Guild Starfire Bass II - Emerald Green Review

Great semi-hollow bass

If you are looking for a classic sounding semi-hollow bass, the Guild Starfire II Bass ticks off all the boxes. Mine weighs a very manageable 7.8 lbs. The slim neck is very comfortable, has a 30.75" scale I set up with medium scale GHS Precision Flats strings. The Bi-Sonic pickups deliver a deep rich tone and as an aside, they provide a very comfortable place to park your thumb.… read more The master volume control is handy after you dial in your tone. I find the Korean build is very satisfactory, nothing lacking in fit or finish (a beautiful deep Emerald Green in my case). I also own an Epiphone Rivoli II (1990's reissue}, an Epiphone Jack Casady, a Hagstrom Viking, an Eastwood Classic 4, a Fender Starcaster and this is the easiest playing of the bunch.

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A different bass for a different vibe

I find the attraction to any instrument is the unique vibes it brings with it, the new inspiration it feeds. I typically play fretless basses and this brings a very different feel/sound/tone to me. Not light, and with a slight neck heavy balance (not too bad with the right strap). The two pickups have very different tones and the blend of the two is also different enough that… read more I find myself using the three way switch between songs. I did have Sweetwater install flat wounds (chromes). The only negative is the switch itself feels cheap and makes an audible noise through the amp/house when used. I use a volume pedal on the floor to avoid the pop. It is very clear, plays cords very nice as well as harmonics. As stated, it is a bass that calls to be played and is always hard to put down.

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Goes a long way toward restoring my liking for shorties.

I played one of the single PU versions back in the stone age when I started playing bass. I ended up buying a Hagstrom Futurama, or HBII, or whatever it was called in that time and place. At the time the Hag was 2 PU and the same price... or less? I eventually got more into 34" scale and never looked back. Though this bass cannot growl with the big boys, I like the neck specs and… read more the sound of the repro Hagstrom biphonics. Sweetwater delivered a lot faster than I thought possible and the bass arrived in perfect condition. I did my usual mods and such, i.e. changed the control knobs, replaced the buttons with Schaller strap locks, oiled the fingerboard, and made some neck/action adjustments to my personal preferences. Intonation was right on. I'll be replacing the stock D'ddario strings with flat wound Labella. This reminds me of another reason I stopped playing shorties; string options are pretty limited for them. At this time, it seems that reasonably priced 45 X 105 strings are hard to find for this bass, especially in flat wound versions. Still, it seems to me to be a good addition to my recording weaponry......and it matches my Star fire V guitar.

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One Awesome Bass!

The Guild Starfire II is a solid instrument through and through. The independent Volume and Tone controls give this bass a wide range of sounds. The neck feels great and it's just so cool looking! Even better it comes with a hardcase! Well worth the cost.

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I own one again!

I bought my first Emerald Starfire II in 1968. I played it in rock and country bands for several years. In the 70's I hit some hard times and sold it, always meaning to get it back. When I saw that Guild was reissuing this bass I saw my chance. Mine arrived this morning as my 67th birthday present from my lovely wife. What a beauty! the finish, the feel and that unbelievable… read more sound. It takes me back to the old days. Thanks Guild and Sweetwater!

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