I played a Starcaster belonging to a student some years back and it was a fantastic guitar. The pickups sounded great and it played well too. They are oft overlooked little gems
I love Gretsch guitars, they have a very special feel to them. I was on the hunt for the perfect one (for me) for about 2 years until I settled with an 5655G. Les Pauly kind of shape and not as big as most Gretschs but still bigger than a regular LP, semihollow with center block, filtertrons, Bigsby. And just like a real Les Paul the neck broke, so I could get it quite for cheap, repaired the neck, threw of course some locking tuners on and replaced the regular TOM bridge with one with rollersaddles. Since then it stays in tune even after massive Bigsby abuse. Also if you can settle for the not quite normal look the entry level Gretschs are massive value for the money, as the necks play really really great.
@@bosshogg8273 Totally! I wish I was smart enough to grab one of the Fender Modern player series Starcaster Basses when they came out in 2013 - were about £600 iirc. Hard to find them used for less than £1k now 😬
I recall the pic when you applied the decal. I like it, but it doesn’t matter what we think out here in internet land because YOU like it! Can’t wait to see this guitar evolve some more. It’s a neat idea!
Thank you Marsha! Well I think that makes 2 of us in support of the decal 🥳👍 I've not got round to making part 2 yet and have a backlog of vids in the works. Hopefully complete parts 2 & 3 before the end of the year 🙈
Highly entertaining video, Sir. I had one of the 2655T’s and really liked the smaller body size. Battery compartment = emergency pick store, good shout. I’m not a fan of those larger inlays on maple necks, but I’m perhaps an auld fuddy duddy 🤣👌
Another really interesting video well up to your usual high standards. Go with your heart on the modifications and make it into the guitar that you love! By the way, I forgot to mention last time that I thought your playing on the John Robson jam was really nice and very individual. As always I am looking forward to your next video.
Thank you very much mate - you're too kind! 😃🙏 Part 2 of this one might be a while tho - I've still got a load of Fazley vids to get through before returning the guitars to bax 😬
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome Video. Stunning Guitar, Love The Starcasters , But have 2 Gretsch guitars which I totally Love, so cannot see my getting a Starcaster. I have a G5215 Solid Body, Single Cut, Single Pick-up Rock Machine. And a G5248T 'Gold Sparkle' Double Jet with Bigsby, This guitar is just Outstanding and both are amazing and a Joy to Play. All the best with your Starcaster Upgrade, look forward to following this build. Cheers
Ok, got me hooked already… now that’s a surprise innit? 😅 The f-hole sticker wouldn’t be for me, but then I don’t wear fake glasses so there you go 😅 Can’t wait for level 2. Talking about levels…I always end up with lots of bonus levels when modding my guitars. A but like when building up IKEA furniture I guess😅 Have a great weekend mate 🎉
Really enjoyed that Steve. I’ve got a Gretsch 5622T that I picked up used from Guitar Guitar in Edinburgh back in January. I love it but when I can I will upgrade the pots as the Black top Filtertrons are a wee bit muddy too. Looking forward to seeing the Starliner in all its glory. By the way, the current knobs look great.
Hullo mate! & thank you 🙏 I filmed this vid a few weeks ago - but I've still not got round to changing the pots yet 🙈 "Soon" though! 5622T Electromatic? Sounds great! What finish you get? 😃 I've sourced some different knob options - might do a Poll - then just ignore the results and go with what I like best 😜
Back in the day I had a loan of a Gretsch which had a painted on F hole, also a large pad on the back which fitted on with poppers, It was half a century ago, so perhaps I'm mis-remembering. Best of luck with the conversion.
Thank ya pal! 😃 Yeah got the Duesenberg on the Fender Starcaster too - love it! 😎👌 Really easy to install too. Can do it all with a screw driver which is pretty much the limit of my mod "skills" 🙈👍
One thing you COULD do with the battery compartment is use it for is the fender Mid boost circuit, not sure how well it fits the vibe but it is a fun little thing to have in a guitar.
🤔 Actually! ..... That could be a good idea! 😃 Instead of going more powerful Humbuckers with splits - can go low output HB's with boost 🤓👌 Actually have a similar thing on my strat with a Villex Jack boost
would a vibramate work? I think the look of a real bigsby would be better. maybe cut a small semi circle in the pickguard? and definitely go for the inlay stickers
Great suggestions - Thank you! 😀 I'm not sure about the Vibramate due to the offset bottom of the guitar and the archtop. I do like the look of the Bigsby but I know it would add more weight and I do prefer the look and operation of the Duesenberg 😬 So glad we've got another vote for the inlays 😀 The majority are against it - but I kinda wanna try it anyway 🙈
Thank you mate! 🙏 Just googled that now - I see they've made a new generation of the pickups "BT 3S" now. I have a set of the older ones "BT 2S" which are not split-able. Cheers for the info mate 😃👍
I have a 1986 Gretsch Duo Jet, I bought it because I had some back problems at the time and it's a lot lighter than the Les Paul that was my regular instrument in the late '80s, it was my first experience of using Vibrato and my first taste of Filtertron pickups.
@@stevecassidyguitar Yes I loved it and still do, I keep it at my girlfriends along with an old Fender acoustic so I have something to play when I am over there, initially, I tried to teach her the guitar but she lost interest and got sick of breaking her nails
You can get pickup rings that'll adapt the PAF humbucker shape to filtertron, if you want to put the real deal in. Coincidentally, Kauer Guitars have their own Gretsch inspired guitar called the Starliner. Looking forward to see what you do with the guitar, cheers from Glasgow 👍
Hullo mate! 😃 Thanks for your comment 🙏 Just checked out the Kauer guitars - never heard of them before - they look pretty cool 😎 (not as cool as the Starcaster tho 😜 - I'm not biased! 🙈) I just received post of the adaptor pick up rings from Stew Mac yesterday and have a set of Fender Fidelitrons to try out if changing the pots on this doesn't work out. Thanks again my Scottish bro 🍻
You could also try putting in different caps. to brighten up the tone. Another twopence worth which gets us to fourpence or a Mars bar when I was a boy. A long, long time ago.
I am currently 'gretsch-a-fying' a Harley Benton SC DIY Kit into a Jet-style guitar with a Les Trem as well. Some folks like to remove half of the pole pieces on the Broadtrons (those BTS cost in Germany used about the same, as you paid). Gretsch Electromatics and upwards use Chrome-Knobs, but the Streamliners are equipped with clear Gibson-Style Speed Knobs. I find it hard to get Chrome and nickel plated part ls to match in color. Easier way would be the Speed Knobs.
Hey mate - thanks for sharing 😎😎👍👍 I'm glad I'm not Gretsch-a-fying alone! 😀. Sounds like a cool project! I've sourced a few different knob options - still trying to decide 🙈 Glad to hear I didn't pay too much for the pickups - I also read similar on forums re-the pickup screws 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar The BTS-Broadtrons leans towards the Gibson-Style Pickups. In order to get a more chimy-kind sound, there is the option to remove 6 Polepieces at each pickup (3 for the top strings and 3 for the low strings).
@@andiebetjemann7920 Cheers again for the info mate! 😀👍 But I've painted myself into a corner with the part 1 vid - so I have to go the pot value way now - to close that loop 🙈 I'm also keen to see what difference it can make. Failing that, I've also got a set of Fender fidelitrons with mount adapters. But Could also try your suggestion 😎👍
For a custom pickguard, use a piece of cardboard and cut the shape that works best and then get either a luthier to make it for you or send it to a custom pickguard maker to have tgem make it.😉👍✨
Great thinking mate! Thank ya! 😀👍 I've got some 335 pickguards to experiment with too. They all need re-cut to fit tho. Will be part of the part 3 vid - hopefully 😁👍
I think there are some great ideas for this thing. If you're considering a more gretsch style pickup with some switching, check out Fletcher pickups. I've tried his trons before and they have that hollow twang of a decent gretsch pickup 👍
Cheers mate! Just had a look - Fletcher's now officially on the Radar! 😃👍 I've also recently acquired a set of "Fender" Fidelitron's - keen to try those out too. But switching possibilities is preferred 👍
It's the weird headstock that puts me (and maybe more ) off. Enjoying your mod project, Steve. The Deusenberg works. How about a clear, small pickguard that forms to the body instead of sticking out at an odd angle too near the knobs? You may have seen a couple Leo Jaymz tele demos with that kind of thing. The decal is a good look for when this one is on stage.
I hear ya - It's most definitely a Marmite headstock to say the least 😁 I've not seen any Leo Jayms - but have just added to the watch list -cheers 👍 I've ordered the "fret look" decals - so will most likely give em a go 👍
@@nikolaki Ah I see! Yes indeed! I couldn't agree more! She actually encourages it - which is a bit dangerous to be fair 👹 😆 I'm a very lucky laddie! 🙏
Get rid of the knobs, stick a 3 or 5 band EQ pedal in it instead & use the 9v battery compartment to power it. It's a guarantee that your pickups will sound fuller without the existing vol & tone pots & an EQ pedal will obviously be far more versatile than a flippin' tone knob 🤘 Besides which, I think the Duesenberg Les Trem is the sexiest looking trem system ever. Locking tuners & the pickups are a great addition. But the F hole sticker is truly a shit idea, bub. It's a great finish & that sticker just cheapens the look. About the pickguard, you could buy the tortoise material & fashion a custom shaped guard out of it. But you could also fashion a guard out of wood.. like varnish it or something to give it a dark wood look. I think it'll look good. 🍻
Wow! Thanks mate - loadsa great suggestions in here 😃👌 I would never have thought about an EQ pedal IN the guitar! 🤯 I'm not so keen on the reliance of 9v batteries tho - I'd probably opt for an actual EQ pedal with psu. Another Vote for no F hole decal 🙈👍 I think you're right - it does cheapen the look. I don't like the look of it without the F-hole tho - it looks like it's obese 😆 A real F-hole would be ideal. But that's way beyond my skill level. Also love the idea of the wood stained guard! 😃 Will investigate that further 😁 Thank you for taking the time to bring your suggestions - hugely appreciated 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar Obese!? 🤣🤣🤣 ..hey man, it's your guitar so whatever rocks your boat. In any case, Paul Gilbert's done the fake F-hole thing before so he would obviously think it's a good idea. Considering which, who cares about my opinion.
@@JayKughan I care about your opinion! 😃 That's why I asked 😃👍 Funnily enough - I never liked PG's fake F-holes either 🤔 I've got some cognitive dissonance going on here I need to address 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Yea, I never liked PG's fake f-holes either. Anywayz, cognitive dissonance or not, doesn't matter as long as you're happy with how it looks.
Thank ya very much mate! 😀 I still tone down the Dundonian a fair bit - that's easy enough tho as english isn't my partners first language. I've got loadsa pals in Fife - Stunning views around your bit🤩👍
Awesome vid as always sir :) fast become one of my favourites on this fabulous youtubery machine :) The trem is a great idea, a bigsby as vintage as they look are so intrusive and clunky. The decals leave well alone and how about make actual inlays out of ebony? Or... stars for fret markers? A lot of work and a ton of swearing but would look pretty awesome ;) Personally id leave the pick guard as it looks great as is, but if you were dead set on one, get some blank material and cut one to a shape that works with the current control layout or you could move the volume down a little to accomodate one :) A daft idea for the battery compartment and one i like in theory would be to move the jack socket there and have it plug in the back instead of underneath but it'd take more working out than i have brain power ;) As far as the chrome, stick some gotoh lockers up top with some tarted up trees to match the whole thing up ;) If its semi hollow you could try cutting f holes in but the decal doesnt look half bad in fairness. Seriously awesome as always sir :) roll on pt2!
Wowza! Thank ya very much mate! 🙏High praise indeed! Thank you so much for your suggestions - you're clearly way more confident with modding than I. Cutting F holes & making Inlays is light years beyond my capabilities - I can just about manage changing strings 🙈 I've recently got 3 ES 335 -esque pickguards to practice on. And you're right need to get better trees too. Cheers mate! 🍻
Of course I like Gretsch - I like everything George Harrison played (maybe not the ukuleles). I lusted after an electromatic double jet for a long time. Starcasters are cool too but not sure they suit a trem though personally. Looking forward to see how Dr Frankenstein puts his monster together.
What the f hole decal does is give it a certain look - imho, adding fretboard decals would emphasise that and add to the Gretschification (if that was the term!).
Yeeaaahs! 🥳 So far the majority is leaning towards no-decals. But it's MY guitar! 😂 Great to get another vote in my favour - thank ya! 😁 I'm actually a bit annoyed at myself for not getting the F hole placement quite right 😬. I've ordered the "Fret look" decals - will more than likely put them on - then remove if it looks/feels bad. and Yes! "Gretschification" is more than acceptable 😂👌
Gona keep an eye 👁️ on this as I’m thinking alchemy is about to be witnessed on this here channel. Question why not buy a G2622T-P90 or if you want to be an absolute dandy the G2604T-Rally 🤤 showcasing opulence sir. 🎩
Stop asking very sensible questions! 🧐 😜 But you're totally right. You can't fake a Gretsch it has to be the real deal to capture that Gretsch vibe. But... The reasons I'm going this route is... The roasted maple modern C shape neck with the heel contour and.... I just love Starcasters! 🙈 Part 2 went up last week 😃👍
@@Iggytommy Oh! I did not know that! I could've used that fact when I was making the vids - I'll try to fit it in the part 3 vid 😁👍 Ya know one day.. I might just be stupid enough, to have real F hole cut in this guitar 🙈
I could almost agree with you. If it had the real F holes, I'd be happy to forgo the pickguard. But without the F holes it looks a bit "obese" 🙈 to me (I know - I'm weird). But also with this project, trying to make it more "Gretschy" I think it needs the pickguard. Although I wish it didn't it would be a lot less hassle 😂
I am really ain't fan of so called metal guitar design, so by the maine subjective opinion, you made this guitar much better. I think that anyone can get some classic stratocaster and playing any music at this, I think so
Will be interesting to see how it turns out. Not the greatest Gretsch fan but maybe you can convert me. Also don't really like the headstock on the Starcaster, it reminds me of wooden shoe (clog)
I've never actually owned a Gretsch myself - but I'm a fan of the sound 😃 The headstock is most definitely a Marmite situation tho 😆 Marmite on a clog 😜
@@RichardLewis-em2ud Yeah it's not my favourite design either. That's why I like the Duesenberg/Goldo units. Plus I can install my self easily enough with a screwdriver. That's basically as far as my mod skills go 🙈
Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏 The decal has certainly divided opinions 🙈 Ideally it would be a real F hole (maybe one day) but i'll take the decal over no nothing - It just looks obese without an F hole there 🙈 I'm still not finished this one yet - There's a part 2 here: ua-cam.com/video/q133QBKpu04/v-deo.html and a part 3 to come... once I get it finished. I'm very slow 🐢
Re fretboard decals - That's the 3rd No vote to 1 yes. (So far) - thank you! 😃 I did think about pickguard blanks. 👍 Since making the vid I've ordered 3 ES 335 pickguards - gonna try and cut them to some kind of shape (should hopefully be less cutting than a blank). Thank for the suggestion tho mate 😃👍
It's your concept it's your guitar. Don't do the decals , modify the pickguard to your own custom design that allows knob access (not that knob!) and suits the guitar. That's my twopence worth for today.
Ha! 😆 Thank ya mate 😁👌 I've got a half baked plan for the pickguard now (like you suggested 👍). The decals 😬 I've sourced them and have to at least try them now 🙈 Luckily.... It's completely reversible 😅👍 Thanks for your input tho mate 😃👍
Ha! 😆👍 No worries mate 😁 Different strokes for different folks n all that jazz 😃🙏 Not to worry though... Got plenty non-Starcaster content in the works too 😃
Am I the only one who likes Starcasters? ..... and/or Gretsch-i? 🤔
Let me know! 😃⌨⬇
I played a Starcaster belonging to a student some years back and it was a fantastic guitar. The pickups sounded great and it played well too. They are oft overlooked little gems
I love Gretsch guitars, they have a very special feel to them. I was on the hunt for the perfect one (for me) for about 2 years until I settled with an 5655G. Les Pauly kind of shape and not as big as most Gretschs but still bigger than a regular LP, semihollow with center block, filtertrons, Bigsby. And just like a real Les Paul the neck broke, so I could get it quite for cheap, repaired the neck, threw of course some locking tuners on and replaced the regular TOM bridge with one with rollersaddles. Since then it stays in tune even after massive Bigsby abuse.
Also if you can settle for the not quite normal look the entry level Gretschs are massive value for the money, as the necks play really really great.
@BudgetPedalChap Agreed! Pretty much my favourite guitar ever. (possibly joint 1st place with strats 😜)
I've always fancied a wee starcaster.. I was first drawn in by the bass version though so, like, I'm more of a bass player than guitar player.
@@bosshogg8273 Totally! I wish I was smart enough to grab one of the Fender Modern player series Starcaster Basses when they came out in 2013 - were about £600 iirc. Hard to find them used for less than £1k now 😬
I recall the pic when you applied the decal. I like it, but it doesn’t matter what we think out here in internet land because YOU like it! Can’t wait to see this guitar evolve some more. It’s a neat idea!
Thank you Marsha! Well I think that makes 2 of us in support of the decal 🥳👍
I've not got round to making part 2 yet and have a backlog of vids in the works. Hopefully complete parts 2 & 3 before the end of the year 🙈
Now this is seriously interesting and original content !
Can’t wait for part 2 !
Thank you very much mate! 😃🙏
Part 2 hopefully before the end of the year! 🙈
😜
Nice one... looking forward to seeing how it turns out
Cheers John! 😃
I'll likely be keeping the headstock as/is tho - soz 🙈
Highly entertaining video, Sir. I had one of the 2655T’s and really liked the smaller body size. Battery compartment = emergency pick store, good shout. I’m not a fan of those larger inlays on maple necks, but I’m perhaps an auld fuddy duddy 🤣👌
Cheers bro! 🙏 Nice one - I can see a 2655T in my future one day 😁 Another vote for no inlay decals - thank ya sir 😃👍
Another really interesting video well up to your usual high standards. Go with your heart on the modifications and make it into the guitar that you love!
By the way, I forgot to mention last time that I thought your playing on the John Robson jam was really nice and very individual.
As always I am looking forward to your next video.
Thank you very much mate - you're too kind! 😃🙏
Part 2 of this one might be a while tho - I've still got a load of Fazley vids to get through before returning the guitars to bax 😬
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome Video. Stunning Guitar, Love The Starcasters , But have 2 Gretsch guitars which I totally Love, so cannot see my getting a Starcaster. I have a G5215 Solid Body, Single Cut, Single Pick-up Rock Machine. And a G5248T 'Gold Sparkle' Double Jet with Bigsby, This guitar is just Outstanding and both are amazing and a Joy to Play. All the best with your Starcaster Upgrade, look forward to following this build. Cheers
Thanks mate! 😃👍
I've never heard a bad word said about the Gretsch Jet guitars. The Gas is getting stronger with comments like yours! 🙈
Ok, got me hooked already… now that’s a surprise innit? 😅
The f-hole sticker wouldn’t be for me, but then I don’t wear fake glasses so there you go 😅
Can’t wait for level 2. Talking about levels…I always end up with lots of bonus levels when modding my guitars. A but like when building up IKEA furniture I guess😅
Have a great weekend mate 🎉
🤣😂 I'm hoping for no Bonus Levels 🙈 But you're right it's inevitable. Hope you have a great weekend too mate! 😃
Really enjoyed that Steve. I’ve got a Gretsch 5622T that I picked up used from Guitar Guitar in Edinburgh back in January. I love it but when I can I will upgrade the pots as the Black top Filtertrons are a wee bit muddy too. Looking forward to seeing the Starliner in all its glory. By the way, the current knobs look great.
Hullo mate! & thank you 🙏 I filmed this vid a few weeks ago - but I've still not got round to changing the pots yet 🙈 "Soon" though!
5622T Electromatic? Sounds great! What finish you get? 😃
I've sourced some different knob options - might do a Poll - then just ignore the results and go with what I like best 😜
@@stevecassidyguitarit’s a very tasteful “Alpine Green” 😀
@@GraemeCampbellMusic oooooh! Just googled - looks classy - nice score mate 😃👍
Back in the day I had a loan of a Gretsch which had a painted on F hole, also a large pad on the back which fitted on with poppers, It was half a century ago, so perhaps I'm mis-remembering. Best of luck with the conversion.
Thanks mate 😃👍 A cushion on the back doesn't sound like the worst idea - might give it a go! 😜
cool vid
cheers from buenos aires
Thank you mate! Much appreciated 🙏
I "hope" to have part 2 out before the end of the year 🙈🤞
Great stuff as usual Steve. Did you install the Dusenberg on your Fender Starcaster as well? Looks fantastic like!
Thank ya pal! 😃
Yeah got the Duesenberg on the Fender Starcaster too - love it! 😎👌
Really easy to install too. Can do it all with a screw driver which is pretty much the limit of my mod "skills" 🙈👍
One thing you COULD do with the battery compartment is use it for is the fender Mid boost circuit, not sure how well it fits the vibe but it is a fun little thing to have in a guitar.
🤔 Actually! ..... That could be a good idea! 😃
Instead of going more powerful Humbuckers with splits - can go low output HB's with boost 🤓👌
Actually have a similar thing on my strat with a Villex Jack boost
Looks like a great series! I love starcasters!
Thanks mate. 🙏
Yeeeaah! Starcasters Rule! 😃👍
would a vibramate work? I think the look of a real bigsby would be better.
maybe cut a small semi circle in the pickguard?
and definitely go for the inlay stickers
Great suggestions - Thank you! 😀
I'm not sure about the Vibramate due to the offset bottom of the guitar and the archtop. I do like the look of the Bigsby but I know it would add more weight and I do prefer the look and operation of the Duesenberg 😬
So glad we've got another vote for the inlays 😀 The majority are against it - but I kinda wanna try it anyway 🙈
Really nice i like the starcasters CV series.
Hey! We have the same last name! 😆👍
Thanks Bro 😃
Yeah... I'd like to pick one of those up one day - would have to be the walnut one 😎👌
Id like to note that the gretsch shown at 3:58 is part of this year's production, which have split coils. Love the video btw.
Thank you mate! 🙏 Just googled that now - I see they've made a new generation of the pickups "BT 3S" now. I have a set of the older ones "BT 2S" which are not split-able. Cheers for the info mate 😃👍
I have a 1986 Gretsch Duo Jet, I bought it because I had some back problems at the time and it's a lot lighter than the Les Paul that was my regular instrument in the late '80s, it was my first experience of using Vibrato and my first taste of Filtertron pickups.
Nice! I don't think I've ever heard a bad word about the duo jets. So did you like yours? Still got it? 😃
@@stevecassidyguitar Yes I loved it and still do, I keep it at my girlfriends along with an old Fender acoustic so I have something to play when I am over there, initially, I tried to teach her the guitar but she lost interest and got sick of breaking her nails
@@AndrewAHayes Priorities eh? 💅🙄
😜
Good on ya for trying at least 👍
Only just watched this excellent video 👍
Thank ya mate 😀 Started this one a while back. The guitar is now complete - but the part3 vid is not... yet 🙈
You can get pickup rings that'll adapt the PAF humbucker shape to filtertron, if you want to put the real deal in. Coincidentally, Kauer Guitars have their own Gretsch inspired guitar called the Starliner. Looking forward to see what you do with the guitar, cheers from Glasgow 👍
Hullo mate! 😃 Thanks for your comment 🙏
Just checked out the Kauer guitars - never heard of them before - they look pretty cool 😎 (not as cool as the Starcaster tho 😜 - I'm not biased! 🙈)
I just received post of the adaptor pick up rings from Stew Mac yesterday and have a set of Fender Fidelitrons to try out if changing the pots on this doesn't work out.
Thanks again my Scottish bro 🍻
You could move the volume control, then cover the hole with a large pick guard,
Good shout ! cheers mate 😃 - Still mulling over that part 👍
You could also try putting in different caps. to brighten up the tone. Another twopence worth which gets us to fourpence or a Mars bar when I was a boy. A long, long time ago.
Caps is also a good idea - thank ya!
I've already got the pots so keen to give them a go first 😁
Thank you for the fourpence 😂
I am currently 'gretsch-a-fying' a Harley Benton SC DIY Kit into a Jet-style guitar with a Les Trem as well.
Some folks like to remove half of the pole pieces on the Broadtrons (those BTS cost in Germany used about the same, as you paid).
Gretsch Electromatics and upwards use Chrome-Knobs, but the Streamliners are equipped with clear Gibson-Style Speed Knobs.
I find it hard to get Chrome and nickel plated part ls to match in color. Easier way would be the Speed Knobs.
Hey mate - thanks for sharing 😎😎👍👍
I'm glad I'm not Gretsch-a-fying alone! 😀.
Sounds like a cool project!
I've sourced a few different knob options - still trying to decide 🙈
Glad to hear I didn't pay too much for the pickups - I also read similar on forums re-the pickup screws 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar The BTS-Broadtrons leans towards the Gibson-Style Pickups. In order to get a more chimy-kind sound, there is the option to remove 6 Polepieces at each pickup (3 for the top strings and 3 for the low strings).
@@andiebetjemann7920 Cheers again for the info mate! 😀👍
But I've painted myself into a corner with the part 1 vid - so I have to go the pot value way now - to close that loop 🙈
I'm also keen to see what difference it can make. Failing that, I've also got a set of Fender fidelitrons with mount adapters. But Could also try your suggestion 😎👍
For a custom pickguard, use a piece of cardboard and cut the shape that works best and then get either a luthier to make it for you or send it to a custom pickguard maker to have tgem make it.😉👍✨
Great thinking mate! Thank ya! 😀👍
I've got some 335 pickguards to experiment with too. They all need re-cut to fit tho. Will be part of the part 3 vid - hopefully 😁👍
I think there are some great ideas for this thing. If you're considering a more gretsch style pickup with some switching, check out Fletcher pickups. I've tried his trons before and they have that hollow twang of a decent gretsch pickup 👍
Cheers mate! Just had a look - Fletcher's now officially on the Radar! 😃👍
I've also recently acquired a set of "Fender" Fidelitron's - keen to try those out too. But switching possibilities is preferred 👍
It's the weird headstock that puts me (and maybe more ) off. Enjoying your mod project, Steve. The Deusenberg works. How about a clear, small pickguard that forms to the body instead of sticking out at an odd angle too near the knobs? You may have seen a couple Leo Jaymz tele demos with that kind of thing. The decal is a good look for when this one is on stage.
I hear ya - It's most definitely a Marmite headstock to say the least 😁 I've not seen any Leo Jayms - but have just added to the watch list -cheers 👍
I've ordered the "fret look" decals - so will most likely give em a go 👍
You blessed man you!
I'll take it! 😃 ... I think 🤔 Thank ya pal! 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar2:23 when your partner supports your guitar habit 👍
@@nikolaki Ah I see! Yes indeed! I couldn't agree more! She actually encourages it - which is a bit dangerous to be fair 👹
😆
I'm a very lucky laddie! 🙏
Get rid of the knobs, stick a 3 or 5 band EQ pedal in it instead & use the 9v battery compartment to power it. It's a guarantee that your pickups will sound fuller without the existing vol & tone pots & an EQ pedal will obviously be far more versatile than a flippin' tone knob 🤘
Besides which, I think the Duesenberg Les Trem is the sexiest looking trem system ever. Locking tuners & the pickups are a great addition. But the F hole sticker is truly a shit idea, bub. It's a great finish & that sticker just cheapens the look. About the pickguard, you could buy the tortoise material & fashion a custom shaped guard out of it. But you could also fashion a guard out of wood.. like varnish it or something to give it a dark wood look. I think it'll look good.
🍻
Wow! Thanks mate - loadsa great suggestions in here 😃👌
I would never have thought about an EQ pedal IN the guitar! 🤯 I'm not so keen on the reliance of 9v batteries tho - I'd probably opt for an actual EQ pedal with psu.
Another Vote for no F hole decal 🙈👍
I think you're right - it does cheapen the look. I don't like the look of it without the F-hole tho - it looks like it's obese 😆 A real F-hole would be ideal. But that's way beyond my skill level. Also love the idea of the wood stained guard! 😃 Will investigate that further 😁
Thank you for taking the time to bring your suggestions - hugely appreciated 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar Obese!? 🤣🤣🤣 ..hey man, it's your guitar so whatever rocks your boat. In any case, Paul Gilbert's done the fake F-hole thing before so he would obviously think it's a good idea. Considering which, who cares about my opinion.
@@JayKughan I care about your opinion! 😃 That's why I asked 😃👍
Funnily enough - I never liked PG's fake F-holes either 🤔
I've got some cognitive dissonance going on here I need to address 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar Yea, I never liked PG's fake f-holes either. Anywayz, cognitive dissonance or not, doesn't matter as long as you're happy with how it looks.
Good delivery comrade, like your style. Keep it real dialect and all. I’m a Fifer so I can hear you fluently 😏
Thank ya very much mate! 😀 I still tone down the Dundonian a fair bit - that's easy enough tho as english isn't my partners first language. I've got loadsa pals in Fife - Stunning views around your bit🤩👍
Awesome vid as always sir :) fast become one of my favourites on this fabulous youtubery machine :)
The trem is a great idea, a bigsby as vintage as they look are so intrusive and clunky.
The decals leave well alone and how about make actual inlays out of ebony? Or... stars for fret markers? A lot of work and a ton of swearing but would look pretty awesome ;)
Personally id leave the pick guard as it looks great as is, but if you were dead set on one, get some blank material and cut one to a shape that works with the current control layout or you could move the volume down a little to accomodate one :)
A daft idea for the battery compartment and one i like in theory would be to move the jack socket there and have it plug in the back instead of underneath but it'd take more working out than i have brain power ;)
As far as the chrome, stick some gotoh lockers up top with some tarted up trees to match the whole thing up ;)
If its semi hollow you could try cutting f holes in but the decal doesnt look half bad in fairness.
Seriously awesome as always sir :) roll on pt2!
Wowza! Thank ya very much mate! 🙏High praise indeed!
Thank you so much for your suggestions - you're clearly way more confident with modding than I.
Cutting F holes & making Inlays is light years beyond my capabilities - I can just about manage changing strings 🙈
I've recently got 3 ES 335 -esque pickguards to practice on. And you're right need to get better trees too. Cheers mate! 🍻
Of course I like Gretsch - I like everything George Harrison played (maybe not the ukuleles). I lusted after an electromatic double jet for a long time. Starcasters are cool too but not sure they suit a trem though personally. Looking forward to see how Dr Frankenstein puts his monster together.
Ha! Nice one! 🧟♂️ Yup - George knew what was up 😎 👍
I don't know if I love the look of a trem on a Starcaster 🤔 I just love trems in general 😍
full block inlays and no fear about it
Thanks for the boost mate! Would you believe I've still not got round to completing this one yet!? 🙈 I promise I'll get on it soon 😬😁🤞
@@stevecassidyguitar rigth now i'm want a starcaster so you imput is precious to me, keep making guitar content
@@victor1jhp Cheers mate! Will Do! 😃🙏 I LOVE Starcasters! My Favourite Guitars ever 😎👌
What the f hole decal does is give it a certain look - imho, adding fretboard decals would emphasise that and add to the Gretschification (if that was the term!).
Yeeaaahs! 🥳 So far the majority is leaning towards no-decals. But it's MY guitar! 😂
Great to get another vote in my favour - thank ya! 😁 I'm actually a bit annoyed at myself for not getting the F hole placement quite right 😬.
I've ordered the "Fret look" decals - will more than likely put them on - then remove if it looks/feels bad.
and Yes! "Gretschification" is more than acceptable 😂👌
Definitely use the 9v box to stash the hash.
Decal looks minging. Sorry
Great video.
😂🤣 That's 1 vote for Hash Stash and 1 vote for no decals - Cheers mate! 😃👍
Gona keep an eye 👁️ on this as I’m thinking alchemy is about to be witnessed on this here channel. Question why not buy a G2622T-P90 or if you want to be an absolute dandy the G2604T-Rally 🤤 showcasing opulence sir. 🎩
Stop asking very sensible questions! 🧐
😜
But you're totally right. You can't fake a Gretsch it has to be the real deal to capture that Gretsch vibe.
But... The reasons I'm going this route is... The roasted maple modern C shape neck with the heel contour and.... I just love Starcasters! 🙈
Part 2 went up last week 😃👍
The f hole decal looks good!
I'm with ya! 😀 We're very much in the minority here though 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar well it looks okay on camera 🤷♂😁
@@stevecassidyguitar the Gretsch Country Gentleman has painted on f holes, so...
@@Iggytommy okay is more than good enough for me 😆👍
@@Iggytommy Oh! I did not know that! I could've used that fact when I was making the vids - I'll try to fit it in the part 3 vid 😁👍
Ya know one day.. I might just be stupid enough, to have real F hole cut in this guitar 🙈
I like starcasters, but I'm also weird, so there ya are.
Yeeaahs! So glad to hear there's more of us! 💪😃
No pickguard, it looks sharp as it is!
I could almost agree with you. If it had the real F holes, I'd be happy to forgo the pickguard. But without the F holes it looks a bit "obese" 🙈 to me (I know - I'm weird). But also with this project, trying to make it more "Gretschy" I think it needs the pickguard. Although I wish it didn't it would be a lot less hassle 😂
I am really ain't fan of so called metal guitar design, so by the maine subjective opinion, you made this guitar much better.
I think that anyone can get some classic stratocaster and playing any music at this, I think so
Thank you mate! 🙏 Well... I hope so - I've not finished it yet. I've still got time to completely ruin it 😆
Well up till now I wasn’t hugely interested, but I’m sure you can change that in one clip 😂
I’ll let you know later 😅
Hopefully by part 3! 😆🤞 Thank ya pal! 🙏
Will be interesting to see how it turns out. Not the greatest Gretsch fan but maybe you can convert me. Also don't really like the headstock on the Starcaster, it reminds me of wooden shoe (clog)
I've never actually owned a Gretsch myself - but I'm a fan of the sound 😃
The headstock is most definitely a Marmite situation tho 😆 Marmite on a clog 😜
I think it is more the Gretsch guitars which have the Bigsby tailpiece, extending all the way to the back of the instrument, which I don't like.
@@RichardLewis-em2ud Yeah it's not my favourite design either. That's why I like the Duesenberg/Goldo units. Plus I can install my self easily enough with a screwdriver. That's basically as far as my mod skills go 🙈
I like your vibe. However I don’t like the F hole sticker lol. Don’t install a roller bridge, they’re nothing but noise makers.
Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏
The decal has certainly divided opinions 🙈 Ideally it would be a real F hole (maybe one day) but i'll take the decal over no nothing - It just looks obese without an F hole there 🙈
I'm still not finished this one yet - There's a part 2 here:
ua-cam.com/video/q133QBKpu04/v-deo.html
and a part 3 to come... once I get it finished. I'm very slow 🐢
Duesenberg = Good, Fretboard Decals = Bad. How about getting some blank pickguard material and making your own pickguard?
Re fretboard decals - That's the 3rd No vote to 1 yes. (So far) - thank you! 😃
I did think about pickguard blanks. 👍 Since making the vid I've ordered 3 ES 335 pickguards - gonna try and cut them to some kind of shape (should hopefully be less cutting than a blank). Thank for the suggestion tho mate 😃👍
It's your concept it's your guitar. Don't do the decals , modify the pickguard to your own custom design that allows knob access (not that knob!) and suits the guitar. That's my twopence worth for today.
Ha! 😆 Thank ya mate 😁👌
I've got a half baked plan for the pickguard now (like you suggested 👍).
The decals 😬 I've sourced them and have to at least try them now 🙈
Luckily.... It's completely reversible 😅👍
Thanks for your input tho mate 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Your guitar your decision. See you in John's chat on Friday
@@laurencehastings7473 See ya there! 🍻
Chrome knobs
Exactly my thoughts! I'm currently working on part 2 of this vid today... and I have sourced some really cool oversized chrome knobs 😎👍
I usually agree with you on most things but I can’t stand starcasters :D sooooo ugly. If we all liked the same thing it would be a boring world though
Ha! 😆👍 No worries mate 😁
Different strokes for different folks n all that jazz 😃🙏
Not to worry though... Got plenty non-Starcaster content in the works too 😃
Haha great video as always though :D
@@njp2k914 Thank ya pal! 🙏