What is the primary body material of the Guild Starfire I 12 String?

The guitar features an arched maple body, including the top, back, and sides. This choice of wood contributes to the instrument's bright and clear primary tone.

Does this guitar have a solid or hollow body?

It is a semi-hollow body guitar. It features a hollow outer construction with a solid mahogany centre block to improve sustain and control feedback.

What pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with two Guild HB-2 humbuckers. These pickups use Alnico II magnets to deliver a warm, PAF-inspired vintage sound.

Can you split the coils on the Starfire I 12 String?

Yes, the guitar features push/pull controls. This allows the player to split the humbuckers into single-coil tones for more sonic variety.

What is the significance of the mahogany centre block?

The solid mahogany centre block runs through the middle of the body. It helps increase the guitar's sustain and prevents the unwanted feedback often associated with hollow-body guitars at high volumes.

What finish options are available for this specific model?

This specific version of the Starfire I 12 String is finished in a classic Cherry Red. It is designed to offer a timeless Guild aesthetic.

What kind of sound character does this 12-string provide?

The instrument is designed to offer a huge, immersive sound. It can produce everything from vintage 'chime' and 'jangle' to rich, layered rhythm tones.

Is the neck easy to access for high-fret playing?

Yes, the double-cutaway body design allows for better access to the higher frets compared to single-cutaway or full-body hollow models.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The typical price range for the Guild Starfire I 12 String Double Cut Cherry Red is approximately GBP 589.

How does the Alnico II magnet affect the tone?

Alnico II magnets are known for a softer magnetic pull and a warmer, smoother frequency response. This contributes to the vintage, PAF-style character of the HB-2 pickups.

Is this guitar suitable for live performance?

Yes, it is designed with modern reliability in mind. The combination of the centre block and humbucking pickups makes it well-suited for the demands of live stages.

Does this guitar come with accessories like strings from other brands?

While this guitar is a standalone instrument, players often pair it with high-quality strings like Ernie Ball Slinkys or D'Addario sets to maintain its tone and playability.

Gear article

Guild Starfire I 12 String Double Cut Cherry Red

The Guild Starfire I 12 String is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that combines traditional 1960s aesthetics with modern electronic versatility. Featuring a double-cutaway arched maple body and Alnico II humbuckers, it is designed to deliver the characteristic shimmer and depth associated with 12-string instruments.

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Overview

The Guild Starfire I 12 String is an elegant addition to the Starfire family, tailored for players seeking the expansive sound of a 12-string in a comfortable, semi-hollow format. The instrument is constructed with an arched maple top, back, and sides, which provides a bright and resonant foundation. To enhance modern playability and stage performance, it includes a solid mahogany centre block. This internal feature increases sustain and significantly reduces the susceptibility to feedback often found in fully hollow instruments.

Electronics and Tone

At the heart of the Starfire I 12 String's electronics are a pair of Guild HB-2 humbuckers. These pickups utilize Alnico II magnets to produce a warm, vintage-voiced tone inspired by classic PAF designs. A notable feature of this model is the inclusion of push/pull coil-splitting functionality on the volume controls. This allows the player to transition from the thick, rich output of a humbucker to thinner, single-coil-style tones, further expanding the guitar's utility for various musical genres.

Design and Aesthetics

Finished in a vibrant Cherry Red, the guitar maintains the timeless visual identity of the Guild Starfire series. The double-cutaway design allows for easier access to the upper frets, while the chrome hardware and iconic Guild headstock provide a classic look. The semi-hollow construction strikes a balance between the acoustic resonance of a larger body and the ergonomic comfort of a thinner electric guitar.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily suited for guitarists who require the specific 'jangle' and harmonic complexity of a 12-string guitar for rhythm or lead work. Its versatile electronics make it an appropriate choice for genres ranging from folk-rock and psych-rock to modern pop. The inclusion of the centre block also makes it a reliable choice for live performers who use higher gain or volume levels on stage.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Guild Starfire I 12 String?: The guitar features an arched maple body, including the top, back, and sides. This choice of wood contributes to the instrument's bright and clear primary tone.
Does this guitar have a solid or hollow body?: It is a semi-hollow body guitar. It features a hollow outer construction with a solid mahogany centre block to improve sustain and control feedback.
What pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with two Guild HB-2 humbuckers. These pickups use Alnico II magnets to deliver a warm, PAF-inspired vintage sound.
Can you split the coils on the Starfire I 12 String?: Yes, the guitar features push/pull controls. This allows the player to split the humbuckers into single-coil tones for more sonic variety.
What is the significance of the mahogany centre block?: The solid mahogany centre block runs through the middle of the body. It helps increase the guitar's sustain and prevents the unwanted feedback often associated with hollow-body guitars at high volumes.
What finish options are available for this specific model?: This specific version of the Starfire I 12 String is finished in a classic Cherry Red. It is designed to offer a timeless Guild aesthetic.
What kind of sound character does this 12-string provide?: The instrument is designed to offer a huge, immersive sound. It can produce everything from vintage 'chime' and 'jangle' to rich, layered rhythm tones.
Is the neck easy to access for high-fret playing?: Yes, the double-cutaway body design allows for better access to the higher frets compared to single-cutaway or full-body hollow models.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for the Guild Starfire I 12 String Double Cut Cherry Red is approximately GBP 589.
How does the Alnico II magnet affect the tone?: Alnico II magnets are known for a softer magnetic pull and a warmer, smoother frequency response. This contributes to the vintage, PAF-style character of the HB-2 pickups.
Is this guitar suitable for live performance?: Yes, it is designed with modern reliability in mind. The combination of the centre block and humbucking pickups makes it well-suited for the demands of live stages.
Does this guitar come with accessories like strings from other brands?: While this guitar is a standalone instrument, players often pair it with high-quality strings like Ernie Ball Slinkys or D'Addario sets to maintain its tone and playability.