Fender Modern Player Starcaster

$699.99 Price Tier: Standard

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (34)

$699.99 11 available Used

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Average Price: $700

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Fender Modern Player Starcaster is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Unleash your inner rock star with the Fender Modern Player Starcaster, a reimagined classic that brings vintage flair and modern versatility to your fingertips. Originally making waves in the 1970s, the Starcaster's unique offset design and semi-hollowbody construction made it a beloved choice for guitarists seeking something different. Fast forward to today, and this iconic instrument has been revived to suit contemporary players while staying true to its roots.

Crafted with attention to both aesthetics and playability, the Modern Player Starcaster stands out with its distinctive body shape and retro appeal. Featuring dual humbucking pickups, it delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that’s adaptable across numerous music genres—from smooth jazz to gritty rock. Its semi-hollowbody design not only enhances its resonant qualities but also adds a touch of warmth to your sound palette.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Starcaster's comfortable neck and sleek finish will keep you playing for hours. Plus, its affordable price point ensures that this legendary guitar is accessible to musicians of all levels, making it a great addition to any collection.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody construction for enhanced resonance and warmth
Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal range
Offset body design with a retro aesthetic
Comfortable neck for easy playability
Affordable price point for musicians of all levels

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Modern Player Starcaster
Finish	Aged Cherry Burst, Black, Natural
Year	2014 - 2017
Made In	China
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
Frets	Medium Jumbo
Model Family	Fender Starcaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender Modern Player
Top Material	Maple

FAQs

What kind of music is the Fender Modern Player Starcaster best suited for?: The Fender Modern Player Starcaster is versatile, making it suitable for genres like rock, jazz, and indie. Its semi-hollowbody design and dual humbucking pickups provide a warm, resonant tone ideal for both clean and overdriven sounds.
How does the neck of the Fender Modern Player Starcaster feel?: The Fender Modern Player Starcaster features a "C"-shaped maple neck with a 9.5" radius, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for most players. The medium jumbo frets provide smooth playability across the fretboard.
What is the pickup configuration on the Fender Modern Player Starcaster?: The Fender Modern Player Starcaster is equipped with dual Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups, providing a rich and full sound with the ability to handle both clean and distorted tones effectively.
Is the Fender Modern Player Starcaster suitable for gigging?: Yes, the Fender Modern Player Starcaster is well-suited for gigging due to its robust construction and versatile tonal range. The semi-hollowbody design and quality hardware make it reliable for live performances.
Does the Fender Modern Player Starcaster have any unique design features?: The Fender Modern Player Starcaster stands out with its distinctive offset body shape and curvaceous headstock. It also features stylish bound f-holes and a 3-ply black pickguard, adding to its visual appeal.

Videos

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GAK

Fender - Modern Player Starcaster Demo at GAK

GAK

A Super Star! - the Fender Modern Player Starcaster in Aged Cherry Burst

Landon Bailey

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

Aaron Sternke

A very, very careful guitar review | Fender Modern Player Starcaster

Rick Romanelli

Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster vs Fender Modern Player Starcaster

Darren Lock Music

Max Guitar - Fender Modern Player Starcaster

Max Guitar B.V.

Reviews

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PROS

Unique semi-hollow body offers a warm, articulate tone with Fender twang
Comfortable playability with a smooth neck and offset body
Distinctive CBS-era headstock is a standout feature
Stock wide range humbuckers provide a blend of Strat and 335 sounds
Holds tuning well with solid hardware at an affordable price
Excellent compatibility with pedals and amplifiers
Good quality finish and construction for its price range
Fingerboard described as smooth and easy to play
Versatile sound, great for varied music styles, from Beatles to fingerpicking

CONS

Stock pickups can be too dark or lack definition for some tastes
Requires immediate setup for optimal action and playability
Stock pots and switches are considered cheap and may need upgrading
Heavier than expected, which could affect comfort
Finding a suitable case is challenging due to unique body shape

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

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The Duesenberg Les Trem, paired with a roller bridge like the Göldo Turnomatic, enhances tremolo smoothness and is highly recommended by owners.
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Owners recommend swapping in Seymour Duncan '59 pickups for improved tone, particularly for those seeking a richer sound.
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Warmoth's Mooncaster is a comparable custom build option for those interested in a smaller shape with personalized specifications.
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Owners recommend installing authentic CuNiFe WRHBs and upgrading the wiring harness on the Squier as a more cost-effective alternative to the Modern Player.
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Features and functionality

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The pickups, though not true Wide Range humbuckers, are praised for delivering a big, satisfying sound.
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User experience

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The Starcaster headstock's unique design is often likened to a hockey stick, adding a distinct visual appeal.
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An owner expressed satisfaction after purchasing the Modern Player, noting its mint condition and potential for tonal enhancement with pickup changes.
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One owner, previously owning both versions, finds the Squier Starcaster to feel like a higher quality instrument than the Modern Player.
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Value and pricing

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A mint condition Modern Player Starcaster with case was acquired for $800, suggesting a possible price benchmark for similar purchases.
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The Modern Player is considered overpriced by some at €999, with suggestions to invest in a used Fano Omnis GF6 or a Bilt Volare for better quality.
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Comparisons

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Squier's Classic Vibe Starcaster offers a more affordable alternative at $399, with potential for improvement through pickup upgrades like Fender Wide Range or Lollars.
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The Squier version of the Starcaster is regarded by some as superior in quality despite its lower price, with preference for its stock pickups over the Modern Player.
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Use cases and applications

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The Starcaster's semi-hollow design with a Fender neck appeals to players seeking a unique sound profile and feel, distinct from traditional solid-body models.
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Build quality

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It's noted that Modern Player Starcasters were manufactured in the same factory as Squier Classic Vibe models, impacting perceived quality and value.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Modern Player Starcaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Modern Player Starcaster offers an intriguing blend of retro aesthetics and modern playability, appealing to indie enthusiasts with its unique design and Wide Range humbuckers. While it shines with effects, its lack of a case is a notable drawback, making it less practical for those who travel. Despite some alterations from its vintage roots, it successfully captures the spirit of its predecessor, although traditionalists may still find it polarizing. Overall, it’s a solid choice for creative guitarists, though not without its quirks.

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Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

Verified via Twitter

It seems that Jonny has in his gear also a Fender Modern Player Starcaster along with his old Fender Starcaster which has been used since 1996. This new guitar first appeared in October 2015 when Jonny was in Budapest with the LCO and the second appearence was made on October 25 2019 in Fermo for the benefit performance at the Teatro Dell'Aquila.