GGJaguar's Guitarium and Ampeteria 2019 Guild Starfire II ST Dynasonic

All images and text copyrighted and property of Greg Gagliano.

FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

In 2019, Guild did some tinkering on the Starfire II ST and created the Starfire II ST Dynasonic model. Contrary to Guild's specifications, this guitar is not semi-hollow, but rather, fully hollow with "bridge block bracing". In short, there is a large sound post under the bridge that supports the top instead of traditional parallel braces. This is a very unusual design that is probably done to save money in construction costs. The design results in very little arching in the top which acts more like a flattop guitar acoustically. This translates to the ST Dynasonic having a stronger bass response than the Starfire III. However, this is somewhat offset by the bright and chimey Dynasonic pickups. In addition to the DeArmond single coil pickups, the ST Dyna was also upgraded with a bound ebony fingerboard and gold hardware. The gold hardware really pops against the Royal Brown finish in a very Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman kind of way. The two ST models are quite practical from a player's standpoint and the ST Dynasonic sounds great even without top braces. And while that should preclude any negative criticism regarding tone and playability, there is one other nit to pick - the triangular truss rod cover shape is totally out of place and gives the Starfire II ST models a decidedly cheap look that is commonly found on budget, low quality guitars. Guild should have used the same 1950s style cover from the Newark Street series. It doesn't really matter since Guild discontinued the Starfire II Dynasonic in 2020 and that's a shame because it is a fine playing and sounding guitar. This guitar was fitted with a reissue pickguard for a more vivid retro impression.

GUILD STARFIRE II ST DYNASONIC (2019)

Body: Hollow with sound post; laminated 2-piece Sapele top and back, and laminated Sapele sides; single bound top and back