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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
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What kind of music genres is the Guild Starfire V suitable for?
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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.
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How does the Guild Starfire V's neck feel for playability?
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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.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Guild Starfire V pickups?
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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.
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Does the Guild Starfire V come with a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Guild Starfire V includes a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and adding versatility to your playing style.
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Is the Guild Starfire V suitable for live performances?
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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.
Videos
Guild Guitars
Guild Starfire V Demo by Trevor Menear
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent Bigsby functionality for smooth tremolo use
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Pickups provide warm, biting tone without excessive treble
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Distinct "woody" jazz sound with rock capability
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Superior tuning stability compared to similar models
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High-quality finishes and unique block inlays
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Versatile tone controls suitable for various music styles
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Solid build quality, feels like a premium instrument
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Unique character and flavor distinct from other semi-hollow bodies
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Low action and smooth playability for comfortable performance
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Minimal noise from LB-1 pickups, ideal for studio and live settings
CONS
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Heavier back causing balance issues when playing standing
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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
Value and pricing
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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
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Guild Starfires are noted as a step up from Epiphones and are comparable to Eastman guitars, although Eastmans can be more expensive.
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The Epiphone Casino is fully hollow, while the Guild Starfire V is a semi-hollow, affecting the resonance and feedback characteristics.
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The Casino’s pickups are different from the Guild’s, with users recommending higher-end Casinos featuring Gibson P-90s for iconic tones.
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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.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the lightweight yet solid feel of the Starfire V, contrasting with other guitars that can feel cheap.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners of Korean Epiphone Casinos have upgraded electronics with Kent Armstrong Casino pickups, enhancing the sound significantly.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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