Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (13)
$749.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$749.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$749.99 New
$697.13 Used
Thomann
4.7 (15)
$679.00 $677.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£539.00

Average Price: $725

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar". 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

Introducing the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar, a musician's dream that merges classic design with modern innovation. This electric bass boasts a Thinline Semi-Hollow body style, elegantly crafted from mahogany, giving it a warm and resonant tone. The body is matched with a comfortable mahogany neck, creating a balanced and rich sound that's perfect for any genre of music.

The Starfire I is outfitted with a rosewood fretboard, featuring 21 frets that provide an extensive tonal range. The unique Guild BC-1 BiCoil Hum-Cancelling pickup ensures clear, noise-free performance, while the volume and tone controls allow for precise sound shaping. A special addition to this model is the push/pull vintage switch, which offers players the flexibility to toggle between modern and vintage tones.

Completing the design is the classic Tune-o-matic bridge and the signature Guild "Harp" tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and enhancing the overall sustain. Cloaked in a Cherry Red finish, the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar is not only a high-performance instrument but also an eye-catching piece of craftsmanship.

Key Features: - Body style: Thinline Semi-Hollow with Mahogany center block - Body and top: Mahogany - Neck: Mahogany - Fretboard: Rosewood - 21 frets - Pickup: Guild BC-1 BiCoil Hum-Cancelling - Volume and tone controls - Push/Pull Vintage switch - Tune-o-matic bridge - Guild "Harp" tailpiece - Colour: Cherry Red

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Starfire I
Body Material Arched Mahogany Top, Mahogany Back/Sides
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Modern Thin U
Radius 12.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Pearloid Dots
Number of Frets 21, Narrow Tall
Scale Length 30.75"
Nut Width 1.5"
Nut Material Composite
Bridge/Tailpiece Guild Bass Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Harp Tailpiece
Tuners Guile Vintage-style
Middle Pickup Guild BC-1 Split Single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x tone (push/pull vintage switch)
Strings D'Addario, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar best suited for?

The Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar is well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll due to its semi-hollow body design and vintage tone. Its versatile sound makes it a great choice for players looking to explore a range of musical styles.

Is the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar is suitable for beginners due to its short scale length of 30.75 inches, which makes it easier to play. Its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound also make it a great choice for players at any level.

What is the neck profile of the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar?

The Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar features a Modern Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players, especially those transitioning from guitar to bass or those with smaller hands.

What type of pickup does the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar have?

The Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar is equipped with a Guild BC-1 Split Single-coil pickup, which delivers a warm and punchy tone suitable for various music genres.

Does the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar does not come with a case or gig bag. These must be purchased separately to ensure proper protection and transport of the instrument.

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Guild Starfire I - The BEST Semihollow Bang for the Buck? Let's find out! - LowEndLobster Review

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire I - The BEST Semihollow Bang for the Buck? Let's find out! - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Guild Starfire I - The BEST Semihollow Bang for the Buck? Let's find out! - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire I Bass by Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire I Bass

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for This new GUILD STARFIRE is affordable and GORGEOUS! by BassTheWorld.com

This new GUILD STARFIRE is affordable and GORGEOUS!

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire I - Unboxing and First Impressions of Guild's New Bass! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look by LowEndLobster

Guild Starfire I - Unboxing and First Impressions of Guild's New Bass! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire I Bass: Featuring- Emily Elbert by Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire I Bass: Featuring- Emily Elbert

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for GUILD Starfire I Bass Vintage Walnut - Bass Demo by GUITAR GEAR - Strumenti Musicali Dalmine BG

GUILD Starfire I Bass Vintage Walnut - Bass Demo

GUITAR GEAR - Strumenti Musicali Dalmine BG

GUITAR GEAR - Strumenti Musicali Dalmine BG

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for those with back issues

  • Gorgeous cherry red mahogany finish with a stunning gloss lacquer

  • Unique split P-style pickup with series to parallel switch

  • Short scale enhances playability, especially for smaller players

  • Excellent vintage tone that suits blues and classic rock genres

  • Comes well set up out of the box, requiring minimal adjustments

  • Intonation and action are often spot on upon arrival

  • Warm and resonant sound from the semi-hollow body

  • Affordable yet high-quality construction rivaling more expensive brands

  • Versatile with tone controls allowing for a variety of musical styles

CONS

  • Some models prone to neck dive due to standard tuning keys

  • Push-pull pot can feel slightly cheap

  • Inconsistent quality control, with some minor cosmetic issues reported

  • Stock roundwound strings may not suit all players' preferences

  • Limited availability of affordable, well-fitting cases for the instrument

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar.

Comparisons

  • The Starfire I is compared to a short scale P bass due to its pickup, differing from the Starfire II with single coils for a classic semi-hollow sound.

    Source
  • The Starfire I delivers a distinct 60s vibe, reminiscent of the tones used by Chris Hillman and early Phil Lesh.

    Source

User experience

  • Players praise the Starfire I for its fast, comfortable neck and easy playability, attributed to its short scale design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Starfire I is suggested for creating a tonal contrast with a Jazz bass, using flats for warmth and rounds for brightness.

    Source
  • While the single pickup limits tonal flexibility, it excels in achieving a specific, vintage sound ideal for those targeting a classic 60s bass tone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Starfire I features a single split pickup, which significantly influences its price and tonal flexibility compared to the dual humbucker models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The introduction of the Starfire I at $599 offers an affordable entry point, significantly lower than the previously released $1,299 models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guild Starfire I Bass review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Guild's Starfire I Bass is a visually stunning instrument that captivates with its vintage aesthetics and solid build quality. With excellent playability thanks to its short scale and lightweight design, this bass delivers a warm, punchy tone that's perfect for soul and classic rock styles. The unique 'vintage switch' feature adds tonal versatility, though it may not satisfy every genre. Overall, the Starfire I balances classic charm with modern performance, making it an enticing choice for both new and experienced players.

positive

Guild Starfire I Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Guild Starfire I Bass is a stylish throwback, boasting a short-scale design that offers a comfortable playing experience and a rich, vintage tone. Its classy appearance appeals to both new and seasoned players, while the versatile push-pull feature on the volume knob expands its tonal range. However, the lack of a case is a downside, especially for a guitar at this price point. Overall, the Starfire I delivers a delightful mix of old-school charm and practicality, making it a solid choice for bassists seeking character and playability in one attractive package.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jay Buchanan uses Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar

Jay Buchanan

Singer

Rival Sons

...
Verified via Photo

"In the last year I’ve had the help of some great companies who’ve gone far out of their way to get me the tools I needed to work on my portion of this next @rivalsons record and I’d like to say thank you. There are so many not pictured here but I will be posting more in gratitude soon. I hadn’t wanted to share these kinds of things through 2020; great gear I’d come up on while so many suffered so greatly, it just didn’t feel right then but I feel (slightly) better about it now. Thanks to @orangeamplifiers for the Crush Bass 100 and @guildguitars for this beautiful Starfire 1 Bass and special thanks for the amazing custom Italian lid to @donreno.it for helping me feel a little bit cooler in quarantine. There’s still a long way to go, my love to you all."

See how Clément Libes uses Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar

Clément Libes

Bassist, Composer

M83

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Clément Libes details his gear for the M83 Fantasy Tour, explicitly mentioning the use of a Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar.

See how Moa Munoz uses Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar

Moa Munoz

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Premier Guitar, Moa Munoz, bassist for Olivia Rodrigo's touring band, is seen showcasing her custom-finished metallic pink Guild Starfire I Bass Guitar, which is equipped with Ernie Ball Group III Stainless Flatwound Strings, identified by their light blue string silks. Additionally, in Olivia Rodrigo’s Tiny Desk Concert following the release of her GUTS album, Munoz is also seen playing a production model of the Guild Starfire I Bass in Pelham Blue.

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 Bass Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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