Almost all Starfires featured a laminated mahogany or maple body. The most common where the mahogany, due to the natural preference of darker and richer colors and the ease of creating a Sunburst finish as compared to maple. But for those who prefer the lighter and more natural look, maple was the preferred choice. Some would argue that a heavy lacquer finish on the maple made the natural beauty of the wood stand out in a way that was superior to the mahogany. Obviously, beauty is in the eyes of the holder.

The Starfire I, II, and III models were all fully hollow while the IV, V, and VI models were semi-hollow with a center block. The very first version of the Starfire featured a single P90 pickup, Rosewood fretboard, chrome plated hardware and dot inlays. In 1960 the P-90 gave way to dual DeArmond pickups on the Starfire II, which gave way themselves to humbuckers in 1963. When the Starfire I replaced the harp tailpiece with a Bigsby tailpiece it became the Starfire III.

Throughout its lifetime the Starfire line was well loved by amateurs and pros alike. Although there are difference opinions over which pickups were the best, most who love this guitar did so because of its comfort and ease of playability.