![]() ![]() Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. Other custom finishes were quickly offered: Emerald Green, Honey Amber and Ebony Grain - although Cherry was always the most popular finish for the early single cutaway Starfires.īy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). As a first for Guild, the Starfire was available in Cherry Red - a finish that Guild named Cherry-Red "Starfire". Prior to introduction of the Starfire series, Guild had finished their guitars Sunburst or Blonde. The first models were the single pickup Starfire I, the dual pickup Starfire II (both with harp-style tailpiece) and the Starfire III with two pickups and Bigsby tremolo. These guitars were followed in 1963, by the double Venetian cutaway (335-style) guitars, more associated with the Starfire name today. These guitars all had the single Florentine cutaway body style, of the T-100, rather similar to the Gibson ES-125TC which also debuted in 1960. The models launched in 1960, were the Starfire I, II and III. Case candy includes original hang tag, strap, old Guild string box, and folder of old picks.The Guild Starfire was not the brand's first thinline electric, the T-100 or "Slim Jim" was introduced in 1958, and it is from this model that the earliest Starfires were derived The peg head overlay exhibits mild shrinking which is common to these guitars. All parts are original to the guitar. It needed nothing but a light cleaning, restring, and setup to be in top playing condition. This clean 1967 Guild Starfire V in Cherry finish has survived in wonderful condition and is ready for the stage, studio or collection (edit: sold!). You can check out more information on the Gibson ES-335 here: 1960s Gibson ES-335 guitars The addition of a master volume knob near the pickguard too sets the Starfire V apart from the similar ES-335. ![]() Not only that, but Guild's version of the humbucking pickup is little brighter with slightly lower average output than the Gibson original. The Cherry finished Starfire V was constructed from a laminate Mahogany body with solid center block as opposed to Gibson's laminate Maple. ![]() The Starfire V from Guild introduced in 1963 closely resembled Gibson's successful ES-335 model with a few main differences. I'm always a vintage Guild guitar buyer but I especially love the Starfire models. You can contact me here to sell a Guild guitar. It was a fine playing and sounding vintage electric guitar. This amazing 1967 Guild Starfire V in Cherry Red finish with case and tags came through the shop a few years ago.
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