Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,325

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender Starcaster Bass is a striking revival of a rare gem from the 1970s, making it a standout choice for bassists who crave unconventional Fender style. Its semi-hollow offset body, crafted from maple with an alder center block, offers both visual allure and robust tonal support. The bound F-holes add a touch of vintage elegance while enhancing resonance, providing a rich soundscape that is both versatile and dynamic.

Equipped with dual Wide Range humbuckers, the Starcaster Bass delivers a broad tonal palette from punchy cleans to aggressive growl, ensuring you have the right sound for any musical endeavor. With a short 30" scale and a comfortable "C"-shaped maple neck, this bass is not only easy to play but also features a unique Starcaster headstock that adds to its distinctive character.

The bass's maple fingerboard, adorned with 22 medium jumbo frets, ensures smooth playability, while the four skirted "amp"-style control knobs allow for precise tone and volume adjustments. Topped off with a four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge, this bass offers stability and sustain that players will appreciate both on stage and in the studio.

For those looking to make a statement with both sound and style, the Fender Starcaster Bass is a compelling choice that combines historical charm with modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow offset maple body with an alder center block
  • Dual Wide Range humbucking pickups for versatile tone
  • 30" scale length with a "C"-shaped maple neck
  • Bound top, back, fingerboard, and F-holes for a vintage look
  • 22 medium-jumbo frets on a maple fingerboard
  • Four skirted "amp"-style control knobs for volume and tone
  • Four-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge for enhanced sustain

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

What type of pickups does the Fender Starcaster Bass (Black) have?

The Fender Starcaster Bass features dual Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups, providing a rich, full-bodied sound ideal for various music genres.

Is the Fender Starcaster Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Starcaster Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short 30" scale, which offers easier playability and a comfortable "C"-shaped neck profile.

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

The semi-hollow body of the Fender Starcaster Bass contributes to a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain, making it versatile for different musical styles.

What is the neck and fretboard material of the Fender Starcaster Bass?

The neck and fretboard of the Fender Starcaster Bass are made from maple, offering a smooth playing experience and bright tonal characteristics.

Does the Fender Starcaster Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Fender Starcaster Bass is equipped with passive pickups, providing a classic, dynamic sound without the need for a battery.

Marcin Pendowski

Marcin Pendowski

FENDER STARCASTER BASS SOUNDTEST

Video thumbnail for FENDER STARCASTER BASS SOUNDTEST by Marcin Pendowski

FENDER STARCASTER BASS SOUNDTEST

Marcin Pendowski

Marcin Pendowski

Video thumbnail for FENDER Starcaster Bass MN BLK by session

FENDER Starcaster Bass MN BLK

session

session

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique and impressive wide dynamic range with large humbuckers

  • Exceptional sustain due to its semi-hollow heavy body

  • Versatile tone options with a 3-way selector

  • Loud output that competes with Gibson territory

  • Short, fast neck makes it easy to play riffs and leads

  • Great for genres needing rich low-end like blues, reggae, and folk rock

  • Smooth maple neck enhances playability

  • Rare and distinctive design in the Fender lineup

CONS

  • Inability to adjust pickup height without professional modification

  • Heavy weight can cause discomfort for long sessions

  • Not ideal for slap & pop or heavy mid-range picking styles

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

  • Some users find the neck too chunky, contributing to significant neck dive, impacting playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to its guitar counterpart, the bass version was entirely redesigned in 2013 and not linked to the original CBS production.

    Source
  • The Starcaster Bass's neck has a thick P bass feel, which may appeal to those accustomed to Gibson SG guitars.

    Source
  • Users often compare the tonal characteristics unfavorably to Ibanez Artcore and Gibson EB2D basses, suggesting these as alternatives for a clearer sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • Reports indicate the bass can be fragile; a minor drop may render it unusable.

    Source
  • The thick gloss finish on the neck is noted to be undesirable for some, as it can feel sticky and uncomfortable during extended play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass is noted for having one distinct sound, which may not suffice for diverse musical applications.

    Source
  • The tone can be excessively muddy, likened to having all treble turned off, which may limit its suitability for genres requiring clarity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite mixed reviews, the Starcaster Bass's used market price has doubled in four years.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass may suit players who prefer a dark, blanket-like tone, but it's less ideal for those seeking versatile tonal clarity across styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Starcaster Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Starcaster Bass, with its distinctive tone and stylish semi-hollowbody design, is a standout alternative to Fender's solid bodies. Its powerful humbuckers deliver a unique, fat sound, and despite being slightly headstock-heavy, the bass is comfortable and highly playable. While the headstock design may not appeal to everyone, its range of tonal options and impressive output make it a versatile choice for adventurous bassists. If you’re looking for a bass that offers something different in sound and aesthetics, the Starcaster is a well-made, delightful player that’s worth considering.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

great blues bass

I used during my time with The Local Blues Band (which not only what the band was, but what the bands name was). It belonged to the keyboard player, who lent it to me for the bands 3rd tour. he modified it with a DiMarzio Will Power neck pickup and stereo outputs. after my final tour with the band before I founded Shifter, I gave the bass back to him and to this day I miss that beautiful blues bass. I recommend if you can find one.

Genre Usage

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

More Fender Electric Basses

Fender Bass VI

$874.99 - $2,759.23

# 40

Rank

John Frusciante Wes Borland David Gilmour
102 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    S
    samatk

    Gear IQ 74