Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,403
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
Unleash your inner groove master with the Fender Starcaster Bass, a true icon reborn for the modern player. Originally a rare gem of the 1970s, the Starcaster Bass is revered for its unique offset semi-hollow body design, now enhanced with a robust alder center block for improved sustain and feedback control. This bass doesn’t just look cool with its stylishly bound F-holes and distinctive Starcaster headstock; it boasts a sonic versatility that will satisfy both vintage tone enthusiasts and contemporary players alike.
Equipped with dual Wide Range humbuckers, the Starcaster Bass offers a spectrum of tone that ranges from punchy and clean to a growling, aggressive roar. Its 30" scale, combined with the vintage-tinted C-shaped neck, provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, making it ideal for bassists who love to explore every sonic possibility. The four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge ensures rock-solid stability and sustain, while the amp-style skirted control knobs give you precise control over your tonal landscape.
Whether you're laying down a funky groove or a driving rock bassline, the Fender Starcaster Bass is your ticket to an unforgettable performance, blending traditional Fender craftsmanship with modern playability.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow offset maple body with alder center block
- Dual Wide Range humbucking pickups
- 30" scale length for comfortable playability
- Vintage-tinted C-shaped neck
- Bound maple fingerboard with medium-jumbo frets
- Distinctive Starcaster headstock and bound F-holes
- Four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge with amp-style skirted control knobs
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Modern Player Starcaster Bass |
| Finish | Aged Cherry Burst, Black, Natural |
| Year | 2014 - 2016 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Model Family | Fender Starcaster Bass |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Modern Player |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Starcaster Bass?
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The Fender Starcaster Bass features a "C"-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both beginners and seasoned players.
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What kind of pickups does the Fender Starcaster Bass have?
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The Fender Starcaster Bass is equipped with dual Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups, offering a rich, full sound suitable for a variety of musical genres.
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Is the Fender Starcaster Bass suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Fender Starcaster Bass, with its short 30" scale and comfortable neck profile, is well-suited for beginners looking for an easy-to-play bass guitar.
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How does the semi-hollow body of the Fender Starcaster Bass affect its tone?
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The semi-hollow body design of the Fender Starcaster Bass contributes to a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres.
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What are the main control options on the Fender Starcaster Bass?
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The Fender Starcaster Bass features four skirted "amp"-style control knobs, allowing separate volume and tone adjustments for each of the two pickups, providing versatile sound shaping options.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
Fender Starcaster Bass Reissue | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar
Reviews
PROS
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Distinctive look with a semi-hollow body and short scale design
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Loud and powerful output from dual humbuckers
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Smooth and fast neck suitable for various playing styles
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Excellent sustain even with heavier body
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Versatile tone options with 3-way selector
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Rich, full sound ideal for low-end heavy genres
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High-quality Four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge
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Smooth action facilitates easy riffs and lead playing
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Uniquely tailored for those seeking a different Fender experience
CONS
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Heavy body may cause discomfort over long sessions
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Limited adjustability for pickup height
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Not ideal for slap, pop, or midrange-heavy playing styles
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Some players find the neck too thick for their preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Starcaster Bass.
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Some users had to address issues with the 3-way switch, which occasionally cut out, suggesting it may require cleaning or replacement.
Source
Value and pricing
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Originally priced at $500, these basses were heavily discounted to $350 in 2015 due to lack of demand, but now resell for over $1,000.
Source
Comparisons
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For similar investment, some players prefer the Warwick Rockbass Starbass, especially if a 5-string configuration is desired.
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The Starcaster is compared to the Gretsch G5123B, which is praised for its sound, suggesting potential buyers consider alternatives for better tonal quality.
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Some users recommend considering a Cort Curbow or a MIM Jazz Bass for better sound quality at a similar price point.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The Starcaster bass is equipped with two humbuckers that some owners find produce a thinner sound than expected from a semi-hollow body.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 21 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this live performance image, Mike is seen playing a black Fender Starcaster Bass, he also owns a white Starcaster Bass, which he uses in the music video for Ten Tonne Skeleton. He started using Starcaster basses around 2013, during Royal Blood's time in the studio, according to 2020 Guitar World interview.
"I've recently started using a Fender Starcaster, a new bass that's come out. It's a hollow-body, short-scale bass with humbuckers that sound huge. I'm a big fan of that one, so I'm going to start using it a lot more. I'm sure the collection is going to increase and increase as time goes on." - via MusicRadar
In this picture you can see Mick Playing a Fender Starcaster Bass you can tell by the awkwardly shaped headstock
In an interview with the zZounds Music Blog, Marc Walloch, bassist for AWOLNATION, mentions the Fender Starcaster Bass as his preferred instrument.
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 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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