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Guild Starfire IV

by Lee
(Pensacola, Fl)

Starfire SF4 Wal. Spec.

I have a Starfire IV, the serial number (GA1005XX) indicates it was manufactured in 1980-81. Additionally the label states the Model as "SF4 Wal. Spec". I find lots of info on Starfire IV guitars but nothing on the Wal. Spec. Also the original owner states the guitar is completely original, but I can't find any other Starfire's IV with the small toggle select switch near the "f" hole. Any help is appreciated.

ANSWER

Hi, Lee--

The "Wal." stands for Walnut Finish. I am thinking that the "spec" may indicate that the guitar was a special order. That may explain the odd toggle switch. Is the switch in the middle of a volume knob? Strange!

I was able to narrow the serial number down to a 1981 manufacture date.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

STARFIRE IV
- double round cutaway semi-hollow bound maple body, raised black pickguard, 2 f-holes, 3-piece maple neck, 22-fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, tune-o-matic bridge/harp trapeze tailpiece, pearl Chesterfield/logo peghead inlay, 3-per-side tuners, gold hardware, 2 humbucker pickups, 2 volume/2 tone controls, 3-position switch, available in Black, Blonde, Blue, Green, Red or Walnut finishes, mfg. 1963-1994.

**In 1980, ebony fingerboard, stop tailpiece replaced original parts/design, master volume control was discontinued.

The pricing info:

1981-1990
Mint $1,650
Exc.+ $1,300
Exc. $1,025
Avg.+ $825
Avg. $675
General $550

Lynne

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Guild Starfire IV

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Nov 15, 2010
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Guild Starfire IV
by: Jeff

Hi, I have a (2006-approx) Guild Starfire IV made in Corona California (approx 2006-7). Original owner. It was in a glass case in the music store and never played by any customers. Birdseye maple in Sunburst. Not a scratch and in Mint Condition. Pickup selector switch could use some cleaning. I would like $1600 plus S$H.

Racerzx@hotmail.com

Jul 24, 2010
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Trying to date my Starfire IV
by: JonnyJ

Hi I recently recieved as a gift, a pristine Guild Starfire 4 Model Sf4-D Bld, Original case, key and warranty\registration. I am sure that the the Bld stands for blonde, and as far as I can tell, according to Guild's website, it would have been the 124th guitar off the line in 1980 (Ga100175)... However, this one still has the master volume knob and the block inlays... I know that in 1980 they stopped using the block inlay and went with the dots, and they also did away with the master volume knob, sooo my questions to anyone who can answer them are:
A:If Guild stopped using these parts in 1980, and a guitar still has them from that year, does that it more rare?
B: Does the "D" in the Model number stand for Dimarzio pickups? (all the photos of 1980 sf4's have metal or black pickups, mine are white humbuckers)
C: When guild discontinued the inlay and master volume, did they do away with the harp tailpiece? (this guitar has the harp tailpiece and not the tremolo)
D: Have you ever met anyone who hasnt fallen in love with one of these the first time they played it?

Jun 11, 2010
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Guild Starfire IV
by: Henry Reds

Hello, lee. My name is Henry, I wanted to know if you still have the guitar and if you sell. I am willing to pay the postage ups. What are you saying? range know thank you Henry - enryreds@hotmail.com

Mar 23, 2010
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If you ever decide to sell let me know
by: AcousticDude

Lee, I've been on the lookout for the SF4 and could not help noticing your posting. Very nice. If you ever decide to sell, you can contact me on TheGearPage.com with my name above as the user.

I wish you many years of enjoyment even if you don't decide to sell it. I have a Guild hollowbody that is also a beauty.

Feb 22, 2010
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Mine's almost the same.
by: Anonymous

I have a SF4 that is from 1980, judging from the serial # ga10071. The model # on mine says sf4 wal. It's the exact same color. It had the pick guard on when I got it, but I took it off. The differences are that mine has mother of pearl block inlays and does not have that extra toggle. Could it be a coil-tap switch? Great guitar, I'll never part with it.

Feb 13, 2010
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Follow up
by: Lee

Thank you for taking the time to evaluate my Guild. The small toggle sits alone just forward of the upper volume control and appears to be a factory install as all the internal wiring looks similarly aged. This guitar also boasts a master volume control and was never fitted for a pick guard as there is no evidence of the bracket screw hole in the binding. It plays wonderful and if you would like any additional photos please let me know. Thank you.
-----

Lee--

This info still leads me to believe that it was a special ordered guitar.

Lynne

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Guild Starfire IV

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Guild Starfire IV