1962 GUILD SF-350 Stratford Starfire in Incredibly Rare All-Mahogany Cherry Finish

Up for grabs is an ultra-rare 1962 Guild Stratford Starfire (SF-350), one of only three known examples, crafted with an all-mahogany body and a gorgeous nitro cherry finish. This guitar has lived a full life, bearing the marks of 60+ years of heavy play by seasoned musicians, with cool vintage character adding to its road-worn charm. Packed with history and tone, this SF-350 is a collector’s dream or a player’s delight for those who love vintage Guilds with soul.

Specifications:  
- Model: 1962 Guild Stratford Starfire (SF-350), verified by all-mahogany construction and 1961–1962 catalog match.  
- Body: Single-cutaway, fully hollow, all-mahogany top, back, and sides (17” wide, 21” long, 3” deep).  
- Finish: Original nitro cherry, vibrant and translucent, with significant wear (lacquer checking, dings, and minor finish chips, not affecting the wood).  
- Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fretboard, medium C profile, 24.75” scale, block inlays, and “Starfire” truss rod cover.  
- Pickups: Three Guild HB-1 humbuckers (1970s modification) replacing original DeArmond Dynasonic single-coils, offering warm, versatile tones for jazz, blues, or rock.  
- Bridge: Replacement Adjustomatic-style saddle (originally an Adjusto-Matic Tune-o-matic), fully functional with vintage aesthetic.  
- Electronics: Volume and master tone knobs, and push-button "switchmaster" pickup selectors (inspired by X-350 design).  
- Label: Internal “X-350 - Cherry” label, likely a factory quirk, adding to its unique story.  
- Rarity: One of only three documented SF-350s all-Mahogany, cherry finish guitars (the regular Stratford X-350 was made of Maple, and only in Sunburst or Blonde finish)

Condition Notes:  
This 1962 Stratford Starfire has seen serious action over its 60+ years, with plenty of wear from experienced players—think lacquer checking, dings, and minor finish chips and bumps. It’s structurally sound - no breaks, repairs or cracks of any kind, is fully playable, and resonates with the warm, rich tone only an all-mahogany Guild can deliver. The 1970s upgrades—three HB-1 humbuckers—give it a modern edge while staying true to Guild’s vibe. The “X-350” label suggests a factory anomaly, likely tied to its start as a Stratford body with three-pickup setup. All wear and mods are fully disclosed; this is a battle-scarred beauty with tons of character, not a pristine showpiece.

Why It’s Special:  
- Rarity: One of just three known SF-350 Mahogany & Cherry finish guitar, making it a unicorn among 1960s Guilds.  
- Tone: All-mahogany construction and HB-1s deliver a warm, dynamic sound perfect for multiple genres.  
- Vintage Vibe: The authentic reliquing from heavy wear tells a story of decades on the road, ideal for players and collectors who love guitars with history.  
- Collector Appeal: Comparable to Starfire IIIs ($8,000-$15,000) but elevated by its one-of-three status and unique features.

Additional Details:  
- Includes a faux-alligator hardshell case.  
- Professional setup recommended to match your playing style.  
- Full transparency on condition and modifications—ask for additional photos or details!

Why Buy?  
This 1962 Guild SF-350 is a rare chance to own a piece of vintage guitar history with unmatched character. Its one-of-three status, all-mahogany body, and road-worn look make it a standout for collectors or players seeking a unique Guild with killer tone. Serious inquiries only, please!

Please note - the video sample attached showcases a Stratford x350B, although with different pickups, it's meant as an example of tonal options and versatility possible with a Stratford build.

Keywords: 1962 Guild Stratford Starfire, SF-350, all-mahogany, cherry finish, vintage Guild, rare guitar, one-of-three, HB-1 pickups, DeArmond, 1960s guitar, custom prototype.