Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$1,399.00
Amazon
4.6 (9)
$1,399.00
Reverb
$2,099.00 3 available Used
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$1,399.00
Thomann
$1,149.00
Gear4Music
£1,199.00

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.

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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.

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire IV Demo

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV Demo by Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire IV Demo

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV (recent Fender made) Part1 by GregsGuitars

Guild Starfire IV (recent Fender made) Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV ST & T-50 Slim review demo by Guitarist

Guild Starfire IV ST & T-50 Slim review demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Guild Newark Street - Starfire IV Semi Hollow by Andertons Music Co

Guild Newark Street - Starfire IV Semi Hollow

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Guild Newark St Collection Starfire IV & X-175 Manhattan electric guitar demo by Guitarist

Guild Newark St Collection Starfire IV & X-175 Manhattan electric guitar demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV Demo by Trevor Menear by Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire IV Demo by Trevor Menear

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV ST Maple Demo at GAK by GAK

Guild Starfire IV ST Maple Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire IV Guitar Demo by Brothers Guitar Shop

Guild Starfire IV Guitar Demo

Brothers Guitar Shop

Brothers Guitar Shop

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

User experience

  • Owners report Guild Starfire IVs from the 70s and earlier as outstanding in playability and sound, enhancing their reputation among collectors.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guild Starfire IV review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Guild Starfire IV is a compelling choice for those seeking a semi-acoustic with vintage flair. Praised for its "brilliant tones" and "retro styling," it offers significant value. The guitar's laminated mahogany body and unique 'Anti-Hum' pickups deliver a versatile sound, perfect for capturing classic tones from the '60s. However, the floating bridge is a notable downside, posing potential issues for live rock performances until secured. Despite this, the Starfire IV stands out as a strong ES-335 alternative, providing remarkable quality at a competitive price, making it nearly perfect right out of the box.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lmaoo__

Awesome Guitar!

This guitar is amazing. It has so many capabilities with tone and playability

jimmarchi1

is it a current RI?

lmaoo__

And yes it is my current RI

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kim Thayil uses Guild Starfire IV

Kim Thayil

Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Buddy Guy uses Guild Starfire IV

Buddy Guy

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Bob Weir uses Guild Starfire IV

Bob Weir

Guitarist, Composer

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Dave Davies uses Guild Starfire IV

Dave Davies

Composer, Guitarist

The Kinks

...
Verified via Photo

Dave Davies used a 1960s Guild Starfire IV, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram.

See how Batuhan Mutlugil uses Guild Starfire IV

Batuhan Mutlugil

Guitarist

Duman

...
Verified via Photo

At the video [https://www.instagram.com/p/CcI_xeeDY7x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link] Batuhan Mutlugil used Guild Starfire IV Yellow.

See how Steve Turner uses Guild Starfire IV

Steve Turner

Guitarist

Mudhoney

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Steve Turner using his Guild Starfire IV Cherry Collored performing at Space Needle, Seattle, WA. KEXP Radio.

See how Glen Hansard uses Guild Starfire IV

Glen Hansard

Singer, Guitarist

The Frames

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance at Breminale 2012, Glen Hansard can be seen playing a Guild Starfire IV, identifiable by its distinctive semi-hollowbody design.

See how James Mercer uses Guild Starfire IV

James Mercer

Singer, Guitarist

The Shins

...
Verified via DrownedInSound
  1. 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

See how Mick Harvey uses Guild Starfire IV

Mick Harvey

Guitarist, Bassist

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

...
Verified via Bad-seed

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

See how Clemens Rehbein uses Guild Starfire IV

Clemens Rehbein

Singer, Guitarist

Milky Chance

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of a concert in Berlin Clemens plays the Guild Starfire IV.

See how Aaron Gillespie uses Guild Starfire IV

Aaron Gillespie

Singer, Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Digital Tour Bus episode of "GEAR MASTERS," Aaron Gillespie of The Almost discusses acquiring his Guild Starfire IV electric guitar through an endorsement with Guild prior to a tour.

See how Lightnin' Hopkins uses Guild Starfire IV

Lightnin' Hopkins

Guitarist, Singer

Lightnin' Hopkins & Sonny Terry

...
Verified via Photo

Visible on the cover of The Texas Bluesman.

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.

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    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227