Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$413.99
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$442.72 New
$335.00 Used
Gear4Music
£399.00

Average Price: $414

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster reimagines the bold design of the '70s-era Starcaster, merging vintage charm with modern playability. Crafted for today's adventurous player, this semi-hollowbody guitar features a uniquely contoured maple laminate body that resonates with powerful clarity. The heart of its sonic prowess lies in the dual Squier SQR active ceramic humbucking pickups, delivering a high-output signal perfect for cutting through the mix with precision. The sealed body design minimizes feedback, making it an ideal choice for both stage and studio settings.

The roasted maple neck, with its "C"-shaped profile, offers unparalleled tone and stability, while the sculpted heel facilitates effortless access up to the 22nd fret. A 12-inch fingerboard radius complements the player's hand, making complex chords and fast runs feel natural. Meanwhile, high-performance hardware, including a fully adjustable bridge and sealed-gear tuning machines, ensures consistent tuning stability and a solid string feel.

Visually, the Starcaster commands attention with its stealthy black chrome hardware and a sleek, contoured headstock. This guitar not only promises exceptional sound but also makes a striking statement on stage.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple top and body for bright resonance
  • Dual Squier SQR active ceramic humbucking pickups
  • Roasted maple neck with "C"-shaped profile
  • 22 jumbo frets on a 12-inch radius fingerboard
  • Sculpted neck heel for easy access to higher frets
  • Sealed-gear tuning machines for smooth action
  • Fully adjustable bridge with stop tailpiece for enhanced stability
  • Black chrome hardware for a sophisticated look

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Contemporary Active Starcaster
Finish Black, Gunmetal Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, Sea Foam Pearl, Shoreline Gold
Year 2019 - 2025
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, Blue, Gold, Green
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Squier 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 Squier Contemporary
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster have?

The Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster is equipped with active humbucking pickups, designed to deliver a powerful and clear tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the active humbucking pickups provide a high-output sound that is well-suited for heavier music genres like rock and metal.

What is the neck profile of the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster?

The Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster features a slim "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable playing experience for both beginners and experienced guitarists.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body design of the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster provides a resonant, warm tone with enhanced sustain, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster a good choice for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster is beginner-friendly, offering ease of playability with its slim neck profile and versatile sound, making it a great choice for new players.

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Demo of my Squier, Contemporary Active, Starcaster in "Surf Pearl" finish

Video thumbnail for Demo of my Squier, Contemporary Active, Starcaster in "Surf Pearl" finish by Chris Tompkins

Demo of my Squier, Contemporary Active, Starcaster in "Surf Pearl" finish

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Video thumbnail for Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster MN GMM | TV Guitar Center by TVGuitarCenter

Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster MN GMM | TV Guitar Center

TVGuitarCenter

TVGuitarCenter

Video thumbnail for SQUIER Contemporary Active STARCASTER by Rumblin Man

SQUIER Contemporary Active STARCASTER

Rumblin Man

Rumblin Man

Video thumbnail for What is the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster good for? by Get Offset

What is the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster good for?

Get Offset

Get Offset

Video thumbnail for The BEST LOOKING Fender Headstock...?? Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster - Unboxing & First Look by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

The BEST LOOKING Fender Headstock...?? Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster - Unboxing & First Look

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Reviews

PROS

  • Roasted maple neck offers a unique, comfortable playing experience

  • Flawless finish with striking color options that stand out

  • Locking Floyd Rose tremolo system keeps tuning stable

  • Humbuckers split into singles, offering versatile sound options

  • Light construction makes it easy to handle during long sessions

  • Excellent value for the price; rivals more expensive models

  • Easy to play with a comfortable neck profile suitable for small hands

  • Enclosed semi-hollow body enhances brightness and sustain

CONS

  • Pickups lack definition and clarity, especially for heavier music

  • Neck profile may be too thin for those accustomed to thicker necks

  • Some models do not match advertised specifications like jumbo frets

  • Pickups are very bright, may not suit all tonal preferences

  • Potential quality control issues like faulty pickups and scratchy pots

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners recommend adding an extra volume knob and replacing stock pickups with EMG 57/66s for improved tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using Guitar Fetish GF Tron pickups with a coil-split harness for enhanced tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • A Les Trem system is suggested as a future mod for aesthetic and functional enhancement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar features a sealed hollow body design, reducing feedback and offering a unique sound balance between solid and hollow body guitars.

    Source
  • Gotoh-style tuners are present instead of vintage-style ones, providing more modern tuning stability.

    Source
  • The guitar's pickup switch placement can lead to accidental toggling during strumming, a concern for some players.

    Source
  • The stock neck of the Starcaster is highly praised for comfort, rivaling even higher-end models like the Yamaha BBP34 in user preference.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck has a slim profile with a satin finish and a 12-inch radius, offering a different feel compared to the classic 9.5-inch radius.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar's rolled frets contribute significantly to its comfortable playability, making it easy to handle for extended sessions.

    Source
  • The active pickups in the Starcaster present a unique volume and tone roll-off, requiring users to adjust their playing style.

    Source
  • The gunmetal finish version is popular for mods due to its aesthetic versatility, with some users refinishing it for a more personalized look.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The contemporary Starcaster excels in genres like Metal, Rock, and Jazz, offering versatile tonal capabilities across these styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A string tree for the G string is recommended to enhance the break angle, which is reportedly minimal.

    Source
  • Guitar Fetish harness wiring often requires extension to fit properly in the Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The neck of the Contemporary Active Starcaster is compared to Gretsch and Gibson for its unique feel, with owners noting a preference for its slimmer profile.

    Source

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