DeArmond Starfire Special Electric Guitar

$575.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (5)

$575.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $575

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, DeArmond Starfire Special Electric Guitar is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

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Description

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This is a great guitar once you change to a roller bridge. The original had trouble staying in tune. It is a Dearmond by Guild and you can see the quality of a Guikd in the guitar even though it was made in Korea. The pickups are wonderful. The bridge is bright and rolls back well without getting muddy. The neck is fuller and has a sweet tone. Both have some bite and can do everything from jazz to classic rock. I play mostly blues and classic covers. This guitar does it well. It can also do a sweet Gretsch sound. I believe mine is pre-Fender. Fender bought Guikd and it is no wonder they discontinued this as the quality is above most of what fender puts out (excluding high end American guitars). If you can find one for a good price grab it.

Product specs

Brand	DeArmond
Model	Starfire Special
Finish	Antique Burst, Black, Crimson Red Transparent
Year	1998 - 2001
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Orange, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the DeArmond Starfire Special Electric Guitar?: The DeArmond Starfire Special features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slim neck profile that is ideal for fast playing and easy access to higher frets.
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the DeArmond Starfire Special?: The DeArmond Starfire Special is equipped with two single-coil pickups, delivering bright and clear tones suitable for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the DeArmond Starfire Special suitable for beginners?: Yes, the DeArmond Starfire Special is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly design, comfortable neck, and versatile sound, making it a great choice for players starting out with semi-hollowbody guitars.
Does the DeArmond Starfire Special come with a tremolo bridge?: Yes, the DeArmond Starfire Special features a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects during performance.
How does the DeArmond Starfire Special compare to other semi-hollowbody guitars?: The DeArmond Starfire Special offers a unique combination of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, making it a competitive choice among semi-hollowbody guitars for its distinctive tone and build quality.

Videos

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ZIMM'S GUITARS

De Armond starfire special

ZIMM'S GUITARS

DeArmond by Guild Starfire Special

Bart Dietvorst

Dearmond Made In Korea Starfire Special SOLD $599 Steve 714-548-0385

polkzoo

DeArmond Starfire Special

Deluxe Tone

Reviews

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PROS

Outstanding build quality for a semi-hollowbody electric guitar
Versatile DeArmond 2K pickups for diverse musical styles
Excellent fretwork with no sprouting issues
Unique neck profile akin to a Gibson ES, ideal for many players
Holds tune well due to quality tuners and Digsby tremolo
Deep, attractive jewel red finish
Master volume control on some models adds extra versatility
Exceptional value when purchased under $500
Suitable for genres from jazz to rockabilly

CONS

Weighs between 9 and 10 pounds; can be cumbersome for extended play
Some consider asking prices over $900 not a good value
Basic components may not appeal to those seeking premium features

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DeArmond Starfire Special Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

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DeArmond 2K Single Coil Pickups offer a unique tone, enhancing its semi-hollow sound profile.
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The Gold Tone pickups provide exceptional balance and clarity without sounding thin, particularly when paired with a drive pedal.
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Setup and maintenance

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The pickup switch is prone to breaking but remains functional despite cosmetic damage.
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The guitar's poor-quality tuners were identified as a drawback, potentially requiring upgrades for better performance.
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User experience

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When used gently, the whammy bar maintains tuning stability, adding versatility without frequent detuning.
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The guitar is praised for its smooth action, contributing to an enjoyable playing experience even for those unfamiliar with semi-hollow bodies.
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A real owner noted dissatisfaction with many semi-hollow body guitars until discovering this Starfire, which met their expectations.
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Value and pricing

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Acquired for $350 with a hard case, it's regarded as an exceptional deal by purchasers familiar with market prices.
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One buyer reported purchasing the Starfire for $675, considering it a good value for its quality relative to the $550-700 price range.
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Build quality

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Owners highlight the heavy weight of the guitar as a downside, which may affect playability over extended periods.
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Artist usage

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Phil Wandscher

Guitarist

Whiskeytown

Verified via Photo

In this photo, Wandscher is seen playing a lefty Guild DeArmond Starfire Special.

Neil Fraser

Guitarist

Tindersticks

Verified via Photo

In this picture a Deamond Starfire Special is visible

From: https://www.astonmics.com/EN/artist-details/Neil-Fraser

The guitar I use now is my red DeArmond, it’s a great guitar! I have changed a few bits on It though, it’s got new pick ups, new switches, new left tone and volume controls.