I dig the headstock, but it needs the black painted bottom like on the classic vibes. Also, the reason the pickups sound muddy is because of the 250k pots. Of you put in 500k it will make this thing sound much better.
I don't understand why they'd put 250k pots on a guitar with no single coils. Obviously it's an attempt at saving money, but putting the correct pots in there from factory would only add a dollar or two to the manufacturing. 500k pots aren't expensive or anything, there's no reason for them not to be in there straight from the factory.
I bought it in Candy Apple Red and it is wonderful acoustically and even better plugged in! The headstock is actually very vibey! The front strap button position keeps mine from neck-diving. A guitar like this with a center core stabilizes it nicely. That black color is classy.
AS with many guitars one of the main differences between the bad good and best is the pickups and specifically as commented below, the pots used. Its the cheapest and best upgrade you can make to any budget guitar and the improvement can be remarkable
I like the head stock. Very stylish. The Offset is what is what got my attention. I like it. Never could understand why people buy something then bitch about it. Maybe you bought the wrong guitar.
@@AJgeartalk I'm subscribed and follow your channel, but please tell me you're not only seeking viewers who agree with you. 🥺 Regarding the headstock, it's a Fender classic headstock design which dates to the 1960s.
If you’re not a fan of Offset guitars, but you like lightweight semi-acoustic guitars with better clean sounds, you might like an ES-335-type guitar, or an IYV IPF-300. I happen to like the IPF-300 myself. It too has a slight amount of neck dive with its very compact and relatively lightweight PRS-like headstock design, although it’s still nowhere near as bad as something like a Gibson Explorer or an SG. With a lightweight body, there’s virtually no way you’ll avoid neck dive unless you want an exotic lightweight neck made of something other than wood, like carbon fiber or titanium alloy or something along those lines.
@@Great-Documentaries Uh, have you ever actually tried an IYV? I have 2 of them, and the “Destiny CNC Wound” pickups on them are AlNiCo, not ceramic, and they’re NOT microphonic.
I like the headstock and the offset body, but hey, it would be boring if we all liked the same. I do prefer the look and spec of the classic vibe model, the affinity is too modern looking for my tastes. I have the hots for one lately, searching the used sites for a bargain!
Starcaster was a California style why the headstock and offset body was made, Unique guitar, Explorer was offset that Edge from U2 said his band mates hated the guitar, Edge said that iconic explorer made countless records!
I have wanted one of these for a long time. But after buying, I'm disappointed. I do like the neck, I like the Candy Apple color. But that's about it. Came in three boxes, which is suspicious to me. The weight was 8.2 lbs!. The volume knobs wiggles and is unstable. Fret buzz on E & A. I could go on and on. Plus it's going to be a pain repackaging. I kept saying I can fix it, but even with the low price I'm going to have to return.
If you had a Boss 7-band Equalizer pedal, you could get a different frequency spectrum coming out of your pickups. Of course, it's better to find pickup you like so you don't have to fiddle with a pedal. Also, when I play cheap humbuckers, I need to lower the bass and mids and increase the treble to get the tone I like on my amp. You might see if your strat neck will fit in that neck pocket. I believe the Starcaster and the Strat have the same neck pocket. If it works, you can buy a strat neck with the headstock you like. Or I've seen a TH-camr have a luthier reshape the headstock to something more like a tele headstock. th-cam.com/video/oV5p1Wt4ieI/w-d-xo.html
I don't like Fenders large headstock, but this one takes it to a new level of dislike. No wonder that it has neck dive. The pickups sounded very muddy over my studio monitors even the bridge pickup only had a hint of clarity. By the time you fit some better pickups and replace the neck, it might be wiser to find a different guitar. At least i now know to avoid this one.
Its like my firebird headstock 😅 pull your strap around the front of the ass of the guitar and liwer it a bit . I'd slap some TV Jones on it make it a Rockabilly killin machine
Starcasters have ALWAYS been a mixed bag in the looks department... you either like their quirkiness or you don't. Like folks who buy houses next to airports, it's hard to miss before you buy. (Also, Squier humbuckers are just placeholders for something better later on.)
I concur with everyone else, and I'm not a big fan of headstock either. It reminds me of an old fashioned shoe. It sounds like a pickup swap would solve your problem. A pair of alnico 5 humbuckers with 8-9k bridge/ 7-8k neck resistance would probably be ideal. (Think '59 PAFs). On a side note, your video quality looks better on this particular video. It could possibly have something to do with the fact that the camera can't see the light coming through the window in the door in the background, or maybe you got a new camera? Anyway, thanks for the great video! It's good to hear a pro and con review after someone has had an instrument for a while, and has "gotten to know it".
A footfetischt? I know, the head is butt uggly. But I love the rest of mine and the head furfills its purpose. Big head is good, a lot of meat on the stick is always good. The necks seems to came in different varyetes as usual with affordables. They simplyl use what they got and they do make changes on the run It is not even sure that they are made in that very same plant. The neck on mine a Affintiy made in 2021 and the other one hanging on display in the Store are darker almost as roasted and very figured. That made the deal, as fresh pale bone white the head looks so bad that I can not stand it. I do not like Asian made Squiers but this one seems to be very well made, no faults and no fretsprout.
Yep. That head-stock is atrocious. It's a crime, really. Almost as ugly as the Monoprice Hawk-Bills. And b'c it's huge... the neck-dive. Otherwise, I dig these guitars, and I almost bout one several months ago - in a beautiful natural wood finish. Alas... I just couldn't do it. Used the money for something else. But I thought it was a killer guitar. I wonder now, if it's got the standard Strat neck-pocket. ?? If so... I might eventually grab that guitar, or a red one... and throw a regulation Strat neck on it. Use the one that it comes with for firewood... or a neck-alignment tool. OK - rock on Bro. Hope all is great with you.
Hi “AJ”-as I stated before not a fan at all of the headstock. Ugly and now that you’ve shown the Neck Dive only a negative while standing. Pickups clean-poor. Almost bought this guitar on its Launch but bought the FF338 instead. At $150 good. More? Not for me. Biggest drawback for me is the look of the headstock. Be well, “AJ” 🥁🎸👍
Hey, what do you expect for $300, eh ? (Lol). If you hate it, sell it, and buy an Epiphone ES-339 like I did. (and drop in some quality PAF humbuckers).
I dig the headstock, but it needs the black painted bottom like on the classic vibes. Also, the reason the pickups sound muddy is because of the 250k pots. Of you put in 500k it will make this thing sound much better.
Cut the headstock down
I don't understand why they'd put 250k pots on a guitar with no single coils. Obviously it's an attempt at saving money, but putting the correct pots in there from factory would only add a dollar or two to the manufacturing. 500k pots aren't expensive or anything, there's no reason for them not to be in there straight from the factory.
The headstock is a fantastic throwback to the 70's model.
I bought it in Candy Apple Red and it is wonderful acoustically and even better plugged in! The headstock is actually very vibey! The front strap button position keeps mine from neck-diving. A guitar like this with a center core stabilizes it nicely. That black color is classy.
AS with many guitars one of the main differences between the bad good and best is the pickups and specifically as commented below, the pots used. Its the cheapest and best upgrade you can make to any budget guitar and the improvement can be remarkable
The Ibanez Roadstar II has a head shape, that resembles a duck's beak.
I like the head stock. Very stylish. The Offset is what is what got my attention. I like it. Never could understand why people buy something then bitch about it. Maybe you bought the wrong guitar.
Possibly- and your most likely at the wrong website! If this is all you can contribute- DON'T!
@@AJgeartalk I'm subscribed and follow your channel, but please tell me you're not only seeking viewers who agree with you. 🥺
Regarding the headstock, it's a Fender classic headstock design which dates to the 1960s.
Don't mind difference of opinion, in fact I welcome it. Belligerent comments will not be tolerated. @@ephebos1319
Solid guitar, highly recommended to learn on or just have around for the acoustic benefits of it..
I've got the CV and yes its a love hate relationship, love playing it hate how it looks. Will probably sell but just having fun with it for now.
If it doesn’t appeal to you then why did you buy it ?
If you’re not a fan of Offset guitars, but you like lightweight semi-acoustic guitars with better clean sounds, you might like an ES-335-type guitar, or an IYV IPF-300. I happen to like the IPF-300 myself. It too has a slight amount of neck dive with its very compact and relatively lightweight PRS-like headstock design, although it’s still nowhere near as bad as something like a Gibson Explorer or an SG. With a lightweight body, there’s virtually no way you’ll avoid neck dive unless you want an exotic lightweight neck made of something other than wood, like carbon fiber or titanium alloy or something along those lines.
@@Great-Documentaries Uh, have you ever actually tried an IYV? I have 2 of them, and the “Destiny CNC Wound” pickups on them are AlNiCo, not ceramic, and they’re NOT microphonic.
@@zuperdee The IYV pickups are very good stock pickups. Totally concur.
I like the headstock and the offset body, but hey, it would be boring if we all liked the same. I do prefer the look and spec of the classic vibe model, the affinity is too modern looking for my tastes. I have the hots for one lately, searching the used sites for a bargain!
Starcaster was a California style why the headstock and offset body was made, Unique guitar, Explorer was offset that Edge from U2 said his band mates hated the guitar, Edge said that iconic explorer made countless records!
I have wanted one of these for a long time. But after buying, I'm disappointed. I do like the neck, I like the Candy Apple color. But that's about it. Came in three boxes, which is suspicious to me. The weight was 8.2 lbs!. The volume knobs wiggles and is unstable. Fret buzz on E & A. I could go on and on. Plus it's going to be a pain repackaging. I kept saying I can fix it, but even with the low price I'm going to have to return.
If you had a Boss 7-band Equalizer pedal, you could get a different frequency spectrum coming out of your pickups. Of course, it's better to find pickup you like so you don't have to fiddle with a pedal. Also, when I play cheap humbuckers, I need to lower the bass and mids and increase the treble to get the tone I like on my amp.
You might see if your strat neck will fit in that neck pocket. I believe the Starcaster and the Strat have the same neck pocket. If it works, you can buy a strat neck with the headstock you like. Or I've seen a TH-camr have a luthier reshape the headstock to something more like a tele headstock. th-cam.com/video/oV5p1Wt4ieI/w-d-xo.html
Awesome guitar love the black
Wild looking headstock
I don't like Fenders large headstock, but this one takes it to a new level of dislike.
No wonder that it has neck dive.
The pickups sounded very muddy over my studio monitors even the bridge pickup
only had a hint of clarity.
By the time you fit some better pickups and replace the neck, it might be wiser
to find a different guitar.
At least i now know to avoid this one.
I love my squier jazzmaster classic vibe but when I use vibrato it goes out of tune
Its like my firebird headstock 😅 pull your strap around the front of the ass of the guitar and liwer it a bit . I'd slap some TV Jones on it make it a Rockabilly killin machine
I love the way my lp plays. Hate the weight and the fact that my son has made it his own lol
I hate when that happens Jim! 😉
Starcasters have ALWAYS been a mixed bag in the looks department... you either like their quirkiness or you don't. Like folks who buy houses next to airports, it's hard to miss before you buy. (Also, Squier humbuckers are just placeholders for something better later on.)
What's up Joe another great video
Thanks Donnie! Be well brother.
I like it
I concur with everyone else, and I'm not a big fan of headstock either. It reminds me of an old fashioned shoe. It sounds like a pickup swap would solve your problem. A pair of alnico 5 humbuckers with 8-9k bridge/ 7-8k neck resistance would probably be ideal. (Think '59 PAFs).
On a side note, your video quality looks better on this particular video. It could possibly have something to do with the fact that the camera can't see the light coming through the window in the door in the background, or maybe you got a new camera?
Anyway, thanks for the great video! It's good to hear a pro and con review after someone has had an instrument for a while, and has "gotten to know it".
New camera. 😀Be well brother!
You made me laugh so much, I fell off my bed! Joe - great review. Thank you.
Neck dive turns me off. I don't want one now. Love offset bodies though.
A footfetischt? I know, the head is butt uggly. But I love the rest of mine and the head furfills its purpose. Big head is good, a lot of meat on the stick is always good. The necks seems to came in different varyetes as usual with affordables. They simplyl use what they got and they do make changes on the run It is not even sure that they are made in that very same plant.
The neck on mine a Affintiy made in 2021 and the other one hanging on display in the Store are darker almost as roasted and very figured.
That made the deal, as fresh pale bone white the head looks so bad that I can not stand it.
I do not like Asian made Squiers but this one seems to be very well made, no faults and no fretsprout.
1:03 LOL I think it's kinda cool, like almost futuristic... but it's definitely not for everyone lol
I like the look of the body.I have a Gretsch that i have a love,hate relationship with lol.Another good video.
Thanks Gary!
Thanks!
Very KIND of you. Thanks Steven! Be well.
P90 pickups would have been a better choice for this.
Yep. That head-stock is atrocious. It's a crime, really. Almost as ugly as the Monoprice Hawk-Bills. And b'c it's huge... the neck-dive. Otherwise, I dig these guitars, and I almost bout one several months ago - in a beautiful natural wood finish. Alas... I just couldn't do it. Used the money for something else. But I thought it was a killer guitar. I wonder now, if it's got the standard Strat neck-pocket. ?? If so... I might eventually grab that guitar, or a red one... and throw a regulation Strat neck on it. Use the one that it comes with for firewood... or a neck-alignment tool. OK - rock on Bro. Hope all is great with you.
Be well Jimmy!
Hi “AJ”-as I stated before not a fan at all of the headstock. Ugly and now that you’ve shown the Neck Dive only a negative while standing.
Pickups clean-poor. Almost bought this guitar on its Launch but bought the FF338 instead.
At $150 good. More? Not for me.
Biggest drawback for me is the look of the headstock.
Be well, “AJ” 🥁🎸👍
Hey Dennis. I got this brand new for $149. Well worth that price for a Squier. I just have to deal with the headstock.... Be well brother!
Head stock looks like it’s made for a bass guitar. Not a fan of the shape either. Rather have a thin line Telecaster. Keep rocking!
Bob
@@AJgeartalk you own a Router? 🤣 Let’s Go G-Men!
Hey, what do you expect for $300, eh ? (Lol). If you hate it, sell it, and buy an Epiphone ES-339 like I did. (and drop in some quality PAF humbuckers).
Headstock=shoe
The headstock looks like one of those shoes from Holland!! Lol
A Clog!