Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $693
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
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Budget
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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
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What kind of music is the Guild Starfire I-12 suitable for?
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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.
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How does the coil-split feature on the Guild Starfire I-12 work?
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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.
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Is the Guild Starfire I-12 comfortable for extended playing sessions?
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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.
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Does the Guild Starfire I-12 require a specific type of amplifier?
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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.
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What is the benefit of the semi-hollowbody design on the Guild Starfire I-12?
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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
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Stunning visual appeal with a deep, rich finish
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Great tonal possibilities, enhanced by split coils
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Smooth tuners maintain tuning well during transit
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Solid construction with low action for comfortable playability
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Arrives well set-up, playable out of the box
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Excellent value for the quality and craftsmanship provided
CONS
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Nut width may feel narrow for a 12-string guitar
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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
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Guild Starfire pickups align closely with Filtertron and Goldfoil styles, offering a unique alternative to traditional Gibson pickups.
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A long-term owner highlights that the Starfire stands its ground against the Gibson 335, particularly praising the Guild's pickups.
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The Guild Starfire III is noted for its lightweight yet solid feel compared to similarly priced hollow bodies.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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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
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"USED" stamped Guild Starfires can be flawless, refurbished by MIRC, and sold at a fraction of retail price, often around $700.
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Build quality
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Starfire models feature a master volume control and a vibrato tailpiece ("Guildsby") on the V version.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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