Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $724
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Guild Starfire I 12-ST 12-string Semi-hollow Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into a world where the Guild Starfire I 12-ST transcends the ordinary, offering a blend of timeless design and versatile soundscapes. This 12-string semi-hollow electric guitar, draped in a captivating Cherry Red, is more than just a nod to the jangly vibes of the '60s. Its construction and features are meticulously crafted to deliver a spectrum of tones, from the clean, angelic arpeggios reminiscent of a bygone era to the full-bodied, distorted rhythms that define modern music. The mahogany body and center block, paired with the Guild HB-2 Humbuckers, ensure that each note and chord is infused with warmth and clarity. The modern thin "U" neck profile and the smooth rosewood fretboard offer unparalleled comfort and playability, making it a versatile choice for musicians looking to explore new territories without boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, the Guild Starfire I 12-ST is a testament to craftsmanship and musical expression, embodying the spirit of innovation and tradition.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow body with mahogany center block for a rich, resonant tone
- Dual Guild HB-2 Humbuckers with coil-splitting capabilities for versatile sound options
- Mahogany neck with a modern thin "U" profile for comfortable playability
- Smooth rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and fretboard binding
- Guild AdjustoMatic bridge with StopTailpiece ensures excellent tuning stability
- Cherry Red finish for a classic, eye-catching look
- 2 Volume and 2 tone controls with push/pull function for tonal variety
- 3-Way pickup switch for easy tone shaping
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 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 type of music is the Guild Starfire I 12-ST 12-string Semi-hollow Electric Guitar best suited for?
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The Guild Starfire I 12-ST is ideal for genres that benefit from rich, full-bodied tones, such as folk rock, psychedelic rock, and alternative. Its semi-hollow design and 12-string configuration enhance resonance and provide a jangly, chorus-like sound.
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How does the Guild Starfire I 12-ST's neck profile affect playability?
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The Guild Starfire I 12-ST features a Thin U neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.
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Can the Guild Starfire I 12-ST 12-string guitar be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Guild Starfire I 12-ST is well-suited for live performances, offering a versatile sound with its dual humbuckers and semi-hollow body, which provides a balance of warmth and clarity.
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What are the standout features of the Guild HB-2 pickups on the Starfire I 12-ST?
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The Guild HB-2 pickups deliver a powerful, articulate sound with excellent clarity and depth, making them versatile for various musical styles. They also include push/pull coil-split options for added tonal flexibility.
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Is the Guild Starfire I 12-ST suitable for beginners?
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While the Guild Starfire I 12-ST can be played by beginners, its 12-string setup may require more finger strength and dexterity, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players familiar with 12-string guitars.
Videos
Guitar World
Check out Guild’s new Starfire I-12, the company’s most affordable 12-string electric guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning visual appeal with a transparent red finish showcasing wood grain
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Dual humbuckers offer rich, full-bodied sound and tonal versatility
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Coil-splitting provides a wide spectrum of sound options
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Neck pickup delivers smooth, creamy tones with clarity
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Excellent string action and playability out of the box
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Impressive setup and condition upon arrival
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Affordable yet high-quality craftsmanship
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Great tonal depth and richness from the 12-string configuration
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Smooth and chime-like sound with split coils
CONS
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Nut width could be wider for a 12-string
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Pickguard placement causes visible scratches quickly
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Some tuning pegs are imprecise and inconsistent
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Intonation issues with low E strings due to shared saddle
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Tuning stability is a concern for some users
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Requires a setup for better intonation and playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire I 12-ST 12-string Semi-hollow Electric Guitar.
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Consider bridges with individual intonation screws for improved action adjustments, possibly requiring an adapter for existing post sizes.
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Use cases and applications
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When used with fuzz effects, it offers a unique lead sound distinct from using pitch-type or octave fuzz pedals.
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Comparisons
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Owners compare the Starfire's pickups favorably to Gibson 335, highlighting a preference for the Starfire's unique sound profile.
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The Starfire is noted to have been used by notable musicians like Jerry Garcia and Buddy Guy, suggesting its suitability for diverse musical styles.
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The Gretsch Streamliner is noted for its lightweight feel, which could be a consideration when comparing it with the Guild Starfire, especially for those prioritizing comfort during long play sessions.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The current Guild models are crafted under the supervision of Ren Ferguson, a previous Gibson Acoustic expert, which may influence their quality and design.
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The Guild Starfire I 12-string model offers a coil-split feature, providing bright single-coil tones in addition to its standard humbucker sound, adding tonal flexibility.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Guild Starfire I 12-ST 12-string Semi-hollow Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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