I adore my CV starcaster (especially the giant headstock!) Would have loved the walnut colour but that sadly got discontinued around the time I was purchasing mine. That being said, the sunburst I got is stupidly beautiful and gives it that old school vibe
@@TheSuperspyk I badly want a Walnut one too! Just mised out on one at a good price on eBay a couple of weeks ago too. Also agree the Sunburst one looks great 😎👍
You're not alone mate! I think this is why they've made the change. I wonder if their plan is working though 🤔 would you consider buying one now if the old headstock was a deal-breaker? Assuming you liked the rest of the guitar. Soz that's a hard hypothetical, I'm just curious if their plan is working
@stevecassidyguitar I prefer much more this 70's headstock. The clog headstock is a dealbreaker at least for me! I just wish they had more color options as a maple fingerboard is also not an option for me.
@@rafaelmeletti See that's why you now have to buy 2 😂 Get this one with that neck, then any other Affinity or Classic Vibe Starcaster with the body colour of your choice... swap the necks. Sell the Danny Devito and keep the Arnold Schwarzenegger 😜👍 You'll obviously end up a bit out of pocket, but probably cheaper and way less hassle than a refinish. "Ghetto Custom Shop" 😜👍
It's not the worst by any means 😀👍 I just like a brighter sound. That's from both, being used to single coils and having hearing damage from years of volume abuse, (mainly gigs) so I don't hear the high frequencies as well as I used to 🙈
I tell you, I love this guy! He's the only guy I have ever seen who has such a love of the Starcaster. And to be honest we need a few more of them....!
Mr Cassidy, my heart missed a beat when you threw and (luckily) caught the Starcaster🤨. I would never dream of such a stunt😇, due to my considerable lack of hand to eye co-ordination and being considerably risk averse when it comes to gear 🤓😎 Have you thought of starting a "Save the Starcaster" campaign?😉 Great video.👍
Ha! Cheers mate! I'm not gonna lie... I've did that one a few too many times 😂😬 Save the Starcaster is a brilliant vid title! Cheers mate - I'm having that! 😁👍
WHAT A CATCH!!! you're insane bro lol. i didnt see much difference between the models other than the fretboard material. also love the editing as always. it sounded so full and rich. definitely surprising considering the price. by the way LEAVE SOME STARCASTERS FOR THE REST OF US!! haha
Ha cheers mate! 😂👍 I'm ashamed to admit - that's not the first time I've risked a catch like that 🙈 2025 is the year Sensie Trey gets a Starcaster!! - I can feel it! 😀🙏🙏🙏 I just had this one on loan - so there's at least one left 😜
@ yes sir! I’ve done it too. Never on camera though, ohhhh I just ordered the pocket 3. Hoping to upgrade my video game fingers crossed. Also making plans for namm 2026! I’m hoping I can check out a starcaster soon. It’s definitely on the agenda.
Nice one mate! That's the only one I've never had a chance to try. But it's the closest to the Fender model. There's only a couple of very minor differences in specs, the obvious one just being the logo on the headstock 😎👍 I'd love the Walnut finished one
@@robertmccourt1243 Yeah mate it is discontinued. But they still come up used from time to time. I actually just missed out on one, on eBay a couple of weeks ago, that ended up going for a decent price.
And thank you, BTW, for introducing me to these interesting guitars. I don't have any hollow/semi-hollow electric guitars, but if I should ever go for one, I think this might be it. I love that it's got the Fender scale length, bolt-on neck, etc.. Weird and wonderful! I'd have to give it coil-splitting, though, especially for that neck pickup.
No worries mate - Brilliant Guitars! I'm not gonna lie, the 2 squiers I've had, did need a bit of work to get them to maintain stable tuning. But I think we probably have similar tastes. I my Fender Starcaster has WRHB's with coil splits and my Squier contemporary active starcatser has a Tron in the Bridge and a HB sized P90 in the neck - Love it 😀👍
@stevecassidyguitar Yep, me too, just bought a Squier Sonic Tele. Pretty solid basic construction (woodworking, etc.; Indonesia), but it was obvious that no real setup or testing had been done at all. The neck needed adjustment, and I found that the truss rod nut was completely loose, not even properly started. Also, the nut was poorly cut, and the low E string was riding too high. But strangely, it appeared that someone had adjusted the intonation, as that was right on (given the out of whack guitar; of course I had to readjust it after fixing the other things). So it seems like some of the steps of setup got done, but some earlier ones fell through the cracks. And no competent final tester would have let it through, so that step clearly got skipped. Anyway, this all allowed someone like me to get a pretty good guitar for an amazingly cheap price -- but given that these are generally intended for beginners, I'd say their cost-cutting is a disservice to the guitar community. They ought to have a two-tier pricing scheme, cheaper if you want to do the setup work yourself!
Nice one mate! 😀👍 I love my Contemporary one too 🥰. It actually took 3 attempts to get a good one - had to return the first 2 (lockdown guitars) so I glad I stuck with it and got a 3rd. Love it! Have modded it a fair bit though - It's almost a Gretsch now 😂🙈
My J Mascis Jazzmaster has a laurel board and it's lovely, I lucked out and got a rare dark slab and it doesn't feel much different than rosewood. Initially it was a bit dryer, but after regular lemon oil treatments and a lot of playing it's worn in and is easy to mistake for rosewood now.
Nice! Someone just mentioned in another comment that Laurel gets darker over time. I didn't know that - sounds like yours is evidence of that too - very cool! 😀👍 Damn! Thanks for reminding me I STILL don't have a Jazzmaster! 🙈
@stevecassidyguitar If you're looking at the Mascis, try to find a used one from before the "ended" the run. I've heard a lot more QC issues with the new run of them, even though they spec out the same. The neck on the Mascis is sublime and different enough from the CV to make it stand out. If you want traditional Jazz pickups though the Mascis are HOT and more closely resemble P90s.
When it comes to starcasters I really like the offset body. Very cool! I can live with the fender headstock - btw, big enough to play beach tennis! Looks like they are trying to make it look like a fender Coronado 🤔but with an offset body. I would like pickups with a bit cleaner output, I'm afraid - shrill pickups give me the hiccups . Also, looks like fender has adopted specific color combinations for it's guitars, for example: white body with a dark fret-board or, reddish burst with bright fret-board. So, have we figured out what's "deluxe" about it - the price perhaps?
😂👍Who doesn't want a headstock you can play tennis with? 🤷♂️ Same here Re the pickups - I prefer lower output too - but I do like shrill and bright, but that's probably becasue my hearing is damaged and I can't hear the high frequencies as well as I used to 😂 Good point about the colour "presets" I'd never thought about that 👍 So the deluxe part seems to be covered humbuckers, split shaft tuners and a lacquered/glossy headstock. That's all I can see 🤷♂️
Laurel gets really dark the longer you use it. My Epiphone ES-335 with laurel is very dark now like a rosewood. It looks very used because I play it a lot.
I'm sure Laurel is fine mate, I'm not a big fan of rosewood on F type guitars, so I'd complain about anything that looks remotely like it, laurel, Pau Ferro, Jatoba, Ferrero Rocher, etc... 😜 I'm very aware this is an old man yells at cloud situation though 😂🙈
Some laurel fretboards I've had haven't been my favorite as they were ashy looking and porous. After applying a coat of Monty's Montypresso wax to the fretboard though, it greatly improved the look and feel.
Nice one mate - I'm keen to experiment with the Montypresso stuff - have heard great reports 😎👍 I have very few guitars with rosewood boards to try it on though 😂
Cheers mate! 😀🙏 I'm actually blaming Tom Delonge personally for this new Squier abomination 🧐 I was going to write him an email, but I just drew glasses and a mohawk on a picture of him instead. Cheered me up for several minutes 😁👍
I'm all about the maple too mate 😀👍 Actually more so Roasted maple these days, which I'm a bit ashamed of - Feels a bit like the guitar equivalent of being a hipster 🙈
@stevecassidyguitar yeh it's all so away to speed up the drying process on younger wood i think that's why we are seeing it a lot more now on more affordable guitars .
@stevecassidyguitar Yet a lot of people dislike the 70's style that they've used on this one. The guitar does need a large headstock to look right (balanced), but, while I've always thought that the original was was goofy, it looks right. I prefer the old headstock.
Yeah - That's actually quite a good comparison, has a similar kind of vibe with the 6 a side headstock. But the Starcaster has a few other differences to other semi hollows being offset and a bolt on neck etc
I knew you were going to get your hands on the new Starcaster when they announced it. I agree about the headstock. They should have kept the normal Starcaster headstock. It’s part of the vibe, love it or hate it. I love it, but that’s just me, lol. The Laurel choice is also meh. I’d prefer maple on this guitar or rosewood if they were going darker because laurel often looks pretty dry. That nut also looks a bit janky. As for the strings, are those really stock? If it was D’addario strings, they would make a big deal about partnering with them. You sure Kenny’s didn’t install them? If not, they are probably Orphee strings from China that are known for knocking off D’addario (and I’ve heard are super short even on a short scale). Firefly supposedly installs Orphee strings. I’ve heard they are meh. Look them up - anyone can buy them. If this guitar is made in China, it’s likely Orphee. If that’s true, that’s unacceptable. If it was D’addario, it would be on every spec page as an official partnership (ie: like Ibanez does with their D’addario partnership). Fender shouldn’t be allowing a D’addario knockoff on their products no matter where their guitars are made as an American owned brand. You’d actually think they’d want to install their own Fender strings, but even if not, any cheap generic would be better than a a cheap bootleg. That’s actually worth complaining to D’addario and Fender if Kenny’s didn’t not re-string that guitar and they’re shipping with fakes. (It’s worth a separate video to investigate and see how the involved parties respond! Investigative journalism . . . Steve Investigates: The Series 😂 ) Yeps, that’s my take!
Thank ya so much Marsha once again, for another thoughtful and insightful comment 😀🙏 I actually never thought to ask If Kenny's changed the strings. I doubt they would unless they spotted an issue with the guitar before putting it on display. But it was on display 🤔 So I suppose it could have happened. I'll have to ask next time i'm in 👍 I think you're right, they're probably not d'addarios because they would be shouting about it. I just assumed d'addarios because of the coloured ball ends, but it's not the colours I'm familiar with. I don't know if D'addario use different colours for different sets 🤷♂️ I've only ever really used 9-42. We'll have to get to the bottom of this one Marsha! 💪
I prefer the non star caster headstock . But I also prefer the 4 knobs over 2. So if I had to go starcaster headstock the one with the black bit added on the flare is the way I’d go
Sorted mate! So you need 2! 😁👹 Get one of these (for the neck) then get any Starcaster of your choice (with 4 knobs) for the body. Switch the necks - Sell the (Danny Devito) one you don't want... and keep the (Arnold Schwarzenegger) one 💪😎
@1:00 you really tried to avoid the booty shots but ye could nay pull it aff! Aye. That headstock ruined everything, and I get you. I already know how a head-to head with a maple fret board vs a laurel fret board is going to work out. That's not click bait material for me, fortunately I'll be here anyway.
YOUR OPINION IS WRONG!!! 🧐 😜 Nah... I get it, I'm pretty sure that's why they went this this as the original is so divisive. I'm curious if their plan will work though - If they'll sell well. They also have the "Delonge for less" factor going for them too, so that might help 🤷♂️
@stevecassidyguitar It's just your opinion that my opinion is wrong! The good thing for you is that since a lot of people don't like the shoe headstock, you will be able to buy many more for good prices!
@ Seeing as several other TH-camrs now have their own Harley Benton signature models...might there be a Harley Benton Steve Cassidy "Starcaster" Signature Model in the future? Hmmmm. The Stevecaster?
I don't think I've ever tried the HB35. There's been a couple of times I almost bough the HB35+ in lemon burst or something? But it's just never happened for some reason. Also liked the ones they brought out in metallic colours too. Damn You! That's them back on the radar! 😂🙈
Hi Steve, I agree with you about preferring the gain tones. I can't say I was impressed with the clean tones at all. Maybe a bit of a tweak on your amp simulator gizmo could sort it out. I've not been tempted to buy a Starcaster and this one hasn't changed my mind. BTW, when you get around to taking it back to the good folks a Kenny's if they have one of those new Fender "Standard" Telecasters maybe you could drop a hint or two about borrowing one for review. I'm going to treat myself to another guitar sometime before I finally give up working full time and have been leaning toward a Tele next time. I loved my Fender Tele I had in the 70s and this new standard model they just released is the most affordable Tele with the designer label on the headstock. I'd really like to know if you're paying a £500 price tag just because of the name on it.
Great shout mate - I'll definitely try to get a hold of one soon, thanks for the suggestion 🙏 In terms of just paying for the name, that's been my first thoughts, but happy to be proven wrong 😀👍 Edit: Update - I've just put in a note of interest at Kennys - Thanks again 👍
Thanks Steve, it would be great if you could borrow one for review. I tried the Jet Tele type just before Christmas and loved it. Since then I've been checking out the Fender player Tele's on line and heard about the new Standard just the other day. I'm not a guitar snob type but as it would be my last big(ish) guitar purchase a designer label would be nice. I said that before I got my Gibson too so maybe I am a guitar snob.....oh well, too old to change now.
@@Reeldin58 Good choices mate - I'd either go the Jet JT 350 in butterscotch, as it has the roasted maple board, nice heel contour and string through body design. I'd probably change the bridge to a six saddle style and that's it. Other than that it I'd be looking at the Fender player ii series to get the rounded edges on the fretboard, to keep up with the Jet. But there's a very good chance you'll need the nut looked at with a Fender these days. IME
Sorry to hear the guitar doesn't live up to your expectation! You could take the covers off the pickups, that would improve the sound! Cheap pickups usually have covers made of brass and chromed over, whereas good pickups use covers made from "German silver" , which does not have silver in them but does not affect the higher frequencies as much. I have tried it with Tesla Opus-1(my favorite Tesla) , before i saw the scientific evidence and can confirm it makes a difference! Have a great weekend Steve!👊🏼🎸🤘🏼🎸
Cheers mate! Why can't the things that look the best (covered humbuckers) not sound the best too? ☹️ I'ts kinda like how pizza and burgers unfortunately are unhealthy ☹️ It's NOT FAIR! 😭 😜 Thanks for the info mate - I'll keep an eye out for "german silver" on pickup specs for future purchases 😀👍
Man! I've not seen those in years! 😀 I'm sure my '04 USA standard strat came with Bullets. These ones have coloured ball ends, so not sure what they are. The Bullets are really easy to spot, as they have little "bullets" on the end instead of ball ends. At least they did in 2004 - It's been a long time since I've seen them. Kinda cool unique design though 😎👍
Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏 I just use the Line 6 HX Stomp XL for live - straight to the P. A and use IEM's. There are sacrifices - It doesn't sound/feel as good as a real amp, but there are benefits, my back doesn't hurt 😂👍 Also being in a 6 piece band, there is rarely room to have an amp on stage too, in most of the places we play
Love the Starcaster, bit disappointing to see the standard 70s headstock rather than the traditional Starcaster shape, but it still looks great. There is nothing wrong with laurel, visually or sonically, but the guitar community has been conditioned by manufacturers to demand rosewood or ebony.
Good points well made mate 👍 I'm not really a fan of rosewood either, it's more of a feel thing for me, I much prefer the harder smoother surface of maple under the fingertips. So I probably still would have complained if they used rosewood too 😂🙈 I do like ebony though, as it can have a similar feel to maple, also discovered I like roasted Jatoba recently 🤓👍
@ another post about our community deleted? I am grateful for these place I have been supporting for years to hide the truth. Look at the emails and words both place have posted about me. Anyone. Ask them what the resolution is? I WAS INVOICED FOR A GUITAR I WON THAT WAS DAMAGED. Someone just do the right thing. I was told by Brian that I would be doxxed and have the police called on me if I said anything else about this.
But you will delete this as well. I am trying to do this COMMUNITY A favor? Check out Phil McKnights stream tonight! Ben Coombs is great on Sunday and Monday!
@@richardclark. I've not deleted anyones comments. I've only ever deleted comments on the China videos where some people were being proper offensive. As for the stuff you've got going on - I won't censor you. But... I hope you can all come to a resolution soon - privately. I'd prefer it if my channel was free from this drama. You're free to post whatever you want here, but personally - I've heard enough about this one now - soz 😬
Yeahs!!! 😀👍 I just answered 3 comments in a row that all prefer the new one - I was getting sad there 😂 All in all it seems to be about 50/50 on this one. I reckon this might help them sell more Starcasters to the people who would never buy one before because of the headstock
Shame it's a bit meh, but worth a try. The pickups sound quite similar to my Epi 339, which is surprising in one way, but not in another (guess it's all similar quality, price, etc.). Looking forward to the other ones! Also: I love the headstock. I like these proper chunky things. Have them on both of my Squiers.
It's a very decent guitar - I'm just an old complainey man yelling at clouds 😂👍 I actually do like the oversized 70's Fender headstocks too 😎👍 always been a fan of them - just not on Starcasters. Soz... there's me yelling at clouds again 😂🙈
Very cool looking guitars mate! 😎👍 I'd need to try one, but I usually don't get on well with flatter radius fretboards. Seems to have quite a wide nut as well, almost 44.5mm! Rosewood fretboard and Gibson Scale length also not usually my kind of thing. But... last year I tried a Gretsch for the first time and "on paper" I thought I wouldn't like the neck at all - but It was super comfy so... 🤷♂️ If I get a chance to get my hands on the EVH, i'll definitely check it out 😀👍
I had a epi es-339 with a laurel fretboard for a while but I dont remember thinking 'if only this guitar had rosewood fretboard, I will feel much better :3', I mean sure visually rosewood seems better but I never felt anything missing while playing
@stevecassidyguitar mine wasnt that fancy shmancy type, I had it for 6 months and I didnt even notice it had coil splitting XD. but I gave it up cuz the neck was too chunky for me, couldn't get used to it
Many many many people agree with you mate. That's clearly Fender's plan to have these appeal to more people. Even though I'm not a fan - I hope it works. The more Starcasters the better 😜👍
I saw a similar one on the local 'craigslist' and had thought someone had modded it and wanted to sell it off as unmodded. Not having the stylish headstock just does not look right. Not a fan of it, but that would be like having the strat headstock on a tele.
I hear ya mate 😀👍 I actually do like the oversized Strat headstocks on Strats etc... But not on a Starcaster! NEVER!! 🧐 Soz - got a bit carried away there 😂🙈 I know what you mean about Strat headstocks on Tele's it juts doesn't look right. But I'm not against them as it's actually a bit of an improvement for balance on cheap Guitar hangers 😜
I'm not a big fan of rosewood either, I probably would have complained if they used that too 😂🙈 Big fan of Maple and Ebony is very good too - I prefer the harder smoother surface under the fingertips 👍
I dont mind the Laurel finger board if it's dark enough. I bought a sonic stratocaster (ultraviolet!) and it had a greenish looking Laurel board. Had to sell the neck 😂. As you may know I own the old affinity starcaster. My only gripe with it is the thin neck... How does this deluxe version compare neck wise?
I don't think I compared them with the profile gauge - my bad - soz 😬 But they do feel almost identical to me - both C shaped 9.5" radius, 25.5" Scale, 42mm nuts. The only difference that I did notice is the Deluxe has bigger frets. The old affinity has Narrow Tall and the Deluxe has medium Jumbo. I'm really starting to love narrow tall's these days. I REALLY fancy the Sonic ultraviolet HSS with maple board! Have managed to resist so far....
@stevecassidyguitar thanks! good to know, then I don't have to create GAS for the affinity deluxe 😅. As for the purple strat; one can never have enough purple strats!
Apparently the first time round in '76 thet were attempting to compete with Gibson with this one, but it was a bit too different and quirky, so it totally flopped, they only made it until '82. Then the fender version got got reissued in 2013, but only for a few short years before being discontinued again. The Squier ones have always been quite popular though, and the Tom Delonge sig that came out last year is the only current Starcaster with the Fender name on it. I hope that changes soon though - but my wallet doesn't 😜
Yes indeed mate 😀👍 Standard as in 25.5" (Like Fender Standard). That's another one of the quirks I love about these guitars, generally semi-hollows are 24.75" (Gibson Standard Scale length)
@stevecassidyguitar Finished the rest of the video. Agree with you on most of it. It's too bad, because I love the Starcaster design as well, and feel they could do so much with it.
While I love the 70's "fat" headstock, any true* Starcaster should have its unique headstock. (* this ignores the cheap "big box retail" Strat-like Starcasters with the Strat or arrow headstocks) For those who like the headstock, though, check out custom builders BILT Guitars, who borrow most of the shape!
Steve, I’ve been fighting ‘GAS’ for a Starcaster for many years now (long before the rereleases). Your excellent series of videos and reviews aren’t helping 😂
I have the older version of this Squier affinity that just got discontinued. I was thinking about staining the neck to make it a bit darker, but didn't want to ruin the guitar (I totally would 😂🙈). So In picked up a used spare/practice neck for it. That's what I love about bolt on's in general 😀👍 But I totally get why you wouldn't like it mate 😎👍
Laurel and Hardy fretboards are a joke - ebony, rosewood or maple for me. I use BluTack to push the untidy wires away from the F holes (Casino and AS73-12) - and it adds a nice putty-like tone. In this day and age string trees shouldn't be needed - staggered tuners for me. That nut looks like my dentist made it. ;)
Blue tack is a great shout! 😎👌 I recently discovered a similar product made by Gorilla - same but stronger 💪 Also yes to staggered tuners 😎👌 Hard to find a set of staggered locking tuners for under £60. That's my ultimate goal in life. To find a good cheap set for about £50 😜👍
I think this is Fender's attempt to make the Starcaster a more mainstream guitar. I know you love the old headstock, but for many it was a turn off. It's crazy, as it doesn't affect the performance of the guitar as the tuning pegs are lined up like every other Fender, but there you go. In other news, Harley Benton has discontinued the lefty HB35Plus, but have added another ho-hum strat to their roster.
Yeah mate, I can totally see why they've went with this headstock, but it's my purpose in life to complain about these daft wee things 😂🙈 With the Delonge sig model having the same headstock, I think they could attract those fans too, looking for a Delong on the cheap (a versatile one with an additional neck pickup 😜). Booo Harley Benton!!! Booooooo! 👎 They're usually quite good with new releases, maybe there will be some more interesting stuff in Q2 😀🤞 But probably not interesting enough to make the shipping worthwhile for ya 😬
I don’t like the big 70s style Squier headstocks at all, the proper Fender Starcaster one is much nicer. I’m not a huge fan of these guitars anyway, so I’d have to be blown away by the tone and like you say, the pickups are underwhelming as well! Maybe it’s not really possible to do a budget version of this guitar?
I think this is the Budget version of it - But I totally get what you mean, not possible to do a good version of it maybe 😜. There's actually nothing wrong with this one really, other than the nut being a bit of a mess. I just personally didn't like the pickups, fretboard and headstock 😂🙈 and I've made it my purpose to complain about daft Starcaster stuff that no-one cares about 😂🙈 So whens the Jojo Livestream? 😀
@@JojoFryrocks Nice! See you're all set up for 9pm - See ya there 😀👍 I think you'll love it btw - I was really nervous my first time, but after 10 mins I was really enjoying it
Laurel is the name of a pretty girl, only. Starcaster is, (was) the only maple board semi haller, why I loved it & head stock made it unique. The Squire geniuses decided that's why it doesn't sell, so they killed the best parts....
I've never met her 😂 I hope they bring out some thing new this year that's Starcaster-ish. Something I won't complain about 😂🙈 There have been some comments here - that people prefer this one So I suppose thier plan might have worked. But will people buy it? 🤔
After owning a guitar with laurel I've got to say laurel is ok, definitely inferior to rosewood though, is a very dry wood, I wonder how much company's save by using the laurel? They should just stick to rosewood or maple eh, very annoying, least it wasn't roasted jatoba really dislike that...
Is that Nescafe? I quite like the lidl (cheap) version of the Nescafe azera stuff (Not sponsored 😜) But yeah, ya ken me mate - I complain about rosewood too 🙈😂 Just a moany auld git 👴👍
@stevecassidyguitar Guitar companies are increasingly using laurel instead of rosewood primarily because rosewood is becoming increasingly scarce and is considered endangered due to overharvesting, making it difficult and expensive to source, while laurel is a more readily available and sustainable alternative with similar tonal qualities and appearance, especially when facing import restrictions under CITES regulations
Never been a fan of the original Starcaster headstock, so I actually prefer that one with the more typical Fender-style headstock. That said, I'm a big fan of maple necks on Fenders, so that one having a laurel fretboard is a minus for me even though I've no actual problem with laurel fretboards on guitars which would otherwise have had rosewood. It does sound good though, but I'd possibly have preferred it with wide range humbuckers rather than the ones it has, because A, they look cool and B, they sound really great. My preferences aside, I suspect Fender might have had a few more people being okay with that Starcaster not having the Starcaster's original headstock if they'd have instead gone for it sporting the smaller pre-CBS type headstock. But, in my opinion, the reason a lot of people say they are not keen on the larger CBS headstock is a bit of a case of the Emperor's New Clothes, in that it is not because of its looks, but because it got associated with the drop in quality with Fender guitars which occurred around the same time the larger headstock occurred as a result of CBS ramping up production and Fender losing a bit of the 'cottage industry' ethos it enjoyed back in its early days. Thus the one event gets associated with the other, which is kind of unfair because, whilst there was indeed something of a drop in quality when CBS expanded things, CBS nevertheless laid the groundwork for Fender's expansion into the company they are today, and CBS did eventually sort out the quality teething troubles. But give a dog a bad name and it sticks, and this is certainly not helped by lots of vintage guitar old farts perpetuating the dislike for the larger headstock by mythologising pre-65 Strats way beyond the actuality of what they are as guitars compared to every other Strat out there. As a result of that, many people parrot such opinion on the larger headstock, instead of forming their own simply because they imagine it is how a guitar expert should feel about it and they want to be seen as such. Personally, I like both the large and the small headstocks and in all honesty if I could only have one, it would actually be the larger of the two, because its outline with the sweeping curved underside as opposed to the straight underside edge of the smaller one, is more aesthetically pleasing.
I'm with ya on the maple and WRHB's 😎👌 I think they went with the headstock for 2 reasons, one being as you said, you prefer it over the original as do many others, and two) it's the same as the new Tom Delonge sig, so they might also attract that audience of people who want a (more versatile 😜) Tom Delonge for less 🤷♂️ Could explain the fretboard choice too. I know what you mean about the CBS era headstocks, and I get that people associate them with an era that wasn't the best for Fender, but I was born in 82, and missed out on that, I've always loved the look of the oversized headstocks, and associate it with cool Hendrix vibes 😀👍
@stevecassidyguitar Yup, as you say, for many, the big headstock is the Fender headstock they grew up with and so they don't carry the emotional baggage concerning the bigger headstock versus the smaller one. But it's interesting to see that Fender have gone for the smaller one on those brand new Indonesian Fenders they just announced for 499 quid RRP (and not before time at that price point) although I'm sad to see they don't have a maple fretboard option on the Strats, but they do on the Tele, Jazz and Precision basses. I think they missed a trick there and hopefully at some point they produce a maple fretboard Strat. As I recently found from having bought a maple fretboard Squier Strat last week, it's a much nicer guitar to play than my rosewood board Strats; tonewood debates aside, to my ears at least, that maple fretboard definitely has more 'zing' and it feels nicer when doing bends.
@@ChockHolocaust Totally agree mate - for me it's the harder smoother finish under the finger tips that sells me on maple. Ebony and roasted Jatoba being very close in feel. I've just put in a note of interest to check out one of the new Fender standards when they get them in my local shop. Just a loan for a review 👍 There's an HSS strat in LPB with a maple board - that's the one I'm hoping to get my hands on😁👍
@stevecassidyguitar Be good to see your take on those new Strats and interesting to see Fender's marketing department having to do some creative backpedalling press releases on guitars not being made in continental America now being Fenders and not Squiers. One would hope with a 499 quid RRP, they'd be very good given that most of their rivals who make stuff in Indonesia can hit the mark with fairly decent Strat-style guitars for less than 200 notes.
@@ChockHolocaust I've been having more of a look at the specs today. Some "interesting" things going on there 🤔 I want to know if they have Alnico pickups. They're just listed as "Fender Standard pickups" with no other info I can see. I think the Squier classic vibes might be the same, but I always thought they were alnico 🤷♂ Also want to know if it's a full size trem block. The saddles look pretty decent. One of my favourite Fender series was the old "Modern Player series" those were all MIC Fenders and pretty great. I've still got 2 of em.
The headstock on the new one ruins any visual appeal. It looks like it's been found out the back in a warehouse somewhere and stuck on as an afterthought. It's a "no" from me.
Ebony or rosewood is obviouly furst choice but id have laurel all day over pau ferro, montys relic wax makes it look better but pau ferro is a horrible colour wood
I'm not a big fan of any of the darker shades of fretboard wood (although I do like the feel of Ebony and Roasted Jatoba), but totally agree on pau ferro. The orangey tones hurt my eyes a bit on some guitars 🙈
Nice unboxing video! As far as Indian Laurel goes... it's fine. I have several Import guitars that claim to have Rosewood and they look, not Rosewood-y. So the IL boards are the same color as the older Rosewood boards but the grain looks rougher. I have an IL on my Epiphone Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and it works it looks good, it doesn't feel that different from a Rosewood board. I was a little underwhelmed by the sound of the new guitar. If I lived in the UK I would get some Bare Knuckle pickups and redo the wiring to bring it up to Fender/Gibson standards. Probably Alnico II pickups for a vintage sound. I haven't bought one of these I have an Ibanez AFS75T that basically is a cross of an ES-330 and a Gretsch 6120 in a guitar that would be close to this.
Thank ya mate! Great shout on the Alnico ii's - cheers! 😀🙏 I've been thinking about the Tonerider ACii for the bridge and either the AC iv, or go HB sized P90 for the neck again. Did that with the other Starcaster and I love it 😎👌 I'm not big on rosewood either, So I would probably still complain if they went with rosewood too 😂🙈 My Mate has the very same Ibanez! (I think) His is in Electric Blue - very cool looking guitar 😎👌
@stevecassidyguitar Nice! Mine is transparent red and the year this was made they went to a plus (+) inlay that looks better than the peroxide squares. It's my most comfortable guitar to play. The pickups are just ok, that's really the only weak point of the guitar.
@ I didn't want to say, but my mates pickups aren't great either sounds very dark. He bought it used, so it might not be original, but I reckon a switch to 1mg pots would probably make a big difference
@stevecassidyguitar Cheap pots and cheap capacitors. Just swapping those out would make it sound better. Also swapping out the magnets can make the original pickups sound better. 😉👍✨
@@Labrat457 ah yeah. It wasn't the smartest decision for Fender to re-use the Starcaster name for other things. You can also get Fender Starcaster drum kits and fx pedals too 🙈 They just caused confusion there
Are the.New fenders just squier's, rebranded as they are made in the same factory ???. That thought puts strong fought in my mind, I'll not be buying one.
I've not looked into the details of these new ones yet. But I have just put a note of interest into my local retailer to loan me one as soon as they get them in - Might try to get a hold of a SQ CV for a comparison too 🤓👍
I hear ya mate, although the affinity post 2021 revamped stuff is way better than the previous generations, I still see them mainly as mod platforms. But good mod platforms imo 😀👍
@ Nah? I suppose that's the thing with the Squier stuff at this price point, the QC is quite inconsistent. Sounds like I've got lucky and you got unlucky - so we're both right and wrong maybe? 🤷♂
I never cared too much for the Coronado until recently. Starting to get GAS for one now. Then I can get a proper look at that headstock 🤓👍 I did try out one of the re-issues years ago, but I wasn't paying close enough attention 😂🙈
Underwhelmed 🤷🏼♂️ what’s wrang wi ye min? But yeah if am buying a semi or full hollow it has to be a Riviera or a Casino cause the Starcaster would never have been built if it wasn’t for the 335, casino, riviera Sheraton type guitars. Just my op onion 🧅
Any love for the ole Starcaster? 🤷♂
A lot of people hate the headstock - Non-Issue this one? 🤔
🫳⌨⬇
@stevecassidyguitar I actually love the weird headstock. The bevel cut step thing adds a surfy vibe -like the Trini Lopez Gibson.
I adore my CV starcaster (especially the giant headstock!)
Would have loved the walnut colour but that sadly got discontinued around the time I was purchasing mine. That being said, the sunburst I got is stupidly beautiful and gives it that old school vibe
@@TheSuperspyk I badly want a Walnut one too! Just mised out on one at a good price on eBay a couple of weeks ago too.
Also agree the Sunburst one looks great 😎👍
@stevecassidyguitar fingers crossed another comes up soon for ya! Keep up the great work and thank you for being a champion of star casters!
Personally I love the 70s headstock on the Starcaster. Looks much better to me than the wooden clog headstock.
You're not alone mate! I think this is why they've made the change. I wonder if their plan is working though 🤔 would you consider buying one now if the old headstock was a deal-breaker? Assuming you liked the rest of the guitar. Soz that's a hard hypothetical, I'm just curious if their plan is working
@stevecassidyguitar I prefer much more this 70's headstock. The clog headstock is a dealbreaker at least for me! I just wish they had more color options as a maple fingerboard is also not an option for me.
@@rafaelmeletti See that's why you now have to buy 2 😂
Get this one with that neck, then any other Affinity or Classic Vibe Starcaster with the body colour of your choice... swap the necks. Sell the Danny Devito and keep the Arnold Schwarzenegger 😜👍
You'll obviously end up a bit out of pocket, but probably cheaper and way less hassle than a refinish.
"Ghetto Custom Shop" 😜👍
Sounds alright to my ears.
It's not the worst by any means 😀👍
I just like a brighter sound. That's from both, being used to single coils and having hearing damage from years of volume abuse, (mainly gigs) so I don't hear the high frequencies as well as I used to 🙈
I tell you, I love this guy! He's the only guy I have ever seen who has such a love of the Starcaster. And to be honest we need a few more of them....!
Thank you so much mate! 😀🙏
It's true - I do have a (probably) unhealthy love for Starcasters 😂🙈
@stevecassidyguitar no such thing lol
then i'd have to admit I have an unhealthy love for Bass and superstrats with nice C shape 9.5 Radius necks
@ Yup - I think we're all a bit not right when it comes to guitars 😂👍
What a fantastic video as always have a great day Steve also happy last weekend of January from Canada
Thank you so much mate! 🙏 Hope you're having a great weekend 😀
Another great video Steve, love your passion! Keep up the great work mate!!
Thank ya so much mate! Always appreciated 😀🙏
I love the colour of that thing
Oh yeah mate - White guitars always have a classy look about em 😎👌
Really interesting and honest ! Thanks for sharing, Steve !
Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏
Mr Cassidy, my heart missed a beat when you threw and (luckily) caught the Starcaster🤨. I would never dream of such a stunt😇, due to my considerable lack of hand to eye co-ordination and being considerably risk averse when it comes to gear 🤓😎 Have you thought of starting a "Save the Starcaster" campaign?😉 Great video.👍
Ha! Cheers mate! I'm not gonna lie... I've did that one a few too many times 😂😬
Save the Starcaster is a brilliant vid title! Cheers mate - I'm having that! 😁👍
The Starcasters on the wall is a nice detail. They look great too!
Thanks for noticing mate! 😀🙏Gotta go all in sometimes 😂👍
WHAT A CATCH!!! you're insane bro lol. i didnt see much difference between the models other than the fretboard material. also love the editing as always. it sounded so full and rich. definitely surprising considering the price. by the way LEAVE SOME STARCASTERS FOR THE REST OF US!! haha
Ha cheers mate! 😂👍
I'm ashamed to admit - that's not the first time I've risked a catch like that 🙈
2025 is the year Sensie Trey gets a Starcaster!! - I can feel it! 😀🙏🙏🙏
I just had this one on loan - so there's at least one left 😜
@ yes sir! I’ve done it too. Never on camera though, ohhhh I just ordered the pocket 3. Hoping to upgrade my video game fingers crossed. Also making plans for namm 2026! I’m hoping I can check out a starcaster soon. It’s definitely on the agenda.
@@TreyShreddings Awesome mate! Let's definitely hook up for NAMM 2026! 😀👍
@ you bet!!
I would never attempt a chick like that 🤣 Maybe that one time with the Leo, but it was in the box🤣
I eventually hope to get the CV Starcaster with the proper headstock.
Nice one mate! That's the only one I've never had a chance to try. But it's the closest to the Fender model. There's only a couple of very minor differences in specs, the obvious one just being the logo on the headstock 😎👍
I'd love the Walnut finished one
@stevecassidyguitar My understanding is the walnut one is discontinued.
@@robertmccourt1243 Yeah mate it is discontinued. But they still come up used from time to time. I actually just missed out on one, on eBay a couple of weeks ago, that ended up going for a decent price.
And thank you, BTW, for introducing me to these interesting guitars. I don't have any hollow/semi-hollow electric guitars, but if I should ever go for one, I think this might be it. I love that it's got the Fender scale length, bolt-on neck, etc.. Weird and wonderful! I'd have to give it coil-splitting, though, especially for that neck pickup.
No worries mate - Brilliant Guitars! I'm not gonna lie, the 2 squiers I've had, did need a bit of work to get them to maintain stable tuning.
But I think we probably have similar tastes. I my Fender Starcaster has WRHB's with coil splits and my Squier contemporary active starcatser has a Tron in the Bridge and a HB sized P90 in the neck - Love it 😀👍
@stevecassidyguitar Yep, me too, just bought a Squier Sonic Tele. Pretty solid basic construction (woodworking, etc.; Indonesia), but it was obvious that no real setup or testing had been done at all. The neck needed adjustment, and I found that the truss rod nut was completely loose, not even properly started. Also, the nut was poorly cut, and the low E string was riding too high. But strangely, it appeared that someone had adjusted the intonation, as that was right on (given the out of whack guitar; of course I had to readjust it after fixing the other things). So it seems like some of the steps of setup got done, but some earlier ones fell through the cracks. And no competent final tester would have let it through, so that step clearly got skipped. Anyway, this all allowed someone like me to get a pretty good guitar for an amazingly cheap price -- but given that these are generally intended for beginners, I'd say their cost-cutting is a disservice to the guitar community. They ought to have a two-tier pricing scheme, cheaper if you want to do the setup work yourself!
Nothing makes me happier than a semi
😂 Glad to be of service mate 💪
Squier needs to read the room and kick out a Signature Steve Cassidy Starcaster.
I know right!?!? I've complained long enough! 😜😂
Ive got that Starcaster along with the Squire Contemporary version. Love them both but will be upgrading the "deluxe" pickups haha!
Nice one mate! 😀👍 I love my Contemporary one too 🥰. It actually took 3 attempts to get a good one - had to return the first 2 (lockdown guitars) so I glad I stuck with it and got a 3rd. Love it! Have modded it a fair bit though - It's almost a Gretsch now 😂🙈
My J Mascis Jazzmaster has a laurel board and it's lovely, I lucked out and got a rare dark slab and it doesn't feel much different than rosewood. Initially it was a bit dryer, but after regular lemon oil treatments and a lot of playing it's worn in and is easy to mistake for rosewood now.
Nice! Someone just mentioned in another comment that Laurel gets darker over time. I didn't know that - sounds like yours is evidence of that too - very cool! 😀👍
Damn! Thanks for reminding me I STILL don't have a Jazzmaster! 🙈
@stevecassidyguitar If you're looking at the Mascis, try to find a used one from before the "ended" the run. I've heard a lot more QC issues with the new run of them, even though they spec out the same. The neck on the Mascis is sublime and different enough from the CV to make it stand out. If you want traditional Jazz pickups though the Mascis are HOT and more closely resemble P90s.
When it comes to starcasters I really like the offset body. Very cool! I can live with the fender headstock - btw, big enough to play beach tennis! Looks like they are trying to make it look like a fender Coronado 🤔but with an offset body. I would like pickups with a bit cleaner output, I'm afraid - shrill pickups give me the hiccups . Also, looks like fender has adopted specific color combinations for it's guitars, for example: white body with a dark fret-board or, reddish burst with bright fret-board. So, have we figured out what's "deluxe" about it - the price perhaps?
😂👍Who doesn't want a headstock you can play tennis with? 🤷♂️
Same here Re the pickups - I prefer lower output too - but I do like shrill and bright, but that's probably becasue my hearing is damaged and I can't hear the high frequencies as well as I used to 😂
Good point about the colour "presets" I'd never thought about that 👍
So the deluxe part seems to be covered humbuckers, split shaft tuners and a lacquered/glossy headstock. That's all I can see 🤷♂️
I don’t mind laurel too much, I think my Epi Les Paul is laurel and it feels fine. Nice and dark too.
Laurel gets really dark the longer you use it. My Epiphone ES-335 with laurel is very dark now like a rosewood. It looks very used because I play it a lot.
Interesting! I didn't know that - cheers for the info mate 😀👍
I'm sure Laurel is fine mate, I'm not a big fan of rosewood on F type guitars, so I'd complain about anything that looks remotely like it, laurel, Pau Ferro, Jatoba, Ferrero Rocher, etc... 😜
I'm very aware this is an old man yells at cloud situation though 😂🙈
more starcaster content is always welcome. and yes, i think the changed headstock is a travesty
Thank ya mate! 😀🙏
I'm blaming Tom Delonge 🤬
😜
Some laurel fretboards I've had haven't been my favorite as they were ashy looking and porous. After applying a coat of Monty's Montypresso wax to the fretboard though, it greatly improved the look and feel.
Nice one mate - I'm keen to experiment with the Montypresso stuff - have heard great reports 😎👍
I have very few guitars with rosewood boards to try it on though 😂
I'm with you Steve, a starcaster has to have the starcaster headstock, the only exception I'll make is the Tom Delonge sig.
Cheers mate! 😀🙏 I'm actually blaming Tom Delonge personally for this new Squier abomination 🧐
I was going to write him an email, but I just drew glasses and a mohawk on a picture of him instead. Cheered me up for several minutes 😁👍
Rosewood for me had a few in the past mainly a maple neck player now lol .
I'm all about the maple too mate 😀👍
Actually more so Roasted maple these days, which I'm a bit ashamed of - Feels a bit like the guitar equivalent of being a hipster 🙈
@stevecassidyguitar yeh it's all so away to speed up the drying process on younger wood i think that's why we are seeing it a lot more now on more affordable guitars .
@ Yeah, I've heard the same thing 👍
I’ve only now realised that the Starcaster reminds me of the Vintage VSA500 which is similarly offset to keep the Gibson legal dept at bay.
Just had a look at that cheers - Never seen it before, but I can see what you mean 😀👍
It is cool! I agree about the headstock, but it might appeal to those who think that the correct one is too funky.
Yeah I think that's Fenders plan mate - Already got a good few comments of people here that prefer this new one. Each to their own n' such 😀🙏
@stevecassidyguitar Yet a lot of people dislike the 70's style that they've used on this one. The guitar does need a large headstock to look right (balanced), but, while I've always thought that the original was was goofy, it looks right. I prefer the old headstock.
Just like the Dave Grole Gibson 335
Yeah - That's actually quite a good comparison, has a similar kind of vibe with the 6 a side headstock. But the Starcaster has a few other differences to other semi hollows being offset and a bolt on neck etc
I knew you were going to get your hands on the new Starcaster when they announced it. I agree about the headstock. They should have kept the normal Starcaster headstock. It’s part of the vibe, love it or hate it. I love it, but that’s just me, lol. The Laurel choice is also meh. I’d prefer maple on this guitar or rosewood if they were going darker because laurel often looks pretty dry. That nut also looks a bit janky.
As for the strings, are those really stock? If it was D’addario strings, they would make a big deal about partnering with them. You sure Kenny’s didn’t install them? If not, they are probably Orphee strings from China that are known for knocking off D’addario (and I’ve heard are super short even on a short scale). Firefly supposedly installs Orphee strings. I’ve heard they are meh. Look them up - anyone can buy them. If this guitar is made in China, it’s likely Orphee. If that’s true, that’s unacceptable. If it was D’addario, it would be on every spec page as an official partnership (ie: like Ibanez does with their D’addario partnership). Fender shouldn’t be allowing a D’addario knockoff on their products no matter where their guitars are made as an American owned brand. You’d actually think they’d want to install their own Fender strings, but even if not, any cheap generic would be better than a a cheap bootleg. That’s actually worth complaining to D’addario and Fender if Kenny’s didn’t not re-string that guitar and they’re shipping with fakes. (It’s worth a separate video to investigate and see how the involved parties respond! Investigative journalism . . . Steve Investigates: The Series 😂 )
Yeps, that’s my take!
Thank ya so much Marsha once again, for another thoughtful and insightful comment 😀🙏
I actually never thought to ask If Kenny's changed the strings. I doubt they would unless they spotted an issue with the guitar before putting it on display. But it was on display 🤔 So I suppose it could have happened. I'll have to ask next time i'm in 👍
I think you're right, they're probably not d'addarios because they would be shouting about it.
I just assumed d'addarios because of the coloured ball ends, but it's not the colours I'm familiar with. I don't know if D'addario use different colours for different sets 🤷♂️ I've only ever really used 9-42.
We'll have to get to the bottom of this one Marsha! 💪
I prefer the non star caster headstock . But I also prefer the 4 knobs over 2. So if I had to go starcaster headstock the one with the black bit added on the flare is the way I’d go
Sorted mate! So you need 2! 😁👹
Get one of these (for the neck) then get any Starcaster of your choice (with 4 knobs) for the body.
Switch the necks - Sell the (Danny Devito) one you don't want... and keep the (Arnold Schwarzenegger) one 💪😎
@ I like the way you think
@1:00 you really tried to avoid the booty shots but ye could nay pull it aff! Aye.
That headstock ruined everything, and I get you. I already know how a head-to head with a maple fret board vs a laurel fret board is going to work out. That's not click bait material for me, fortunately I'll be here anyway.
Oh and thank you Kennys Music.
😂👍
It's not easy for one to be graceful and unbox simultaneously 😂🙈
Thanks for watching mate and putting up with my ridiculous complaints 😀🙏
They're good guys over there - I'm forever grateful for their support 😀👍
this headstock is so much nicer IMO.
YOUR OPINION IS WRONG!!! 🧐
😜
Nah... I get it, I'm pretty sure that's why they went this this as the original is so divisive. I'm curious if their plan will work though - If they'll sell well. They also have the "Delonge for less" factor going for them too, so that might help 🤷♂️
@stevecassidyguitar It's just your opinion that my opinion is wrong! The good thing for you is that since a lot of people don't like the shoe headstock, you will be able to buy many more for good prices!
@ 😂👍
That's the plan mate. and Just like shoes.. I'm gonna hunt them down in pairs 😁👍
@ 😂😂😂
@ Seeing as several other TH-camrs now have their own Harley Benton signature models...might there be a Harley Benton Steve Cassidy "Starcaster" Signature Model in the future? Hmmmm. The Stevecaster?
That fretboard should be maple but l like the headstock! shoddy work on that nut.. my favourite semi hollow is the Harley Benton HB35!🙂
I don't think I've ever tried the HB35.
There's been a couple of times I almost bough the HB35+ in lemon burst or something? But it's just never happened for some reason. Also liked the ones they brought out in metallic colours too.
Damn You! That's them back on the radar! 😂🙈
@stevecassidyguitar lol currently the HB35 + is £199, your Starcaster obsession may become a thing of the past?
Nowt to do with the video, but Mr Cassidy you planted the seed of buying a new guitar and well I just had to didn't I? (It's not a starcaster 😂)
Ooooh!!! I'm excited!! 😀
Everyone knows 10k deserves a new guitar 👹👍
Is it a secret? Happy to wait until the unboxing/review 😁
Hi Steve, I agree with you about preferring the gain tones. I can't say I was impressed with the clean tones at all. Maybe a bit of a tweak on your amp simulator gizmo could sort it out. I've not been tempted to buy a Starcaster and this one hasn't changed my mind. BTW, when you get around to taking it back to the good folks a Kenny's if they have one of those new Fender "Standard" Telecasters maybe you could drop a hint or two about borrowing one for review. I'm going to treat myself to another guitar sometime before I finally give up working full time and have been leaning toward a Tele next time. I loved my Fender Tele I had in the 70s and this new standard model they just released is the most affordable Tele with the designer label on the headstock. I'd really like to know if you're paying a £500 price tag just because of the name on it.
Great shout mate - I'll definitely try to get a hold of one soon, thanks for the suggestion 🙏
In terms of just paying for the name, that's been my first thoughts, but happy to be proven wrong 😀👍
Edit: Update - I've just put in a note of interest at Kennys - Thanks again 👍
Thanks Steve, it would be great if you could borrow one for review. I tried the Jet Tele type just before Christmas and loved it. Since then I've been checking out the Fender player Tele's on line and heard about the new Standard just the other day. I'm not a guitar snob type but as it would be my last big(ish) guitar purchase a designer label would be nice. I said that before I got my Gibson too so maybe I am a guitar snob.....oh well, too old to change now.
@@Reeldin58 Good choices mate - I'd either go the Jet JT 350 in butterscotch, as it has the roasted maple board, nice heel contour and string through body design. I'd probably change the bridge to a six saddle style and that's it.
Other than that it I'd be looking at the Fender player ii series to get the rounded edges on the fretboard, to keep up with the Jet. But there's a very good chance you'll need the nut looked at with a Fender these days. IME
Sorry to hear the guitar doesn't live up to your expectation! You could take the covers off the pickups, that would improve the sound! Cheap pickups usually have covers made of brass and chromed over, whereas good pickups use covers made from "German silver" , which does not have silver in them but does not affect the higher frequencies as much. I have tried it with Tesla Opus-1(my favorite Tesla) , before i saw the scientific evidence and can confirm it makes a difference! Have a great weekend Steve!👊🏼🎸🤘🏼🎸
Cheers mate!
Why can't the things that look the best (covered humbuckers) not sound the best too? ☹️ I'ts kinda like how pizza and burgers unfortunately are unhealthy ☹️
It's NOT FAIR! 😭
😜
Thanks for the info mate - I'll keep an eye out for "german silver" on pickup specs for future purchases 😀👍
Strings are usually fender bullets.
Man! I've not seen those in years! 😀 I'm sure my '04 USA standard strat came with Bullets.
These ones have coloured ball ends, so not sure what they are. The Bullets are really easy to spot, as they have little "bullets" on the end instead of ball ends. At least they did in 2004 - It's been a long time since I've seen them. Kinda cool unique design though 😎👍
@ sorry Steve there fender 250 strings both my classic vibe tele and anniversary model jazz master came with them.
@ Ah! Well if they came on the classic vibe, then it's a very high chance it'll be those - cheers mate! 😀🙏
Steve, can you get one of those new Fender Standard 2025 Teles and Strats, for a Ginger Jesus review ? 😊
I've already put in a note of interest with Kenny's (my local shop) to get one on loan as soon as they get them in 😀👍
❤@stevecassidyguitar
Great review, Steve. What amp do you use for live work or do go direct?
Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏
I just use the Line 6 HX Stomp XL for live - straight to the P. A and use IEM's.
There are sacrifices - It doesn't sound/feel as good as a real amp, but there are benefits, my back doesn't hurt 😂👍
Also being in a 6 piece band, there is rarely room to have an amp on stage too, in most of the places we play
@ Thanks mate. Keep up the good work. 👍👏🏻
Love the Starcaster, bit disappointing to see the standard 70s headstock rather than the traditional Starcaster shape, but it still looks great. There is nothing wrong with laurel, visually or sonically, but the guitar community has been conditioned by manufacturers to demand rosewood or ebony.
Good points well made mate 👍
I'm not really a fan of rosewood either, it's more of a feel thing for me, I much prefer the harder smoother surface of maple under the fingertips. So I probably still would have complained if they used rosewood too 😂🙈
I do like ebony though, as it can have a similar feel to maple, also discovered I like roasted Jatoba recently 🤓👍
If you ask a lot of people even the top line Fenders will get blown away by a Tease guitar. I have played them both and it's very close in some ways.
I've heard of em, but not likely to try anytime soon, don't think they're easy to get in the UK - same as Firefly unfortunately ☹️
@ another post about our community deleted? I am grateful for these place I have been supporting for years to hide the truth. Look at the emails and words both place have posted about me. Anyone. Ask them what the resolution is? I WAS INVOICED FOR A GUITAR I WON THAT WAS DAMAGED. Someone just do the right thing. I was told by Brian that I would be doxxed and have the police called on me if I said anything else about this.
But you will delete this as well. I am trying to do this COMMUNITY A favor? Check out Phil McKnights stream tonight! Ben Coombs is great on Sunday and Monday!
What I thought. Thank you for your support of people who come here for the truth.
@@richardclark. I've not deleted anyones comments. I've only ever deleted comments on the China videos where some people were being proper offensive.
As for the stuff you've got going on - I won't censor you.
But... I hope you can all come to a resolution soon - privately.
I'd prefer it if my channel was free from this drama. You're free to post whatever you want here, but personally - I've heard enough about this one now - soz 😬
Steve I prefer the original Starcaster headstock .
Yeahs!!! 😀👍
I just answered 3 comments in a row that all prefer the new one - I was getting sad there 😂
All in all it seems to be about 50/50 on this one.
I reckon this might help them sell more Starcasters to the people who would never buy one before because of the headstock
Shame it's a bit meh, but worth a try. The pickups sound quite similar to my Epi 339, which is surprising in one way, but not in another (guess it's all similar quality, price, etc.). Looking forward to the other ones!
Also: I love the headstock. I like these proper chunky things. Have them on both of my Squiers.
It's a very decent guitar - I'm just an old complainey man yelling at clouds 😂👍
I actually do like the oversized 70's Fender headstocks too 😎👍 always been a fan of them - just not on Starcasters.
Soz... there's me yelling at clouds again 😂🙈
As a Starcaster man, what are your thoughts on the EVH SA-126, another bolt on hollow-ish offset-ish guitar?
Very cool looking guitars mate! 😎👍
I'd need to try one, but I usually don't get on well with flatter radius fretboards. Seems to have quite a wide nut as well, almost 44.5mm! Rosewood fretboard and Gibson Scale length also not usually my kind of thing.
But... last year I tried a Gretsch for the first time and "on paper" I thought I wouldn't like the neck at all - but It was super comfy so... 🤷♂️
If I get a chance to get my hands on the EVH, i'll definitely check it out 😀👍
I had a epi es-339 with a laurel fretboard for a while but I dont remember thinking 'if only this guitar had rosewood fretboard, I will feel much better :3', I mean sure visually rosewood seems better but I never felt anything missing while playing
I tried a 339 Epi before and liked it quite a lot. It was one of the ultra ones with a usb etc. Cool guitar but the tech but me off in the end
@stevecassidyguitar mine wasnt that fancy shmancy type, I had it for 6 months and I didnt even notice it had coil splitting XD. but I gave it up cuz the neck was too chunky for me, couldn't get used to it
The classic big headstock is way better than the odd looking one.
Many many many people agree with you mate. That's clearly Fender's plan to have these appeal to more people. Even though I'm not a fan - I hope it works. The more Starcasters the better 😜👍
I saw a similar one on the local 'craigslist' and had thought someone had modded it and wanted to sell it off as unmodded. Not having the stylish headstock just does not look right. Not a fan of it, but that would be like having the strat headstock on a tele.
I hear ya mate 😀👍 I actually do like the oversized Strat headstocks on Strats etc... But not on a Starcaster! NEVER!! 🧐
Soz - got a bit carried away there 😂🙈
I know what you mean about Strat headstocks on Tele's it juts doesn't look right. But I'm not against them as it's actually a bit of an improvement for balance on cheap Guitar hangers 😜
@stevecassidyguitar Very true. Also I have no problem f.i. with the Jet headstock shapes all being the same (more or less).
@ I'm actually on the hunt for a Jet JT300 - just to grab the neck for a tele partscaster 😁👍
@stevecassidyguitar I am also looking for a neck for a squier and would not mind using a Jet for it
Rosewood. Or ebony, or maple.
I'm not a big fan of rosewood either, I probably would have complained if they used that too 😂🙈
Big fan of Maple and Ebony is very good too - I prefer the harder smoother surface under the fingertips 👍
Looks very nice but no entry at the back any work is premium cost.
I could only image how hard this stuff would be for my tech to do. I wouldn't go near that stuff myself 😂🙈
Out of the choices a Thinline is a better choice.
I've got a thinline tele too Dual WRHB's - love it - but it's not a true semi hollow. Still a great guitar though 😀👍
I'm relieved to know that the LYNX in the description is a deodorant and not a ferocious cat!
😂👍
If you do delve into the description, instead of getting your shirt ripped to shreds, you come out smelling great 😀👍
I dont mind the Laurel finger board if it's dark enough. I bought a sonic stratocaster (ultraviolet!) and it had a greenish looking Laurel board. Had to sell the neck 😂.
As you may know I own the old affinity starcaster. My only gripe with it is the thin neck... How does this deluxe version compare neck wise?
I don't think I compared them with the profile gauge - my bad - soz 😬
But they do feel almost identical to me - both C shaped 9.5" radius, 25.5" Scale, 42mm nuts. The only difference that I did notice is the Deluxe has bigger frets. The old affinity has Narrow Tall and the Deluxe has medium Jumbo.
I'm really starting to love narrow tall's these days.
I REALLY fancy the Sonic ultraviolet HSS with maple board! Have managed to resist so far....
@stevecassidyguitar thanks! good to know, then I don't have to create GAS for the affinity deluxe 😅.
As for the purple strat; one can never have enough purple strats!
@@eertje01 Agreed! I currently have 2 on my GAS list 😂🙈
So Steve do you think this is Fenders version of a Gibson 335?
Apparently the first time round in '76 thet were attempting to compete with Gibson with this one, but it was a bit too different and quirky, so it totally flopped, they only made it until '82. Then the fender version got got reissued in 2013, but only for a few short years before being discontinued again.
The Squier ones have always been quite popular though, and the Tom Delonge sig that came out last year is the only current Starcaster with the Fender name on it. I hope that changes soon though - but my wallet doesn't 😜
Is it a standard scale neck ?
Yes indeed mate 😀👍 Standard as in 25.5" (Like Fender Standard). That's another one of the quirks I love about these guitars, generally semi-hollows are 24.75" (Gibson Standard Scale length)
Laurel are known for being hardy
😂 Wayhey!! 🥁🥁🔔
WRONG HEADSTOCK DAMMIT! (Had to comment this as soon as I saw it. Back to the video.)
Agreed!! and thank you! 😂👍
@stevecassidyguitar Finished the rest of the video. Agree with you on most of it. It's too bad, because I love the Starcaster design as well, and feel they could do so much with it.
While I love the 70's "fat" headstock, any true* Starcaster should have its unique headstock.
(* this ignores the cheap "big box retail" Strat-like Starcasters with the Strat or arrow headstocks)
For those who like the headstock, though, check out custom builders BILT Guitars, who borrow most of the shape!
Oh yeah those are the Starcasters of which we do not speak of 🤐🤫
😜
Always liked the look of the Bilt guitars 😎👌
Steve, I’ve been fighting ‘GAS’ for a Starcaster for many years now (long before the rereleases).
Your excellent series of videos and reviews aren’t helping 😂
Thank ya mate - and soz 😬😂🙏
Ya can pick up some great Squiers used for not too much these days - Just sayin 👹
...something about a bolt-on neck on a semi-hollow that just ain't right
I have the older version of this Squier affinity that just got discontinued. I was thinking about staining the neck to make it a bit darker, but didn't want to ruin the guitar (I totally would 😂🙈). So In picked up a used spare/practice neck for it. That's what I love about bolt on's in general 😀👍
But I totally get why you wouldn't like it mate 😎👍
Laurel seems to be pretty Hardy.
Wayhey!!! 😁👌
@stevecassidyguitar Do you know the difference between a hippo and a zippo ?
One's very heavy and the other is a little lighter.
@@Dave062YT 😂😂😂😂 You're on fire mate!
Laurel and Hardy fretboards are a joke - ebony, rosewood or maple for me. I use BluTack to push the untidy wires away from the F holes (Casino and AS73-12) - and it adds a nice putty-like tone. In this day and age string trees shouldn't be needed - staggered tuners for me. That nut looks like my dentist made it. ;)
Blue tack is a great shout! 😎👌
I recently discovered a similar product made by Gorilla - same but stronger 💪
Also yes to staggered tuners 😎👌
Hard to find a set of staggered locking tuners for under £60. That's my ultimate goal in life. To find a good cheap set for about £50 😜👍
I think this is Fender's attempt to make the Starcaster a more mainstream guitar. I know you love the old headstock, but for many it was a turn off. It's crazy, as it doesn't affect the performance of the guitar as the tuning pegs are lined up like every other Fender, but there you go. In other news, Harley Benton has discontinued the lefty HB35Plus, but have added another ho-hum strat to their roster.
Yeah mate, I can totally see why they've went with this headstock, but it's my purpose in life to complain about these daft wee things 😂🙈
With the Delonge sig model having the same headstock, I think they could attract those fans too, looking for a Delong on the cheap (a versatile one with an additional neck pickup 😜).
Booo Harley Benton!!! Booooooo! 👎
They're usually quite good with new releases, maybe there will be some more interesting stuff in Q2 😀🤞
But probably not interesting enough to make the shipping worthwhile for ya 😬
2.25mm, you could drive a bus under there
😂👍
Totally - Definitely too high for me.
I'm used to playing with (an acceptable amount of) fret buzz for that nice low action. 😜👍
I don’t like the big 70s style Squier headstocks at all, the proper Fender Starcaster one is much nicer. I’m not a huge fan of these guitars anyway, so I’d have to be blown away by the tone and like you say, the pickups are underwhelming as well! Maybe it’s not really possible to do a budget version of this guitar?
I think this is the Budget version of it - But I totally get what you mean, not possible to do a good version of it maybe 😜. There's actually nothing wrong with this one really, other than the nut being a bit of a mess. I just personally didn't like the pickups, fretboard and headstock 😂🙈 and I've made it my purpose to complain about daft Starcaster stuff that no-one cares about 😂🙈
So whens the Jojo Livestream? 😀
@ I’m having a chat with Andy today about it, I don’t know what I’m doing, I need a quick ‘Livestream 101’ before I attempt it!
@@JojoFryrocks Nice! See you're all set up for 9pm - See ya there 😀👍
I think you'll love it btw - I was really nervous my first time, but after 10 mins I was really enjoying it
@ I’m just hoping the software works, people don’t seem to rate the one I’m using very highly but fingers crossed it will be ok 🤞🏻
Laurel is the name of a pretty girl, only. Starcaster is, (was) the only maple board semi haller, why I loved it & head stock made it unique. The Squire geniuses decided that's why it doesn't sell, so they killed the best parts....
I've never met her 😂
I hope they bring out some thing new this year that's Starcaster-ish. Something I won't complain about 😂🙈
There have been some comments here - that people prefer this one So I suppose thier plan might have worked. But will people buy it? 🤔
No to Laurel. I’ve given it a good try but not for me. I’d prefer a maple board.
Agreed 😎👍
I'm not really a fan of rosewood either. I probably would have still complained if they went with rosewood too 😂🙈
After owning a guitar with laurel I've got to say laurel is ok, definitely inferior to rosewood though, is a very dry wood, I wonder how much company's save by using the laurel? They should just stick to rosewood or maple eh, very annoying, least it wasn't roasted jatoba really dislike that...
Is that Nescafe?
I quite like the lidl (cheap) version of the Nescafe azera stuff (Not sponsored 😜)
But yeah, ya ken me mate - I complain about rosewood too 🙈😂
Just a moany auld git 👴👍
@stevecassidyguitar Guitar companies are increasingly using laurel instead of rosewood primarily because rosewood is becoming increasingly scarce and is considered endangered due to overharvesting, making it difficult and expensive to source, while laurel is a more readily available and sustainable alternative with similar tonal qualities and appearance, especially when facing import restrictions under CITES regulations
@@si-borg_guitars Carbon Fiber is the future! 😜👍
I think i might need subtitles..
Apologies mate 😬🙏
Hallelujah, a proper headstock! How very 70’s.
Is that better for ya? 😀👍
@stevecassidyguitar Yes and I won't judge you for it. 😜
@ Much appreciated mate 😂🙏
The Tone(s) on this one dont do it for me.
But, I won't be buying any more new guitars, or basses, anymore. 😢
Yeah same here mate - I'm changing the pickups on this one soon 👍
I need to stop buying more gear too.
Never been a fan of the original Starcaster headstock, so I actually prefer that one with the more typical Fender-style headstock. That said, I'm a big fan of maple necks on Fenders, so that one having a laurel fretboard is a minus for me even though I've no actual problem with laurel fretboards on guitars which would otherwise have had rosewood. It does sound good though, but I'd possibly have preferred it with wide range humbuckers rather than the ones it has, because A, they look cool and B, they sound really great.
My preferences aside, I suspect Fender might have had a few more people being okay with that Starcaster not having the Starcaster's original headstock if they'd have instead gone for it sporting the smaller pre-CBS type headstock.
But, in my opinion, the reason a lot of people say they are not keen on the larger CBS headstock is a bit of a case of the Emperor's New Clothes, in that it is not because of its looks, but because it got associated with the drop in quality with Fender guitars which occurred around the same time the larger headstock occurred as a result of CBS ramping up production and Fender losing a bit of the 'cottage industry' ethos it enjoyed back in its early days.
Thus the one event gets associated with the other, which is kind of unfair because, whilst there was indeed something of a drop in quality when CBS expanded things, CBS nevertheless laid the groundwork for Fender's expansion into the company they are today, and CBS did eventually sort out the quality teething troubles. But give a dog a bad name and it sticks, and this is certainly not helped by lots of vintage guitar old farts perpetuating the dislike for the larger headstock by mythologising pre-65 Strats way beyond the actuality of what they are as guitars compared to every other Strat out there. As a result of that, many people parrot such opinion on the larger headstock, instead of forming their own simply because they imagine it is how a guitar expert should feel about it and they want to be seen as such.
Personally, I like both the large and the small headstocks and in all honesty if I could only have one, it would actually be the larger of the two, because its outline with the sweeping curved underside as opposed to the straight underside edge of the smaller one, is more aesthetically pleasing.
I'm with ya on the maple and WRHB's 😎👌
I think they went with the headstock for 2 reasons, one being as you said, you prefer it over the original as do many others, and two) it's the same as the new Tom Delonge sig, so they might also attract that audience of people who want a (more versatile 😜) Tom Delonge for less 🤷♂️ Could explain the fretboard choice too.
I know what you mean about the CBS era headstocks, and I get that people associate them with an era that wasn't the best for Fender, but I was born in 82, and missed out on that, I've always loved the look of the oversized headstocks, and associate it with cool Hendrix vibes 😀👍
@stevecassidyguitar Yup, as you say, for many, the big headstock is the Fender headstock they grew up with and so they don't carry the emotional baggage concerning the bigger headstock versus the smaller one. But it's interesting to see that Fender have gone for the smaller one on those brand new Indonesian Fenders they just announced for 499 quid RRP (and not before time at that price point) although I'm sad to see they don't have a maple fretboard option on the Strats, but they do on the Tele, Jazz and Precision basses. I think they missed a trick there and hopefully at some point they produce a maple fretboard Strat. As I recently found from having bought a maple fretboard Squier Strat last week, it's a much nicer guitar to play than my rosewood board Strats; tonewood debates aside, to my ears at least, that maple fretboard definitely has more 'zing' and it feels nicer when doing bends.
@@ChockHolocaust Totally agree mate - for me it's the harder smoother finish under the finger tips that sells me on maple. Ebony and roasted Jatoba being very close in feel.
I've just put in a note of interest to check out one of the new Fender standards when they get them in my local shop. Just a loan for a review 👍
There's an HSS strat in LPB with a maple board - that's the one I'm hoping to get my hands on😁👍
@stevecassidyguitar Be good to see your take on those new Strats and interesting to see Fender's marketing department having to do some creative backpedalling press releases on guitars not being made in continental America now being Fenders and not Squiers. One would hope with a 499 quid RRP, they'd be very good given that most of their rivals who make stuff in Indonesia can hit the mark with fairly decent Strat-style guitars for less than 200 notes.
@@ChockHolocaust I've been having more of a look at the specs today. Some "interesting" things going on there 🤔 I want to know if they have Alnico pickups. They're just listed as "Fender Standard pickups" with no other info I can see. I think the Squier classic vibes might be the same, but I always thought they were alnico 🤷♂
Also want to know if it's a full size trem block. The saddles look pretty decent.
One of my favourite Fender series was the old "Modern Player series" those were all MIC Fenders and pretty great. I've still got 2 of em.
The headstock on the new one ruins any visual appeal. It looks like it's been found out the back in a warehouse somewhere and stuck on as an afterthought. It's a "no" from me.
Agreed 💯!! 👍
That's a headstock fail imo 👎
Ebony or rosewood is obviouly furst choice but id have laurel all day over pau ferro, montys relic wax makes it look better but pau ferro is a horrible colour wood
I'm not a big fan of any of the darker shades of fretboard wood (although I do like the feel of Ebony and Roasted Jatoba), but totally agree on pau ferro. The orangey tones hurt my eyes a bit on some guitars 🙈
Nice unboxing video!
As far as Indian Laurel goes... it's fine. I have several Import guitars that claim to have Rosewood and they look, not Rosewood-y. So the IL boards are the same color as the older Rosewood boards but the grain looks rougher. I have an IL on my Epiphone Les Paul Special in TV Yellow and it works it looks good, it doesn't feel that different from a Rosewood board.
I was a little underwhelmed by the sound of the new guitar. If I lived in the UK I would get some Bare Knuckle pickups and redo the wiring to bring it up to Fender/Gibson standards. Probably Alnico II pickups for a vintage sound.
I haven't bought one of these I have an Ibanez AFS75T that basically is a cross of an ES-330 and a Gretsch 6120 in a guitar that would be close to this.
Thank ya mate! Great shout on the Alnico ii's - cheers! 😀🙏
I've been thinking about the Tonerider ACii for the bridge and either the AC iv, or go HB sized P90 for the neck again. Did that with the other Starcaster and I love it 😎👌
I'm not big on rosewood either, So I would probably still complain if they went with rosewood too 😂🙈
My Mate has the very same Ibanez! (I think) His is in Electric Blue - very cool looking guitar 😎👌
@stevecassidyguitar
Nice! Mine is transparent red and the year this was made they went to a plus (+) inlay that looks better than the peroxide squares. It's my most comfortable guitar to play. The pickups are just ok, that's really the only weak point of the guitar.
@ I didn't want to say, but my mates pickups aren't great either sounds very dark. He bought it used, so it might not be original, but I reckon a switch to 1mg pots would probably make a big difference
@stevecassidyguitar
Cheap pots and cheap capacitors. Just swapping those out would make it sound better. Also swapping out the magnets can make the original pickups sound better. 😉👍✨
In the land off squier guitars this is the black sheep of the family! This is a 😢guitar!
Yeah, certainly not my favourite Starcaster offering 👎🫤
Can i get a translator
Apologies mate - I'm very Scottish 😬
@stevecassidyguitar I have a Starcaster by fender it is a solid body strat
@@Labrat457 ah yeah. It wasn't the smartest decision for Fender to re-use the Starcaster name for other things.
You can also get Fender Starcaster drum kits and fx pedals too 🙈
They just caused confusion there
@stevecassidyguitar I bought it to hang on the wall because of the heavily worn arrowhead neck
That is no longer a Starcaster!
Totally agree! It's closer to the old catalogue cheap Strat shaped starcasters 😂😜
Are the.New fenders just squier's, rebranded as they are made in the same factory ???. That thought puts strong fought in my mind, I'll not be buying one.
I've not looked into the details of these new ones yet. But I have just put a note of interest into my local retailer to loan me one as soon as they get them in - Might try to get a hold of a SQ CV for a comparison too 🤓👍
As a rule I would avoid anything 'Affinity' it's really at the bottom of the food chain.
I hear ya mate, although the affinity post 2021 revamped stuff is way better than the previous generations, I still see them mainly as mod platforms. But good mod platforms imo 😀👍
It's really not anymore. Not for the last few years
@ Nah? I suppose that's the thing with the Squier stuff at this price point, the QC is quite inconsistent. Sounds like I've got lucky and you got unlucky - so we're both right and wrong maybe? 🤷♂
I would describe it as.... meh
I would agree! 😂 This could have been a much shorter video 😂👍
No point making everything the same. Sad
Good point mate! Variety be the spice of life n all that 😀👍
Pretty awful.
Yup... that sums it up well. This could have been a waaay shorter video 😂🙈
na naw naw... cannae huv that ..... get that flippin' heed stock sortit. laurel's a' right..
Love your accent in prose mate 🤣👌
That headstock is nothing like the Coranado headstock......
I never cared too much for the Coronado until recently. Starting to get GAS for one now. Then I can get a proper look at that headstock 🤓👍
I did try out one of the re-issues years ago, but I wasn't paying close enough attention 😂🙈
Underwhelmed 🤷🏼♂️ what’s wrang wi ye min? But yeah if am buying a semi or full hollow it has to be a Riviera or a Casino cause the Starcaster would never have been built if it wasn’t for the 335, casino, riviera Sheraton type guitars. Just my op onion 🧅
I'm always underwhelmed mate 😜
Would love to try a casino at some point. John Lennon said they're decent 🤓👍