Guild Starfire III Cherry (1968)

Guild electrics of the 50s and 60s do more than hold their own against the Gibson and Fender counterparts of the era, bringing something a little different than both of those heavyweight brands to the table. Popular amongst jazz and blues players, they often have a leaner, cleaner, and brighter tonality that excels at clean tones.

The Starfire lineup is arguably Guild's most popular collection of electrics ever made, with variations on thinline hollowbodies and semi-hollowbodies that went toe-to-toe with Gibsons of the period. This 1968 Starfire III in its original Cherry finish is a fabulous example of the single-cut hollowbody variant. The original mini humbuckers offer sweet and chimey tone that's reminiscent of some DeArmond Dynasonics but in a hum-cancelling format. The factory Bigsby outfit - known affectionately as "Guildsby" for the exclusive 'Guild' stamping on the tailpiece, functions wonderfully, with a silky smooth action that's perfect for country jazz, western swing, and rockabilly.

The thin, lightweight body combined with a fantastic playing Full C profile neck make it a very inviting guitar to play, and is as enjoyable strummed unplugged as it is into your favorite amp.

The guitar is in absolutely amazing condition, and if it weren't for some finish scratches on the treble-side waist and a small nick on the back of the neck, you'd swear this guitar was never really played or handled at all. All hardware and plastics are very clean as well.