Starfire questions: binding, pickups over the years

[Gorgar]

Did they ever make a Starfire (IV and up) without contrasting binding? Were there dark sunbursts?

I'm familiar with the 70s HB-1s from a couple of S-100s. Compared to Gibson pickups, they sound less muddy, more articulate. Low end more focused, more bite in the mids and highs. How do 60s Starfire pickups sound in comparison? What about the 80s and beyond?

 

[guildman63]

As far as I know the HB-1s of the mid to late 60s were the mini variety, while those of 70s through the mid 90s were the larger version with no difference between the 2.5 decades. Shortly after Fender purchased Guild in 1995 they were changed to the Fender HB-1s and maybe even SDs. I'm sure Several people will correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Default]

Mini-buckers=> HB-1's=>SD-1's=>Fender-buckers