Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,456
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Guild Starfire II Bass". 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
The Guild Starfire II Bass offers a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern playability, making it an exceptional choice for bass enthusiasts seeking a rich, resonant sound. This semi-hollow body beauty, reissued in 2015, captures the essence of its classic predecessor while bringing contemporary features to the forefront. The natural finish highlights the arched laminate mahogany top and back, coupled with mahogany sides, offering a warm, woody tone that is both inviting and robust.
Designed for versatility, the Starfire II Bass features two humbucker pickups with individual tone and volume controls, allowing you to dial in your ideal sound with precision. Its short-scale design ensures smooth playability, making it perfect for both seasoned players and those just embarking on their musical journey. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or performing live, this instrument's distinctive tonal character will stand out in any musical setting.
Explore a range of sonic possibilities with the Guild Starfire II Bass, where classic design meets modern innovation.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow body construction
- Arched laminate mahogany top and back
- Mahogany sides
- Two humbucker pickups with individual tone and volume controls
- Short-scale design for enhanced playability
- Natural finish for a timeless look
Product specs
| Brand | Guild |
| Model | Newark St. Collection Starfire II Bass |
| Finish | Black, Cherry, Emerald Green, Natural, Natural Flame Maple |
| Year | 2010 - 2021 |
| Made In | Korea, Republic of |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Green, Natural, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Flamed |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the Guild Starfire II Bass?
-
The Guild Starfire II Bass features a vintage soft U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players who prefer a more traditional feel.
-
Is the Guild Starfire II Bass suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, the Guild Starfire II Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short-scale length of 30.75 inches, which makes it easier to play and handle for those new to bass guitar.
-
What type of pickups does the Guild Starfire II Bass use?
-
The Guild Starfire II Bass is equipped with passive BS-1 BiSonic pickups in a humbucker configuration, offering a rich, full tone suitable for a variety of music styles.
-
How does the semi-hollow body construction affect the sound of the Guild Starfire II Bass?
-
The semi-hollow body of the Guild Starfire II Bass provides a warm, resonant tone with a natural acoustic quality, making it ideal for genres like jazz and blues.
-
What kind of finish does the Guild Starfire II Bass have?
-
The Guild Starfire II Bass features a gloss finish, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects the wood from wear and tear.
-
Does the Guild Starfire II Bass include a case?
-
Yes, the Guild Starfire II Bass comes with a hardshell case, ensuring safe transport and storage for the instrument.
Videos
Guild Guitars
Guild Starfire Bass II ft. Peter Randall
Guild Starfire Bass II ft. Peter Randall
Guild Guitars
SNAMM '15 - Guild Starfire II Bass Demo
Premier Guitar
Guild Starfire II Bass | Matt Wiles Bass Demo
Matt Wiles
Guild Starfire II Review and Demo
Kevin Johnson
NAMM 2018: GUILD STARFIRE II BASS IN FLAME MAPLE
Australian Musician
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional warm, vintage tone with BiSonic pickups
-
Semi-hollow body enhances sustain and stability
-
Short scale offers easier playability and faster finger movement
-
Unique and visually appealing design
-
Versatile sound with separate volume/tone controls for each pickup
-
Solid build quality with a flawless finish
-
Comes with a high-quality hardshell case
-
Slim, comfortable neck ideal for varied playing styles
-
Master volume control for flexible sound adjustments
CONS
-
Prone to neck dive; a wide strap is recommended
-
Ebony saddles are innovative but fragile
-
Neck can be too narrow for players with larger hands
-
Potential setup issues requiring professional adjustment
-
Heavier than other short-scale basses
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire II Bass.
User experience
-
One owner highlights the U-shaped neck as both fast and supportive, ideal for pick players.
Source -
Despite initial impressions of size, the bass feels comfortable and familiar once played.
Source -
Some owners find the Starfire II's ergonomics challenging due to neck dive, wide body, and poor strap button placement leading to forward flop.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners rave about the bass's sublime finish, particularly praising the emerald green color as a standout feature.
Source
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
272
Gorgeous short-scale with killer tone
This bass is a superb example of how a short-scaler can be so much more than the ubiquitous Fender Mustang. Not only more pleasing to the eye, but it's a tone monster as well. The variety of sounds that can be coaxed from this instrument, with separate volume/tone for each pickup and a three way selector, guarantee something to please everyone. There's even a master volume for ultimate flexibility -- such as not having a mute switch in your rig, or leaving a little room for a clean solo. With flats, the Starfire II oozes vintage cool. With rounds, you can get close to (though not quite, sorry!) a semi-Rickenbacker level of bite and growl. Like many semi-hollowbody basses, it ends up a little neck heavy, but nothing worse than expected. It's a huge step up from the Starfire IV Bass, which shares its looks but nowhere near the versatility.
Artist usage
Add artist
Thom can be seen using his (presumably 1967) Guild Starfire II bass live with his other project, The Smile.
Andy plays a Guild Starfire in the Lyla music video, matching the semi-hollow guitars used by Gem and Noel.
Justin Meldal-Johnsen can be observed playing the Guild Starfire II Bass during the live performance of "Think I'm in Love" by Beck, as documented in the video titled "Beck - Think I'm in Love - From the Basement (Part 2)" provided by abbeyrose on YouTube, showcasing a clear instance of the artist utilizing this specific instrument.
In this instagram video, Jones can be seen using the Guild Starfire II Bass with a Natural Finish.
Here he is using it with JRAD (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
In this video Mina is seen playing her rare guild starfire II bass in emerald green, she also has multple instagram posts regarding the same bass guitar.
In this picture (https://images.app.goo.gl/vdFziigkERoGGL4w5) Dave Beste is seen using a Guild Starfire II bass in emerald green
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 II Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yours
More Guild Electric Basses
.jpeg?v=1782423424)
-m.webp?v=1782381625)
.jpg?v=1782736645)
$3,244.49
.jpeg?v=1782751697)
$899.99
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782745086)
$849.99
in Electric Basses Rank
$2,099.00 - $2,899.00
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782831569)
$2,699.00 - $2,749.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$646.76 - $1,999.99
in Electric Basses Rank
$763.00 - $894.26
in Electric Basses Rank
$2,300.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$450.00 - $655.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$649.00 - $1,589.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$349.00 - $499.99
in Electric Basses Rank
$1,158.11 - $1,599.99
in Electric Basses Rank
$525.00 - $2,899.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$899.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$231.50 - $369.99
in Electric Basses Rank
$349.99 - $429.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$359.00 - $2,250.00
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782831573)
$549.00 - $1,095.55
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782831475)
$322.00 - $449.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$1,999.99 - $2,599.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$646.76
in Electric Basses Rank
$260.17 - $466.05
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782658674)
$299.00
in Electric Basses Rank
$569.00 - $629.00
in Electric Basses Rank
.jpg?v=1782683006)
$400.00 - $679.99
in Electric Basses Rank
-m.webp?v=1782818444)
$219.99 - $329.00
in Electric Basses Rank
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1782818872)
Similar
Gear Guides
.webp)
Most Popular Electric Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
sticksterGear IQ 272
-
