Guild Starfire Deluxe Bass Sweet Tea 4-strenget basguitar

Guild Starfire Deluxe Bass Sweet Tea — Vintage Semi-Hollow Voice, Modern Playability

The Starfire Deluxe Bass Sweet Tea is Guild's flagship short-scale semi-hollow 4-string, a modern reissue of the celebrated 1960s Starfire Bass II. An arched maple body with a poplar center block produces a resonant, articulate voice, while dual BS-1 BiSonic single-coil pickups translate that character into rich, full-range bass tone. At 781 mm, the scale length sits between a traditional short-scale and a full 34-inch bass, offering relaxed string tension without sacrificing low-end authority. The Sweet Tea gloss polyurethane finish and ivory binding give this bass a stage-ready look rooted in Guild's vintage heritage.

What Sets the Starfire Deluxe Bass Apart

Few reissue basses pair a genuine arched maple semi-hollow body with the original BS-1 BiSonic pickups — and this model carries both. The poplar center block focuses the amplified response while the surrounding chambers and dual F-holes contribute open, airy resonance. A separate Master Volume sits alongside per-pickup Volume and Tone knobs, letting players lock in their preferred blend and adjust output without disturbing the balance.

Arched Maple Semi-Hollow Body — Resonant and Focused

The semi-hollow construction blends the depth of a chambered design with the focused attack of a center block. Combined with maple sides, the arched maple top and back produce a bright, defined character that cuts through a mix while still feeling full and round.

• Body Type: Semi-hollow with poplar center block — combines resonant chambered tone with amplified focus
• Top Material: Arched maple — contributes bright attack and natural sustain
• Body Finish: Gloss polyurethane in Sweet Tea — durable, stage-ready sheen
• Body Dimensions: 416 mm lower bout, 299 mm upper bout, 44 mm depth — classic Starfire proportions

Short-Scale Vintage Soft U Neck — Effortless Across the Fingerboard

At 781 mm, the scale length reduces string tension for a slinky, responsive feel that rewards both fingerstyle grooves and pick-driven lines. Shaped to a Vintage Soft U profile, the mahogany set neck offers a substantial grip without feeling bulky, while the bound rosewood fingerboard keeps every position smooth and precise.

• Scale Length: 781 mm (30.75") — relaxed tension with authoritative low end
• Neck Material: Mahogany, set-in construction — sturdy, resonant connection to the body
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 305 mm (12") radius — comfortable for both chord work and single-note runs
• Nut Width: 38 mm bone nut — traditional spacing for a familiar bass feel

BS-1 BiSonic Pickups and Vintage-Inspired Hardware

The dual BS-1 BiSonic single-coils reproduce the rich, refined thump that defined the original Starfire Bass II. Grover Vintage open-gear tuners and a Guild adjustable bass bridge with rosewood saddles round out a hardware package built for stability and tonal warmth.

• Pickups: Dual Guild BS-1 BiSonic single-coils — full, articulate voice with classic thump
• Controls: Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Neck Tone, Bridge Tone, Master Volume, 3-way toggle — detailed shaping without losing pickup balance
• Bridge: Guild adjustable bass bridge with rosewood saddles — stable intonation with warm, dry response
• Tuners: Grover 142C Vintage open-gear bass — smooth, accurate tuning stability

Ideal for Vintage-Tone Players and Short-Scale Enthusiasts

The Starfire Deluxe Bass Sweet Tea is the right choice for bassists who want the airy, resonant character of a semi-hollow instrument with the focused response modern playing demands. Players drawn to the thumpy, articulate sound of 1960s psych and jam-band recordings will feel at home with the BS-1 BiSonic pickups and arched maple construction. The 781 mm scale and Vintage Soft U neck make it especially welcoming for players who prefer a relaxed string feel, including those transitioning from guitar. Studio players appreciate the detailed control layout, while gigging bassists get durable gloss polyurethane finish and dependable Grover tuners.

Guild's Newark St. Collection and the Starfire Legacy

Guild semi-hollow body basses rose to prominence in the 1960s, finding their way into the hands of influential players including Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane's Jack Casady. The Starfire Deluxe Bass is part of the Newark St. Collection, a series of vintage-inspired instruments that honor Guild's mid-century legacy while adding contemporary touches for today's working bassists. By pairing the original BS-1 BiSonic pickup design with a properly crafted arched maple body, Guild keeps that celebrated voice alive.