Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod

Subject: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Gary T
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 09:45 AM

Could anyone please help me with some info about electric guitars, and my guitar? I have two questions.

First, I'd like an authoritative definition of the terms hollowbody and semi-hollowbody, as applied to electric guitars. I found one site that indicated the semi-hollowbody has cutouts (f-holes) with air space, but a wood block under the strings, almost like an internal continuation of the neck to the butt end of the guitar. I haven't found a definition of hollowbody. Common sense tells me it's totally hollow inside--is that correct?

Second, I have a Guild SF4D and would like to know more about it. I would guess it was made ca. 1975-1980. It does have what appears to be a wood block running under the string course, so I believe it's a semi-hollowbody (but would like to be certain). I get no matches on a Google search. However, I did find a Guild Starfire IV, which looked virtually identical to mine. That made me wonder if SF4 was an equivalent name to Starfire IV, but gives me no clue as to what the D signifies. I'd like to know the history, reputation, and value of the SF4D.

Detail note: mine is a factory left-handed, custom-ordered with a master volume knob that was not normally installed. From the "mah." written on the label, I assume the body is mahogany.

Any help would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Jim Krause
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 10:26 AM

You are correct in your definitions of semi-hollow body and hollow body. A hollow body guitar is simply that. The tops and sides of these guitars are built and braced according to factory design, and the tops and backs are free to vibrate. Pickups may or may not be installed. Gibson began making hollow body arched top guitars back in the 1920s with its L series, designed by Lloyd Loar.

That's about all I know about guitars. Hope this helped some.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 10:50 AM

You are absolutely correct that the semi-hollow bodies have a block of wood under the strings while true hollow bodies do not. Basically, a hollow-bodied guitar is an archtop acoustic guitar with pickups. The semi-hollow design preserves the appearance of hollow-bodiedness while cutting down on the feedback that hollow-bodies are prone to. It also is less fragile. Most semi-hollow bodies also have laminated tops which cuts down on feedback even more. The classic semi-hollow bodied guitar is the Gibson ES-335 and most of the others on the market, including the Guild Starfire IV are copies of it. As far as f-holes go, the Gibson Lucille model that B.B. King plays is a modified ES-335 in which the f-holes have been eliminated. Probably for even more feedback control.

I'm sure that the SF4 designation on your guitar simply means Starfire IV. The "D" could mean "deluxe" or something.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Gary T
Date: 09 Oct 02 - 12:07 PM

Thank you both. That is very helpful information.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 09:01 AM

SF4D means Starfire IV double pickups. A semi-hollowbody with two pickups. A nice axe of professional quality and proven design.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: Gary T
Date: 10 Oct 02 - 01:37 PM

Thanks again. It's nice to know what I've got, and that it's a well-regarded instrument. With the details you all provided, I was able to find some sites that gave me more info.

I had a small memory lapse about the inside label--it says "WAL." (not "mah."), from which I assume the wood is walnut.

Subject: RE: Guild SF4D/hollowbody vs. semi-hollowbod
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 01:24 AM

SF-4D is a starfire with DaMarzio pickups... a special order. All SF-4's had double pickups.