great review and demo. I bought a Squier version a couple of weeks ago. You covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time, running through tones, and applications without gratuitous noodling - a really good accurate overview of what these Starcasters do.
Just bought one myself, exact same model in Aged Cherryburst color. Pristine condition! I found used in a local music store this month (July 2020) for $490. I snatched it up! It's beautiful in person! It's a great conversation piece for sure!
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is a really great guitar. Very high quality and beautiful. I upgraded mine with Fender CuNiFe Wide Range humbuckers. The stock pickups are really good as is though.
The thing that I like the most of that guitar is the neck profile. Indeed, I' m used to play stratocaster so I assume that I would find that neck comfortable.
Landon...binding in the F-holes is usually only found on high end guitars...that’s insane they did that on a China guitar...I always love a fender layed out like a Gibson...looked and sounded fantastic!!!
Nice dude, I got a black one a while back from craiglist; 400 clams US. I upgraded the pots to 1meg audio taper cts and .022 bridge and .015 neck caps; also added treble bleeds. Took my time with the treble bleeds on the bread board, well worth it. Casters modern come with green .033 tone caps for both neck and bridge. Eh. You can upgrade the pickup dependent wiring and pots for more dynamics. The stock wires compress the dynamics cause of cheap wire resistance and cheap pot resistance. On my next string change I’m thinking to change my tone pots to 500 ohm linear tapers cause the one 1meg pots I put ,for tone, don’t do anything till about 4.5 and below on the dial. The draw back in putting full size pots in the starcaster is I had to chisel out some wood inside the bridge cavity for clearing a way for the install. Not bad though, once it’s yours you can do whatever. Oh, and I added a Floyd rose top mount whammy. It’s extra weight but I think it adds to the weird look the guitar naturally has. I love this guitar. Your sunburst one looks great! If you do put a whammy on yours, get locking tuners too. Rolling string tree a plus. Best of luck with that guitar man. Every dent tells a story.
Absolutely love that guitar. I may have to settle for the Squier for the time being since the reviews have been pretty good, though I wouldn't mind an older Fender.
I have this exact guitar just in the natural color. I scored it for a very good price and it’s in great condition. Been gigging with it regularly for about 3 years now and I’m so happy with it. Definitely a great guitar.
Nice that you stumbled across it. I love when that happens. I’ve bought a few guitars that way. I like underdogs, too. Looking forward to the next video.
Don't know about that original starcaster but on my Squire starcaster it was pointed out to me that the strings were touching/wearing on the back of the bridge. Replaced the bridge with a Gibson tune-o-matic bridge "Fit perfectly" and that fixed the issue. The Gibson bridge isn't as wide as the Starcaster bridge. Not sure how much of an issue it was but it didn't hurt to fix it.
That guitar has a lot more "jangly" cleans than an es 335. The slightly smaller body size might be nice. Interesting demonstration, I think that people are just used to buying solid bodies from Fender. I don't see anything that would be a deal breaker if I didn't already have some semi hollow guitars.
Wdym by jangly cleans? Im new to guitar. But im looking at a semi hollow body for that warm sound. R u saying it has the warmth of a regular semi hollow body but with that strat sound mixed in?
I saw a Target Store selling a Starcaster branded model electric solid body for about $250.00. it had a Strat headstock shape neck on it, China Cheap beginner, poplar or basswood body, maple neck skunk striped , gloss everything, cheap not true power sound/wound pickups. The finish came in red or black. What I bought was not the guitar, but a Fender Branded Chorus Effects Pedal. Now it sounded Excellent , so much so that I just kept it in my pedal chain. It cost around $40.00 . I ended up buying a late 79 model Peavey T-60 for the body and parts and put a Carvin neck I had on the guitar. I have wanted a Starcaster because I dig the Neck. It's a guitar on my bucket list. The guitars pickups on the Starcaster are modeled the same as the ones that came on my Fender '72 Thineline Telecaster Reissue. The guitar will not tune up and stay in tune nor stay intonated. I had the guitar thoroughly checked out by various Luthiers and it turns out that the neck wood maple is weak and the only way to strengthen it was to have fiber rods installed into the neck along with a double action trussrod. Good to go now. Most all my newer electric guitars have such built into their necks along with stainless steel frets !!! In my area there just are not good Luthiers available, so I have to travel or send the guitars off to have Fretworks performed on guitars necks, or I just buy new necks. I have 37 guitars of which 7 are Semi-Hollow, 3 Acoustics, 1 12 String, the rest 26 are solid body electrics. LP, Epiphone, Fender, Peavey, Schecter & some are collectables like Sears Tascos or Sears Silver tones and amps that came with them that had Reverb & Vibrato/Tremolo. I have all kinds of music gear !!! My playing buddies and I are always borrowing guitars, amps and effects or sound gear off one another to gig, studio, or jam with. I enjoyed your video here, makes me want another Starcaster but not the body !!! Play On FretBro . . . 👍🆒🎸🤘🎼☺️🇺🇸🙏 DDH 2-19-2024.
BilT Guitars uses this headstock shape on all the guitars. Their Volare model is basically a $3500 Starcaster. While I don't like oversized Strat headstocks, I really don't mind this one.
That is awesome, what a score! I wanted one of those years ago when they were out but couldn't afford it. Love the headstock. Might purchase the Squier version.
The neck and headstock is just the main reason why the Starcaster sounds different than any of the Gibson ES335 or 339 style guitars, be they from Gibson, Epiphone or Ibanez Artcore models (or D'Angelico or Eastman, etc). This has 'twang' to it that makes it unique. Phish's Trey Anastasio's signature 'Languedoc' (and all the faux-doc clone knock-offs) were modeled off the Starcaster. that shape is the signature look and the neck-scale and so on. Without amplification, the Starcaster and the Languedoc sound similar.
That is a beautiful Guitar. And I do like the Headstock. I have an older Starcaster neck that I am currently putting on a Strat body. It has a bullet head shape. This guitar is like a big boy Tele Slimline. I really like it. I love offset bodies.I also have a JazzMaster. Imagine that. Really nice looking Guitar.
I have a black starcaster too! I love the headstock, but the electronics were so bad, i replace with some emerson 335 electronics kit, take out the knobs of an fender blender reissue, and put some lindy fralin's wide range! Man love that vibe of the starcasters! Excellent review!
I have the same guitar and the only con I've had so far was the pickup selector. It broke and I had to have it replaced. Beyond that, it's an amazing guitar. I added a Dusenburg Les Trem 2 and it adds a whole new dimension to it
Yes standard cases for Gretsch, Gibson, etc have 6 latches. 5 just seem cheap to me, but I’m going to check out that company, and been shopping from Stratosphere for quite a few years.
Love the double bindings in general. Its pretty on my CV custom tele and equally so here. Im more intrigued by this Starcaster than I thought I'd be. Good video, cheers
I've got a big box Fender Starcaster Strat. I'll tell you how it stacked up against the Squiers; a Squier Bullet tuner alone poops on it. They should reissue them and call them "The Fender Starcaster Repair Practice Kit". Or better yet, "The Fender Firewood".
The bolt on neck differentiates it from the335 alikes. That plus the maple neck is likely to lend a more jangly less brown sound - if you get my meaning! A lovely instrument, but I would like mahogany set neck. Then it wouldn’t be a Starcaster . Dang!!
I think these sound better than the 1970s originals. All that hype with the just now Fender reproduced Cunife magnets in pole-piece screw form in the humbucker pickup after a 39 year hiatus in the original Wide-Range pickups was a bit overblown in my opinion. These new Starcasters have conventional PAF style alnico bar magnet pickups in Wide-Range covers and they sound great in this guitar. The rear pickup has a cool P-90 sound to my ears in that new Starcaster guitar...perfect for rockabilly guitar leads in the style of Scotty Moore.
Well that did it. I found a store on the east coast that had one left and bought it. I've been stalking these guitars for YEARS. Finally had to pull the trigger before they were all gone.
@@landonbailey No the black one (I'm weird, I only play black guitars.) It should arrive in a week. Can't wait to test drive it! (Very thorough video review, man. Best one I've seen yet. Thanks for all the info!)
Beautiful guitar, sounds good and it's my favorite brand. Check the neck pickup height. If it's at spec raise the pole pieces screws an 1/8th of a turn at a time and sound check. It will sound a little fuller and brighter
@@landonbailey I had the same issue with my L.P. except the 6 screws are in the same row, not staggered like yours 3 and 3. I would call a guitar tech and ask
So close a homage to Gibson that mine was delivered brand new with quality control issues.. A dead tone pot, poorly finished nut, and a mystery buzz/rattle somewhere around the bridge and pickups.. But even so, I negotiated a partial refund and kept it. The body is beautiful, the headstock tolerable; and I'd wanted a Starcaster ever since I saw one in a shop window way back in 1978... The Epiphone 335 case [940-E519] fits ok
Cool, guitar, the headstock design sort balances out the slightly offset body. The Black routed edge on the headstock sort of reminds me of the Fano guitars ( which I love ) apparently Fender did it first. It sounds great and glad you played through a VOX, my favorite combo is a Tele with and AC15. I think Fender Guitars sounds great with VOX amps and this one sounded great in both clean and slightly dirty channels. Great find, I would have snagged it too especially with that awesome case.
Nice video. Always liked them. This was Fenders foray into semi-hollowbody territory. I believe the other non-solid one, the Coronado, is fully hollow. For a "failed" guitar line they are not cheap. The originals go for $2-3K and the reissues like you have there currently go for $800-1000. I have it on my list as a "gotta get one someday" and it will probably be the reissue.
Until some weeks ago i had never heard about this guitar. The shape takes some getting used to, but I actually like it a lot. Only thing is: as a player coming from jazz and Gibson/Epi hollow and semi-hollow body guitars, for me the whole point of getting a Fender would be that it is not like the guitars I already have. So it would probably make more sense to get a Strat. Still, i like it.
I like the sound for sure. The wide range HB pickups are excellent. The China made Fenders, and CVmodels are almost as good as the Mexican and USA models imo. Great video Landon
they have more of that fender bounce sound and clarity.it really adds some life to the sound..you have to ride them a little low .otherwise they saturate..but when you find that sweet spot you get what seth lubber was thinking when he designed them..a humbucker that sounds like a fender.kind of a pain to install but not that expensive...the guitar went from sounding good to being my go to studio guitar..
Its awesome. Quite butternasty. I have the Squire version of this and it is by far my fav guitar out of the many guitars I have. Squire is made in Indonesia. Squire will take you higher.
I have had a 76’ since 76’ and it’s been a favourite for all those years. The original pickups sucked so I put dimazios on it. Also customised the vol pot to put the pickups out of phase pull/push. I call it Marmite and if you are a Brit youll know why. Recon they’ll bury it with me , along with my Boulet cowboy boots, when I go. True love. Nice review. Enjoy,
Picked up a mint condition sunburst from 2013 in a deluxe SKB case locally for $400! Completely psyched to find one locally and so mint. To my ears, it sounds great. I am sure it does not sound like a vintage, having played a mid70s Tele Deluxe with real Wide Range pickups, but it still sounds great. Might swap the pickups to see if real wide range pickups make a positive difference, as I have two different sets to try (MojoTone and the new Fender CuNiFe reissues). Adding a Bisgby via a Vibramate is a real possibility too. Congrats on finding yours! I don't love the headstock either, but find it cool that it is different. And it certainly hasn't stopped Fano and Bilt from using that shape for their stuff!!!
Great report and thank you. I have the Squire version and that plays really nicely. I also have the earlier Fender version plus the fender bass version 🙃 both in black and excellent players. I have quite a number of bassesand guitars but one of these always comes out to play. Recommend you try before forming you opinion. 🙂. Far side of the pond 🤘
I'm liking this very much I think it looks great sound great as well on the original it has 5 knobs and to must would look odd and uneven hoping to see you play more on this HGD from the UK
Hey man just a heads up, You have your bridge on backwards. The intonation adjustment screws face the nut with that kind of bridge and tail piece. Also if your tailpiece is too low it will cause the strings to rest on the back part of the bridge at a sharp angle. This is bad too. Look up tuneomatic bridge. Tons of info on them. It took me a bit to get used to this style of brigade too. Cool video 🤘
Lando27Music, lol yeah I’m not sure Fender knows either. I looked at several photos and some have with screws in and screws out. If you google that guitar both Sweetwater and American music have photos with the bridge set up correctly.
Lando27Music, yeah “Nashville” style goes screws towards tailpiece and “ABR” style screw heads go towards the nut. It depends on how the saddles are cut. If your strings fit and you can intonate, then it doesn’t matter. Anyway, Looking foreword to seeing your other videos. 👍
Tried one in the shop the other day and later ordered it online. Has a few qc issues such as the tone pot not turning properly and it was full of sawdust! Nice acoustic sound and easy to play and the pickups are nice. Will swap out the electrics.
@@landonbailey duh me!!! 🙈🙈🙈😂😂 totally right! Sorry! Have you had a chance to check out the squier ones? Would love to see a video 😁 😊 sincerely- a huge fan 😁
Fender even make 'Starcaster' beginner drum kits! Heaven knows why they couldn't come up with a different name!? Anyway, I've always been intrigued by these semi-hollow Starcasters, ever since seeing one in a 'History of the Electric Guitar' book 15 years or so ago; I've yet to come across one in person, though. So it's great to find out you'd tested one a few years back (I'd spotted it in the back of your Mini Jazzmaster video 😉).
My Squier Classic Vibe is 7lbs 8oz. I'm not super sensitive to weight, but this is lighter than my others. Maybe the 2014-ish reissues were heavier? I think my other option at sweetwater for the wlnut finish was just over 8 lbs. I have a short list of gripes: I wanted the finish from the Affinity or Contemporary series. I know that Fender wanted a dressy look for their "offset 339", but the bound F-Holes are too precious by half. Too studied. Second, the knobs (not the pots, just the witch-hat knobs, feel cheap. Like 1970's transistor radio cheap. That's literally *it*. Two minor peeves, one of which is easily correctable, is a pretty short list of gripes. The WRHBs sound great to me, but I know that some people don't like them. I'm happy.
@@landonbailey I'd love to have them side-by-side (along with a 1970s one. and a pony. ) My question is whether or not yours is more "player grade" than the reissues, or whether either of them are superior to the original versions.
If you ever do pull the electronics out of a hollow body, tie strings to each part first. That way it will only be a pain in the ass to get it back together, rather than almost impossible
I want the Squier version but need to wait as I just got a new offset Squier Tele last month. Great deep dive into what I think is a STUNNING guitar. I get why others don't think so and that add to the appeal to me. Will try and ask you about this in the next live stream. Why are you still reading this?
Great guitar, have a squier CV and didn't have to change anything. Was good out of the box....still have it actually. Thought about selling but thought better of it.
I installed Les Paul like openings (cavities), on the back side of mine with solid black plastic covers, so I could access and upgrade the switch and pots.
I was surprised when they brought out these made in China Fender's, and hoped the Fender name wouldn't be soiled . In England , I personally have never seen an original, in the flesh. I'm also surprised you like this guitar , knowing you're not a fan of the Thinline Telecaster. I think this sounds superb and it looks amazing .
Love The guitar I have the original American made model It still plays awesome If you want to see and hear one in an album Wolfgang Van Halen Plays them on the first and second album. They do not feel as heavy as they actually are , Great review Thanks for all you do Play on , enjoy the music 🎸🎸
It's funny, I happen to have a Strat Style Starcaster, a low cost Strat made in China. The Maple neck is beautiful though, but the body is tobacco sunburst, and, right next to it is an ES 175 inexpensive copy which is Aged Cherry Burst and looks like your Starcaster, I must have this guitar, but the cost is at $700 just enough to make it hurt but not crazy.
A Beautiful Starcaster... Historically obscure but highly respected. Overpriced for its time, like the Fender Jaguar. More top celebrities of that era, namely Emmie Lou Harris and Rick Derringer, could be found, playing cheaper, Fender Mustangs! In the mid-seventies, Fender/CBS introduced two semi-hollow body guitars: The Telecaster Thinline and the Starcaster. The Starcaster Identity... In the Summer of '76... shortly into the Fender Starcaster's first life cycle, I saw it on television, in a stage performance of: "African Symphony" by Van McCoy and his Orchestra. Now, in that piece, the guitar is not distinguished among other instruments, but the SUM is greater than its parts! "African Symphony" and The Fender Starcaster both originated in USA. Historically, they go together like a really great bread and real butter. "Like Buttah!!!!". I scoured RUclips, finding only live performances, covered, by both amateurs and pros, but liking neither, found an appropriate studio version of the original with some stunning footage: ruclips.net/video/FkvnO9I7Pw8/видео.html
I am not a huge fan of the headstock but overall it is a beautiful guitar. A shame it doesn’t keep up with Gibson/epiphone. I own a Tom Delonge starcaster and I do love it ❤
Thr original starcaster is a effin fire breathing dragon. A monster beast maestro 🔥 The Chinese fender starcaster is great. The Indonesian Squire classic vibes is the best other than the 76 Original Gangster Starcaster. 🔥
My kind of guitar! Maybe you could demo a Squier badge model at some point. I prefer Fender scale, sounds, comfort, feel etc. Great find! Keep it forever! THANKS!
@@landonbailey "badge" just means moniquer or brand. I refer to the Squier Starcaster. BTW, I have several used starcaster and bullet Squiers. With a set up and small things like edge rolling they play and sound great. As you know, guitars are simple stuff. Nice time to buy them over the last few years. Thanks for the informative posts!
I just found one with the same births that you have there for 500 American I’m going down to see it hoping it’s in good condition the pictures look awesome wish me luck
@@landonbailey I got it and it’s mint not as nice of case as the one you got but for $500 American it’s a great deal ! Thanks for your input on the model and your right the weight is not really noticeable,
How in the heck did I miss this video Landon?...I'm going to have to check the Bell notifications on your channel...!! I dig that Starcaster of yours that's awesome. I've seen the new classic vibe Starcaster through Squire I'd really like to get one... Except I don't think it's that antique Cherry burst it's a three color burst but not as vibrant red as yours! Your keeping it right? They look like they're melting like dripping down to the floor like the Salvador Dali of hollow Bodies....
I finally notice whats so weird and uncanny about this guitar. Its an ES type guitar with a one piece maple neck. Once you notice it you can’t un-notice it. Its just a weird combination.
I wish they would made American version of this guitar. I think its great looking and sounding instrument, but quality is well.. you get what you pay for
Wonder if you can put a fender strat neck on one of these,the only thing I don't like about this guitar is the headstock shape,the pickups have more of a P90 sound, I'm a offset guitar fan and 335s too,this is a sharp looking guitar.
![Baby Kia - GLOVES & DRACS (BLACK AF1s) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ajm8LeB0qQk/mqdefault.jpg)
love this style. hard to not think Jonny Greenwood when seeing one of these badboys
great review and demo. I bought a Squier version a couple of weeks ago. You covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time, running through tones, and applications without gratuitous noodling - a really good accurate overview of what these Starcasters do.
cheers!
I personally love the aesthetics of that guitar. Sounds great too
Just bought one myself, exact same model in Aged Cherryburst color. Pristine condition! I found used in a local music store this month (July 2020) for $490. I snatched it up! It's beautiful in person! It's a great conversation piece for sure!
nice find! congrats
@@landonbailey Thank you, and EXCELLENT video BTW!! Much appreciated confirmation after I bought mine!
The Squier version of this guitar is the best $399 you'll ever spend.
What separates the regular version from the Squier version?
is it as good as the modern player?
The Classic Vibe version is pretty good?
@@jacobmoore6874 Nothing.
The Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster is a really great guitar. Very high quality and beautiful. I upgraded mine with Fender CuNiFe Wide Range humbuckers. The stock pickups are really good as is though.
A good friend just gave me one of these. What an incredible gift
what a friend! sweet
The thing that I like the most of that guitar is the neck profile. Indeed, I' m used to play stratocaster so I assume that I would find that neck comfortable.
I love the Guitar... even the slightly obscure headstock shape is growing on me. Well purchased.
🎸👍😊
I got the bass version of this guitar in black and I love it, it's a short scale and it plays amazingly
nice!
The headstock is really like a Gibson Thunderbird. Always loved that headstock.
Landon...binding in the F-holes is usually only found on high end guitars...that’s insane they did that on a China guitar...I always love a fender layed out like a Gibson...looked and sounded fantastic!!!
Nice dude, I got a black one a while back from craiglist; 400 clams US. I upgraded the pots to 1meg audio taper cts and .022 bridge and .015 neck caps; also added treble bleeds. Took my time with the treble bleeds on the bread board, well worth it. Casters modern come with green .033 tone caps for both neck and bridge. Eh. You can upgrade the pickup dependent wiring and pots for more dynamics. The stock wires compress the dynamics cause of cheap wire resistance and cheap pot resistance. On my next string change I’m thinking to change my tone pots to 500 ohm linear tapers cause the one 1meg pots I put ,for tone, don’t do anything till about 4.5 and below on the dial. The draw back in putting full size pots in the starcaster is I had to chisel out some wood inside the bridge cavity for clearing a way for the install. Not bad though, once it’s yours you can do whatever. Oh, and I added a Floyd rose top mount whammy. It’s extra weight but I think it adds to the weird look the guitar naturally has. I love this guitar. Your sunburst one looks great! If you do put a whammy on yours, get locking tuners too. Rolling string tree a plus. Best of luck with that guitar man. Every dent tells a story.
Absolutely love that guitar. I may have to settle for the Squier for the time being since the reviews have been pretty good, though I wouldn't mind an older Fender.
I have this exact guitar just in the natural color. I scored it for a very good price and it’s in great condition. Been gigging with it regularly for about 3 years now and I’m so happy with it. Definitely a great guitar.
Very nice!
Nice that you stumbled across it. I love when that happens. I’ve bought a few guitars that way. I like underdogs, too. Looking forward to the next video.
cool and thanks! 🎸👍
Don't know about that original starcaster but on my Squire starcaster it was pointed out to me that the strings were touching/wearing on the back of the bridge. Replaced the bridge with a Gibson tune-o-matic bridge "Fit perfectly" and that fixed the issue. The Gibson bridge isn't as wide as the Starcaster bridge. Not sure how much of an issue it was but it didn't hurt to fix it.
I love it, but I happen to like guitars that don't look like every other kind of guitar. This one's unique 👍
same!
That guitar has a lot more "jangly" cleans than an es 335. The slightly smaller body size might be nice. Interesting demonstration, I think that people are just used to buying solid bodies from Fender. I don't see anything that would be a deal breaker if I didn't already have some semi hollow guitars.
👍🎸😁
That’s why I love mine! I started on strats so I enjoy being able to have the jangly cleans and still be able to add some dirt to it
Wdym by jangly cleans? Im new to guitar. But im looking at a semi hollow body for that warm sound. R u saying it has the warmth of a regular semi hollow body but with that strat sound mixed in?
I like it, it sounds good, nice and rich. A hater could always install a Strat neck I suppose but I am digging the shoe!
I saw a Target Store selling a Starcaster branded model electric solid body for about $250.00. it had a Strat headstock shape neck on it, China Cheap beginner, poplar or basswood body, maple neck skunk striped , gloss everything, cheap not true power sound/wound pickups. The finish came in red or black. What I bought was not the guitar, but a Fender Branded Chorus Effects Pedal. Now it sounded Excellent , so much so that I just kept it in my pedal chain. It cost around $40.00 . I ended up buying a late 79 model Peavey T-60 for the body and parts and put a Carvin neck I had on the guitar. I have wanted a Starcaster because I dig the Neck. It's a guitar on my bucket list. The guitars pickups on the Starcaster are modeled the same as the ones that came on my Fender '72 Thineline Telecaster Reissue.
The guitar will not tune up and stay in tune nor stay intonated. I had the guitar thoroughly checked out by various Luthiers and it turns out that the neck wood maple is weak and the only way to strengthen it was to have fiber rods installed into the neck along with a double action trussrod. Good to go now. Most all my newer electric guitars have such built into their necks along with stainless steel frets !!!
In my area there just are not good Luthiers available, so I have to travel or send the guitars off to have Fretworks performed
on guitars necks, or I just buy new necks. I have 37 guitars of which 7 are Semi-Hollow, 3 Acoustics, 1 12 String, the rest 26 are solid body electrics. LP, Epiphone, Fender, Peavey, Schecter & some are collectables like Sears Tascos or Sears Silver tones and amps that came with them that had Reverb & Vibrato/Tremolo. I have all kinds of music gear !!! My playing buddies and I are always borrowing guitars, amps and effects or sound gear off one another to gig, studio, or jam with. I enjoyed your video here, makes me want another Starcaster but not the body !!! Play On FretBro . . . 👍🆒🎸🤘🎼☺️🇺🇸🙏 DDH 2-19-2024.
BilT Guitars uses this headstock shape on all the guitars. Their Volare model is basically a $3500 Starcaster. While I don't like oversized Strat headstocks, I really don't mind this one.
interesting! I just checked out their site. I'm surprised Fender doesn't care, or maybe they have a license from Fender.
Lando27Music check out the Lennon Claypool Delirium song Blood and Rockets (Live). Sean Lennon is playing a Jazzmaster style Bilt
That is awesome, what a score! I wanted one of those years ago when they were out but couldn't afford it. Love the headstock. Might purchase the Squier version.
I was trying to get the Squier but they are backordered until May
The Squier is a fantastic guitar!
Wow the close up pics look amazing, nice review. I love this guitar, its a no brainer for the money.
The neck and headstock is just the main reason why the Starcaster sounds different than any of the Gibson ES335 or 339 style guitars, be they from Gibson, Epiphone or Ibanez Artcore models (or D'Angelico or Eastman, etc). This has 'twang' to it that makes it unique.
Phish's Trey Anastasio's signature 'Languedoc' (and all the faux-doc clone knock-offs) were modeled off the Starcaster. that shape is the signature look and the neck-scale and so on. Without amplification, the Starcaster and the Languedoc sound similar.
That is a beautiful Guitar. And I do like the Headstock. I have an older Starcaster neck that I am currently putting on a Strat body. It has a bullet head shape. This guitar is like a big boy Tele Slimline. I really like it. I love offset bodies.I also have a JazzMaster. Imagine that. Really nice looking Guitar.
🎸👍
Picked one of these up around 2014. I love the feel, sound, and look.
Super laidback yet informative and thorough review. Great job.
Another great video!! I have had a black Fender Starcaster since 2018. Never noticed the shoe shaped headstock until today LOL
cheers!
Ive never been a fan of the wide range humbckers but i've always thought these were cool looking guitars.
The vintage wide range humbuckers have a completely different sound than these. Lighter, more airy, close to a 50s DeArmond
That was too funny how that was timed !! ha ha ha :P Great job as always. Thats a reasonable price for a guitar that mint with a solid case !!
ya just looking at Spacemanmusic's site and stumbled on it last Friday night
I have a black starcaster too! I love the headstock, but the electronics were so bad, i replace with some emerson 335 electronics kit, take out the knobs of an fender blender reissue, and put some lindy fralin's wide range! Man love that vibe of the starcasters! Excellent review!
I have the same guitar and the only con I've had so far was the pickup selector. It broke and I had to have it replaced. Beyond that, it's an amazing guitar. I added a Dusenburg Les Trem 2 and it adds a whole new dimension to it
after having it for a few weeks, I'm noticing the selector is tight. hopefully it holds together. getting inside the guitar isn't easy :)
@@landonbailey I ended up taking it to a luthier.
That´s one good looking guitar. A couple of p-94 would be a nice upgrade
🎸👍
Yes standard cases for Gretsch, Gibson, etc have 6 latches. 5 just seem cheap to me, but I’m going to check out that company, and been shopping from Stratosphere for quite a few years.
Love the double bindings in general. Its pretty on my CV custom tele and equally so here. Im more intrigued by this Starcaster than I thought I'd be. Good video, cheers
ya it's nice! thanks
I've got a big box Fender Starcaster Strat. I'll tell you how it stacked up against the Squiers; a Squier Bullet tuner alone poops on it. They should reissue them and call them "The Fender Starcaster Repair Practice Kit". Or better yet, "The Fender Firewood".
oh ya those Starcasters! I’ve never seen one in person
I got one (natural finish), great sound, beautiful guitar. Extremely versatile. Good video, by the way!
Rock on!
The bolt on neck differentiates it from the335 alikes. That plus the maple neck is likely to lend a more jangly less brown sound - if you get my meaning! A lovely instrument, but I would like mahogany set neck. Then it wouldn’t be a Starcaster . Dang!!
Michael Bolt-on
I think these sound better than the 1970s originals. All that hype with the just now Fender reproduced Cunife magnets in pole-piece screw form in the humbucker pickup after a 39 year hiatus in the original Wide-Range pickups was a bit overblown in my opinion. These new Starcasters have conventional PAF style alnico bar magnet pickups in Wide-Range covers and they sound great in this guitar. The rear pickup has a cool P-90 sound to my ears in that new Starcaster guitar...perfect for rockabilly guitar leads in the style of Scotty Moore.
Good score and a very nice acquisition too. I particularly like the bridge pickup with drives and distortion, good note separation.
ya it's a rocker!
Well that did it. I found a store on the east coast that had one left and bought it. I've been stalking these guitars for YEARS. Finally had to pull the trigger before they were all gone.
sweet! same colour?
@@landonbailey No the black one (I'm weird, I only play black guitars.) It should arrive in a week. Can't wait to test drive it! (Very thorough video review, man. Best one I've seen yet. Thanks for all the info!)
nice! I think they all look cool
Beautiful guitar, sounds good and it's my favorite brand. Check the neck pickup height. If it's at spec raise the pole pieces screws an 1/8th of a turn at a time and sound check. It will sound a little fuller and brighter
you can't adjust the pole pieces in these reissue pickups. they'll snap right out
@@landonbailey I had the same issue with my L.P. except the 6 screws are in the same row, not staggered like yours 3 and 3. I would call a guitar tech and ask
@@landonbailey Most likely that's what the screws are for. It made a difference on my L.P. If not lower the bridge pup to balance the output.
This video = chef's kiss. Great work. 👨🍳
I remove all the pole pieces and the pickup is just another beasts sounding great both clean and dirty...try it!
Dude. Beautiful.
🎸👍
So close a homage to Gibson that mine was delivered
brand new with quality control issues..
A dead tone pot, poorly finished nut, and a mystery buzz/rattle
somewhere around the bridge and pickups..
But even so, I negotiated a partial refund and kept it.
The body is beautiful, the headstock tolerable;
and I'd wanted a Starcaster ever since I saw one in a shop window way back in 1978...
The Epiphone 335 case [940-E519] fits ok
That one funky looking beast of a guitar! I like it!
Cool, guitar, the headstock design sort balances out the slightly offset body. The Black routed edge on the headstock sort of reminds me of the Fano guitars ( which I love ) apparently Fender did it first. It sounds great and glad you played through a VOX, my favorite combo is a Tele with and AC15. I think Fender Guitars sounds great with VOX amps and this one sounded great in both clean and slightly dirty channels. Great find, I would have snagged it too especially with that awesome case.
hey thanks! ya the case was a nice addition to a cool find
The Killers guitarist played one.
Nice video. Always liked them. This was Fenders foray into semi-hollowbody territory. I believe the other non-solid one, the Coronado, is fully hollow. For a "failed" guitar line they are not cheap. The originals go for $2-3K and the reissues like you have there currently go for $800-1000. I have it on my list as a "gotta get one someday" and it will probably be the reissue.
Right on!
Man oh man! What a review! Thank u so much!
Until some weeks ago i had never heard about this guitar. The shape takes some getting used to, but I actually like it a lot. Only thing is: as a player coming from jazz and Gibson/Epi hollow and semi-hollow body guitars, for me the whole point of getting a Fender would be that it is not like the guitars I already have. So it would probably make more sense to get a Strat. Still, i like it.
I like the sound for sure. The wide range HB pickups are excellent. The China made Fenders, and CVmodels are almost as good as the Mexican and USA models imo. Great video Landon
cheers! 😄🎸👍
I love this guitar I did switch the pickups to mojo tone wide range ...the craftsmanship of the guitar itself is fantastic...the wiring was doo doo
hey thanks for the personal experience. how do the pickups compare?
they have more of that fender bounce sound and clarity.it really adds some life to the sound..you have to ride them a little low .otherwise they saturate..but when you find that sweet spot you get what seth lubber was thinking when he designed them..a humbucker that sounds like a fender.kind of a pain to install but not that expensive...the guitar went from sounding good to being my go to studio guitar..
Its awesome. Quite butternasty. I have the Squire version of this and it is by far my fav guitar out of the many guitars I have. Squire is made in Indonesia. Squire will take you higher.
You have a great format for your review process. Thanks. Enjoy these.
cheers!
You did and always seem to give the best overall reviews. Thank you Landon!
I have had a 76’ since 76’ and it’s been a favourite for all those years. The original pickups sucked so I put dimazios on it. Also customised the vol pot to put the pickups out of phase pull/push. I call it Marmite and if you are a Brit youll know why. Recon they’ll bury it with me , along with my Boulet cowboy boots, when I go. True love. Nice review. Enjoy,
very cool! what colour do you have? cheers from Canada 🎸👍
What did you do with the original pickups?
Picked up a mint condition sunburst from 2013 in a deluxe SKB case locally for $400! Completely psyched to find one locally and so mint. To my ears, it sounds great. I am sure it does not sound like a vintage, having played a mid70s Tele Deluxe with real Wide Range pickups, but it still sounds great. Might swap the pickups to see if real wide range pickups make a positive difference, as I have two different sets to try (MojoTone and the new Fender CuNiFe reissues). Adding a Bisgby via a Vibramate is a real possibility too. Congrats on finding yours! I don't love the headstock either, but find it cool that it is different. And it certainly hasn't stopped Fano and Bilt from using that shape for their stuff!!!
that’s an amazing deal! nice. ya you can buy the official Fender CUNIFE Humbuckers
Great report and thank you.
I have the Squire version and that plays really nicely. I also have the earlier Fender version plus the fender bass version 🙃 both in black and excellent players. I have quite a number of bassesand guitars but one of these always comes out to play. Recommend you try before forming you opinion. 🙂.
Far side of the pond 🤘
cheers!
Great review Landon 👍🏻 I have one of these and you described and demonstrated it to a tee. 👍🏻
Thanks! 👍
Very gibson like . The head stock is cool as hell Fano uses it now i know where he got it
It looks beautiful...sounds pretty good too. The Squire ones now are more affordable.
I'm liking this very much I think it looks great sound great as well on the original it has 5 knobs and to must would look odd and uneven
hoping to see you play more on this HGD from the UK
cheers! ya the original had a 5th knob which was a master volume
Hey man just a heads up, You have your bridge on backwards. The intonation adjustment screws face the nut with that kind of bridge and tail piece. Also if your tailpiece is too low it will cause the strings to rest on the back part of the bridge at a sharp angle. This is bad too. Look up tuneomatic bridge. Tons of info on them. It took me a bit to get used to this style of brigade too. Cool video 🤘
hey thanks for the heads up! I haven't even looked at the bridge. lol. I'll have another look 🎸👍
I just took at look at some stock photos from Fender, and that's how the bridge is installed.
Lando27Music, lol yeah I’m not sure Fender knows either. I looked at several photos and some have with screws in and screws out. If you google that guitar both Sweetwater and American music have photos with the bridge set up correctly.
@@thinkingape7655 I see that! Lol. I see both setups.
Lando27Music, yeah “Nashville” style goes screws towards tailpiece and “ABR” style screw heads go towards the nut. It depends on how the saddles are cut. If your strings fit and you can intonate, then it doesn’t matter. Anyway, Looking foreword to seeing your other videos. 👍
Beautiful guitar 🎸 I love it .👌
Rock on!
Tried one in the shop the other day and later ordered it online. Has a few qc issues such as the tone pot not turning properly and it was full of sawdust! Nice acoustic sound and easy to play and the pickups are nice. Will swap out the electrics.
probably a Squier right? this was a Fender
@@landonbailey duh me!!! 🙈🙈🙈😂😂 totally right! Sorry! Have you had a chance to check out the squier ones? Would love to see a video 😁 😊 sincerely- a huge fan 😁
I like it! Not sold on the headstock quite yet, but it reminds me of a few of the Gibson hollow-bodies without having to be made by Gibson.
it was created to compete with those Gibson models
Fender even make 'Starcaster' beginner drum kits! Heaven knows why they couldn't come up with a different name!? Anyway, I've always been intrigued by these semi-hollow Starcasters, ever since seeing one in a 'History of the Electric Guitar' book 15 years or so ago; I've yet to come across one in person, though. So it's great to find out you'd tested one a few years back (I'd spotted it in the back of your Mini Jazzmaster video 😉).
🎸👍
Cool guitar, sounds great!
My Squier Classic Vibe is 7lbs 8oz. I'm not super sensitive to weight, but this is lighter than my others. Maybe the 2014-ish reissues were heavier? I think my other option at sweetwater for the wlnut finish was just over 8 lbs.
I have a short list of gripes: I wanted the finish from the Affinity or Contemporary series. I know that Fender wanted a dressy look for their "offset 339", but the bound F-Holes are too precious by half. Too studied. Second, the knobs (not the pots, just the witch-hat knobs, feel cheap. Like 1970's transistor radio cheap.
That's literally *it*. Two minor peeves, one of which is easily correctable, is a pretty short list of gripes. The WRHBs sound great to me, but I know that some people don't like them.
I'm happy.
nice! I originally wanted the Squier model, but it was out of stock earlier this year and I stumbled on this Fender model in mint condition. love it!
@@landonbailey I'd love to have them side-by-side (along with a 1970s one. and a pony. )
My question is whether or not yours is more "player grade" than the reissues, or whether either of them are superior to the original versions.
Man oh man! What a review! Thank u so mucho!
My pleasure!
You see SHOE...
I see BOOTSY wif STAR CHILD!!!
Ah.....
Mr Calrissian....
Thank you. ❤️👍🎵🎸💕
You old Pirate!
If you ever do pull the electronics out of a hollow body, tie strings to each part first. That way it will only be a pain in the ass to get it back together, rather than almost impossible
I’m itching to get one of these now.
Great find !! I'm envious !!
total luck I found it
I want the Squier version but need to wait as I just got a new offset Squier Tele last month. Great deep dive into what I think is a STUNNING guitar. I get why others don't think so and that add to the appeal to me. Will try and ask you about this in the next live stream. Why are you still reading this?
Rock on!
Great guitar, have a squier CV and didn't have to change anything. Was good out of the box....still have it actually. Thought about selling but thought better of it.
I installed Les Paul like openings (cavities), on the back side of mine with solid black plastic covers, so I could access and upgrade the switch and pots.
They should bring it back. It’s a Fender 339
Great job reviewing!!! Thank you- lots of needed info here. thx
🎸👍
I was surprised when they brought out these made in China Fender's, and hoped the Fender name wouldn't be soiled . In England , I personally have never seen an original, in the flesh.
I'm also surprised you like this guitar , knowing you're not a fan of the Thinline Telecaster. I think this sounds superb and it looks amazing .
ya this looks totally fine to me!
@@landonbailey 😊👌
Love The guitar
I have the original American made model
It still plays awesome
If you want to see and hear one in an album
Wolfgang Van Halen
Plays them on the first and second album.
They do not feel as heavy as they actually are , Great review
Thanks for all you do
Play on , enjoy the music 🎸🎸
It's funny, I happen to have a Strat Style Starcaster, a low cost Strat made in China. The Maple neck is beautiful though, but the body is tobacco sunburst, and, right next to it is
an ES 175 inexpensive copy which is Aged Cherry Burst and looks like your Starcaster, I must have this guitar, but the cost is at $700 just enough to make it hurt but not crazy.
A Beautiful Starcaster...
Historically obscure but highly respected. Overpriced for its time, like the Fender Jaguar. More top celebrities of that era, namely Emmie Lou Harris and Rick Derringer, could be found, playing cheaper, Fender Mustangs!
In the mid-seventies, Fender/CBS introduced two semi-hollow body guitars: The Telecaster Thinline and the Starcaster.
The Starcaster Identity...
In the Summer of '76... shortly into the Fender Starcaster's first life cycle, I saw it on television, in a stage performance of:
"African Symphony" by
Van McCoy and his Orchestra.
Now, in that piece, the guitar is not distinguished among other instruments, but the SUM is greater than its parts!
"African Symphony" and The Fender Starcaster both originated in USA. Historically, they go together like a really great bread and real butter. "Like Buttah!!!!".
I scoured RUclips, finding only live performances, covered, by both amateurs and pros, but liking neither, found an appropriate studio version of the original with some stunning footage:
ruclips.net/video/FkvnO9I7Pw8/видео.html
I am not a huge fan of the headstock but overall it is a beautiful guitar. A shame it doesn’t keep up with Gibson/epiphone. I own a Tom Delonge starcaster and I do love it ❤
Starcaster by Fender
Body design by Hanna Barbera
Love this guitar😎
I like it, love the body and the head is weird but unique!
Thr original starcaster is a effin fire breathing dragon. A monster beast maestro 🔥 The Chinese fender starcaster is great. The Indonesian Squire classic vibes is the best other than the 76 Original Gangster Starcaster. 🔥
My goodness, I want one of these!
it's pretty cool!
My kind of guitar! Maybe you could demo a Squier badge model at some point. I prefer Fender scale, sounds, comfort, feel etc. Great find! Keep it forever! THANKS!
Squier Bullet? or is badge something mysterious :)
@@landonbailey "badge" just means moniquer or brand. I refer to the Squier Starcaster. BTW, I have several used starcaster and bullet Squiers. With a set up and small things like edge rolling they play and sound great. As you know, guitars are simple stuff. Nice time to buy them over the last few years. Thanks for the informative posts!
@@johnwelch557 ah k! got ya. Originally I was trying to buy the Sunburst Squier model but it's on backorder until May
@@landonbailey yes. A store here(Phoenix) said they are wildly popular....
@@johnwelch557 ya same here
I just found one with the same births that you have there for 500 American I’m going down to see it hoping it’s in good condition the pictures look awesome wish me luck
Best of luck!
@@landonbailey I got it and it’s mint not as nice of case as the one you got but for $500 American it’s a great deal ! Thanks for your input on the model and your right the weight is not really noticeable,
The Under Dog was perfect timing when a dog barked 😂
How in the heck did I miss this video Landon?...I'm going to have to check the Bell notifications on your channel...!! I dig that Starcaster of yours that's awesome. I've seen the new classic vibe Starcaster through Squire I'd really like to get one... Except I don't think it's that antique Cherry burst it's a three color burst but not as vibrant red as yours! Your keeping it right? They look like they're melting like dripping down to the floor like the Salvador Dali of hollow Bodies....
ya this one is a keeper. I agree, the colouring is better than the new Squire models
@@landonbailey there's only a handful of videos on the Starcaster made by fender out there in RUclips land... And yours is one of the better ones....
hey thanks!👍
I love the Starcaster!
🎸👍😁
wish you would do the classic vibe model!!
I probably won't since I've done this one
A beauty guitar .
I finally notice whats so weird and uncanny about this guitar. Its an ES type guitar with a one piece maple neck. Once you notice it you can’t un-notice it. Its just a weird combination.
I wish they would made American version of this guitar. I think its great looking and sounding instrument, but quality is well.. you get what you pay for
fit and finish were pretty nice
Wonder if you can put a fender strat neck on one of these,the only thing I don't like about this guitar is the headstock shape,the pickups have more of a P90 sound, I'm a offset guitar fan and 335s too,this is a sharp looking guitar.
good question!