Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (17)
$749.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$749.99
Amazon
3.9 (9)
$749.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$749.99 New
$476.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (6)
$632.00 $628.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $693

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I-12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I-12 is a testament to the timeless allure of 12-string semi-hollowbody guitars. While its retro charm evokes the iconic sounds of the '60s, this guitar is far from a one-trick pony. Its mahogany arched center block construction ensures a robust and versatile tonal range, from shimmering cleans to powerful, distorted rhythms. The dual HB-2 humbuckers are a standout feature, delivering warmth and fullness with a modern twist. These pickups come with push-pull coil-splitting, allowing you to effortlessly access that signature 12-string jangle.

Designed with playability in mind, the Starfire I-12 boasts a wide mahogany “U”-style neck, complemented by a smooth Indian rosewood fingerboard. The flat 12.5-inch radius provides comfort for intricate fingerwork, making it a joy for both novice and seasoned players alike. Additionally, the Guild Tune-o-matic bridge and 15:01 tuners offer excellent tuning stability, an essential quality for any 12-string instrument. Whether you're strumming classic folk tunes or rocking out on stage, the Starfire I-12 is ready to deliver exceptional sound and performance.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow, double-cutaway mahogany body for resonance and classic appeal
  • Wide mahogany “U”-style neck with Indian rosewood fingerboard
  • 12.5-inch fingerboard radius for enhanced playability
  • HB-2 humbuckers with push-pull coil-splitting for versatile tones
  • Guild Tune-o-matic bridge and 15:01 ratio Guild tuners for stable tuning and sustain

Product specs

Number of Strings 12
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape Starfire 12-ST
Body Material Arched Mahogany
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12.5"
Fingerboard Material Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 22, Narrow Tall
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Composite
Bridge/Tailpiece Guild Tune-O-Matic Brdige with Nickel Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners Guild Closed Gear Nickel
Neck Pickup Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone (push/pull coil-split), 500K pots
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010/.010, .013/.013, .008/.017, .012/.026, .018/.036, .026/.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of music is the Guild Starfire I-12 suitable for?

The Guild Starfire I-12 is ideal for genres that benefit from the rich, full sound of a 12-string guitar, such as folk, rock, and blues. Its semi-hollowbody construction provides a resonant tone perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the coil-split feature on the Guild Starfire I-12 work?

The coil-split feature allows you to switch the humbucker pickups to single-coil mode, offering a brighter, more jangly tone. This is achieved through the push/pull tone controls, providing versatility in sound options.

Is the Guild Starfire I-12 comfortable for extended playing sessions?

Yes, the Guild Starfire I-12 features a thin U-shaped neck and a 12.5" radius, making it comfortable for extended playing. The semi-hollowbody design also reduces weight, enhancing playability over long sessions.

Does the Guild Starfire I-12 require a specific type of amplifier?

The Guild Starfire I-12 works well with most guitar amplifiers. Its humbucker pickups provide a versatile tone that can adapt to various amp settings, making it suitable for both clean and overdriven sounds.

What is the benefit of the semi-hollowbody design on the Guild Starfire I-12?

The semi-hollowbody design of the Guild Starfire I-12 offers enhanced resonance and sustain, producing a warm, rich tone. This design also helps reduce feedback compared to fully hollowbody guitars, making it suitable for live performances.

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal with a deep, rich finish

  • Great tonal possibilities, enhanced by split coils

  • Smooth tuners maintain tuning well during transit

  • Solid construction with low action for comfortable playability

  • Arrives well set-up, playable out of the box

  • Excellent value for the quality and craftsmanship provided

CONS

  • Nut width may feel narrow for a 12-string guitar

  • Slight neck-heavy balance might affect long playing sessions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire I-12.

Comparisons

  • Guild Starfire pickups align closely with Filtertron and Goldfoil styles, offering a unique alternative to traditional Gibson pickups.

    Source
  • A long-term owner highlights that the Starfire stands its ground against the Gibson 335, particularly praising the Guild's pickups.

    Source
  • The Guild Starfire III is noted for its lightweight yet solid feel compared to similarly priced hollow bodies.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Starfire II, when played through a Vox AC10, delivers a "magical" sound and is noted for its comfort and playability.

    Source
  • The neck pickup is favored for jazz with flatwound 11s, creating a warm, glowing tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Guild Starfires have been used by notable musicians like Jerry Garcia and Buddy Guy, indicating their versatility and reliability over decades.

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Value and pricing

  • "USED" stamped Guild Starfires can be flawless, refurbished by MIRC, and sold at a fraction of retail price, often around $700.

    Source

Build quality

  • Starfire models feature a master volume control and a vibrato tailpiece ("Guildsby") on the V version.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Concerns about feedback with beefier pickups suggest stock mini-buckers are preferred for less aggressive sounds.

    Source

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