The older German made guitars from the early 'aughts' are fantastic guitars, and should be about the same or slightly less than a used Starfire. The current Hofner VeriThins are a good deal for the money and should be a great deal used. I believe their rep is built more on using their violin background to provide the equivalent of a 5-10K carved top guitar for 1/2 to 1/3d or that (or less)Īs for a Semi, the newer Korean Guild Starfires are nice I have had both the MIK and the Westerly made Vs and there is not much difference, the master volume on the lower bout is a nice touch.
I would think the Semis are not much different you might take a hit on the resale also. I went to school with a guy who is now a Eastman endorsee/rep (does demos & such) he is all about them, and has some nice guitars (vintage 175/Benson etc.) Personally I don't see it, I have only played the less expensive models (still over 1k) and never a semi, but they seem to me to be not a million miles away from budget laminated MIC Jazzers, from dozens of other makers.
