






Guild Starfire IV 12-ST 12-String Cherry Red, (Used, Comm)
Pairs well with

Guild Starfire IV 12-ST 12-String Cherry Red, (Used, Comm)
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.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
-
Shipping Information
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
-
Customer Support
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
-
FAQ’s
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
-
Contact Us
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
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.

