Guild Revamps Iconic Starfire Guitars & Basses
Guild's revamped Starfire semi-hollow guitars and basses feature upgraded pickups, modern hardware, and striking finishes across the range
Guild is breathing new life into its legendary semi-hollow history with a massive update to the Starfire lineup.
As the newest addition to the acclaimed Newark St. Collection, Guild’s updated range of Starfire guitars and basses pays homage to the iconic instruments introduced throughout the 1960s.
While the vintage soul remains intact, the brand has supercharged the lineup with upgraded pickups, modern hardware, striking new finishes, and premium appointments that today's players demand.
If you're looking for shimmering cleans, gritty blues, or thunderous low-end, here is a breakdown of what the revamped Starfire series has to offer.
The Flagship: Starfire Custom
At the top of the range is the new Starfire Custom. Built for players who want a truly premium semi-hollow experience, these guitars come loaded with DeArmond Dynasonic single-coil pickups for that unmistakable articulate twang.
GH
The Custom trim package spares no expense, featuring sleek Ebony fingerboards with gorgeous mother-of-pearl inlays, extensive binding and purfling, and eye-catching tortoise pickguards. For players who want a little extra flash, "GH" models are available with all-gold hardware.
Versatile Tone: Starfire Deluxe
Offering both single- and double-cutaway body styles, the Starfire Deluxe lineup brings serious humbucking power. These models feature Guild’s HB-2+ humbuckers with Alnico V magnets, delivering a rich, dynamic tone perfect for rock, jazz, and indie.
The Deluxe aesthetic is undeniably classic. Key features include Rosewood fingerboards adorned with pearloid block inlays, ivory binding, multi-ply body purfling, black pickguards, and traditional Rosewood bridge bases. The headstocks proudly display the signature Guild Peak and Chesterfield inlays, honoring the brand's heritage.
Accessible Excellence: The Starfire I Series
The expansive Starfire I range is designed to offer something for everyone, consisting of 10 different guitars spanning both single- and double-cutaway shapes.
Depending on the model, players will find either a pair of HB-2 humbuckers or a trio of Franz P-90 single-coils—both using warm, musical Alnico II magnets.
Select models cater to niche needs, offering classic Guild Vibrato tailpieces, a dedicated Cherry Red 12-string model, and a left-handed Starfire I DC.
Bringing the Low End: Starfire Basses
Guitarists aren't the only ones getting an upgrade; the Newark St. Collection introduces two heavy-hitting basses:
- Starfire Deluxe Bass: A modern reimagining of the classic Starfire Bass II. This semi-hollow beast is armed with BS-1 BiSonic single-coil pickups and is available in two stunning gloss finishes: Sweet Tea and Teal the Deal.
- Starfire I Bass: Featuring a comfortable short-scale design, this bass is powered by Guild BC-1 BiCoil pickups with Alnico V magnets. Southpaws are covered here too, with a left-handed Cherry Red version available.
A Legacy of Legends
The Starfire has been a cornerstone of the Guild catalog since the 1960s, shaping the sound of rock, blues, and psychedelic music. The Starfire's legendary roster of players includes John Lennon, Dave Davies, Buddy Guy, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Tom Fogerty. Meanwhile, the Starfire Bass laid the foundation for legendary rhythm sections, famously wielded by Phil Lesh and Jack Casady.
With this latest update, Guild ensures the Starfire legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Explore the full Newark St. Collection and the new Starfire lineup at Guild Guitars.
- +Updated pickups deliver articulate cleans and dynamic tone
- +Premium appointments including inlays, binding, and purfling
- +Multiple body style options across the lineup
- +Dedicated bass models with short-scale design
- +Left-handed versions available in select models
- +Heritage-inspired aesthetic honoring 1960s Guild legacy
- +HB-2+ and DeArmond Dynasonic pickups offer professional-grade tone
What pickups are in the new Guild Starfire guitars?
The Starfire Custom features DeArmond Dynasonic single-coil pickups, the Starfire Deluxe uses HB-2+ humbuckers with Alnico V magnets, and the Starfire I series offers either HB-2 humbuckers or Franz P-90 single-coils with Alnico II magnets depending on the model.
Does Guild offer a Starfire bass?
Yes. Guild introduces two new Starfire basses: the Deluxe Bass with BS-1 BiSonic single-coil pickups available in Sweet Tea and Teal the Deal finishes, and the Starfire I Bass with BC-1 BiCoil pickups and Alnico V magnets, both offering short-scale designs and left-handed options.
What famous musicians have played Guild Starfires?
The Starfire's legendary players include John Lennon, Dave Davies, Buddy Guy, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Tom Fogerty on guitar, while bass legends Phil Lesh and Jack Casady made the Starfire Bass iconic in rock and jam-band history.
Keep browsing
Get this stuff first.
Leaks, deals and reviews in your inbox, once a week. No spam, just gear.