I think what you are struggling with is that gibson and fender subconsciously has set the parameters of what a guitar should be and this guitar is slightly outside those parameters
@@GradualErase LMAO!!! Yeah right tell that to their employees! You haven't seen many recent evaluations of them then. Check out Philip McKnights recent reviews.
Don’t know why certain guitars fight… but from an eyes closed listen to your playing of this beauty, I have to say this sounds glorious in your hands. I say give it some time to bend to your will before selling.. it is lovely.
I have a starplayer tv (mine in surf green). Actually I don’t do justice to the guitar but is such a good instrument that I’m proud of being a Duesenberg owner. You don’t have to be the best guitar player to have a good guitar. Otherwise, if it doesn’t inspire you, you are not going to play it or you don’t feel the connection, don’t keep it just because it’s great. My advice, give it a chance. Take time and if it isn’t for you, trade it Cheers
Daniel Martin - That's pretty much where I stand too. Got a Starplayer TV in black sparkle late last year - an incredible deal, almost half off the price, all due to one tiny imperfection in the binding. I think I'm a very good player but not really the type who would bring out everything this astonishing instrument is capable of. I'm hard rock as opposed to metal, basically balls-out, humbuckers into a 4x12 type player, rarely ever go off the bridge pickup. Think Steve Jones/Angus Young. But guess what? Even with my somewhat limited scope, this thing sounds great and brings out the best from me, so no reservations and certainly no apologies. Can't decide whether the Duesenberg or my SG is my fave, although the Doozy's build, design and quality control certainly leave anything by Gibson in the dust.
I have been a Les Paul owner, I own a Martin acoustic and now have a Duesenberg Fairytale Split /King lap steel on the way. 1.18.2023. The quality of work and materials in this guitar is a cut above any Gibson, Fender or any other brand guitar. Keep it.
people keep saying this guitar is built better than any Fender or Gibson guitar but that's crap.......these guitars are major ripoffs of American designs......i tried one of these guitars and their full hollow bodies '........and the two i tried are/were just German copies of Gretsch guitars with a little Gibson design elements like the semi hollow design which copies the Gibson 335......the tremolo is a ripoff of the Bigsby b7 with the Chet Atkins wire arm......and the pickups are Gibson Designs.........the only thing this company kind of designed is the gaudy hardware........nobody wants these guitars....just look at what he said...this guitar sat on the store wall for nearly a year for 2000 then was lowered to 1700 until he traded 3 Epiphone guitars for it...........what does that tell you?......if this was a Custom shop Gibson. Fender or Gretsch it would have sold fast and for quite a bit more............i two i tried were not worth the money.......if i was in the market for either style guitar i would have just bought the real deal Gretsch...........
@@bhollyfanhardin9627They feel different, look different and sound different than Gretschs and Gibsons. And they keep in tune… those are great guitars, no matter if you like them or not.
I Neil Younged my tokai putting a Duesenberg Les Trem and it was the best upgrade I've ever done. It is an engineering mastepiece, zero maintenance, easy fit with no drilling, totally reversible, restringing is as easy as it gets, and it's got a great feel and precision. I know you're not a whammy guy, but come on, give it a try, it deserves some love
I'm a hairdtail guy. Don't like the complexity and tuning stability issues of a trem...BUT! I DO HAVE MANY PRS TREM GUITARS, AND I USE A LITTLE "JAKE BLADE" FOR THE TREM ARM, AMD IT GIVES ME THAT SUBTLE WARBLE WHEN I WANT, LIKE WHEN HOLDING A CHORD OR NOTE AWHILE
Actually you do it justice...I have 3 Duzzy guitars. They are so well built and fun to play - the trem is the best there is. Great review - "Gibson isn't even trying" is the best line! Thanks for the video
Always love to see what you come up with every week. Something very tasty indeed. It's amazing how one can pick up a different guitar and it can bring out a side of your playing that you never expected. Inspire you to play something fresh and new. Then some guitars just don't transmit that feeling. Emotion is a powerful tool. Cheers, man!
Great review Colin! Duesenbergs are beautifully made, gorgeous-sounding guitars. Despite some comments here, they are worth every penny. I don’t have one but every one I have tried has been a small epiphany. However, I can see that it simply doesn’t speak to your deeps and that’s reason enough to pair it up with someone who’ll whisk it away for a whirlwind romance. I hope to see you review an Eastman or two one of these days. I have two of their incredible guitars and the romance is permanent.
I have a Duesenberg Starplayer TV 2013 and in my opinion it is one of the finest guitars ever built . It did take me a little while to warm up to it . But now I really like it .
Review whatever guitar excites you to share. I have been firmly in the budget camp for the last few years, hell, I even had to sell off pretty much my entire collection to make ends meet. All I have left now are 2 guitars that are worth less than the cost of shipping them to whoever bought them. The only way I get to scratch my itch is by watching videos like yours, both on the budget and more premium end. The budget end gives me ideas for fun projects that won't put me in debt and the premium end reminds me of how much I enjoyed my collection. You helped me remember that the best part of collecting is getting something new. I get to do that all over again and not have to deal with the pain of letting something go to make room or offset cost. I ripped off the band aid as it were. As for Duesenberg, I have played a few over the years, lovely bits of kit for sure. What I like about them is that they actually try to make you feel like your money went somewhere. Every bit of them has a feeling of hand crafted beauty unlike Gibson that flat out charge you for a name and serial number with 0 shame. People say things like you get what you pay for, Duesenberg makes you feel much more like that statement is true than Gibson ever did. Still trying to shake the urge to get a new (used) LP Standard as soon as finances permit....... I will never buy a new Gibson again, on principal. They have handled themselves like absolute tossers and I will not be giving them my money again. Lovely review mate and kudos for having the guts to strip her down and show us her undies 🤣
Cheers man, that's really true that at no point do you (did I) ever question why this guitar costs what it does... in fact they were always known for being 'expensive' guitars which isn't really the case these days is it?. But the truth is anyway that you can have just as much fun scoring a cheap guitar and probably sound just as good on them. Thanks for supporting the channel I am sure that bargain Les Paul will find you one day but in the meantime I shall keep the guitar porn coming your way! 😎👍
I’ve got one of these guitars in black. I bought it in lock down. They are incredible instruments. The versatility is incredible. I have played everything from Tool to The Cure to Johnny Cash on mine. It always holds its own. When inspiration strikes, it covers many bases.
Hi Collin! Yet another great review . It's the first time i saw someone taking a Duesenberg apart on you tubes for that hard work you put in you deserve the guitar. maybe you will grow to bond with it. And once again I said it once before I love your playing You have this sweet delicate touch. Thanks again.👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing guitar! You know why I like it... those tuners are so cool. I'm not a trem guy either, but it's a cool setup. Fit and finish look as you described, absolutely marvelous, and you know what they say, I's better to look marvelous than to BE marvelous. Absolutely marvelous stuff! That's definitely a guitar to put on my wish list... another great review! Thanks so much Colin... CHEERS MATE! See you next week!
Cheers Bob, I know why you like it man this is right up your alley and I can just picture you out on the porch with it sliding away! I've been practising with a little pinkie slide btw and look forward to rolling sometime out one day! Have a good one mate! 😎👍
I bought a Mike Campbell model of the Duesenberg and it quickly became my number one. I have been, and still am , mostly a Tele player so I was surprised how quickly my live rig switched over to the Duesenberg.
I love the attention to detail and overall look on those, always wanted to own a Duesenberg, there's just something about their style and I really like this one... Those 'stairs' alone, more or less their signature detail, being brought into every little piece of it, the headstock, the knobs... There also are some other cool shapes from them, some more unconventional, but intruiging ones. Love them all, if I now only had the spare money... ^^
I’m not convinced to trade up my 50’s Goldtop. I really like independent volume And tone controls. But I will say P90 neck, Humbucker bridge is a winning combo. The vibrato unit looks awesome ❕
Hi Colin, wow - surprise to see this appear 'cos I bought a new one just a year ago - first guitar I have bought in some years . . . a reward to myself for surviving something, won't go into details. And, yes, 'word of mouth'. I'd never heard of the brand and an old friend in NZ posted on FB he'd finally got himself a 'Duesy' so I asked what was going on then tracked down the HK agent who had a grand total of 2 in stock. Bought the Starplayer TV 'Rebound' - basically identical to what you have there except it came with 2 x Duesenberg Little Toaster Humbuckers. I ordered their P 90 for the neck and it now has the chimey middle position sound I was attracted to. My first ever semi acoustic electric - huge jump for me after 4 decades of Les Paul & Strat. It's a lovely 'Fire Burst' altho the 'Harley Davidson' accoutrements are slightly OTT. P'UP Covers / Germany. Pots / Japan. 3 Way Switch / USA. Jack / Italy. All other hardware 'Duesenberg'. It comes with 10 - 50 (!!) which I have stayed with, a bit of a struggle at first - it encourages 'Beatlish riffing' type writing, which has been fun for me - tucking away a few tracks to work on some more. Sound-wise it has a diff character from what I'm hearing on my headphones . . . but then it may be the pick-ups, bits on the inside, slightly diff model etc. RE: what seems a little like your initial hesitancy I'd just say maybe give it some time? Took me a few weeks to settle in and enjoy it - you've got 'finesse' to spare !!!!
Cheers Morton, very nice present to yourself! 👍👍 I am going to try harder and am already asking myself if I need to take a step back and see if I can find a connection. Thanks for the kind words and support as always!
I really liked it, thought it was super cool, I like the Art Deco details and personally like the Peter Green out of phase middle position, no reason why you can’t get down and dirty with it, at the end of the day it’s just a guitar! But I get it that it doesn’t float your boat! Looking forward to seeing what you trade it for!
It’s Bauhaus details for me, art deco isn’t really like it, also bauhaus have more sense being a german design, it’s even more evident on other designs of the brand like the alliance Johnny deep
Thanks for a great video! A few ideas from me about these cool guitars, Colin. I got an older one recently a bit beat up but still plays amazing. I got some bits from duesenberg in Hanover sent to NZ amazing service. Reasonable prices. If you don’t like tremolo replace it with a trapeze or stoptail! 1. They’re quite simple. Deceptively so aside from the logo! 2. Tone is quite unique but covers most bases. Very 3 dimensional kind of “hi fi” but raunchy. Hi output. Has elements of 335, Les Paul and gretsch. Fat bottom end, woody with shimmery highs. Drive is fat and chewy. Open and clear. Unbelievable. 3. Hardware is exceptional, unique and reliable. 4. neck and frets are perfect. 5. Finish and setup are flawless. 6. Build is rock solid and strong. Great materials. 7. Has glitter and amazing case to top it all off! Only issue personally is the electrics could bet better planned. Audio tapers would be ideal with a treble bleed. The wiring and electrical components are top quality and well installed.
A few years ago, at the beginning of my playing adventure (and I was starting after university), I visited one of the larger music shops in the country (Poland), looking for an instrument for myself. After trying out a few different guitars that turned out to be just plain lame, my gaze wandered to a silver-brocade singlecut-shaped creature hanging at the end of the room, as if somewhat hidden, with a tune-o-matic bridge and the letter "D" on the headstock. I didn't even know what brand it was. When asked if I could try it out, the salesman gave me a reserved look and replied "sure, just be careful". To this day I conclude that it was the best guitar I have held in my hands in my entire life. I later found out that it was a Duesenberg Starplayer Special, with a price tag far above what I have available to buy a guitar even today. However, entirely justified :)
I have a Duesenberg Caribou and it's pretty similar. I also don't have the capabilities to get the most out of this guitar but i bought it because i wanted a guitar which gets the most out of me. The guitar delivers, no matter what i try to do. Pretty versatile sound-wise aswell, from smooth jazz to higain metal, everything possible with these pickups. I use the middle position for crisp cleans, chords with chorus and stuff like that. I mean i have other guitars which were not all cheap either but usually i only play the Duesenberg because it's really my best guitar, no issues whatsoever.
I had a good friend tell me that his Duesenberg is like a finely tuned race car and it plays like butter. I believe him because if you ask him about which guitar he would grab if the house was on fire he says his Duesenberg and he has many very expensive high end guitars.
Keep it! You will regret giving it up. Love my Duesenberg more and more each time I play it. Plug it in, turn it up. It competes with any Les Paul I have and the intonation is perfect. Not just for subtle playing, it’s amazing for cranked rock as well. I wasn’t sold on the out of phase middle position at first but have found some really unique sounds using it with overdrive and rolling down volume control. You can change the middle position wiring to not be out of phase if you want. I believe there might be some filter cap that can be bypassed. Cheers
You can't go wrong with this brand. I own a Falken and a StarPlayer Special, they are both sounding amazing... but they are a little heavy, so this is a good reason to also stay in shape and don't spend all your freetime playing the guitar !😁
I have a doozy starplayer tv no f hole in catalina blue. It's my go to guitar for gigging. Plays like a dream, thin neck, trem is solid, p90 delicious. Not too heavy. Honestly it's better than any gibson I have and i am a big gubson fan boy
It’s interesting you mentioned how guitar inspire your playing. That was how I found you on RUclips! I bought a Mooer guitar capture pedal and the store was kind enough to allow me to tone capture a guitar they have which is different from my LP. They recommend casino. So I tried that but I had no idea what to do with it. What sounds would it be good for. Than I came across your review on casino and I was absolutely inspired by your playing there. The high and lower stings on bridge pickup is like having two different guitars. great for call and response as you did! Another prominent RUclips reviewer hated casino because it cannot play easily above 13th 14th fret. Well, why even need to go there with a casino? Then via Bias Fx 2 guitar match function, I found this fancy TV model which led me to this video. Totally get what you say about this may not be the right guitar for you. It’s a thing but not your thing? Try searching for a demo Video here in the TV DLX version, filmed by the manufacturer. That guy was playing fingerstyle mostly, bringing out all the tensions and nuances harmonics…. with German precisions. I cannot play that in a million years. If I were having this guitar I too would sell it to better suit home!
Perfect timing! I hang out all week for Saturday night with The Guitaristas. I say perfect timing as Im restringing my Aria hollowbody FA-80 with Bigsby tremolo tonight. So when I saw you rviewing the Duesenberg I was stoked. I agree about the neck. My go to is always jumbo frets on a 60's neck but I found the Deusenberg neck not a fot for me. Like you said Colin, no denying stunning piece of craftsmenship but playability not my style. Great episode again. Great variety. Love when you do the affordable and love when you do the aspirational. Have a good week. Cheers
Remarkably gorgeous and well built guitar Colin! Sounds wonderful as well, clean through the amp. I thought oh man I love that neck PU, P90, but I also loved that middle position... the possibilities! You were right about the funk, better with the bridge Humbucker. When you went through the tone knob, serious Blackberry Smoke vibe at one spot!!! The adjuster on the back of the pick up reminded me of a Scott's Steering Damper on a bike. lol
Cheers Pinkie, yes you could make some serious noises with this it does sound great... I just need to relax with it and maybe without the cameras and lights it will start speaking to me? That Tremelo spring has better damping too by the way! 🤣
@@theguitaristas I understand you on the trem arms and not using them often. I don’t even put them on my Strats or the Reverend HPP. 😆 I occasionally use the Bigsby on the Gretsch for that haunting vibrato sound.
I learned some time ago that there was an American car called a Deusenberg and it was in a class of its own. Indeed the saying " that's a Deusy " came from the wonderful appearance and workmanship that the car clearly showed. The hardware styling and headstock shape harks back to the art deco period which was itself influenced by the artwork etc discovered in Egypt during the excavation of various tombs. It's a gorgeous looking guitar and sounds smashing.
I’ve the exact model from 2008 and it’s still my favorite- I too can’t do what’s possible on it but have had a couple of friends who do and they both went out an added one to their collection
Colin, Thank You for the review of this very well made instrument!! You do Deserve whatever You would enjoy playing!!! I do feel the same way You doas I played Bass Guitar for many years, and enjoyed, and started out on the six string guitar. I am heavy handed, and I couldn't adapt to the neck nut width, and nimbleness of fingers to play it like the players You mentioned. Your review is excellent, and I look forward to hearing about whatever You decide to do, trade or not. Cheers mate!!!
I saw another vid on YT a few days back on this guitar and I was amazed by the sound of the P90 + the Humbucker. After watching your vid this evening ordered one direct from Germany. I don't expect I'll be disappointed. Thank you!
I recently bought a Starplayer TV in Black. Apparently yours seems to habe locking tuners as mine doesn't (mine is 2023 manufacture year). All i can say is that this is probably the last guitar i will ever buy. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, choice of materials is impecable. I'm not just saying that because i'm now a proid owner, but i recently got the chance to an extended play with a Gibson ES-355 Murphy Lab that was literally 3x the price of the Duesenberg. All I can say is that the Duesy blows the ES in every single category. Here are some quick key points to think about: The guitar feels cohesive, complete, the nut job, fret PLEK is impecable. The Vibrato stays in tune. The rosewood fretboard is so smooth, the controls are high quality. If I knew better I would have bought a Duesy long before, but guilty was I to go that Gib-Fen route. I need to put my other guitars for sale now. Great video, mate. Cheers.
I would like to see you intonating these guitars, including a close up of the saddle positions when you have got it as close as you can. How they end up sitting is a great indicator of the craftsmanship.
Ooo, that’s a lovely thing Colin. I think I could sit with a cuppa and just look at the dam thing! All the little appointments….. yeah, that’s doing it for me. As to what I’d play on it? I’d play Ryland by Julian Lage. Maybe just because it looks like his Collings signature. Thank you for the mention Colin, it always makes me smile 😊
Cheers Paul, glad you saw this one! That's a beautiful piece of music and you'd do it proud... its not really designed for my powerchords! 😆👍 Have a good weekend.
Great review-thank you ; would you consider sharing the details of the tone circuit please? I have an Italia semi with the same pickup conformation and I’d really like to emulate the sound selections.kind regards D
Hey Doug, its back together now and I didn't look at that much detail... did you see if two could find wiring online I know there was talk of it in the forums.
@@theguitaristas hi , thanks for responding! I’ve had a comprehensive looking on fora etc without success I’m afraid. If you ever look under the scrachplate again,would you bear me in mind please? Best D
Absolutely brilliant! Great episode, and thanks for biting the bullet on taking it apart for us! That solid block inside looks weirdly cheap... And that face @18:30
If i was flicking through sky TV in 2006 and stumbled upon this on the discovery channel or something similar, i wouldn't bat an eye lid. The production quality is outstanding, aswell as your personality, very engaging and, it goes with out saying, great playing! SUBSCRIBED!
Almost a home run, but for the neck profile. I had 2 Duesy: a Starplayer TV and a Senior 52. The latter is a D shaped neck, rolled on the edges, very comfy. The SPTV had to go cause I can't play thin necks. I regretted it, as it was a very fine guitar. Duesy's are very high quality guitars with a great tone.
I dream of owning a Duesenberg one day. Not because of the fancy look or build quality or anything, but strictly for the sound! Hollow/semihollow guitars tend to not have enough attack and brightness for my taste. At least thus far, Duesenberg is the only semihollow/hollow+humbucker type of guitars I’ve experienced that truly have the bright attack/snap of a Fender, while maintaining the thickness of a a Gibson type guitar. Gretsch comes close (and Duesenberg always reminds me of Gretsch), but still not enough for me. I don’t know what it is about Duesenbergs that makes them so bright and attacky, but I love it!
I've got a blue and white Mike Campbell model and it's fantastic. The most stable trem system you can imagine. Stays in tune incredibly well. But mainly it plays and sounds fantastic. It's a real joy for me to play. I have a bunch of guitars but I'm mainly a Tele guy. However, I reach for this guitar almost as often as my Tele. The only difference between yours and mine might be how you described the neck. The neck on my Campbell version is a full D style profile. It feels substantial, and not thin to me at all. (I have big hands too) I wonder if that's just down to us just feeling the neck differently, or if our guitars are actually different? It also feels very different than what I expected. I expected much more of a Les Paul vibe, but it's not quite that. It's feels like a cross between a Les Paul and a Gretsch maybe? Very nice in depth video, thanks!
Always look forward to your videos to see what your pulling out next. You have to like the neck. A guitar can look great, but if the neck doesnt feel good, it will collect dust or be another piece of home decor. Just going by looks and not quality control... If the '3 step' hardware was removed, it would be a Gretsch. Rock on !
Hi Colin. I love what you are doing on this channel and recycling guitars through our local guitar shops. I have the Godin LPJ which you traded and the CV Jazzmaster which you reviewed a while back. How about looking at a Jaguar? I fancy one of those when you have finished with it.
Hey Richard, nice one mate you have that Godin? 😆👍 I didn’t even get around to reviewing that and it’s a beauty! you have my Jazzmaster too? 🤣👍 So pleased these went to a good home and are still in the family. I want to keep them all of course but the white Jaguar has been sitting unplayed since it’s review so who knows! 😜 cheers mate thanks for comment and support! 😎👍
Just went to a Samantha Fish Concert in Bend Oregon - the support act Eric Johansen played one ( white with Gold trim ) - looked awesome and he was a great player. Was really impressed ! Sounded great .
It’s a beautiful guitar, I’d have it if I could afford it. I love guitars that aren’t necessarily “the people’s choice” . I’ve recently bought a D’Angelico Premier mini DC rather than the usual Epiphone 339 equivalent and I love it.
I've only played one. Quite stiff feeling, but very well made. Only things keeping me away are the scale length and the switch position. I could definitely see myself overusing the trem as it was perfect.
I was put off by the Duesenberg name and the Art Deco styling at first, I felt they were trying to ape the famous Car Manufacturer of the 1920's but after playing one I realised they were serious guitars.
Gee wiz, Colin. You sure do have a 'following. ' I was going to leave a comment, but couldn't get a word in! Don't put yourself down, dude. Your certainly are a good enough player to justify playing any guitar. I really like your show, and your rambling. You're honest, that's what I like. Keep up the good work! Can't wait to see what you're up to next. Go ahead and play us out....
Great video, and great playing. I have a Duesenberg Paloma. It's superb, but for a long time I was stuck wondering why it felt so sterile. It's so precise and perfect that it just didn't connect with my heart and soul. I too felt unworthy. I sold it and went through a number of guitars. Good guitars which felt more alive, but were all, in reality, worse. After a year I bought another identical Duesenberg Paloma, and this time I really connected. It's the guitar to gig with, it's always reliable and predictable, always sounds good, it's hard-wearing. I think if you can get over the price it's a real high-end workhorse. I bought my second on Reverb for £1200. I feel like I stole it at that price. Again, great video, you really summed up the way I initially felt about mine, and you made it really sound good.
Cheers man that’s appreciated!… also tells me I should probably give it some time so thanks for sharing I shall definitely take that on board and not give in too easily! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas Good luck, I hope you can find that point where it stops being a work of art, and starts being a real instrument that you can dig into. You get the most back from a Duesey when you play them hard. Have a great week!
I truly enjoy your off the cuff, honest videos. I did want to share a story; Since i was 14, I’ve wanted a Gibson Les Paul lefty. It just never seemed to happen, until last week, when i was approached about a guitar trade. So, after41 years of wanting, and waiting, i am the new owner of a 2021 left handed honey burst Les Paul tribute. Upgraded pots, pickups, and capacitors. Maybe I’ll start looking to trade into more guitars !
It's a hell of a lot better than those SG's behind you and a Bigsby is a Bigsby no matter what it's labeled as! It sounds nice through my headphones and I played one once awhile back and I liked it. You should play it more! It's a nice guitar! Like Hofner's are great too! But, they're different also. Give it time.
I like the art deco look and mustard finish but wouldnt pay the asking price of over 2K for one new. Too many other great guitars could be had for that amount of money!
Flamed back, plain(ish) top… just like almost all mandolins, violins and related instruments. Beautiful guitar, Colin. Closest I’ve got is a couple of guitars I’ve fitted with Duesenberg nickel Les Trem IIs… Oh well 😬
@@theguitaristas Incidentally, although they are quite cagey regarding sourcing, their guitars are, apparently, an amalgam of Asian woodworking, and a mix of Asian and German electrics and metal work - all done under ultra-firm direction from the German facility, where final assembly takes place. Just shows what the right level of quality control can achieve, doesn’t it? 😬 They finish up as a ‘World Class’ instrument… l 🤬ing love ‘em!👍 (BTW: Don’t forget, if you get the chance, to give the Epi Firebird a look-over - superb reproduction, including the 9 laminate through-neck! - and it’s one of my guitars now sporting the Les Trem!😜 They present for playing, and hang, surprisingly well on a strap too!)
Oh its COOL !! wow how lucky to be able to play this amazing creation, and play it well as usual, there`s nothing wrong with a work of art , and that`s what it is, keep them coming Col, watching in Javea Spain , you`ve gone global ha!!
Beautiful Beautiful guitar!!!! If I were to plop down 2 Gs on a guitar, this Duesenberg would be it, hands down. You do the best guitar reviews on youtube! 2x better than a Gibson at half the price.
You are more then enough for that guitar..your reviews are genuine and play with heart and that guitar will sing. I bought a Coronet based on your reviews..its getting pleckd treatment and a new nut so it shall sing... im still learning to play..when I can play a variety of songs and feel I'm pushing into another level .. A duesenberg or a PRS is on the short list of guitars..until then I'll use my single P90 and learn tone and volume and just how to make musical noise. Keep pumping out the good stuff!
I’ve tried out a couple of these; both were flawless in design and construction. They were a bit like the Yamaha RevStar I recently tried. Absolutely nothing wrong anywhere; precision objects, but perhaps lacking ‘character’ in some respects. Exceptional instruments.
“Cool” guitars usually acquire that quality by having been associated with cool musicians and cool music. Duesenberg lack those kind of associations (to the extent of Gibson, Fender et al) and that I suspect accounts largely for your “is/isn’t it?” quandary. My vote: it’s cool as hell 🤟
Yes very true, and I guess a bit if a disadvantage that it was a late starter in 1996 and to be fair there haven't been that many cool rock musicians come up since then eh? And I admit I am old enjoy now to not actually be able to name any! 🤣👍
@@RobRhodesMusic Well most of those were well established long before '96 and Bukovac is a session player... I stand by the sentiment of my statement! 😆
wow ... a $3200 guitar ... beautiful, sounds great ... can understand why some "players" love them ... but the cost (coupled with my skill) precludes purchase ... love the review and yakking!
I have a Michael Kelly semi-hollow with a Bigsby and had to chuckle at myself when put a fresh set of strings on it the first time. Went 'over' and not 'under' the crossbar, thankfully correcting it without wasting a set of strings. The part that made me smile on your vid, that dodgy spring :D @19:04 - same thing happened to me. I've seen some gigging/performance musicians who secure the spring with a zip-tie. I have not since I don't gig :D As always, love your videos, its like listening to Bob Ross paint, soothing and happy.
Cheers Kenneth, now would it surprise you to discover that I actually did exactly that and put two strings on before realising they need to go under the bar? 🤣🤣 Ah the magic of editing and having a spare set of strings! Thanks for the kind words.... btw Bob Ross is a great compliment and I think he always just said that there was no such thing as mistakes just happy accidents!
mate your playing is always great. the guitar looks cool. you had it sounding really good. hang it up on the wall behind you it will stand out from the rest see if you warm up to it over time ... Cheers for the weekly entertainment looking forward to seeing what you have planned for next week. Cheers
I test drove 3 $1000 (around) Gretsch’s today, I really want a Rickenbacker 330, but they are around AU3.5-4K preloved. (Ricks no longer exported to Australia) So I tried out some Gretsch’s. I wasn’t overwhelmed. Then I saw a guitar I had never in my 63 years heard of before. it was love at first site! It was a Duesenberg. AU4.5K. I didn’t play it but I will soon. So I’m here to learn about this beautiful axe. P-90 and Humbucker! …..SOLD! 😂
I think that sometimes the romance and nostalgia of certain guitars can effect your judgement. The design looks cool, but I would want a nitro finish for that kind of money. A poly neck does not appeal to me at all. The colours look spot on though. Maybe it's a bit too BMW for my liking.
Hi Colin, I’m new to your channel, a mate sent me a link. Loved the review and loved the guitar. A Duesenberg is on my wishlist. Got you on favourites now! Cheers Tim
Well little left of centre but what a great move … think forget the self crit and spend sometime with the guitar as it may shine… for me both Duesenberg and Eastman are how guitars should be made, but as always come down to playing…and a thin neck just won’t suit a lot of players … great info and hats off for tearing down a duesenberg starplayer !
Great video Colin. I've never tried a Doosy myself but I think they look and sound great. I was a bit surprised about the out of phase sound in the middle position - I would have thought it would have been an option via a push pull pot rather than a main feature. If the guitar doesn't speak to you or feel 'right' then it's probably not worth keeping. For me if a neck doesn't sit comfortably in my hands I probably won't want to play it. It would still look good as a piece of art stuck on the wall though!
I usually don't get much good from the middle switch position on a Gib-styled dual-humbucker guitar, hardly use it at all, but on this Deusenberg the phased combination sounded nice and actually a little nasty and something I'd use, although it'd probably get mixed up if you add the wrong effects or too much gain. Still a cool sound that'd maybe be more useful with dual vol and tone knobs. Appearance overall is a bit funky and kitsch. I'd like it more w/o the vibrato, just a hardtail of some type.
1 year later... wondering if you still have this... and if so have you bonded with it? I picked up a beautiful used Duesenberg 59er. I have been enjoying it a lot. It's a similar guitar to this but with 2 humbuckers. No trem on mine.
Colin, don’t ever put yourself down. You are a great guitar player, as well as an inspiration to me. Great film, and keep on ROCKING!
Thanks mate that’s appreciated! 🙏😊 I’d had a tough week trying to find my groove but we salvaged something! Have a great weekend 😎👍
I think what you are struggling with is that gibson and fender subconsciously has set the parameters of what a guitar should be and this guitar is slightly outside those parameters
Fender is at its best ever.
@@GradualErase LMAO!!! Yeah right tell that to their employees! You haven't seen many recent evaluations of them then. Check out Philip McKnights recent reviews.
Provided you started or mainly play Gibson or fender
@@arocketgal Philip Mcknight is a moron.....he backs whoever pays him the most money.......
I had a Starplayer TV years ago, it was my first expensive guitar. Best built guitar I've ever had nothing else comes close for the money.
Don’t know why certain guitars fight… but from an eyes closed listen to your playing of this beauty, I have to say this sounds glorious in your hands. I say give it some time to bend to your will before selling.. it is lovely.
Thanks that's appreciated!... I will give it some time 😎👍
Agree
That's a Keeper . 👴🤔👍
I have a starplayer tv (mine in surf green). Actually I don’t do justice to the guitar but is such a good instrument that I’m proud of being a Duesenberg owner. You don’t have to be the best guitar player to have a good guitar. Otherwise, if it doesn’t inspire you, you are not going to play it or you don’t feel the connection, don’t keep it just because it’s great.
My advice, give it a chance. Take time and if it isn’t for you, trade it
Cheers
Cheers Daniel, I will give it some time I think it may be worth it... 😎👍
Daniel Martin - That's pretty much where I stand too. Got a Starplayer TV in black sparkle late last year - an incredible deal, almost half off the price, all due to one tiny imperfection in the binding. I think I'm a very good player but not really the type who would bring out everything this astonishing instrument is capable of. I'm hard rock as opposed to metal, basically balls-out, humbuckers into a 4x12 type player, rarely ever go off the bridge pickup. Think Steve Jones/Angus Young. But guess what? Even with my somewhat limited scope, this thing sounds great and brings out the best from me, so no reservations and certainly no apologies. Can't decide whether the Duesenberg or my SG is my fave, although the Doozy's build, design and quality control certainly leave anything by Gibson in the dust.
I have been a Les Paul owner, I own a Martin acoustic and now have a Duesenberg Fairytale Split /King lap steel on the way. 1.18.2023. The quality of work and materials in this guitar is a cut above any Gibson, Fender or any other brand guitar. Keep it.
people keep saying this guitar is built better than any Fender or Gibson guitar but that's crap.......these guitars are major ripoffs of American designs......i tried one of these guitars and their full hollow bodies '........and the two i tried are/were just German copies of Gretsch guitars with a little Gibson design elements like the semi hollow design which copies the Gibson 335......the tremolo is a ripoff of the Bigsby b7 with the Chet Atkins wire arm......and the pickups are Gibson Designs.........the only thing this company kind of designed is the gaudy hardware........nobody wants these guitars....just look at what he said...this guitar sat on the store wall for nearly a year for 2000 then was lowered to 1700 until he traded 3 Epiphone guitars for it...........what does that tell you?......if this was a Custom shop Gibson. Fender or Gretsch it would have sold fast and for quite a bit more............i two i tried were not worth the money.......if i was in the market for either style guitar i would have just bought the real deal Gretsch...........
@@bhollyfanhardin9627They feel different, look different and sound different than Gretschs and Gibsons. And they keep in tune… those are great guitars, no matter if you like them or not.
@@bhollyfanhardin9627 That's not what build quality means lmao, and as a Gibson owner let's bet honest they're horrendous at it
I Neil Younged my tokai putting a Duesenberg Les Trem and it was the best upgrade I've ever done. It is an engineering mastepiece, zero maintenance, easy fit with no drilling, totally reversible, restringing is as easy as it gets, and it's got a great feel and precision. I know you're not a whammy guy, but come on, give it a try, it deserves some love
I may warm to it yet! 👍
The Duesenberg hardware shouts QUALITY!
I'm a hairdtail guy. Don't like the complexity and tuning stability issues of a trem...BUT! I DO HAVE MANY PRS TREM GUITARS, AND I USE A LITTLE "JAKE BLADE" FOR THE TREM ARM, AMD IT GIVES ME THAT SUBTLE WARBLE WHEN I WANT, LIKE WHEN HOLDING A CHORD OR NOTE AWHILE
Actually you do it justice...I have 3 Duzzy guitars. They are so well built and fun to play - the trem is the best there is. Great review - "Gibson isn't even trying" is the best line! Thanks for the video
Cheers Dave 😎👍
Always love to see what you come up with every week. Something very tasty indeed. It's amazing how one can pick up a different guitar and it can bring out a side of your playing that you never expected. Inspire you to play something fresh and new. Then some guitars just don't transmit that feeling. Emotion is a powerful tool. Cheers, man!
Cheers man, that's definitely the thing! 😎👍
Great review Colin! Duesenbergs are beautifully made, gorgeous-sounding guitars. Despite some comments here, they are worth every penny. I don’t have one but every one I have tried has been a small epiphany. However, I can see that it simply doesn’t speak to your deeps and that’s reason enough to pair it up with someone who’ll whisk it away for a whirlwind romance. I hope to see you review an Eastman or two one of these days. I have two of their incredible guitars and the romance is permanent.
That was a good suggestion of a possible swaps... but I shan't rush into it as I do know I already have something quite special!
I have a Duesenberg Starplayer TV 2013 and in my opinion it is one of the finest guitars ever built . It did take me a little while to warm up to it . But now I really like it .
Nice one Colin, whenever I have checked out a Duesenberg the quality and detail are first class, the art deco look is pure class....
Review whatever guitar excites you to share. I have been firmly in the budget camp for the last few years, hell, I even had to sell off pretty much my entire collection to make ends meet. All I have left now are 2 guitars that are worth less than the cost of shipping them to whoever bought them. The only way I get to scratch my itch is by watching videos like yours, both on the budget and more premium end. The budget end gives me ideas for fun projects that won't put me in debt and the premium end reminds me of how much I enjoyed my collection. You helped me remember that the best part of collecting is getting something new. I get to do that all over again and not have to deal with the pain of letting something go to make room or offset cost. I ripped off the band aid as it were.
As for Duesenberg, I have played a few over the years, lovely bits of kit for sure. What I like about them is that they actually try to make you feel like your money went somewhere. Every bit of them has a feeling of hand crafted beauty unlike Gibson that flat out charge you for a name and serial number with 0 shame. People say things like you get what you pay for, Duesenberg makes you feel much more like that statement is true than Gibson ever did. Still trying to shake the urge to get a new (used) LP Standard as soon as finances permit....... I will never buy a new Gibson again, on principal. They have handled themselves like absolute tossers and I will not be giving them my money again.
Lovely review mate and kudos for having the guts to strip her down and show us her undies 🤣
Cheers man, that's really true that at no point do you (did I) ever question why this guitar costs what it does... in fact they were always known for being 'expensive' guitars which isn't really the case these days is it?. But the truth is anyway that you can have just as much fun scoring a cheap guitar and probably sound just as good on them. Thanks for supporting the channel I am sure that bargain Les Paul will find you one day but in the meantime I shall keep the guitar porn coming your way! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas Much appreciated 😎
Great episode Colin. Thanks for bringing us such an in-depth review.
I’ve got one of these guitars in black. I bought it in lock down. They are incredible instruments. The versatility is incredible. I have played everything from Tool to The Cure to Johnny Cash on mine. It always holds its own. When inspiration strikes, it covers many bases.
Hi Collin!
Yet another great review .
It's the first time i saw someone taking a Duesenberg apart
on you tubes for that hard work you put in you deserve the guitar.
maybe you will grow to bond with it.
And once again I said it once before I love your playing
You have this sweet delicate touch.
Thanks again.👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks mate that's appreciated! 🙏 I shall definitely keep it a while and see how we grow!
Great review! I have always wanted to take a closer look at this guitar. You were kind enough to do it and it’s well appreciated!
Cheers Mike, I'm pleased I've had the opportunity to share this... what we are learning all the time is a great added bonus of this job eh?
What an amazing guitar! You know why I like it... those tuners are so cool. I'm not a trem guy either, but it's a cool setup. Fit and finish look as you described, absolutely marvelous, and you know what they say, I's better to look marvelous than to BE marvelous. Absolutely marvelous stuff! That's definitely a guitar to put on my wish list... another great review! Thanks so much Colin... CHEERS MATE! See you next week!
🙏👌
Cheers Bob, I know why you like it man this is right up your alley and I can just picture you out on the porch with it sliding away! I've been practising with a little pinkie slide btw and look forward to rolling sometime out one day! Have a good one mate! 😎👍
I bought a Mike Campbell model of the Duesenberg and it quickly became my number one. I have been, and still am , mostly a Tele player so I was surprised how quickly my live rig switched over to the Duesenberg.
Excellent guitar , it’s really nice to see the craftsmanship and attention to detail
It’s tone was fantastic. I hope you keep it
Cheers Mark, agreed it sounds great.... I will definitely keep it for a while and see how we bond!
I've never seen you handling a guitar with so much respect and loving care, Colin, and so would I, it's such a beauty 🙏
Cheers Gernot... I was in awe of it! 🤣👍
This guy is blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other! Smh
I love the attention to detail and overall look on those, always wanted to own a Duesenberg, there's just something about their style and I really like this one... Those 'stairs' alone, more or less their signature detail, being brought into every little piece of it, the headstock, the knobs... There also are some other cool shapes from them, some more unconventional, but intruiging ones. Love them all, if I now only had the spare money... ^^
@broncoxy....they don't have their own style........
Just ordered mine- excited to see how the tone and quality compares against my other guitars
Did you get it? How do you like it?😊
I’m not convinced to trade up my 50’s Goldtop. I really like independent volume And tone controls. But I will say P90 neck, Humbucker bridge is a winning combo.
The vibrato unit looks awesome ❕
Hi Colin, wow - surprise to see this appear 'cos I bought a new one just a year ago - first guitar I have bought in some years . . . a reward to myself for surviving something, won't go into details. And, yes, 'word of mouth'. I'd never heard of the brand and an old friend in NZ posted on FB he'd finally got himself a 'Duesy' so I asked what was going on then tracked down the HK agent who had a grand total of 2 in stock. Bought the Starplayer TV 'Rebound' - basically identical to what you have there except it came with 2 x Duesenberg Little Toaster Humbuckers. I ordered their P 90 for the neck and it now has the chimey middle position sound I was attracted to. My first ever semi acoustic electric - huge jump for me after 4 decades of Les Paul & Strat. It's a lovely 'Fire Burst' altho the 'Harley Davidson' accoutrements are slightly OTT. P'UP Covers / Germany. Pots / Japan. 3 Way Switch / USA. Jack / Italy. All other hardware 'Duesenberg'. It comes with 10 - 50 (!!) which I have stayed with, a bit of a struggle at first - it encourages 'Beatlish riffing' type writing, which has been fun for me - tucking away a few tracks to work on some more. Sound-wise it has a diff character from what I'm hearing on my headphones . . . but then it may be the pick-ups, bits on the inside, slightly diff model etc. RE: what seems a little like your initial hesitancy I'd just say maybe give it some time? Took me a few weeks to settle in and enjoy it - you've got 'finesse' to spare !!!!
Cheers Morton, very nice present to yourself! 👍👍 I am going to try harder and am already asking myself if I need to take a step back and see if I can find a connection. Thanks for the kind words and support as always!
Recently picked up a starplayer tv deluxe and absolutely love it. Thanks for doing a full review
Nice one Jesse! 😎👍
Thanks for the tour of this beautiful guitar. I've only ever seen one on Tom B's channel and I knew nothing about them.
I really liked it, thought it was super cool, I like the Art Deco details and personally like the Peter Green out of phase middle position, no reason why you can’t get down and dirty with it, at the end of the day it’s just a guitar! But I get it that it doesn’t float your boat! Looking forward to seeing what you trade it for!
It’s Bauhaus details for me, art deco isn’t really like it, also bauhaus have more sense being a german design, it’s even more evident on other designs of the brand like the alliance Johnny deep
Thanks for a great video! A few ideas from me about these cool guitars, Colin. I got an older one recently a bit beat up but still plays amazing.
I got some bits from duesenberg in Hanover sent to NZ amazing service. Reasonable prices. If you don’t like tremolo replace it with a trapeze or stoptail!
1. They’re quite simple. Deceptively so aside from the logo!
2. Tone is quite unique but covers most bases. Very 3 dimensional kind of “hi fi” but raunchy. Hi output. Has elements of 335, Les Paul and gretsch. Fat bottom end, woody with shimmery highs. Drive is fat and chewy. Open and clear. Unbelievable.
3. Hardware is exceptional, unique and reliable.
4. neck and frets are perfect.
5. Finish and setup are flawless.
6. Build is rock solid and strong. Great materials.
7. Has glitter and amazing case to top it all off!
Only issue personally is the electrics could bet better planned. Audio tapers would be ideal with a treble bleed. The wiring and electrical components are top quality and well installed.
A few years ago, at the beginning of my playing adventure (and I was starting after university), I visited one of the larger music shops in the country (Poland), looking for an instrument for myself.
After trying out a few different guitars that turned out to be just plain lame, my gaze wandered to a silver-brocade singlecut-shaped creature hanging at the end of the room, as if somewhat hidden, with a tune-o-matic bridge and the letter "D" on the headstock. I didn't even know what brand it was.
When asked if I could try it out, the salesman gave me a reserved look and replied "sure, just be careful".
To this day I conclude that it was the best guitar I have held in my hands in my entire life.
I later found out that it was a Duesenberg Starplayer Special, with a price tag far above what I have available to buy a guitar even today. However, entirely justified :)
Thanks Michal, they do seem to be a 'holy grail' guitar and this was not easy for me to decide how I felt about it! 🤷♂️
Ooh strapping in!!! I heard of these but don’t know anything about them, hope you’re well & thanks for this
I have a Duesenberg Caribou and it's pretty similar. I also don't have the capabilities to get the most out of this guitar but i bought it because i wanted a guitar which gets the most out of me. The guitar delivers, no matter what i try to do. Pretty versatile sound-wise aswell, from smooth jazz to higain metal, everything possible with these pickups. I use the middle position for crisp cleans, chords with chorus and stuff like that. I mean i have other guitars which were not all cheap either but usually i only play the Duesenberg because it's really my best guitar, no issues whatsoever.
I had a good friend tell me that his Duesenberg is like a finely tuned race car and it plays like butter. I believe him because if you ask him about which guitar he would grab if the house was on fire he says his Duesenberg and he has many very expensive high end guitars.
Keep it! You will regret giving it up.
Love my Duesenberg more and more each time I play it. Plug it in, turn it up. It competes with any Les Paul I have and the intonation is perfect. Not just for subtle playing, it’s amazing for cranked rock as well.
I wasn’t sold on the out of phase middle position at first but have found some really unique sounds using it with overdrive and rolling down volume control. You can change the middle position wiring to not be out of phase if you want. I believe there might be some filter cap that can be bypassed.
Cheers
You can't go wrong with this brand. I own a Falken and a StarPlayer Special, they are both sounding amazing... but they are a little heavy, so this is a good reason to also stay in shape and don't spend all your freetime playing the guitar !😁
I have a doozy starplayer tv no f hole in catalina blue. It's my go to guitar for gigging. Plays like a dream, thin neck, trem is solid, p90 delicious. Not too heavy. Honestly it's better than any gibson I have and i am a big gubson fan boy
Thanks for the video! After 50 years of playing and nerding out on guitars, ive never heard of that brand .
Cheers man, definitely under the radar then!
It’s interesting you mentioned how guitar inspire your playing. That was how I found you on RUclips! I bought a Mooer guitar capture pedal and the store was kind enough to allow me to tone capture a guitar they have which is different from my LP. They recommend casino. So I tried that but I had no idea what to do with it. What sounds would it be good for. Than I came across your review on casino and I was absolutely inspired by your playing there. The high and lower stings on bridge pickup is like having two different guitars. great for call and response as you did! Another prominent RUclips reviewer hated casino because it cannot play easily above 13th 14th fret. Well, why even need to go there with a casino? Then via Bias Fx 2 guitar match function, I found this fancy TV model which led me to this video. Totally get what you say about this may not be the right guitar for you. It’s a thing but not your thing? Try searching for a demo Video here in the TV DLX version, filmed by the manufacturer. That guy was playing fingerstyle mostly, bringing out all the tensions and nuances harmonics…. with German precisions. I cannot play that in a million years. If I were having this guitar I too would sell it to better suit home!
Perfect timing! I hang out all week for Saturday night with The Guitaristas. I say perfect timing as Im restringing my Aria hollowbody FA-80 with Bigsby tremolo tonight. So when I saw you rviewing the Duesenberg I was stoked. I agree about the neck. My go to is always jumbo frets on a 60's neck but I found the Deusenberg neck not a fot for me. Like you said Colin, no denying stunning piece of craftsmenship but playability not my style. Great episode again. Great variety. Love when you do the affordable and love when you do the aspirational. Have a good week. Cheers
Cheers man have a great weekend! 😎👍
Now this guitar is not your typical review! Neck pickup weak however, but I’ve been playing neck pickup strong Gretsch guitars the last 2 weeks.
Remarkably gorgeous and well built guitar Colin! Sounds wonderful as well, clean through the amp. I thought oh man I love that neck PU, P90, but I also loved that middle position... the possibilities! You were right about the funk, better with the bridge Humbucker. When you went through the tone knob, serious Blackberry Smoke vibe at one spot!!!
The adjuster on the back of the pick up reminded me of a Scott's Steering Damper on a bike. lol
Cheers Pinkie, yes you could make some serious noises with this it does sound great... I just need to relax with it and maybe without the cameras and lights it will start speaking to me? That Tremelo spring has better damping too by the way! 🤣
@@theguitaristas I understand you on the trem arms and not using them often. I don’t even put them on my Strats or the Reverend HPP. 😆
I occasionally use the Bigsby on the Gretsch for that haunting vibrato sound.
I traded locally with a bloke here, he got my Gibson ES-335 and I got his Duesenberg Starplayer TV Goldtop, I don’t regret it. I love it!!!
I learned some time ago that there was an American car called a Deusenberg and it was in a class of its own. Indeed the saying " that's a Deusy " came from the wonderful appearance and workmanship that the car clearly showed. The hardware styling and headstock shape harks back to the art deco period which was itself influenced by the artwork etc discovered in Egypt during the excavation of various tombs. It's a gorgeous looking guitar and sounds smashing.
Mayan Revival style from the Art Deco Period
I really loved the sound out of this girl. Very nice. Thx Colin for another great review. Cheers 🍻
I’ve the exact model from 2008 and it’s still my favorite- I too can’t do what’s possible on it but have had a couple of friends who do and they both went out an added one to their collection
Colin, Thank You for the review of this very well made instrument!! You do Deserve whatever You would enjoy playing!!! I do feel the same way You doas I played Bass Guitar for many years, and enjoyed, and started out on the six string guitar. I am heavy handed, and I couldn't adapt to the neck nut width, and nimbleness of fingers to play it like the players You mentioned. Your review is excellent, and I look forward to hearing about whatever You decide to do, trade or not. Cheers mate!!!
Cheers Blake! 😎👍
I saw another vid on YT a few days back on this guitar and I was amazed by the sound of the P90 + the Humbucker. After watching your vid this evening ordered one direct from Germany. I don't expect I'll be disappointed. Thank you!
Sounds great you won’t be disappointed 👍
@@theguitaristas The waiting is the hardest part!
I think you can do it justice, I adore your style of playing and review video delivery. I think it's cool when you play it.
Thanks that's appreciated! 🙏😎
I recently bought a Starplayer TV in Black. Apparently yours seems to habe locking tuners as mine doesn't (mine is 2023 manufacture year). All i can say is that this is probably the last guitar i will ever buy. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, choice of materials is impecable. I'm not just saying that because i'm now a proid owner, but i recently got the chance to an extended play with a Gibson ES-355 Murphy Lab that was literally 3x the price of the Duesenberg. All I can say is that the Duesy blows the ES in every single category. Here are some quick key points to think about: The guitar feels cohesive, complete, the nut job, fret PLEK is impecable. The Vibrato stays in tune. The rosewood fretboard is so smooth, the controls are high quality. If I knew better I would have bought a Duesy long before, but guilty was I to go that Gib-Fen route. I need to put my other guitars for sale now. Great video, mate. Cheers.
I would like to see you intonating these guitars, including a close up of the saddle positions when you have got it as close as you can. How they end up sitting is a great indicator of the craftsmanship.
Ooo, that’s a lovely thing Colin. I think I could sit with a cuppa and just look at the dam thing! All the little appointments….. yeah, that’s doing it for me. As to what I’d play on it? I’d play Ryland by Julian Lage. Maybe just because it looks like his Collings signature. Thank you for the mention Colin, it always makes me smile 😊
Cheers Paul, glad you saw this one! That's a beautiful piece of music and you'd do it proud... its not really designed for my powerchords! 😆👍 Have a good weekend.
Great review-thank you ; would you consider sharing the details of the tone circuit please? I have an Italia semi with the same pickup conformation and I’d really like to emulate the sound selections.kind regards D
Hey Doug, its back together now and I didn't look at that much detail... did you see if two could find wiring online I know there was talk of it in the forums.
@@theguitaristas hi , thanks for responding! I’ve had a comprehensive looking on fora etc without success I’m afraid.
If you ever look under the scrachplate again,would you bear me in mind please?
Best
D
very good report - i use a "starplayer tv stoptail" and It took me a long time to be able to deal with.....
Absolutely brilliant! Great episode, and thanks for biting the bullet on taking it apart for us!
That solid block inside looks weirdly cheap...
And that face @18:30
Cheers man! 😆👍
If i was flicking through sky TV in 2006 and stumbled upon this on the discovery channel or something similar, i wouldn't bat an eye lid. The production quality is outstanding, aswell as your personality, very engaging and, it goes with out saying, great playing! SUBSCRIBED!
Wow thanks for such kind words that's really appreciated!! 🙏😊
Looking forward to this, I'd love a Dues🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
I have a Starplayer TV full hollow body, 2 P90s - love it! My only wish is it would have a thinner neck.
I’ve been waiting for this!
Hi, Amazing video as always! Just wanted to mention that you missed Dave Stewart as one of Duesenberg players...
Cheers man, I was definitely aware he's a leading player of theirs 😎👍
Almost a home run, but for the neck profile. I had 2 Duesy: a Starplayer TV and a Senior 52. The latter is a D shaped neck, rolled on the edges, very comfy. The SPTV had to go cause I can't play thin necks. I regretted it, as it was a very fine guitar. Duesy's are very high quality guitars with a great tone.
I dream of owning a Duesenberg one day. Not because of the fancy look or build quality or anything, but strictly for the sound! Hollow/semihollow guitars tend to not have enough attack and brightness for my taste. At least thus far, Duesenberg is the only semihollow/hollow+humbucker type of guitars I’ve experienced that truly have the bright attack/snap of a Fender, while maintaining the thickness of a a Gibson type guitar. Gretsch comes close (and Duesenberg always reminds me of Gretsch), but still not enough for me. I don’t know what it is about Duesenbergs that makes them so bright and attacky, but I love it!
I am so happy that Duesenberg sells their Les Trem for others to enjoy.
Great review, it’s a nice thing and a marvel. It’s weird that some guitars can make you feel not worthy, but you are!
Cheers John! 😎👍
I think you are worthy of this guitar! It's certainly unique. Give it a year or so to grow on you.
Cheers Mark, I will give it a while!
I've got a blue and white Mike Campbell model and it's fantastic. The most stable trem system you can imagine. Stays in tune incredibly well. But mainly it plays and sounds fantastic. It's a real joy for me to play. I have a bunch of guitars but I'm mainly a Tele guy. However, I reach for this guitar almost as often as my Tele. The only difference between yours and mine might be how you described the neck. The neck on my Campbell version is a full D style profile. It feels substantial, and not thin to me at all. (I have big hands too) I wonder if that's just down to us just feeling the neck differently, or if our guitars are actually different? It also feels very different than what I expected. I expected much more of a Les Paul vibe, but it's not quite that. It's feels like a cross between a Les Paul and a Gretsch maybe? Very nice in depth video, thanks!
Keep it for a while Colin, it's real class and I think it will grow on you.
Always look forward to your videos to see what your pulling out next.
You have to like the neck. A guitar can look great, but if the neck doesnt feel good, it will collect dust or be another piece of home decor. Just going by looks and not quality control... If the '3 step' hardware was removed, it would be a Gretsch. Rock on !
Cheers Robbo, it might just be that... if I liked the neck I might love the guitar? 🤔
Hi Colin. I love what you are doing on this channel and recycling guitars through our local guitar shops. I have the Godin LPJ which you traded and the CV Jazzmaster which you reviewed a while back. How about looking at a Jaguar? I fancy one of those when you have finished with it.
Hey Richard, nice one mate you have that Godin? 😆👍 I didn’t even get around to reviewing that and it’s a beauty! you have my Jazzmaster too? 🤣👍 So pleased these went to a good home and are still in the family. I want to keep them all of course but the white Jaguar has been sitting unplayed since it’s review so who knows! 😜 cheers mate thanks for comment and support! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas I'll look at the Jag review and start saving my pocket money!
@@richardswinscoe5764 😆👍
Great unbiased review. There is no shame in reviewing or playing expensive guitars. Hope you trade for more expensive guitars to review.
Just went to a Samantha Fish Concert in Bend Oregon - the support act Eric Johansen played one ( white with Gold trim ) - looked awesome and he was a great player. Was really impressed ! Sounded great .
It’s a beautiful guitar, I’d have it if I could afford it. I love guitars that aren’t necessarily “the people’s choice” . I’ve recently bought a D’Angelico Premier mini DC rather than the usual Epiphone 339 equivalent and I love it.
I've only played one. Quite stiff feeling, but very well made. Only things keeping me away are the scale length and the switch position. I could definitely see myself overusing the trem as it was perfect.
I was put off by the Duesenberg name and the Art Deco styling at first, I felt they were trying to ape the famous Car Manufacturer of the 1920's but after playing one I realised they were serious guitars.
Gee wiz, Colin. You sure do have a 'following. ' I was going to leave a comment, but couldn't get a word in!
Don't put yourself down, dude. Your certainly are a good enough player to justify playing any guitar.
I really like your show, and your rambling. You're honest, that's what I like.
Keep up the good work! Can't wait to see what you're up to next. Go ahead and play us out....
Cheers Jeff that's appreciated! 😎👍
Great video, and great playing. I have a Duesenberg Paloma. It's superb, but for a long time I was stuck wondering why it felt so sterile. It's so precise and perfect that it just didn't connect with my heart and soul. I too felt unworthy. I sold it and went through a number of guitars. Good guitars which felt more alive, but were all, in reality, worse. After a year I bought another identical Duesenberg Paloma, and this time I really connected. It's the guitar to gig with, it's always reliable and predictable, always sounds good, it's hard-wearing. I think if you can get over the price it's a real high-end workhorse. I bought my second on Reverb for £1200. I feel like I stole it at that price. Again, great video, you really summed up the way I initially felt about mine, and you made it really sound good.
Cheers man that’s appreciated!… also tells me I should probably give it some time so thanks for sharing I shall definitely take that on board and not give in too easily! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas Good luck, I hope you can find that point where it stops being a work of art, and starts being a real instrument that you can dig into. You get the most back from a Duesey when you play them hard. Have a great week!
@@_padders Cheers man!
I truly enjoy your off the cuff, honest videos.
I did want to share a story;
Since i was 14, I’ve wanted a Gibson Les Paul lefty. It just never seemed to happen, until last week, when i was approached about a guitar trade. So, after41 years of wanting, and waiting, i am the new owner of a 2021 left handed honey burst Les Paul tribute.
Upgraded pots, pickups, and capacitors.
Maybe I’ll start looking to trade into more guitars !
Cheers Allen, glad your Les Paul found you man there's a real satisfaction from trading guitars! 😎👍
It's a hell of a lot better than those SG's behind you and a Bigsby is a Bigsby no matter what it's labeled as! It sounds nice through my headphones and I played one once awhile back and I liked it. You should play it more! It's a nice guitar! Like Hofner's are great too! But, they're different also. Give it time.
I like the art deco look and mustard finish but wouldnt pay the asking price of over 2K for one new. Too many other great guitars could be had for that amount of money!
Have you played one? You might feel differently. They’re awesome guitars.
@@esdel1955 played many they are very good but should be about 1500 dollars at most
Flamed back, plain(ish) top… just like almost all mandolins, violins and related instruments. Beautiful guitar, Colin. Closest I’ve got is a couple of guitars I’ve fitted with Duesenberg nickel Les Trem IIs… Oh well 😬
Well it's a start! 😆👍 Cheers man.
@@theguitaristas Incidentally, although they are quite cagey regarding sourcing, their guitars are, apparently, an amalgam of Asian woodworking, and a mix of Asian and German electrics and metal work - all done under ultra-firm direction from the German facility, where final assembly takes place.
Just shows what the right level of quality control can achieve, doesn’t it? 😬 They finish up as a ‘World Class’ instrument… l 🤬ing love ‘em!👍
(BTW: Don’t forget, if you get the chance, to give the Epi Firebird a look-over - superb reproduction, including the 9 laminate through-neck! - and it’s one of my guitars now sporting the Les Trem!😜 They present for playing, and hang, surprisingly well on a strap too!)
Oh its COOL !! wow how lucky to be able to play this amazing creation, and play it well as usual, there`s nothing wrong with a work of art , and that`s what it is, keep them coming Col, watching in Javea Spain , you`ve gone global ha!!
Cheers! 🇪🇸😎👍
Beautiful Beautiful guitar!!!! If I were to plop down 2 Gs on a guitar, this Duesenberg would be it, hands down. You do the best guitar reviews on youtube! 2x better than a Gibson at half the price.
Cheers man! 😎👍
You are more then enough for that guitar..your reviews are genuine and play with heart and that guitar will sing. I bought a Coronet based on your reviews..its getting pleckd treatment and a new nut so it shall sing... im still learning to play..when I can play a variety of songs and feel I'm pushing into another level .. A duesenberg or a PRS is on the short list of guitars..until then I'll use my single P90 and learn tone and volume and just how to make musical noise. Keep pumping out the good stuff!
Cheers Travis! 😎👍👍
I’ve tried out a couple of these; both were flawless in design and construction. They were a bit like the Yamaha RevStar I recently tried. Absolutely nothing wrong anywhere; precision objects, but perhaps lacking ‘character’ in some respects.
Exceptional instruments.
Colin you don't give yourself enough credit. When you played this one it sounded great. Its a very nice guitar.
Cheers Paul!
“Cool” guitars usually acquire that quality by having been associated with cool musicians and cool music. Duesenberg lack those kind of associations (to the extent of Gibson, Fender et al) and that I suspect accounts largely for your “is/isn’t it?” quandary.
My vote: it’s cool as hell 🤟
Yes very true, and I guess a bit if a disadvantage that it was a late starter in 1996 and to be fair there haven't been that many cool rock musicians come up since then eh? And I admit I am old enjoy now to not actually be able to name any! 🤣👍
John Mayer, Mike Campbell, Joe Walsh, The Stones, Dave Stewart, Tom Bukovac?
@@RobRhodesMusic Well most of those were well established long before '96 and Bukovac is a session player... I stand by the sentiment of my statement! 😆
wow ... a $3200 guitar ... beautiful, sounds great ... can understand why some "players" love them ... but the cost (coupled with my skill) precludes purchase ... love the review and yakking!
Cheers Stephen! 😎👍
I have a Michael Kelly semi-hollow with a Bigsby and had to chuckle at myself when put a fresh set of strings on it the first time. Went 'over' and not 'under' the crossbar, thankfully correcting it without wasting a set of strings. The part that made me smile on your vid, that dodgy spring :D @19:04 - same thing happened to me. I've seen some gigging/performance musicians who secure the spring with a zip-tie. I have not since I don't gig :D As always, love your videos, its like listening to Bob Ross paint, soothing and happy.
Cheers Kenneth, now would it surprise you to discover that I actually did exactly that and put two strings on before realising they need to go under the bar? 🤣🤣 Ah the magic of editing and having a spare set of strings! Thanks for the kind words.... btw Bob Ross is a great compliment and I think he always just said that there was no such thing as mistakes just happy accidents!
@@theguitaristas ❤Happy accidents indeed.
mate your playing is always great. the guitar looks cool. you had it sounding really good. hang it up on the wall behind you it will stand out from the rest see if you warm up to it over time ... Cheers for the weekly entertainment looking forward to seeing what you have planned for next week. Cheers
Cheers Wes!
I thinks its a lovely guitar and sounding great ,always look forward to see what you've got lined up next ,cheers Colin 👍🎸🎶
I test drove 3 $1000 (around) Gretsch’s today, I really want a Rickenbacker 330, but they are around AU3.5-4K preloved. (Ricks no longer exported to Australia) So I tried out some Gretsch’s. I wasn’t overwhelmed. Then I saw a guitar I had never in my 63 years heard of before. it was love at first site! It was a Duesenberg. AU4.5K. I didn’t play it but I will soon. So I’m here to learn about this beautiful axe. P-90 and Humbucker! …..SOLD! 😂
I think that sometimes the romance and nostalgia of certain guitars can effect your judgement.
The design looks cool, but I would want a nitro finish for that kind of money. A poly neck does not appeal to me at all.
The colours look spot on though. Maybe it's a bit too BMW for my liking.
To get rid of the out of phase sound in middle position, you switch around the red and white wire from the p90 domino pickup ✌️
Hi Colin, I’m new to your channel, a mate sent me a link.
Loved the review and loved the guitar. A Duesenberg is on my wishlist. Got you on favourites now!
Cheers
Tim
Nice one Tim glad you found us man! 😎👍👍
Well little left of centre but what a great move … think forget the self crit and spend sometime with the guitar as it may shine… for me both Duesenberg and Eastman are how guitars should be made, but as always come down to playing…and a thin neck just won’t suit a lot of players … great info and hats off for tearing down a duesenberg starplayer !
Cheers Gerry! 😎👍
Keep it! I just know that if you let it go, one day you'll regret it. I think you'll grow to love it.
Great video Colin. I've never tried a Doosy myself but I think they look and sound great. I was a bit surprised about the out of phase sound in the middle position - I would have thought it would have been an option via a push pull pot rather than a main feature. If the guitar doesn't speak to you or feel 'right' then it's probably not worth keeping. For me if a neck doesn't sit comfortably in my hands I probably won't want to play it. It would still look good as a piece of art stuck on the wall though!
I usually don't get much good from the middle switch position on a Gib-styled dual-humbucker guitar, hardly use it at all, but on this Deusenberg the phased combination sounded nice and actually a little nasty and something I'd use, although it'd probably get mixed up if you add the wrong effects or too much gain. Still a cool sound that'd maybe be more useful with dual vol and tone knobs. Appearance overall is a bit funky and kitsch. I'd like it more w/o the vibrato, just a hardtail of some type.
Cheers Mark, yes with some nasty fuzz and stuff it could sound great! 😎👍
1 year later... wondering if you still have this... and if so have you bonded with it? I picked up a beautiful used Duesenberg 59er. I have been enjoying it a lot. It's a similar guitar to this but with 2 humbuckers. No trem on mine.
I didn't keep it for long... I may try a Starplayer special 🤔
I'd have that in a heartbeat, but without the tremelo, I can't play them either, which is why all my guitars are hardtails too.
Another great review 👍
I'm about to buy a second hand session man. II's been two days that I do not have other thought. Thanks for the video, its increasing the suspance