Starfire guitars: DeArmond vs Guild

[satrne]

Hey everybody,

I am looking to purchase a new guitar, and I want to get a Starfire IV/V style guitar. I was thinking about getting the older DeArmond Starfire Special for around $500 ... but I also found a Guild Starfire IV from the 60's in good shape for $800. Sound wise, would it be worth to save up for the Guild or is the DeArmond a pretty good piece? I've heard good things about it.

Thanks!

[hixmix]

http://www.ggjaguar.com/sfspec.htm

Lot's of people here bought DeArmond's at great prices when they were discontinued and being blown out. Most had favorable things to say about them. Try searching in this forum for some of those old threads. Also check out the Harmony Central user reviews.

[satrne]

Thanks for the link! And, yes I have heard most of those things about DeArmond... I am also wondering value wise... is $800 for a genuine Guild Starfire IV in good condition a good deal? Seems like a great one to me... I just wanted a few opinions on the pros and cons of value and sound quality between these two instruments.

[hixmix]

Sometimes I feel like kicking myself for passing on the DeArmond blowout. I could've bought the X-155(a big hollowbody jazz box) for like $375.00!

Sorry I can't tell you whether $800 for the Guild is a good deal. The Guild, IMO, is a much better guitar but one that old I'd have to see and play first.
Guild Starfire IV

[Chip Evans]

The Guild Starfire IV is a classic semi- hollow body. I sold mine about six years ago for 450.00. If that guitar has the sound you want then it is a good deal. That is really half of what an ES335 will go for in good condition. I really don't think the DeArmond is in that class of guitar. The Guild has better value and resale.

Chip Evans

[Clive Hugh]

Guild were a class act. Get the original. No-one ever regretted buying quality.