Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,489
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Guild Starfire IV". 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
Meet the Guild Starfire IV, a modern reincarnation of a beloved semi-hollow classic. Renowned since the mid-60s for its remarkable tonal qualities and comfortable feel, this guitar has made a triumphant return with some impressive new features. Crafted with an all maple body, this instrument boasts a solid spruce center block that delivers that iconic semi-hollow resonance with added clarity and sustain.
The Starfire IV ST Maple's neck is a work of art, combining Guild's signature mahogany neck with a maple center seam. This design not only looks striking, but contributes to the guitar's overall tonal balance and playability. The rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth, responsive playing surface that musicians of all styles will appreciate.
The Starfire isn't just about looks and playability, it's also packed with serious tonal firepower. Equipped with dual LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups, this guitar can deliver everything from warm, vintage tones to high-output rock sounds with ease. The Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece not only provide increased sustain and stability, but also contribute to the guitar's striking aesthetic. Whether you choose Emerald Green or Vintage Sunburst, you're sure to turn heads with this beautiful instrument.
To ensure your new Starfire IV ST Maple travels in style and safety, it includes a hardshell case.
Key Features:
- All maple body with a solid spruce center block
- Guild's signature mahogany neck with a maple center seam
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece for increased sustain and stability
- Dual LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups
- Comes with a hardshell case
- Available in Emerald Green or Vintage Sunburst.
Product specs
| Brand | Guild |
| Model | Starfire IV |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1978 |
| Categories | Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Natural, Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
-
What kind of music is the Guild Starfire IV best suited for?
-
The Guild Starfire IV is versatile and well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and rock, thanks to its semi-hollow body design which offers warm, resonant tones and excellent sustain.
-
What is the neck profile of the Guild Starfire IV like?
-
The Guild Starfire IV features a comfortable, medium neck profile that provides a smooth playing experience, ideal for both chord work and lead playing.
-
How do the pickups on the Guild Starfire IV influence its sound?
-
The Guild Starfire IV is equipped with humbucker pickups that deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with minimal noise, making it ideal for clean and overdriven tones.
-
Is the Guild Starfire IV suitable for beginners?
-
While the Guild Starfire IV is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities.
-
Does the Guild Starfire IV come with a case?
-
Yes, the Guild Starfire IV comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
Videos
Guild Guitars
Guild Starfire IV Demo
Reviews
PROS
-
Impressive build quality and attention to detail
-
Comfortable to play, both sitting and standing
-
Lightweight design enhances playability
-
Excellent tone quality, comparable to higher-priced models
-
Stays in tune well with solid hardware
-
Versatile sound through various amp types
-
High-quality neck and fretwork
-
Strong acoustic sound even when unplugged
-
Cost-effective alternative to more expensive models
-
Great electronics and reliable performance
CONS
-
Stock pickups may not suit all preferences
-
Non-standard pickup size limits easy replacement options
-
Some may require setup adjustments out of the box
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire IV.
Comparisons
-
The Starfire IV from the 90s is considered a strong alternative to a Gibson ES-335, especially appreciated for its HB-1 pickups.
Source -
The Starfire V is differentiated by its vibrato tailpiece and block inlays compared to the Starfire IV's trapeze tailpiece and dot inlays.
Source -
The Starfire III shares similarities with a Gibson ES 295, offering unique tonal qualities for certain musical styles.
Source -
A 1967 Guild Starfire IV is preferred over the Gibson ES-335 60s Block for its feel and sound, particularly for Soundgarden fans.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Appreciation for 1990s USA Guilds is increasing, making them unlikely to decrease in value.
Source -
Refurbished Starfire guitars from MIRC are available at a fraction of retail cost, often indistinguishable from new models except for a "USED" stamp.
Source -
Vintage models like the 1967 Starfire IV are valued at $1525 despite requiring maintenance, indicating strong market interest.
Source
Build quality
-
The Starfire IV ST features an ebony neck and is highly praised for its stunning appearance and craftsmanship.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Starfire V includes a master volume control, distinguishing it from the IV model, which lacks this feature.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Starfire IV ST is versatile, allowing for a jazz lead tone in the middle pickup position with adjusted bridge pickup volume and tone.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
A 1967 Starfire IV requires fretwork for dead spots in higher frets and tuner adjustments, revealing common maintenance needs for vintage models.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
41026
is it a current RI?
62
And yes it is my current RI
Artist usage
Add artist
In the provided image, Kim Thayil is clearly seen playing a glossy black Guild Starfire IV, identifiable by its unique dot inlays not found on other Guild semi-hollow guitars.
Guy was an artist of Guild and he used Starfire models (specifically Starfire IV's) during 1970's. In this 1979 advert, Guy is seen with his Starfire IV.
During the Grateful Dead's performance at Columbia University on May 3, 1968, rhythm guitarist Bob Weir was documented playing a Guild Starfire IV, featuring a natural finish and gold hardware. This evidence is confirmed through visual inspection at the 2:32 mark in a video posted by davidaron60 on YouTube, titled "Grateful Dead - 05-03-1968 Columbia U. (video)", and sourced from archival Grateful Dead concert footage. This specific performance is notable not only for its historical context, including the band's covert entry onto the campus amidst student protests, but also for showcasing Weir's instrument choice during this period.
Dave Davies used a 1960s Guild Starfire IV, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram.
At the video [https://www.instagram.com/p/CcI_xeeDY7x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link] Batuhan Mutlugil used Guild Starfire IV Yellow.
In this video you can see Steve Turner using his Guild Starfire IV Cherry Collored performing at Space Needle, Seattle, WA. KEXP Radio.
In a live performance at Breminale 2012, Glen Hansard can be seen playing a Guild Starfire IV, identifiable by its distinctive semi-hollowbody design.
- Tell us something about James Mercer that you've discovered since joining the band...
Recently I've learned that James has an equal fondness for both his Les Paul Junior (I believe that's what it is) and his Guild Starfire. Possibly troubling to him. He also has a peculiar particularity in song production that most often translates into an interesting, irresistible piece of music. James likes to work. He likes to create things, finish them and move on. He does not rest on his laurels. This is the main reason I enjoy working with him. If we're breathing, we should be making something.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNf_DNbRxY
heres him using it on letterman
Mick has since experimented with a variety of pawnshop prizes, including a 1960 Epiphone semi-acoustic, but has relied mainly on his Guild Starfire IV - Guitar Player interview, July 1996
Album Usage
The Guild Starfire IV has been featured on the following albums:
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 IV, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Guild Starfire IV, curated by the Equipboard community.
$439.00 - $677.00
More Guild Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
austinmwGear IQ 5227
-