Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $560
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Guild Starfire I DC". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* 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
Unleash your creativity with the Guild Starfire I DC, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that merges vintage charm with modern playability. Crafted with a thinline hollowbody archtop and a solid mahogany center block, this guitar delivers the airy resonance that Guild guitars are celebrated for, while minimizing feedback during high-energy performances. The double-cutaway design not only enhances access to higher frets but also adds to its retro aesthetic appeal.
Equipped with Guild's HB-2 Alnico II humbuckers, the Starfire I DC offers a sonic palette rich in warmth and clarity. These pickups are a nod to Guild’s iconic HB-1s, providing a robust, full-bodied sound that pairs perfectly with rock, blues, and jazz genres. Additionally, the push-pull coil-splitting feature unlocks a crisp single-coil tone, expanding your musical versatility. Whether you're jamming out on stage or recording in the studio, the Starfire I DC ensures every note is delivered with precision and style.
The guitar’s hardware includes a Guild Tune-O-Matic bridge and Vibrato Tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and optimal sustain. The rosewood fingerboard and nickel hardware accentuate its classic look, while the vintage 18 machine heads offer smooth and accurate tuning. Designed for both seasoned professionals and budding musicians, the Guild Starfire I DC is more than just an instrument; it's a pathway to expressive musicality.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow, double-cutaway body with mahogany center block
- Mahogany top, back, and sides
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
- Scale length: 628 mm; Nut width: 43 mm
- 2 Guild HB-2 Alnico II humbuckers with push-pull coil splitting
- Guild Tune-O-Matic bridge and Vibrato Tailpiece
- Guild Vintage 18 machine heads
- Nickel hardware
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Semi-hollowbody |
| Body Shape | Starfire I DC |
| Body Material | Arched Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Vintage Soft U |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, Narrow Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut Material | Composite |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Guild Tune-O-Matic with Nickel Stopbar |
| Tuners | Guild Vintage Open-gear |
| Neck Pickup | Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .011-.049 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the Guild Starfire I DC?
-
The Guild Starfire I DC features a Vintage Soft U neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for both chord playing and soloing, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
-
What type of pickups does the Guild Starfire I DC have, and what tones can I expect?
-
The Guild Starfire I DC is equipped with Guild HB-2 Nickel Humbuckers, delivering warm, rich tones ideal for genres like blues, rock, and jazz, with a good balance between clarity and depth.
-
Is the Guild Starfire I DC suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the Guild Starfire I DC is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, allowing new players to explore a range of musical styles.
-
How does the semi-hollow body of the Guild Starfire I DC affect its sound?
-
The semi-hollow body of the Guild Starfire I DC provides a resonant, airy tone with enhanced sustain and reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars, making it versatile for various music genres.
-
Does the Guild Starfire I DC come with a case or gig bag?
-
No, the Guild Starfire I DC does not come with a case or gig bag; these are sold separately, allowing you to choose the level of protection that suits your needs.
Videos
Guild Guitars
Guild Starfire I Series
Guild Starfire I Series
Guild Guitars
Guild Starfire 1 DC - Affordable ES 335 Centre Block Alternative - Electric Guitar Review
The Guitaristas
Guild Starfire I DC | Another Great Affordable Semi-Hollow!
Alamo Music Center
Guild Starfire I DC with Guild Vibrato Tailpiece California Burst Demo
Guild Guitars
Starfire I DC in Emerald Green
Guild Guitars
New Guild Starfire I DC Pelham Blue
GregsGuitars
Guild Starfire I DC demo The Guitar Bar, Antwerp, Belgium
The Guitar bar
Guild Starfire I DC Quick Look
Eric Jason Brock
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional pickup quality with versatile coil-splitting options
-
Beautiful cherry and walnut finishes with standout visual appeal
-
Lightweight and comfortable, perfect for extended play sessions
-
Excellent fit and finish with attention to detail in construction
-
Wide sonic range, ideal for various musical styles
-
Good playability right out of the box with minor adjustments needed
-
Stays in tune well, even with frequent use
-
Comparable sound quality to more expensive models
-
Highly praised neck profile and fretwork
-
Great value for the price, praised for its affordability
CONS
-
Pickups may occasionally experience interference issues
-
Loose output jack design without mounting plate
-
Tone knobs offer limited tonal variation beyond setting 3
-
Placement of front strap nut can interfere with hand positioning
-
Minor finish imperfections noted by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire I DC.
Build quality
-
One owner immediately returned the guitar due to internal wiring issues and a persistent rattle across strings.
Source -
Guild electric guitars are currently built under the supervision of Ren Ferguson, previously of Gibson Acoustic fame, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
Source -
It's noted that the Guild Starfire I DC model in emerald green is in high demand, resulting in backorders, highlighting its popularity and potential resale value.
Source
Comparisons
-
Some users compare the green finish to a late '60s Pontiac Verdoro Green.
Source -
The guitar's color and style have been compared to a Gretsch Streamliner by owners.
Source -
A user prefers the Guild Starfire pickups over those in a Gibson 335, highlighting their similarity to Filtertron and Goldfoil pickups.
Source -
The Guild Starfire I DC is directly compared to the Gretsch Streamliner for its aesthetic appeal, particularly in emerald green, which is highly praised by potential buyers.
Source
User experience
-
An owner with extensive Guild experience noted that Jerry Garcia played a Starfire model in the 1960s, highlighting the brand's historical significance.
Source -
A long-time owner has used a Starfire IV since the 1980s, noting its resilience and reliability across country travels.
Source -
Owners appreciate the Guild Starfire I DC's ability to produce varied tones, suitable for multiple genres, thanks to its coil-split feature.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Starfire II played through a Vox AC10 is described as "magic," suggesting a great pairing for this setup.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
420
Great guitar for the money
Super great playing great sounding with a super smooth setup and polished greats no sharp edges binding is great and the guild vibrato is great adds sustain and has that bigsby type sound the semi hollow center block construction give the mahogany body a great resonance and the tone options available through push pull pots really makes this guitar shine as a versatile workhorse with lovely sounding hb2 pickups
Artist usage
Add artist
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Guild Starfire I DC, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1782212417)
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Guild Starfire I DC, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,149.00 - $2,099.00
american made verison instead of indonesian with some more flash and higher end parts still that vintage guild sound
More Guild Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
$1,266.50 - $1,549.99
in Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars Rank
$1,149.00 - $2,099.00
in Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars Rank
$849.99 - $1,202.99
in Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars Rank
$999.00 - $6,400.00
in Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars Rank
$1,199.99 - $2,034.00
in Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1782187994)
$895.36 - $1,099.00
$999.00 - $1,399.99
.jpg?v=1782081877)
$999.00 - $1,273.79
$1,895.00
$1,299.00
$999.99 - $1,749.99
.png?v=1782094399)
$1,650.00
.jpg?v=1781993065)
$441.00 - $649.99
$999.00 - $1,399.99
$849.99 - $1,199.99
$999.00 - $1,455.40
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1782215777)
-s.webp?v=1782202880)
-s.webp?v=1782202375)
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jimmarchi1Gear IQ 41010
-
