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Average Price: $173

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$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Starcaster is a true gem for guitar enthusiasts who appreciate a fusion of vintage allure and modern playability. Originally introduced in the late 1970s, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar defies convention with its distinctive offset body design and unique headstock. This model marks Fender's bold venture into the humbucker market, delivering a rich, resonant sound that appeals to both classic rockers and contemporary indie players alike.

With its double-cutaway design, the Starcaster offers seamless access to upper frets, making it an ideal choice for soloists who love to explore the full range of the fretboard. Its semi-hollow construction provides a warm, airy tone that's perfect for jazz, blues, and rock, while the humbucker pickups ensure a powerful output with reduced noise. This combination of features delivers a dynamic sound palette that can easily adapt to a variety of musical styles and genres.

The Starcaster's aesthetics are just as captivating as its sonic capabilities. The offset body not only enhances its visual appeal but also offers a comfortable playing experience. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Fender Starcaster is sure to inspire creativity and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for rich, airy tones
  • Distinctive offset body design
  • Dual humbucker pickups for powerful sound
  • Unique headstock design
  • Comfortable double-cutaway for easy fret access

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Starcaster
Finish Antigua, Black, Blonde, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha), White, Wine
Year 1976 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Starcaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Starcaster's pickups?

The Fender Starcaster features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, delivering warm, rich tones with a strong midrange and smooth highs. It's versatile enough for jazz, rock, and blues, offering a distinct voice compared to typical single-coil Fender guitars.

Is the Fender Starcaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

The Fender Starcaster is more suited to intermediate and advanced players due to its semi-hollow body design and unique tonal characteristics. Beginners might find its nuances more challenging compared to solid-body guitars.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Fender Starcaster affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body design of the Fender Starcaster provides a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain and a slight acoustic quality, making it ideal for genres like jazz and blues that benefit from a fuller sound.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Starcaster like?

The Fender Starcaster features a maple neck with a bolt-on construction, providing a smooth, fast-playing surface that is comfortable for most hand sizes. Its 25.5" scale length offers a familiar feel for players used to Fender's standard necks.

Does the Fender Starcaster handle feedback well?

Thanks to its semi-hollow body design, the Fender Starcaster can be more prone to feedback at high volumes compared to solid-body guitars. However, it offers a unique tonal character that many players find worth managing with proper technique and amplification settings.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Fender Modern Player Starcaster Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Fender Modern Player Starcaster Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Fender Modern Player Starcaster Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for 1976 Fender Starcaster Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Shelby Pollard by Chicago Music Exchange

1976 Fender Starcaster Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Shelby Pollard

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for The New Fender Starcaster Played by Greg Koch  •  NAMM 2014 by Wildwood Guitars

The New Fender Starcaster Played by Greg Koch • NAMM 2014

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for FENDER Starcaster MN BLK by session

FENDER Starcaster MN BLK

session

session

Video thumbnail for BASICS: What Does a Fender Starcaster Sound Like? (Fender Modern Player Starcaster Demo) by Aaron Sternke

BASICS: What Does a Fender Starcaster Sound Like? (Fender Modern Player Starcaster Demo)

Aaron Sternke

Aaron Sternke

Video thumbnail for 1976 Fender Starcaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Fender Starcaster Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound from Seth Lover Wide Range pickups; articulate, complex, and punchy.

  • Semi-hollow body adds airiness and depth to tone.

  • Substantial 'C' shape neck is comfortable and fast for many players.

  • Master volume knob offers excellent control over sound dynamics.

  • Truss rod adjustment on headstock allows for easy setup.

  • Balanced weight distribution enhances playing comfort.

  • Distinctive offset body shape makes it stand out visually.

  • Loud, lush cleans and impressive response to distortion.

  • Vintage appeal with a modern sonic relevance.

  • High-quality build resonates with boutique guitar enthusiasts.

CONS

  • Original neck pocket fit may not meet modern standards.

  • Demands a meticulous setup for optimal performance.

  • Some players report issues with staying in tune, possibly due to tuners.

  • Wide body size may not suit all players' comfort preferences.

  • Not all reissues capture the full essence of original pickups.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Starcaster.

Comparisons

  • It's noted that the Starcaster's floating bridge offers flexibility for blues and softer rock, contrasting the Epiphone's set bridge for rock and metal.

    Source
  • The 2013 reissue of the '80s Starcaster is considered interesting and somewhat collectible, distinguishing it from modern versions.

    Source
  • "Starcaster by Fender" models are comparable to low-end Squier guitars, reflecting similar build quality and manufacturing origin.

    Source
  • The Tom Delonge Starcaster features a 70's Strat style headstock, which some find less appealing than the traditional Starcaster headstock.

    Source
  • The Classic Vibe Starcaster has two tone and volume knobs along with two pickups, unlike the single pickup configuration of the Tom Delonge model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Starcaster's single-coil pickups are highlighted for their versatility in rock and blues, providing a different tonal character than the humbuckers on the Les Paul Junior.

    Source
  • The Tom Delonge Starcaster includes a treble bleed volume knob and locking tuners, which are not present on the Classic Vibe version.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Starcaster's quality as a first guitar, especially when comparing it to other beginner models.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Starcaster by Fender as a bargain, especially when setup properly, making it enjoyable to play despite its low cost.

    Source
  • A user reported that the Tom Delonge Starcaster integrates well with a rig configured for low output single coil pickups, despite its medium output humbucker.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners report that components are fully interchangeable with Stratocasters, enabling easy customization, such as swapping in a Tusq nut for improved playability.

    Source
  • There's potential difficulty in upgrading the Classic Vibe Starcaster due to the absence of a backplate, complicating electronic swaps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A case for the Starcaster by Fender can cost twice as much as the guitar itself, highlighting its budget-friendly entry point.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Tom Delonge Starcaster is noted for its roasted neck and rosewood fretboard, providing a different feel compared to the glossy neck of the Classic Vibe.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some players find the single bridge pickup in the Tom Delonge Starcaster limits tonal options, making it less versatile for varied musical applications.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 41 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
zessenea30

amazing

Makes the gibson fanboy's shit themselves. I put some Filter'trons in it and it sounds 😉

zessenea30

I put some Filltertrons in it and sounds amazing

nicholas_poprocky

2015 Modern Player Fender Starcaster in Cherry Sunburst

This guitar is so capable of acquiring sounds. It is a really seventies oriented guitar, and the new wide range pickups are so much better than i expected. Tom uses it live occasionally for Phased Out.

Pat uses my Starcaster here --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSoGtKo4Kk8

tomfrank

Definitely need a good photo of the burst.

M

Awesome guitar

This guitar has a great sound that comes from its semi-hollow body and great pickups. Also looks amazing in aged cherry burst. Comfortable neck and sits level on you with a neck strap. Very cool-looking and amazing-sounding guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Fender Starcaster

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood, guitarist of Radiohead, can frequently be seen playing a vintage 1975 Starcaster on stage.

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Fender Starcaster

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

In this post tom shows off his fender starcaster he was ent by fender. It has a single duncan humbucker in the bridge. Tom added some stickers to the body of some of his favorite bands. He dubbed it blink guitar 2.0

See how Jamie Cook uses Fender Starcaster

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Jamie Cook's Fender Starcaster Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar is featured in the official video of Crying Lightning. A clear picture can be seen around the 0:45 mark in the video.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Fender Starcaster

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via MusicRadar

in this interview he says he's using a fender starcaster

See how Wes Borland uses Fender Starcaster

Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Behance

In the couple of photos, you can see Wes and his Fender Starcaster with Jazzmaster/Jaguar tremolo system.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Fender Starcaster

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

According to the picture of his wikipedia page it obviously shows that he is using a Fender Starcaster in 2009.

See how Taylor York uses Fender Starcaster

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

"TAYLOR BOUGHT HIS DREAM GUITAR IN COPENHAGEN. ITS A FENDER STARCASTER" -via Paramore.net

In this source video, Taylor talks about his 1975 Starcaster at around 02:08.

See how Matthew Followill uses Fender Starcaster

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

Matthew Followill can be seen with his 1977 Fender Starcaster 2:29 into the video.

See how Yannis Philippakis uses Fender Starcaster

Yannis Philippakis

Singer, Guitarist

Foals

...
Verified via YouTube

Within the clip of Lonely Hunter Yannis can be seen playing a starcaster

See how Joe Trohman uses Fender Starcaster

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, Joe Trohman says, "Fender just sent me this Starcaster, I mean come on man, the Starcaster is so gnarly looking." He goes on to say, "It sounds awesome. It plays great."

See how Dave Keuning uses Fender Starcaster

Dave Keuning

Guitarist

The Killers

...
Verified via Photo

Dave Keuning can be seen playing a Fender Starcaster in this photo.

See how Jimmy Smith uses Fender Starcaster

Jimmy Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Foals

...
Verified via Photo

This picture was taken from Jimmy's Instagram profile with the quote: "Thanks @neil_deluxe65 for my badass starcaster"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Starcaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fender Starcaster Modern Player reissue
Fender Starcaster Modern Player reissue Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
TC Electronic Flashback Delay
TC Electronic Flashback Delay Delay Effects Pedals
2
Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Fender American Standard Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson Les Paul Special
Gibson Les Paul Special Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar
Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson J-45
Gibson J-45 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
dylanlloyd

dylanlloyd

Gear IQ 111

davey_zandbergen

davey_zandbergen

Gear IQ 255

davey_zandbergen

davey_zandbergen

Gear IQ 255

2 alternative and related items for Fender Starcaster, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Starcaster Modern Player reissue

$922.34

newer

The Fender Starcaster "Modern Player" is a reissue of the original Starcaster. Unlike the original, the new guitar features a tune-o-matic bridge with a stop tailpiece and bound f-holes.

Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster

$399.00 - $529.99

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

Cheaper Indonesian made reissue. Rather than £3000 for a 1975 starcaster, the Squier classic vibe starcaster is just £389. While still getting you in the hall park of the sound.

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