The Guild Starfire was the answer to the classic hollow/semi hollow body instruments from Gibson. A familiar yet unique body design, the Starfire line of instruments are a fantastic answer for anyone looking for a budget friendly vintage instrument that can certainly hang with the best of them - this example dating likely to early 1970 with a "latter" '69 style serial number, and a Hoboken NJ label.
This Starfire Bass II model in the iconic Cherry finish, was a true work horse over the last half a century from the original owner. Well worn and loved, it is in good playing condition, and is certainly a real relic when it comes to its cosmetics. The double hum bucking pickups are nice and give nice definition and thump. The neck pickup offers a rounder darker tone one would expect, and the bridge almost with its Jazz bass aggression makes for a suitable candidate for a myriad of players.
Cosmetically, this bass has typical checking and binding discoloration and some significant buckle rash (see photos). Nicks and dings are present, along with a small chip at the treble side f hole, and what appears to have some wood filler (nicely hidden) under near the jacks, likely from an old fall. The output jack has been remounted, likely having taken a fall - behind the mounting plate, the side has caved in a bit, and separated from its binding, but it is structurally very sound in its current state.
The electronics function as they should, with a bit more buzz in the neck pickup than usual, but both pickups, knobs and switches all function as they should. The original choke is present and in the circuit.
The neck is nice and straight, with a very rounded profile that edges on the thicker side. The neck has nice and even wear through the red finish, and some non problematic nicks. The frets appear to have been recently leveled, which are now fairly low, but functioning as they should. The tuners have been replaced many moons ago, with some very nice Schaller options.
Weighs 8.3 lbs. Includes a newer Epiphone hardshell case.