Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (20)
$1,549.99
Amazon
4.5 (25)
Reverb
5.0 (17)
$762.92 New
$800.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (21)
$1,333.00

Average Price: $1,188

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Guild Starfire V Hollowbody". 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

Indulge in the sublime resonance of the Guild Starfire V Hollowbody, a semi-hollow, double-cutaway masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of the 60s. Boasting a distinct character and classic aesthetic, this guitar is finely crafted to enhance your individual playing style. Its all-mahogany body with an arched top and back, coupled with dual f holes, creates a sound that is rich, warm, and authentically Guild.

The Guild Starfire V is equipped with twin Guild LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups, ensuring a versatile tonal range that can effortlessly transition from rock and blues to roots and more. The three-piece neck, composed of mahogany/maple/mahogany, guarantees durability and long-lasting playability, whilst the vintage-style "soft U" profile and an ebony fingerboard with pearloid block inlays offer a comfortable and satisfying playing experience.

The Guild Starfire V is not just a musical instrument; it's a statement of style, featuring an elegant ivory white body binding, black/white purfling, and a gorgeous white finish. Complete with a Guild vibrato tailpiece, Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines, nickel hardware, and a plush-lined hardshell case, this guitar is truly a nod to the golden era of rock and roll.

Key Features:

  • All-mahogany body with arched top and back
  • Twin Guild LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups
  • Three-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck with vintage-style "soft U" profile
  • 22-fret ebony fingerboard with pearloid block inlays
  • Three-way pickup selector switch
  • Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup and master volume
  • Guild vibrato tailpiece
  • Grover Sta-Tite tuning machines
  • Nickel hardware
  • Plush-lined hardshell case included

Product specs

Brand Guild
Model Newark St. Collection Starfire V
Finish Black, Cherry Red, Emerald Green, Snow White
Year 2014 - 2021
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Green, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of music is the Guild Starfire V Hollowbody best suited for?

The Guild Starfire V Hollowbody is versatile and particularly well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, resonant tone and semi-hollow body design.

How does the Guild Starfire V compare to the Gibson ES-335?

The Guild Starfire V offers similar tonal qualities to the Gibson ES-335 but at a more affordable price point. It features a slightly deeper body and unique styling, providing a distinct sound and feel.

What is the neck profile like on the Guild Starfire V?

The Guild Starfire V features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing, accommodating a variety of hand sizes.

Does the Guild Starfire V come with a case?

Yes, the Guild Starfire V comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Is the Guild Starfire V suitable for beginners?

While the Guild Starfire V is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players looking for a versatile semi-hollowbody guitar.

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Guild Starfire V Demo by Trevor Menear

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

Guild Starfire V Demo by Trevor Menear

Guild Guitars

Guild Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire V NEW at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Guild Starfire V NEW at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Test Guild Starfire V - Guitare Xtreme #75 by GUITARE XTREME MAGAZINE

Test Guild Starfire V - Guitare Xtreme #75

GUITARE XTREME MAGAZINE

GUITARE XTREME MAGAZINE

Video thumbnail for Guild Starfire V w/ Guild Vibrato Tailpiece Semi-Hollow Black by Manchester Music Mill

Guild Starfire V w/ Guild Vibrato Tailpiece Semi-Hollow Black

Manchester Music Mill

Manchester Music Mill

Video thumbnail for Guitar Tone Tuesday: Ep 136 - Guild Starfire V; Not Gretsch or Gibson But The Best Of Both Worlds!? by Lucas Haneman

Guitar Tone Tuesday: Ep 136 - Guild Starfire V; Not Gretsch or Gibson But The Best Of Both Worlds!?

Lucas Haneman

Lucas Haneman

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning aesthetic with impressive finish and inlays

  • Clear, articulate pickups with a unique vintage character

  • Master volume control offers convenient sound adjustments

  • Smooth playability with low action and easy fret access

  • Bigsby tremolo provides solid performance and fun use

  • Versatile tone suitable for jazz, blues, rock, and more

  • High-quality build and craftsmanship, comparable to US-made models

  • Warm, airy sound with excellent sustain

  • Distinctive sound stands out from similar guitars

  • Excellent value for its price range

CONS

  • Heavier than typical semi-hollow guitars

  • Floating bridge can be less stable for some players

  • Pickup switch cover color may not appeal to all

  • Occasional need for post-purchase setup adjustments

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Guild Starfire V features a vibrato tailpiece known as the "Guildsby," block inlays, and a master volume control, distinguishing it from the Starfire IV.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish is noted for its durability, though some find it lacks the detailed grain of higher-end models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The middle pickup position on the Starfire V is especially praised for its slightly gritty and beautiful sound.

    Source
  • The master volume control is praised for providing nuanced control over output, a feature not present in some similar models like the ES-335.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners use flatwound 11s for a warm jazz tone, highlighting versatility for different musical styles.

    Source
  • The Guild Starfire V is well-suited for blues rock genres, aligning with artists like Black Keys and Led Zeppelin.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Starfire III is likened to a Gibson ES 295 for similar tonal qualities, though notable differences exist.

    Source
  • The Guild Starfire V, being semi-hollow, contrasts with the fully hollow Epiphone Casino, affecting resonance and feedback characteristics.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Casino's pickup configuration with actual Gibson P-90s is suggested for those seeking a classic, iconic sound.

    Source
  • A vintage Harmony Rocket is recommended for those exploring alternative hollowbody options, noted for its unique sound and potential value appreciation.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Starfire V's sustain, noting it surpasses the Gibson ES-335, offering a more extended sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchasing "USED" stamped models from Music Go Round can offer pristine condition guitars at lower prices, with only warranty voiding as a downside.

    Source
  • Many find the Starfire V a cost-effective alternative to the Gibson ES-335, citing its quality and performance at a lower price point.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Kent Armstrong Casino pickups are a recommended upgrade for enhancing the Epiphone's sound quality significantly.

    Source

User experience

  • It's reported that the Starfire V shifts attention away from more expensive models such as the Gibson ES, with some owners falling in love with the guitar's unique feel and sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guild Starfire V with Bigsby review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Guild Starfire V Hollowbody, with its classic design and vintage aesthetic, is a standout choice for those seeking a retro sound reminiscent of the 60s. Praised for its characterful build and evocative old-school tones, it offers great value compared to similar models from Gibson or Epiphone. The addition of a Bigsby and master volume control enhances its versatility. While it may be slightly weighty for a semi-hollow, its setup is top-notch, providing a superb playing experience with clean sound and a respectable feedback threshold. Overall, it's a compelling option for vintage enthusiasts.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
enrique_cavazos_alonso

Classic looks, classic feels at a perfect price.

Like Guild says, this guitar is "Made to be played". The Starfire V is a guitar that feels true to the 60's era, the guild proprietary pickups give the guitar a sound that is unique distinguishing it from similar style guitars with humbuckers like the ES-335, having a well defined bottom end with a great emphasis on the mid-highs that make the guitar cut through the mix. The construction screams quality, there is no part of the guitar that feels cheap, from the wood to the bone, there is no doubt the guild Starfire V will set you back to the 60s with an incredible sound and quality.

milarw

very guitary

it is red i like it it also sounds good when it is plugged in and when it is not I like it it is red and shiny

maniac

good shot, but I don't think this was very informative or insightful

milarw

i didnt ask for ur opinion tho..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Iha uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, taken at Iha's 2012 performance in World Cafe in Boston, Iha can be seen playing the black Guild Starfire V.

See how Jim Reid uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Jim Reid

Singer, Guitarist

The Jesus and Mary Chain

...
Verified via Plantingseedsrecords

In this photo, Jim Reid can be seen playing a Starfire V.

See how Feist uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Feist

Singer, Guitarist

Broken Social Scene

...
Verified via Photo

Leslie Feist, the acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter, is pictured with a Guild Starfire V Hollowbody guitar in a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress.

See how Tom Renaud uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Tom Renaud

Guitarist

Lord Huron

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guild's artists page Renaud uses this 1967 Starfire V on stage and in studio during the time of "Strange Trails".

See how Kevin Cadogan uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Kevin Cadogan

Guitarist

Third Eye Blind

...
Verified via Geocities

According to this interview (transcribed from the February 2000 issue of Guitar Player magazine), Kevin utilized a Starfire during the recording of Third Eye Blind's second album, Blue.

See how Riko Kohara uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Riko Kohara

Guitarist

RAISE A SUILEN

...
Verified via Photo

During the BanG Dream! 7th☆LIVE Budokan performance, Riko Kohara can be seen playing a Guild Starfire V Hollowbody guitar in the Hello, Happy World section.

See how Bob Lanzetti uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Bob Lanzetti

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via YouTube

Bob talks about his 1968 Guild Starfire in this interview at 1:03:33

J

Jessica Staveley-Taylor

Guitarist

The Staves

...
Verified via YouTube

For "Damn It All" performance at 89.3 The Current, Staveley-Taylor used the Guild Starfire V, judging by the Bigsby vibrato,

See how Son Seals uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Son Seals

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On the cover of Bad Axe, Son Seal's standard guitar that he uses is the Guild Starfire 5.

See how Brad Barr uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Brad Barr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance on KEXP, Brad Barr of The Barr Brothers can be seen playing an emerald green Guild Starfire V Hollowbody guitar.

See how Sammy Lawhorn uses Guild Starfire V Hollowbody

Sammy Lawhorn

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Sammy played with Muddy Waters and was typically seen playing a Guild Starfire semi-hollow body as seen in the photo and the video shot.

Album Usage

The Guild Starfire V Hollowbody 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 V Hollowbody, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Voodoo Lab Proctavia
Voodoo Lab Proctavia Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Budda Phatman Zen
Budda Phatman Zen Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
PRS McCarty Electric Guitar
PRS McCarty Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Mesa/Boogie Maverick 2x12 Combo
Mesa/Boogie Maverick 2x12 Combo Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe
Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals
1
1954 Les Paul Goldtop
1954 Les Paul Goldtop Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-125
Gibson ES-125 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

More Guild Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    austinmw
    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227