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FDP Forum / Fender Product Reviews / Anybody tried the new Starcaster?

Peegoo
Contributing Member
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I walk

between the raindrops
Mar 9th, 2014 06:32 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I've seen these in ads and I'm intrigued because they look pretty well done. The only real visual difference is the Gibson-style "stop" tailpiece. The original Starcaster from the 1970s had an all-in-one bridge. This new one has a simpler circuit too, and the pickups are not made like the originals.

I've come close to springing for a real-deal 70's Starcaster more than once, but I really don't want to drop $2500+ on a guitar I may play only occasionally.

I cannot believe I'm being rational about this.

Is the jury still out on this one?
This.

reverend mikey
Contributing Member
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west Omaha, east NE

Life gets in the way of my G.A.S.
Mar 10th, 2014 09:47 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I've held one and looked it over pretty closely (didn't plug in or play it as I'm a lefty, so take this for what it is):

I thought the construction and materials seemed average at best. Maybe I'm just not too keen on a bolt-on semi-hollow. Overall, it just felt "cheap," and knowing that the electronics weren't replicas of the originals made me wonder what the whole point was...?

Okay, crawling back to my cave...

(Edited to add: but what do I know...
...these reviews are all fairly positive.)
(This message was last edited by reverend mikey at 12:11 PM, Mar 10th, 2014)

Peegoo
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I walk

between the raindrops
Mar 10th, 2014 05:32 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I think the idea of having one is more satisfying than actually owning one.

Even though the new version uses a tune-o-matic style bridge, the original bridge was really hard to adjust.

Dadical
Contributing Member
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I am not a complete

idiot - I have several pieces missing!
Mar 13th, 2014 09:27 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
No issues adjusting my original, and the original pickups are something special. If I could keep only one semi-hollow it would be the '76 Starcaster.

Cal Webway
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usa

Poet Lariat
Mar 14th, 2014 05:51 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
Seems like a nice gtr, but don't want spend that much on MIC gtrs.

mrfix

canada

Mar 15th, 2014 06:50 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
If you want a nice new guitar to show off and you have no guitars with the Wide Range pickups, Buy one. As for me, I have a 72 Telecaster Thinline RI with the Wide Range pickups. The Starcaster does not add any new tones to my collection. Combine that with the larger body, this guitar is not for me.

They do sound cool played unplugged.

I do like the Coronado. It is a definite alternative to Gretsch.

69tele

Rockin Gibraltar

Thou Shalt Gas !
Mar 17th, 2014 08:14 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I agree with Rev and Cal.

At first I was quite excited about them when they came out, but tried out and it seemed cheaply made and a lot of money for a MIC

For similar money you can get a mex thinline cabronita.

tepperson

We got great big

HEADS!
May 8th, 2014 08:48 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
Been jonesin' for one; finally played one ...

Heavier than I thought it should be (owned a '70 335) and a hellishly wide neck to me ... and I LIKE wide necks ... dunno ... now lookin' atta Cort Source BV ...

Fit and finish were AMAZING, and, of course semi-hollowbody tones to die for ...

Stratotron

USA

Feb 19th, 2015 08:47 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I am "facebook" friends with a guy named that works at Fender, and he has posted a video of him demo'ing a Starcaster at the Corona plant on break.

I could probably post a link to the facebook video ,but first, is it OK to do that here? Should I IM the guy and ask if it is OK? What is the etiquette? He is a GREAT player and does post a lot of videos...he probably wouldn't mind.

Hammond101
Contributing Member
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So. Cal. USA

Feb 19th, 2015 09:27 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I see no issue with it. Facebook is pretty public.

Stratotron

USA

Feb 19th, 2015 10:23 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I got his permission to post this. He is a great player and it is cool to see what goes on during break time at the Fender Factory. N-joy. you'll need to cut and paste...

(This message was last edited by Stratotron at 04:24 PM, Feb 19th, 2015)

Guitar Fool
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Sunshine State

Just a pawn in someone else's game
Feb 20th, 2015 09:33 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
I can only add my experience with the pups..

from the pic, its a pretty nice looking guitar... I like the tailpiece.. its a good fit...and if its easier to adjust, thats a bonus..

I've actually owned and played the Mexican WR Humbuckers, the Japanese WR humbuckers, the Lollar Regals and the original WR humbuckers

The tone out of the Lollars is darn close to the originals and if u can score a set it would be a nice upgrade..the last set of originals i got were 700 bills.... but well worth it

that being said, I think Fender did a pretty good job with the Reissue pickups.... they are close to nailing that sound... the Japanese pups are hotter than the Mexican ones....

the difference between the re-issue pickups and the Lollars or the originals is most noticeable in the bridge position... they sound a bit thinner and weaker... but as I said, I think for the money they sound pretty good....

reverend mikey
Contributing Member
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west Omaha, east NE

Life gets in the way of my G.A.S.
Feb 26th, 2015 04:39 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search Topic
"you'll need to cut and paste..."

cut and paste what?

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