Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

D

darnright

RepententRodentologist
Has anyone else played one of these? I bought one recently and I love it...but, I was looking at it across the room the other day and I noticed the pickups are huge. The pickup is almost as large as a normal humbucker with the p/u ring attached. They are approx 3/8" longer and just under a 1/4" wider than a conventional pickup. Thankfully they actually sound really good, because I don't know any manufacturer that makes p/u's this large. Just curious. I cannot seem to load a photo right now..sorry.

-dave
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

If they sound good, they are good. But I will say one thing about that series. The place they cut corners was the pots. They have a stiff tension and are probably as cheap as they could get away with.

The only upgrade you really need to do to any Modern Player guitar is install new 500K CTS pots, and possibly knobs that fit them. Everything else on those guitars is up to snuff, especially at that price point.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

They are reproductions of the classic Fender wide range humbuckers. There are aftermarket replacements available but I don't know by who off hand. Word is none of the modern repros will sound like the originals. The alloy used for the magnets is no longer available.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

The example that I examined seemed cheap (in the derogatory sense). Put me in mind of the Squier Classic Vibe series.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

If you like the stock pickups roll with 'em. There are lots of wide range clones available today but realize that the reissue wide range humbuckers from Fender sound nothing like the originals and all the clones are trying to sound like the originals so if you "upgrade" you're going to end up with a very different sounding instrument,
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

I know Lollar and fralin make replacements... probably better than what's in the fender now. Since I got my gibson the starcaster GAS is DEAD.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

Is this the one that has the wang shaped headstock? Not sure why anyone would buy one over the non-retarded looking coronado . . .


fender-modern-player-coronado-and-starcaster.jpg
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

Mojo Tone is now selling Wide Range humbuckers with real magnet polepieces (although I think they are AlNiCo instead of the original CuNiFe mags). They have them in both styles, the vintage type to work with 1M pots, and the modern style that work with 250K pots (which is what Fender uses in their WR guitars). Haven't heard any feedback on them yet, they are pretty new, but they say they replicate the original sound.

Al
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

GuitarStv said:
Is this the one that has the wang shaped headstock? Not sure why anyone would buy one over the non-retarded looking coronado . . .


View attachment 50263
Click to expand...

I can only speak for me, but I like the headstock. I wanted one in the late 70's, but no dealer close had one. Never found a used one, so I got this one...I actually have never played an original.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

Very nice looking guitar.
Has anyone noticed that the screw pole pieces doesn't align with the strings? Is that a problem?
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

The polepieces never did align very well on the originals.

IMO, anyone in need of a semi-hollow guitar with Fender Wide Range humbuckers is best advised to seek out the mk2 Telecaster Thinline.

The CV Starcaster is a tacky recreation of a tacky original.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

I would need to find some checkered polyester and hai karate before I attempted to play one of those things.
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

Is it bcs is made in China? I have seen and play this guitar and is very high quality and feel very good. I'm just concern about the off set alignment of the screw pole pieces of the huuuge pickup. By the way, why these pickups are so huge??
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

Maybe your opinion that the original Starcaster was "tacky", but there has been a dedicated group of players that played and appreciated the original Starcasters, and who have been asking for a reissue for some time. Some guys like them, some guys don't.

Al

Funkfingers said:
The polepieces never did align very well on the originals.

IMO, anyone in need of a semi-hollow guitar with Fender Wide Range humbuckers is best advised to seek out the mk2 Telecaster Thinline.

The CV Starcaster is a tacky recreation of a tacky original.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

crusty philtrum said:
To match the wide collar lapels, flared pants and platform-heel shoes we wear back here in the 1970s.
Click to expand...
Didn't that shredmeister Keith Partridge play one? They must have had great wireless units back then because I don't ever remember seeing any of them with cords?
 
Re: Fender Modern Player Starcaster semi-hollow.

If the Starcaster is anything like the new Coronado then it's a great instrument. If I didn't love what I had already I'd have bought one of those revamped Coronados. Really under the radar instruments in build quality and tone.
 
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