Pricing and availability

Average Price: $575

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the realm of timeless rock and roll with the Guild Newark St. Collection Starfire II ST, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that captures the essence of the '60s while delivering modern playability and tone. This elegant instrument is crafted to inspire, with its thinline body style that ensures comfort during long sets and jam sessions. The Starfire II ST is equipped with LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups, offering a unique blend of jangle and warmth. These pickups, originally conceptualized in the 1960s, straddle the line between single-coil clarity and the robust nature of vintage humbuckers, giving you a versatile palette to paint your musical masterpieces.

A hallmark of the Guild Starfire II ST is its ability to deliver warm, resonant tones without the cumbersome weight of a full hollowbody. The hardtail bridge further enhances this guitar's performance by providing superior tuning stability and sustain, making it a trustworthy companion on stage or in the studio. Whether you're exploring the shimmering highs of classic rock or diving into the rich depths of blues and jazz, the Starfire II ST is a reliable partner in your creative journey.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant tones
  • Dual LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups for a wide range of sounds
  • Thinline body for enhanced comfort during play
  • Hardtail bridge for improved sustain and tuning stability
  • Vintage-inspired aesthetic with modern reliability

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model Newark St. Collection Starfire II ST
Year 2016 - 2021
Categories Hollow Body Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body, Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Guild Starfire II ST suitable for?

The Guild Starfire II ST, with its semi-hollow body and dual humbuckers, excels in jazz, blues, and rock genres, offering warm, resonant tones and a rich sustain ideal for these styles.

How does the mahogany body affect the tone of the Guild Starfire II ST?

The mahogany body provides a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain, enhancing the guitar's resonance and depth, making it perfect for rich, expressive playing.

Is the Guild Starfire II ST comfortable for long playing sessions?

Yes, with its 24.75" scale length and 9.5" fretboard radius, the Guild Starfire II ST offers a comfortable playing experience, suitable for extended practice or performance sessions.

How does the set-neck construction benefit the Guild Starfire II ST?

The set-neck construction enhances the guitar's sustain and resonance, providing a seamless connection between the neck and body for improved tonal quality and playability.

What kind of pickups does the Guild Starfire II ST have, and how do they sound?

The Guild Starfire II ST features dual humbucking pickups, delivering a warm, smooth tone with reduced noise, ideal for clean and overdriven sounds across various music genres.

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Starfire II ST Demo by R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Starfire II ST Demo by R.J. Ronquillo by Guild Guitars

Starfire II ST Demo by R.J. Ronquillo

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire II ST Dynasonic Demo by Guitarist

Guild Starfire II ST Dynasonic Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire II ST Demo by Dave Bakey by Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire II ST Demo by Dave Bakey

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire II ST by MIRC

Guild Starfire II ST

MIRC

MIRC

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique design stands out from other semi-hollowbody guitars

  • Lightweight and perfectly balanced at 6.5 lbs

  • Comfortable, slim profile neck with well-dressed frets

  • Versatile Guild LB1 pickups deliver clear jazz to biting rock tones

  • Offers good acoustic resonance with controlled feedback potential

  • Attractive, open-back retro tuners

  • Comes with a sturdy, beautiful hard shell case

  • Made in Korea, known for quality craftsmanship

CONS

  • Gloss poly finish on neck can be squeaky

  • Lopsided volume pot taper causes sudden volume jumps

  • May require setup for optimal string buzz and truss rod adjustment

  • High-end tones can be muddy without careful pickup selection

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 II ST.

Use cases and applications

  • Historical usage by artists like Jerry Garcia and Buddy Guy underscores the Starfire's legacy in blues and rock styles.

    Source
  • The guitar excels in both warm jazzy tones on the neck pickup and rock-driven sounds on the bridge pickup, showcasing its versatility across genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest keeping the stock mini-bucker pickups before considering replacements, as they provide a distinct tone that works well with effects.

    Source
  • The Duesenberg Les Trem II is recommended for those wanting a non-flashy tremolo system that fits perfectly into the current stopbar.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Newark St. Collection Starfires are crafted in Korea, with a newer master volume control feature appreciated by players.

    Source
  • The Starfire's craftsmanship under Ren Ferguson’s supervision is praised, hinting at high build quality akin to Gibson Acoustic standards.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Starfire II is similar to the III but lacks a tremolo, offering a cheaper new price.

    Source
  • Guild Starfire models are noted for being a step up from Epiphone in quality, despite a similar price range.

    Source
  • The Guild Starfire II ST is favored over a Gibson 335 for its versatility and affordable price, offering a thinner profile with mini humbuckers for a unique tone.

    Source
  • The Starfire II ST is often compared to the D'Angelico semi-hollows, with some players noting regret over selling their D'Angelico for its high-end feel and sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience a faint hum if not touching the strings, though it's described as hardly noticeable.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchasing a "USED" stamped Starfire from Music Go Round can provide a flawless instrument at a fraction of the retail cost.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the Starfire V report a gritty, beautiful sound with the middle pickup position being particularly impressive for its tonal character.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Starfire II ST's comfort and exceptional sound, notably when paired with a Vox AC10, creating a "magical" experience.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the stripped-down aesthetic of the Starfire II ST compared to more ornate Guild models, making it a preferred choice for minimalistic tastes.

    Source

Other

  • The Starfire II ST is possibly discontinued, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and players alike.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Starfire II ST's mini humbuckers provide a single coil-like bite without losing the warm mids and lows, suitable for a wide range of sonic possibilities.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Guild Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides