In 1964 the Starfire IV usually came with a cherry red or sunburst finish. Other options were available including black, white, emerald green, and others. A laminated maple or mahogany body was the norm, with a center block that made the Starfire IV the first semi-hollow electric archtop in the line. The 1964 version usually had dual humbucker pickups, although it was possible to get the DeArmond single coils if you wanted them. Other standard features included the rosewood fret board, dot inlays, and polished chrome hardware.

Perhaps the two most significant changes in the Starfire IV didn't come until later. In 1967 the neck and body joint was moved from the 16th to the 18 fret after a number of professional musicians complained they didn't have access to the upper portion of the fret board. That change remained permanent. However, one change that proved to be temporary was replacing the dot inlays with blocks. The bloc inlays went from 1973 to 1980 when they were returned again to dots.

The Starfire IV was a favorite of Buddy Guy, who actually endorsed it for the Guild company. It was known that Mr. Guy preferred the older models, particularly the pre-1970 ones. Regardless, a 1964 Starfire IV is still one of the best electric archtops Guild ever made. If you have one, hold on to it.