Description

The Guild Starfire IV 12-ST 12-String in Cherry Red is a beautifully appointed semi-hollow electric designed to deliver the unmistakable chime, shimmer and natural chorus of a 12-string with the warmth and body of Guild’s classic Starfire platform.

Built with a laminated mahogany body and solid centre block, the Starfire IV 12-ST balances acoustic resonance with the sustain and feedback control needed for amplified playing.

A pair of Guild LB-1 Little Bucker humbuckers provides a clear and articulate voice that suits the complex harmonic character of twelve strings particularly well, while the ebony fingerboard, 24.75" scale and Vintage Soft “U” neck profile give the guitar a refined and comfortable playing feel.

This Pre-Owned example is finished in Cherry Red, is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 7.6 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail Specification
Brand Guild
Model Starfire IV 12-ST
Series Newark St. Collection
Finish Cherry Red
Type 12-String Semi-Hollow Electric
Pickups 2x Guild LB-1 Little Buckers
Fingerboard Ebony
Weight 7.6 lbs
Condition Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Guild Starfire IV 12-ST 12-String in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects an instrument that has been well looked after overall while showing the light signs of previous use expected from a Pre-Owned guitar.

This individual guitar weighs 7.6 lbs.

A hardcase is included.

KEY FEATURES

  • Guild Starfire IV 12-ST

  • 12-string electric guitar

  • Newark St. Collection

  • Cherry Red finish

  • Semi-hollow construction

  • Solid centre block

  • Laminated mahogany top

  • Laminated mahogany back and sides

  • 3-piece mahogany/maple set neck

  • Vintage Soft “U” neck profile

  • Ebony fingerboard

  • 9.5" fingerboard radius

  • 24.75" scale length

  • 22 narrow-jumbo frets

  • Bone nut

  • Dual Guild LB-1 Little Bucker humbuckers

  • 3-way pickup selector

  • 2 Volume controls

  • 2 Tone controls

  • Tune-O-Matic bridge

  • Stopbar tailpiece

  • Die-cast tuners

  • Nickel hardware

  • Actual measured weight of 7.6 lbs

  • Very Good Pre-Owned condition

  • Hardcase included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The Starfire IV 12-ST gives you the lush, naturally chorused sound of a 12-string without losing the fullness and control of a semi-hollow electric.

The solid centre block helps keep the guitar focused at stage volume, while the mahogany body retains plenty of warmth and resonance.

The LB-1 Little Buckers are particularly well suited to a 12-string because they retain clarity and separation across complex chords while still sounding fuller than a traditional single coil.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

12-String Configuration

The defining feature of the Starfire IV 12-ST is its six paired string courses.

This creates the bright octave shimmer and natural chorus associated with classic 12-string electric guitar sounds.

Semi-Hollow Construction

The body uses semi-hollow construction with a solid centre block.

This gives the guitar more resonance than a conventional solid body while helping control feedback and maintain sustain.

Laminated Mahogany Body

The top, back and sides use laminated mahogany.

This gives the instrument a warm tonal foundation that complements the naturally bright and harmonically rich character of twelve strings.

Cherry Red Finish

The Cherry Red finish gives the Starfire IV 12-ST a classic semi-hollow appearance with strong vintage character.

3-Piece Set Neck

The neck uses a 3-piece mahogany/maple construction and is glued into the body.

The multi-piece design provides stability while maintaining the traditional feel of a set-neck semi-hollow.

Vintage Soft “U” Profile

The Vintage Soft “U” neck profile provides a supportive shape without feeling excessively bulky.

This is particularly useful on a 12-string, where comfortable fretting pressure can make a significant difference during longer playing sessions.

Ebony Fingerboard

The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface and clear attack.

Its articulate response works especially well with the additional harmonic content of a 12-string guitar.

9.5" Fingerboard Radius

The 9.5" radius provides a comfortable balance between traditional chord work and more modern playability.

24.75" Scale Length

The 24.75" scale length gives the strings a slightly softer feel than a 25.5" design.

That can be particularly welcome on a 12-string, where overall string tension is naturally higher.

22 Narrow-Jumbo Frets

The guitar features 22 narrow-jumbo frets, offering a comfortable blend of precision and easy fretting.

Guild LB-1 Little Buckers

The Starfire IV 12-ST is fitted with two Guild LB-1 Little Bucker humbuckers.

These compact humbuckers retain plenty of clarity and high-end detail while adding more warmth and body than a conventional single-coil pickup.

Neck Pickup

The neck LB-1 provides the warmer and rounder voice of the two pickups.

It is particularly effective for lush clean chords and melodic playing.

Bridge Pickup

The bridge LB-1 adds extra attack and definition, helping the individual string courses remain distinct in busier arrangements.

Traditional Control Layout

Separate Volume and Tone controls are provided for each pickup.

This makes it easy to balance the two pickups and fine-tune the combined middle position.

Three-Way Selector

The 3-way toggle provides neck, both-pickups and bridge settings.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge

The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides accurate intonation adjustment across the 12-string setup.

Stopbar Tailpiece

The fixed stopbar tailpiece keeps the hardware stable and straightforward while helping maintain tuning consistency.

7.6 lbs Actual Weight

This individual guitar weighs 7.6 lbs, making it very manageable for a substantial 12-string semi-hollow.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Guild Starfire IV 12-ST is particularly well suited to indie, jangle pop, classic rock, folk-rock, alternative, psychedelic and studio players who want the distinctive texture of an electric 12-string.

It is also a strong choice for musicians looking for a more substantial, warm-sounding alternative to a solid-body 12-string.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The Starfire IV 12-ST works particularly well for:

  • Jangle pop

  • Indie

  • Classic rock

  • Folk-rock

  • Psychedelic music

  • Alternative

  • Clean rhythm

  • Layered studio parts

  • Ambient textures

  • Arpeggiated guitar parts

Its natural octave chorus makes it especially effective when used to add width and movement to arrangements.

HOW IT COMPARES

12-String vs 6-String

A conventional 6-string produces a more focused and direct sound.

The Starfire IV 12-ST adds octave and unison string pairs that create a broader, shimmering response.

Semi-Hollow vs Solid-Body 12-String

A solid-body 12-string generally produces a tighter and more immediate response.

The semi-hollow Guild adds greater warmth and resonance while retaining useful stage control through its centre block.

LB-1 Little Buckers vs Full-Size Humbuckers

The LB-1 pickups generally retain more clarity and upper-frequency detail than many traditional full-size humbuckers.

That makes them particularly effective for keeping 12-string chords articulate.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification Details
Product Type 12-String Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand Guild
Model Starfire IV 12-ST
Series Newark St. Collection
Finish Cherry Red
Body Type Semi-Hollow
Centre Block Solid
Top Laminated Mahogany
Back & Sides Laminated Mahogany
Neck Construction Set Neck
Neck Material 3-Piece Mahogany / Maple
Neck Profile Vintage Soft “U”
Fingerboard Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 9.5"
Scale Length 24.75" / Approx. 628mm
Frets 22 Narrow Jumbo
Nut Bone
Nut Width Approx. 43mm
Number of Strings 12
Pickup Configuration HH
Neck Pickup Guild LB-1 Little Bucker
Bridge Pickup Guild LB-1 Little Bucker
Electronics Passive
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching 3-Way Toggle
Bridge Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece Stopbar
Tuners Die-Cast
Hardware Nickel
Weight 7.6 lbs
Case Hardcase Included
Condition Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The Guild Starfire IV 12-ST uses passive electronics and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players looking for a premium-feeling electric 12-string with semi-hollow warmth, excellent chord definition and a classic vintage-inspired design.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level 12-string electrics, basic semi-hollows and standard 6-string guitars used for layered rhythm work.

Most commonly paired with: Clean valve amplifiers, compression, chorus, delay, reverb and light overdrive.

Our tip: Keep the amp relatively clean and let the natural octave pairs provide the width. Adding a small amount of compression and reverb can create an enormous, polished 12-string sound without becoming muddy.

Showroom feedback: The Starfire IV 12-ST has a particularly refined feel for an electric 12-string. The shorter scale helps keep the playing experience manageable, while the LB-1 pickups preserve excellent note separation.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Guild Starfire IV 12-ST can provide excellent value for players looking for a distinctive 12-string semi-hollow with premium appointments.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 7.6 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging Guild, Pre-Owned and specialist guitars.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

  • Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

  • Birmingham's largest independent music store

  • 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

  • Knowledgeable musician-led advice

  • Extensive experience with Guild and Pre-Owned guitars

  • Large Birmingham showroom

  • Secure online ordering

  • Fast UK delivery

  • Friendly customer support

  • Part-exchange and trade-in service

  • Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Guild Starfire IV 12-ST.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a guitar or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Guild Starfire IV 12-ST used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Guild Starfire IV 12-ST in Very Good condition.

Is it a 12-string?

Yes. It uses 12 strings arranged in six paired courses.

What finish does it have?

It has a Cherry Red finish.

Is it semi-hollow?

Yes. It uses semi-hollow construction with a solid centre block.

What is the body made from?

It uses laminated mahogany for the top, back and sides.

What is the neck made from?

It has a 3-piece mahogany/maple set neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has an ebony fingerboard.

What is the neck profile?

It uses Guild’s Vintage Soft “U” profile.

What is the scale length?

It has a 24.75" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 narrow-jumbo frets.

What pickups are fitted?

It has two Guild LB-1 Little Bucker humbuckers.

What controls does it have?

It uses two Volume controls, two Tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

Does it use active electronics?

No. The electronics are passive.

What bridge does it use?

It uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge.

Does it have a tremolo?

No. It uses a fixed stopbar tailpiece.

Does it require a battery?

No.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.6 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Is it suitable for jangle-pop and indie?

Yes. Its 12-string configuration is ideal for bright, shimmering rhythm and arpeggiated parts.

Is it suitable for classic rock?

Yes. Electric 12-string sounds are strongly associated with many classic rock and folk-rock recordings.

Can it handle overdrive?

Yes, although its greatest strength is usually clean to lightly driven sounds where the octave pairs remain clearly defined.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is particularly useful for hearing the natural chorus and note separation of the 12-string configuration.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

Need more help?

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