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Average Price: $3,500
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1501+
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Description
Prepare to elevate your sound with the Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody, a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern soundscapes. Born from Guild's bold entry into the electric guitar arena in the 1960s, this semi-hollowbody guitar captures the spirit of an era while delivering a rich, resonant tone that captivates both seasoned musicians and emerging artists.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Starfire XII features a double cutaway design that not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides effortless access to higher frets for those soaring solos. The body, constructed from laminated maple or mahogany, offers a warm and balanced sound, complemented by a smooth three-piece maple/mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard that feels just right under your fingers.
At the heart of the Starfire XII are two humbucker pickups that ensure a versatile sound palette, from crisp highs to deep, soulful lows. Whether you're channeling the classics or exploring new musical territories, the harp tailpiece and chrome-plated hardware lend a touch of elegance and durability to your performance. With four intuitive control knobs, shaping your sound has never been easier, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of shimmer and depth.
If you're ready to join the ranks of legendary players like Buddy Guy and Jerry Garcia, this guitar is your ticket to a sound that's both timeless and uniquely your own.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody with double cutaway design
- Laminated Maple or Mahogany body
- Three-piece Maple/Mahogany neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Two humbucker pickups
- Chrome-plated hardware
- Harp tailpiece
- Four control knobs for sound shaping
Product specs
| Brand | Guild |
| Model | Starfire XII |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Year | 1966 |
| Categories | 12-String Electric Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Red |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 12-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What kind of music is the Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody best suited for?
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The Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody is ideal for genres that benefit from rich, shimmering textures, such as folk, rock, and jangly pop. Its semi-hollow body and 12-string configuration offer a lush sound perfect for adding depth to your music.
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How does the neck profile of the Guild Starfire XII feel for playing?
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The Guild Starfire XII features a comfortable set-neck construction with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience. Its neck profile is well-suited for players who appreciate ease of playability, especially across the extended range of 12 strings.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Guild Starfire XII's pickups?
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The Guild Starfire XII is equipped with HH (humbucker) pickups, delivering a warm, full-bodied sound. These pickups excel in producing a balanced tone that complements the natural resonance of the semi-hollow body, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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Is the Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Guild Starfire XII is well-suited for live performances. Its semi-hollow body design provides excellent resonance and projection, while the 12-string setup offers a rich, layered sound that stands out on stage.
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Does the Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody require any special maintenance?
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Like all 12-string guitars, the Guild Starfire XII may require more frequent tuning and string changes compared to a 6-string guitar. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the fretboard and checking the neck alignment, will help ensure optimal performance.
Videos
Jahn
1967 Guild Starfire XII Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound, reminiscent of bells ringing and angel's choirs
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LB-1 humbuckers offer a versatile sound between single coil and standard humbucker
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Comfortable playability, even easier than many 6-string electrics
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Neck joins at the 18th fret, providing a different playing experience
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Fixed metal bridge on a wooden base enhances sustain
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Evokes the nostalgic sound of the Bangles' chime
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Odor and appearance echo aged wood, adding vintage charm
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Guild Starfire XII 12-String Hollowbody.
Setup and maintenance
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The action is reported as excessively high, resembling a sitar, suggesting the nut requires professional adjustment for improved playability without needing a capo.
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Users recommend a professional setup for the Danelectro to improve action and intonation, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners suggest installing bridges with individual intonation screws, potentially requiring an adapter for compatibility with existing post sizes.
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Owners have discussed replacing stock pickups for more aggressive tones, although specific models weren't mentioned.
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A Harley Benton "Chickenbacker" benefits greatly from a Rickenbacker 12-saddle bridge, improving tuning and tone for under $600 total.
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Use cases and applications
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Using the Guild Starfire XII with fuzz pedals for lead playing offers a distinctly different experience compared to using pitch or octave fuzz pedals.
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The Guild Starfire XII is noted for its effectiveness in creating a jangly wall of sound, ideal for shoegaze music.
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The guitar has been successfully used in recording sessions, praised for its ability to create lush, layered soundscapes.
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The Digitech Mosaic pedal effectively simulates a 12-string sound on electrics for around $200, offering a versatile alternative for players.
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User experience
Comparisons
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
James uses a Starfire XII during the live performance of MGMT's "Congratulations"
http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=611370
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"Robert Lockwood Jr used Gretsch guitars (as well as a Guild Starfire XII electric 12-string)...
OK, here's my rant. YOu can use any guitar to play the blues, or to play jazz, or country, or whatever. It's the notes and the way the player expresses them, not the guitar. I'm not saying that a Bakersfield Tele sound is going to work for what a lot of people consider mainstream jazz, but you can warm up a Tele a lot. So it's not the instrument/amp that makes it blues."
jte
Album Usage
The Guild Starfire XII 12-String 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.
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