Guild’s I Series guitars are an avowed classic. But now, that classic legacy model is available as an affordably-priced 12-string in the form of the Guild I-12 electric.
The new Starfire model, as Paul Riario demonstrates in the above video, “maintains classic Guild tone and response without sacrificing playability,” all while being offered as the company’s most affordable 12-string electric guitar.
The I-12 boasts a semi-hollow construction, with an arched mahogany body and mahogany center block. You also get a 24 3/4”-scale mahogany neck with a comfortable 1 11/16" nut width and a “super flat” 12 1/2” radius rosewood fretboard.
Pickups-wise, the guitar is loaded with a pair of Guild HB-2 humbuckers, inspired by the company’s HB-1 model. The pickups boast Alnico II magnets “for rich and full tones that perfectly complement the full spectrum of frequencies produced by a 12-string guitar,” Paul notes.
But that’s not all: “You can also pull up on either pickup’s volume knob to engage coil split mode, individually allowing for either fully-lush humbucker tones or jangly single-coil sounds,” he continues.
What else do you get with the Starfire I-12? How about a fully-bound body, Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece, classic Guild knobs, a three-step black pickguard, nickel Guild headstock logo and full-gloss Cherry Red finish, “Which makes it all the more special,” Paul says.
His verdict? “If 12-string jangle is your preferred calling card, then the Guild Starfire I-12 should be your next consideration for an airy, crisp electric 12-string with top-notch construction, easy playability and a wide range of warm, chime-y tones,” Paul says. “All at a price that won’t break the bank.”
To check out the Starfire I-12 for yourself, head to Guild Guitars.
