A good deal or what?

[gibs]

Sorry the above pics aren't the one you described, langelyt...I was hoping we were on to something....

The guy from that site was nice enough to respond to my email, though, and here's what he said about the one pictured a couple of threads up:

"As far as I can tell, it was never part of Gibson, but was it's own company at one time with most of the guitars made by Ibanez. I bought mine in 1990. I think it was about 5 years old when I got it so the mid 80's appear to be when they were made.
Bob"

So I guess we're back to not knowing anything about your friend's guitar, though.....keep trying!...........gibs

 

[gibs]

I think I got it!!!!!!!!!!!!


Could the guitar in question possibly be a Springfield instead of a Starfield???????


Springfield makes some good looking LP styles.......


Click Catalogue at this site:




http://www.springfieldguitars.com/about.htm


...............gibs

 

[Sonic Misfit]

gibs,

You may have hit on something. I am very familiar with the Springfield guitars. The shop is in Springfield, TN very close to Nashville and the brothers who currently run it are really good guys. They will let you try out every guitar in the place. I try to get over there every time I am in Nashville. They also do really good repair work.

Anyway, the Springfield guitars are actually built by Samick and another Korean manufacturer. They are built to Springfield specifications.

I do believe that the LP style Springfields were not made in the 1950s. So that would be a bit of a problem. It would be worth it to give them a call and ask.

 

[langleyt]

gibs that was gonna suck if I had gotten the wrong name. But, it was entirely possible, , I am guitar retarded. I thought we may be getting somewhere when you suggested the Springfield guitars. But, when I looked, again none of the guitars resembled the one i'm trying to find. But thank you so much and everyone else for taking an interest in this along with me.

Anyway, I called my friend and he confirmed that the guitar is a Starfield Custom. Starfield is actually the guys name who designed and sold these guitars. There are no identifying numbers or markings, or a manufactures name anywhere on the guitar...to make matters more difficult. This besides other aspects suggests it is handmade. There is no doubt that the guitar could be as old as the 1940s and no later than the 50s. Also, the bridges, knobs, and pickups are characteristic of a Gibson LP Custom as are the keys which are gold or gold covered.

The story as I understand it, based on heresay and handed down, is that Mr. Starfield made these guitars himself. There were only a very few made, and very few sold. It is further believed that Gibson had an interest in these guitars; tracked and bought back all the ones sold, and bought out Mr. Starfield and his rights to design anymore. Ever. He was not to even design a guitar with his name on it. Which suggests he was given a reasonable and acceptable deal. And, that is why there are no more Starfield guitars to give evidence of it's history.

Looks like Mr. Gibson may have missed at least one though . Who knows this may be a bunch of crock, but I have found it very intriguing and fun. Kind of like a lost treasure hunt. I hope you guys are also finding it interesting at the very least.

Also, my friend is going to get me some pics to post. It may be a little bit before I get them. But I will definately post them as soon as I can.

Again, thanks all for the interest, and the help. If nothing else I am getting a very interesting education on guitars from all your help and advice.

t

 

[gibs]

Sounds logical that Gibson would buy him out, particularly if the guitars were close to identical in design....it's a cool story...I'd love to see old Gibson files.......it would be great to see how it all went down............and how much they paid him.....!.........gibs

 

[trebles]

If it were me and i was looking for info on this guitar i might look up the old Gibson factory which these days is heritage guitars im sure if you give them a call they could track down an old employee some ex gibson person from way back who might be able to confirm this story for you i wont talk too much on what i think of the companies these days who ride on their past glories but id say heritage is a better place to look for info so it seems
goodluck

 

[Sammander]

Thanks for sharing your "mystery guitar" langleyt. It's been interesting and I've learned a lot too. From you and everyone else. Goodness knows I need to . Can't wait to see the pics.