Guild Guitars are Back in Black! With three all-black models just in time for Halloween. Including the Starfire III, Starfire Bass II, and the M-75 Aristocrat.
Starfire III Black
Guild Guitars has a rich history of producing iconic instruments, and one of their standout models, the Starfire III, has made a triumphant return in an all-new black gloss finish. With a legacy dating back to the early 1960s, the Starfire III is a beloved classic renowned for its incredible tones, playability, and style.
Hollow Body
This guitar’s charm lies in its unique blend of features. Its hollow body design crafted from mahogany delivers warm, organic tones with beautiful sustain. The addition of a thinline body depth and a Florentine cutaway enhances the playability and versatility of the instrument. This combination caters to guitarists of all styles and preferences.
Florentine
The Starfire III’s thin depth effectively controls feedback while maintaining the classic hollowbody warmth. The Florentine cutaway, with 14 frets to the body and a 24.75” scale, ensures a comfortable and ergonomic playing experience. It’s incredibly lightweight and resonant compared to typical hollowbody guitars, making it a joy to perform with.
Little Bucker
What sets the Starfire III apart further are the Guild “Little Bucker” LB-1 pickups. Originally introduced in the early 1960s as alternatives to single-coil pickups, these pickups offer a unique blend of jangle and warmth. With Alnico V magnets and a narrower size format, they are versatile and capable of delivering boutique-quality tones that can drive, sustain, shimmer, and spank.
The Starfire III is a professional-level instrument with premium features such as an Ebony fretboard, Mother of Pearl headstock Guild “Peak” and “Chesterfield” inlays, individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, a hardshell case, and more. A Guild Floating Vibrato tailpiece allows for expressive bends and tremolos, while 18:1 tuning machines ensure precise tuning.
MSRP – TBC
Starfire Bass II Black
Guild’s Starfire Bass II is a dual-pickup, semi-hollow bass guitar that not only embodies legendary style but also offers a modern range of sonic options.
Originally introduced in 1967, it quickly gained popularity among notable musicians like Jack Casady, Chris Hillman, and Phil Lesh. In 2023, it returns in a stunning all-black gloss finish.
BiSonic BS-1
One of the key features of this bass is the addition of the BiSonic BS-1 neck pickup. This pickup was originally found in many Guild basses from the 1960s and 70s, and it has a cult following for its unique tonal qualities. Wound to 6.4K Ohms and utilizing Alnico 2 magnets, the BS-1 provides a refined modern tone in a classic package.
The Starfire Bass II’s thinline semi-hollow-body design offers comfort and delivers the resonant, organic sound and lush overtones of a hollow-body instrument.
Short Scale
The short 30.75” scale length makes it accessible to players of all levels, including beginners and those with smaller hands.
Premium materials, such as the Ebony fretboard and Mother of Pearl Guild “Peak” and Chesterfield inlays, add to the instrument’s allure. Grover Sta-tite tuners, 500K individual volume, tone, and master volume knobs, and a hardshell case complete the package.
It comes strung with D’Addario EXL165 Nickel Wound Bass strings in Custom Light (.045 – .105), but some players prefer flatwounds for a smooth and unique playing experience.
MSRP – TBC
M-75 Aristocrat Black
Guild’s M-75 Aristocrat makes a triumphant return, featuring a stunning all-black gloss finish. This classic model pays homage to its early 1950s predecessor with a mahogany back and sides, a chambered body, and an arched spruce-braced top.
Franz P90
The compact and lightweight M-75 Aristocrat expertly replicates the resonance of larger instruments with its single-cutaway hollow body. It boasts a bound ebony fingerboard, Grover Sta-tite tuners, a robust three-piece neck, and vintage reproduction Guild Franz P90 pickups, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
Whether in the new black gloss or the classic Antique Sunburst finish, the M-75 Aristocrat is a true Guild classic that continues to inspire musicians with its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. Includes a hardshell case in the price.
MSRP – TBC
Verdict
These new releases from Guild Guitars promise to captivate guitar and bass enthusiasts with their striking looks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding musician, these instruments are sure to impress in their all-new gloss black finishes.
