. His luthier says 1986 based on serial number. I'm inclined to think 1963 based on Headstock and serial number #26617 . What say you?

 

[GGJaguar]

Welcome to LTG! I agree with your assessment. Tell us more about that beautiful guitar!

 

[Boneman]

I’d agree with you, and say couldn’t be ‘86 with that headstock. That top of luscious mahogany looks fantastic though whatever year they built it.

 

[GGJaguar]

couldn’t be ‘86 with that headstock

Yes, this! Also, the Starfire II (I'm assuming the OP's guitar is an SF-II) was not in production in 1986. It didn't reappear in the catalog until 1997.

 

[Adam Stone]

Thanks for the replys!
Bought this back in 1987 for $300. Sold it to a buddy because I just couldn't do the guitar justice...I suck.
Now my kid turns out to be pretty talented so we are trying to get it back. We shall see.
Guitar is lovely and sounds great for Jazz and Rockabilly. I'll try to get a few brighter pics up in this thread.

I have some other Guilds but I'll start a different thread for that.

 

[fronobulax]

+1 for 1963. But out of respect for your buddy's luthier I wonder why they think 1986? Are they using a bad chart (of which there are many) or not reading the chart correctly or are they thinking the serial is something different from 26617?

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Lighten up Francis!

 

[Walter Broes]

Nice guitar! Definitely early 60's

 

[johnreardon]

Don’t know how accurate this site is, but it suggests 63

Dating Guild Guitars

 

[walrus]

Cool guitar!

walrus

 

[Harp Tail]

Please let your friend know I'd be interested myself, and keep in mind the last one like yours (1962 if I recall correctly) seen a few days ago listed for several thousands... hopefully your "buy back" will happen at a more reasonable price because of the friendship

 

[Harp Tail]

1962 Guild Starfire III "Black Star" with J66 amplifier | eBay

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FYI.

Blackfires are less common than cherry ones but you get the idea...

 

[mavuser]

His luthier says 1986 based on serial number.

a real numbers guy, huh? good thing he's not an accountant

 

[Adam Stone]

Yes we shall see. Right now it's on long term loan. We trade guitars back and forth all the time. He has been playing a 1976 mahogany dread that I restored for about a year. Just got it back and handed him a 12 string. I sold it to him super cheap but that was 18 years ago. I'm thinking something in the neighborhood of $1000- 1500 with a Dearmond M72 thrown in as a bonus (although I really like the Dearmond)

The luthier is one of those guys who knows he is right ALL THE TIME.
Not interested in having a discussion.. sounds like this:

"Do you want to be right OR do you want all the information?"

"I want to be right"

 

[Harp Tail]

In any case, best of success with your "buy back": the guitar looks to be absolutely worth the negotiation and your son will never stop thanking you.