T-100/X-160/Starfire III???

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Hey guys, I'm new here and this is my first post. Hope you can help me. So let's get down to it…

After searching all over for a hollowbody electric last year, I settled for a semi-hollow, but after playing my friend's Epi Casino, my longing came back. I love the Great Gretsch Sound, but I find them too expensive for foreign-made guitars. I recently saw that Guild resurrected a few electric models for the new Newark St series, and my GAD-30R is the greatest acoustic I have ever laid hands on (yes, it was made in China).

However, the fact is there are still quite a few American-made models out there for not much more than you'd pay for a new MIK. So after searching round ebay, I found a few 60's T-100's, a couple 90's X-160s and X-170s, and a 97 Westerly Starfire III, all for around $1300. My question is, which of these would you choose? I'm obviously looking for something that will appreciate in value, but more than anything for a hell of a player.

Does anybody have experience with any combination of these guitars? I'm searching for a guitar that will cut through the mix but also compliment my voice as a clear, ringing rhythm guitar. I like the idea of the single coils on the old T-100, but I don't know if those guitars have the same sturdy quality and solid wiring and electronics as the newer (but still American-made) Starfire. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 

jmix

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I would say a 60's T100D if you find one in your price range. ;-)
I think that such vintage guitars often sound better and appreciate in value, while most non vintage guitars tend to depreciate...
 

walrus

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Welcome! FWIW, a Starfie II or a T100D would get my vote...

walrus
 

mad dog

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I'm with Walrus. The T100s I've briefly picked up were lighter, had a lighter feel in the hands than the circa 2000 Starfire III w/P90s I own now. Both tremendously appealing, for different reasons maybe. Love the vintage p/us, how responsive the older guitars feel. I also am really appreciating the modern SF III. Solid, so well built, not huge feedback, wonderful P-90s and a superiour Bigsby setup.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Hard to predict what would work best for you without knowing how you'll use the guitar, what your tonal and playing preferences are.
MD
 

GAD

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Starfire IIs and IIIs are fully hollow. If you want semihollow, look at the Starfire IV and V.

I like the late 90s Starfires. As much as I love vintage instruments (sadly, 90s is now "vintage"), I don't like the necks on most older Guilds - they're too small. The 90s Guilds have nicer, wider necks for my hands.
 

GAD

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Also, never buy a guitar as an investment. Buy the one you'll love. Then it will become priceless.
 
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