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Average Price: $988

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$500

$1201+

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Description

The Guild Starfire V is not just an electric guitar; it's a time machine that transports you straight to the heart of the 1960s music scene. This semi-hollowbody guitar combines the classic appeal of its predecessors with modern craftsmanship, making it a perfect choice for players who crave both vintage charm and contemporary reliability. Its thinline design ensures comfortable playability, similar to standard electric guitars, while its LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups deliver a versatile tonal palette that sits beautifully between the crispness of a single-coil and the warmth of a PAF humbucker.

The Starfire V's laminated mahogany back, sides, and top not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its rich sound. The inclusion of a Guild vibrato tailpiece adds an extra layer of expressive capability, offering smooth bends that can take your performance to new heights. Whether you're playing rock, blues, or country, this guitar's robust sound and reliable tuning stability—thanks to the Grover Sta-Tite tuners—make it a formidable companion on any stage.

Beyond its sonic capabilities, the Starfire V is built for longevity. Its 3-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck is designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring you enjoy this instrument's exceptional playability for years to come. Whether you're jamming in your living room or lighting up the stage, the Guild Starfire V is your ticket to a world of musical possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Thinline semi-hollowbody design
  • LB-1 "Little Bucker" pickups for versatile tone
  • Laminated mahogany body
  • 3-piece neck construction for durability
  • Guild vibrato tailpiece for expressive play
  • Grover Sta-Tite tuners for stable tuning
  • Includes a hard case for protection

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 kind of music genres is the Guild Starfire V suitable for?

The Guild Starfire V is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and jazz, thanks to its semi-hollow body design and dual humbucking pickups, which provide a warm, resonant tone.

How does the Guild Starfire V's neck feel for playability?

The Guild Starfire V features a set-neck construction with a 9.5" radius ebony fretboard, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Guild Starfire V pickups?

The Guild Starfire V is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity and sustain, making it ideal for both clean and overdriven tones.

Does the Guild Starfire V come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Guild Starfire V includes a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and adding versatility to your playing style.

Is the Guild Starfire V suitable for live performances?

With its semi-hollow body providing excellent resonance and feedback control, the Guild Starfire V is well-suited for live performances, offering both visual appeal and reliable sound quality.

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 GUILD STARFIRE V by The Gear Tube

GUILD STARFIRE V

The Gear Tube

The Gear Tube

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent Bigsby functionality for smooth tremolo use

  • Pickups provide warm, biting tone without excessive treble

  • Distinct "woody" jazz sound with rock capability

  • Superior tuning stability compared to similar models

  • High-quality finishes and unique block inlays

  • Versatile tone controls suitable for various music styles

  • Solid build quality, feels like a premium instrument

  • Unique character and flavor distinct from other semi-hollow bodies

  • Low action and smooth playability for comfortable performance

  • Minimal noise from LB-1 pickups, ideal for studio and live settings

CONS

  • Heavier back causing balance issues when playing standing

  • Less output compared to some solid body guitars

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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

    Source
  • The Starfire V's middle pickup position is praised for its gritty yet beautiful sound, particularly suitable for blues and classic rock genres.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buying a refurbished Starfire V with a "USED" stamp from MIRC can significantly reduce costs, with prices around $700, but this voids the warranty.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Guild Starfires are noted as a step up from Epiphones and are comparable to Eastman guitars, although Eastmans can be more expensive.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Casino is fully hollow, while the Guild Starfire V is a semi-hollow, affecting the resonance and feedback characteristics.

    Source
  • The Casino’s pickups are different from the Guild’s, with users recommending higher-end Casinos featuring Gibson P-90s for iconic tones.

    Source
  • The pickups in the Starfire V tend to be brighter and tighter compared to Gibson models, aligning more closely with early BC Rich models before they switched to diMarzio pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the lightweight yet solid feel of the Starfire V, contrasting with other guitars that can feel cheap.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Starfire V is noted for its versatility, offering a warm jazz tone with flatwound strings and a jangle when the neck pickup is engaged.

    Source
  • The Starfire V, with its semi-solid center block, performs comparably to 335 models, making it suitable for blues rock akin to The Black Keys or Led Zeppelin.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners of Korean Epiphone Casinos have upgraded electronics with Kent Armstrong Casino pickups, enhancing the sound significantly.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some newer Starfire III models include a partial block to support a tune-o-matic bridge, differing from fully hollow models with floating bridges.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guild Starfire V with Bigsby review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Guild Starfire V in Black is a standout semi-hollow guitar, praised for its classic feel, period looks, and excellent value, especially when compared to Gibson and Epiphone. Its evocative old-school sound is complemented by a classy build, making it a favorite among vintage enthusiasts. The addition of a Bigsby and a master volume control enhances its playability and versatility, making it suitable for various music styles from classic rock to Americana. While the review notes very few downsides, the weight might be a consideration for some. Overall, it's a highly recommended choice for those seeking a retro vibe.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Sidoris uses Guild Starfire V

Frank Sidoris

Guitarist

The Cab

...
Verified via Gettyimages

Frank Sidoris can be seen using a Guild Starfire V in Black during his performance at the Hollywood Palladium on October 23, 2015, as captured in a Gettyimages photo.

See how Andrea Volpato uses Guild Starfire V

Andrea Volpato

Guitarist, Drummer

New Candys

...
Verified via YouTube

in this live photo and youtube live you can see Andrea Volpato using a guild starfire v

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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