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Description

The Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass is a modern reimagining of a cult classic, marrying iconic design with contemporary enhancements. Originally a rarity with only a few prototypes in the 1970s, the Starcaster now returns with a unique offset semi-hollow maple body combined with an alder center block, delivering impressive sustain and minimizing feedback. The bound F-holes add a vintage flair and contribute to its rich resonance, while the dual Wide Range humbuckers offer a broad spectrum of tones from bright and punchy to warm and growly.

With its fast-action maple neck and 30" scale, the Starcaster Jazz Bass provides smooth playability that's perfect for rapid runs and dynamic performances. The distinctive Starcaster headstock and vintage-tinted C-shape neck enhance its retro charm, making it a standout choice for both seasoned players and ambitious beginners alike. Whether you're front and center in a power trio or laying down grooves in a large ensemble, this bass guitar offers the versatility and comfort needed to inspire and elevate your playing.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow offset maple body with an alder center block
  • Distinctive Starcaster headstock shape
  • Bound top, back, fingerboard, and F-holes
  • Comfortable and fast, vintage-tinted C-shape neck; 30" scale for improved playability
  • Bound maple fingerboard with 25 medium-jumbo frets
  • Two Wide Range humbuckers delivering a broad spectrum of tones
  • Amp-style skirted control knobs and a 4-saddle Fender Hi-Mass bridge

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass have?

The Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass features two single-coil pickups, providing a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the neck of the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass suitable for fast playing styles?

Yes, the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass has a slim "fast action" neck, making it comfortable and easy to play for fast styles and technical bass lines.

What is the scale length of the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass?

The Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass has a standard scale length of 34 inches, which is typical for full-size bass guitars and provides a balanced feel and sound.

Does the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass have tone controls?

Yes, it features one volume control and two tone controls, allowing for a versatile range of sound adjustments to suit different musical styles.

Is the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass suitable for beginners?

With its comfortable neck and versatile tone controls, the Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass is a great choice for beginners looking for a quality instrument to start their musical journey.

tcyranowicz

tcyranowicz

Starcaster by FENDER soundtest - demo

Video thumbnail for Starcaster by FENDER soundtest - demo by tcyranowicz

Starcaster by FENDER soundtest - demo

tcyranowicz

tcyranowicz

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • The Starcaster bass excels in delivering a big, round, upright-like sound with minimal overtones, ideal for old school blues and R&B styles.

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  • It's reported that the Starcaster delivers an old-school tone that aligns perfectly with its retro aesthetic.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass's short scale length contributes to a fuller sound on the g-string, enhancing its suitability for walking bass lines.

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  • The tone can be described as muddy, lacking clarity, similar to having the treble turned off and muffled with heavy blankets.

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Comparisons

  • While some find the Starcaster sound lacking, it’s noted that a Cort Curbow or MIM Jazz Bass provides a more appealing tone.

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  • The Epiphone Jack Cassidy bass, another semi-hollow model, is noted for offering better tone versatility at a similar price point.

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  • The Gibson EB2D was chosen over the Starcaster for its tonal qualities during a hollowbody bass quest.

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  • Ibanez Artcore Series, Carvin, and G&L Thinline Tele style basses are suggested alternatives for those seeking hollowbody options.

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  • Squier Dimension bass is recommended as a cost-effective alternative for those interested in a Fender-style instrument.

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Value and pricing

  • Some suggest the Starcaster is priced higher than its perceived value, recommending a price range of $400-500.

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User experience

  • An owner reports the Starcaster replaced their American P-bass as their primary instrument due to its unique sound and playability with flat-wound strings and a tube amp setup.

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  • Some players find the short scale uncomfortable, particularly at the lower frets, due to the neck and body design.

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  • Certain players feel the neck could benefit from being thinner for improved playability.

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Build quality

  • The semi-hollow design results in a heavier instrument than expected, comparable to a T40, but with a wide body that may not suit all players.

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  • The neck has a thick P bass feel and a thick gloss finish, which some players find undesirable.

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Critic Reviews

Starcaster Jazz Bass Review: I have been playing music for five years but I got... | Fender | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender Starcaster Jazz Bass is a mixed bag, offering reliability and durability, ideal for classic rock enthusiasts and beginners. Its neck is praised for comfort, but its sound is just average, struggling with metal genres. The single-coil pickups can buzz, and the action and fit require initial adjustments. While it is sturdy and maintains tuning well, the features are basic, lacking variety. Overall, it's a good entry-level instrument but lacks versatility for more advanced needs.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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bovdaman

Good Beginner bass, very cheap and good tone

I got this as a birthday present because the shop had stocked too many of them and they were going cheap because of this

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