Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,399

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the realm of solid body mastery with the Duesenberg Starplayer Special, a guitar that melds traditional craftsmanship with modern flair. It’s not just another electric guitar; it’s a statement piece for musicians who value exceptional tone and playability. With its robust alder body and a bolt-on maple neck, the Starplayer Special stands out in both sound and aesthetics. The combination of Duesenberg's Grand Vintage Humbucker and Crunch Bucker pickups delivers a versatile sound palette, capable of everything from warm, smooth jazz to biting, high-octane rock. Perfect for the musician who refuses to be boxed into a single genre, this guitar is a testament to Duesenberg's commitment to quality and innovation. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Starplayer Special is designed to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Alder body for a resonant and balanced tone
  • Bolt-on 2 piece Maple neck with Indian Rosewood fretboard ensures durability and smooth playability
  • Equipped with Duesenberg Grand Vintage Humbucker (neck) & Crunch Bucker (bridge) for a wide range of tones
  • Ideal for players seeking versatility and quality in one instrument

Product specs

Brand Duesenberg
Model Starplayer Special
Finish Black, Black Sparkle, Blue Sparkle, Fiesta Red, Silver Sparkle, Surf Green, Vintage White
Year 2010s
Made In Germany
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Red, Silver, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Duesenberg Starplayer Special use, and what tones can I expect?

The Duesenberg Starplayer Special features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration. These pickups deliver a rich, full-bodied sound suitable for a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz, providing both clarity and warmth.

Is the Duesenberg Starplayer Special suitable for beginners?

While the Duesenberg Starplayer Special is a high-quality instrument suitable for all levels, its craftsmanship and tonal versatility make it particularly appealing to intermediate and advanced players seeking a professional-grade guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Duesenberg Starplayer Special, and how does it affect playability?

The Duesenberg Starplayer Special features a comfortable set-neck construction with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard. This design offers smooth playability, making it easy to navigate the 22 frets for both chordal and lead playing.

Does the Duesenberg Starplayer Special come in different finishes?

Yes, the Duesenberg Starplayer Special is available in various finishes, including Black, Black Sparkle, Blue Sparkle, Fiesta Red, Silver Sparkle, Surf Green, and Vintage White, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal taste.

What is the body material of the Duesenberg Starplayer Special, and how does it impact the sound?

The Duesenberg Starplayer Special is made from alder, a wood known for its balanced tonal qualities, offering a clear and resonant sound with excellent sustain, making it versatile for different music styles.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Video thumbnail for Duesenberg Starplayer Special by ProGuitarShopDemos

Duesenberg Starplayer Special

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Duesenberg Starplayer Special - Dakota Red | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Duesenberg Starplayer Special - Dakota Red | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Duesenberg Starplayer Special Part 1 Overdrive by GregsGuitars

Duesenberg Starplayer Special Part 1 Overdrive

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Duesenberg Starplayer Special (Was macht die Gitarre "Special"?) by session

Duesenberg Starplayer Special (Was macht die Gitarre "Special"?)

session

session

Video thumbnail for Starplayer Special | Duesenberg Sessions by DuesenbergGuitars

Starplayer Special | Duesenberg Sessions

DuesenbergGuitars

DuesenbergGuitars

Video thumbnail for Deusenberg Starplayer special demo by Niels van der Steenhoven

Deusenberg Starplayer special demo

Niels van der Steenhoven

Niels van der Steenhoven

Video thumbnail for 2018 Duesenberg Starplayer Special by GregsGuitars

2018 Duesenberg Starplayer Special

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Duesenberg Starplayer Special demo in Stageshop played by Ernő Galambos by Stageshop

Duesenberg Starplayer Special demo in Stageshop played by Ernő Galambos

Stageshop

Stageshop

Video thumbnail for New Guitar Day - Duesenberg Starplayer Special by Rick Romanelli

New Guitar Day - Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Rick Romanelli

Rick Romanelli

Video thumbnail for Strings Quick Demo : Duesenberg Starplayer Special by Strings Shop

Strings Quick Demo : Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Strings Shop

Strings Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Duesenberg Starplayer Special.

User experience

  • Satin neck and less aggressive headstock angle contribute to stable tuning and a comfortable playing experience, preferred by some over traditional LP guitars.

    Source
  • Owners who have switched to lighter strings and softer picks report improved tonal clarity and reduced harshness, enhancing the guitar's versatility.

    Source
  • Owners find the neck natural to play, with comparisons to Fender necks due to its maple construction and rounded fretboard radius.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Duesenberg parts like whammy bars are praised for their design and functionality, with some users integrating them into other guitars for improved performance.

    Source
  • Some users suggest adding a Deusenberg Les Trem or Bigsby to enhance the guitar's aesthetic and functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users compare Duesenberg's quality and design to Reverend guitars, noting similar construction origins but at a higher price point.

    Source
  • Owners describe Duesenberg guitars as having a Fender-like feel with a Gibson-like appearance, enhanced by unique pickups and high-quality finishes.

    Source
  • The Starplayer Special offers a more treble-rich sound due to its full scale compared to Gibson models, with a sound reminiscent of Gretsch guitars.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Europe, Duesenberg guitars can be significantly cheaper than similar U.S. models, with some owners acquiring them for half the price of a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

    Source
  • Used models typically sell for 1100 to 1300€, with new models priced around 1400€, indicating strong resale value.

    Source
  • The guitar is priced around 1400€ new, including a case, while hollowbody models from Duesenberg are about double that price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Starplayer Special's tone knob has a central notch allowing for a P90-like sound from humbuckers, which adds versatility without a conventional coil split.

    Source
  • The Duesenberg Starplayer Special includes a Humbucker at the neck and a Crunchbucker at the bridge, with a multitone potentiometer for single-coil-like sounds.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite the robust poly finish, some owners note the guitars can feel heavy, affecting playability for extended sessions.

    Source
  • Parts are manufactured in Korea but assembled, plekked, and set up in Germany, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and precision.

    Source
  • The thick poly finish is durable and resists sunlight damage, making it suitable for outdoor use with minimal risk.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Starplayer Special's unique look and sound make it suitable for players seeking a mix of classic and modern aesthetics and tones.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Baksh uses Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Dave Baksh

Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Dave Baksh is seen playing a Duesenberg Starplayer Special, highlighting his connection to the instrument.

See how Sascha Paeth uses Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Sascha Paeth

Guitarist, Music Producer

Avantasia

...
Verified via YouTube

It is a modified Starplayer Special in a metallic silver flake finish that Sascha has equiped with a Duesenberg trem system.

See how Bugo uses Duesenberg Starplayer Special

Bugo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

On this 2005 concert, Bugo played this guitar.

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 Duesenberg Starplayer Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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