CLASSIC VIBE STARCASTER
Classics look, modern features
The flagship in this new line, the Classic Vibe, could very well be the best semi-hollow out there for under £500. Don’t be fooled by the small ‘Crafted in Indonesia’ print on the back of the wonderfully oversized headstock, it’s the kind of weapon that could quite easily hold its own against American-made instruments retailing over four times as much.
Before being plugged in, this particular model in a walnut finish (also available in Natural and ThreeTone Sunburst) feels exceptionally loud for a semi-hollow electric – with remarkable sustain and powerful acoustic resonance. It also oozes class, thanks to the combination of its stylish bound f-holes, 3-Ply black pickguard, retro skirted amp control knobs and tinted gloss urethane neck finish. The most obvious difference between these revamped Starcasters and the 1970s’ originals is found in the bridge – these newer models fitted with a stoptail instead of the string-through-body versions of yesteryear.
The Fender Wide Range Humbucking pickups are wellbalanced and responsive – and so they should be, considering they were initially conceived by Gibson’s humbucker inventor Seth Lover when Fender cunningly drafted him in at the turn of the 70s. The neck pickup is both articulate and warm, though unlike the Starcasters of old, can be tamed easily for woolly jazz tones à la Joe Pass. The bridge pickup is more versatile still, taking full advantage of the instrument’s bright, natural harmonics for well-rounded clean and distorted tones, packing enough bite for higher-gain playing without sounding over-compressed on quieter settings. Feedback is relatively minimal for a guitar of this type, though will become an issue when brought in close proximity of loud amps on extreme settings – something which more experimental players will be only too happy to explore.
As for playability, this Starcaster certainly feels considerably more user-friendly than some of the other semi-hollowbody guitars out there, needing little more than a retune out of the box. The low-ish action, comfortable neck size and lightweight body make for an instrument that feels dependable without seeming too bulky. In summary, the Classic Vibe delivers on all fronts. At this price, there really are no cons.
A GUITAR THAT COULD HOLD ITS OWN AGAINST THOSE FOUR TIMES AS COSTLY