Thanks for the insights on this. I have a new one on the way and already have my upgrades in hand and ready to install. I have done this on ES-335 type semis so I know what you mean by it being a bear. I use dental floss to pull stuff through. I'm going with Seymore Duncan Phat Cats in both positions along with the CTS pots, Switchcraft switch and jack. Also doing bone nut replacement. I'm keeping the headstock however because I like it. LOL.
That sounds like its going to be a nice guitar. Maybe do a video on it when you're done, I'm sure a lot of us would love to hear it. Good luck with your project and thanks so much for viewing, and your comments on my video. All the best and stay safe!
Amazing video that unfortunately I found it after I sold my Starcaster as I wasn’t happy with the sound and I didn’t know what to do to improve it. The results you got were exactly my dream, such a beautiful jazz tone. Loved what you did with the neck head shape. Now I need to find another guitar and start planning the mods.
Don't worry my friend, you can make the guitar of your dreams. You just got to stay out there, do some research, make a plan and then go for it. Maybe even write down your list of needs and wants for your build or mod. I used to lay in bed and think of all the possibilities of what I wanted (and could afford), make some notes, and then try and put it together the next day. And just when you think you know what you want, you see another guitar or video that makes you wish you went another route..lol!!. But the main thing is if you have fun and don't overtax yourself-must times things will turn out OK. I wish you all the best in finding your "right guitar." and thanks so much for watching my video. Good Luck!
love the video! I just picked up this guitar in white and i love it ive been wanting one of these since i played the re--issued 2013 starcaster years ago in a shop and i after watching a few videos and reviews it was almost unanimous that this would be a great mod guitar and that instantly sold me. This is going to be the first guitar that i mod so im excited to see what i can do, your vid def showed me things i didnt even know i could do. rock on
Hey WillyPepper, so nice of you to check out my video. I glad it helped you discover some ideas. Wish you luck on your project. Send me a pic or video when you get it done. Love to see how it turns out! Stay Safe.
Hey Gregory, I modded my Classic Vibe Starcaster. Hardware upgrades (locking keys, roller bridge, TP6 style adjustable tailpiece), no electronics. I do like the satin neck on the Affinity version better than the lacquered neck of the Classic Vibe so I'm looking at buying a used Affinity on the cheap to swap necks. I like the idea of trimming the headstock, although if you color the lower swoosh part, the headstock looks much better from the top. May color the back too so I don't have that "tomahawk" look you talked about. Thanks for sharing! I'm going to check out more of your vids.
Great video! I'll bet half the guitar world is thinking the same thing on these!! My Starcaster should arrive today, and I've got the same plan for mine. Regarding the rear access panels, my Epi ES-333 Tom Delonge has an access cover on the back as you mentioned. I was able to get a great deal on it cause it was missing!! I just made one up from a pickguard.
These are "Hipshot" black open-back locking tuners. They come with the "UMP" universal mounting plates. These allow you to mount these tuners on almost any guitar without drilling new holes in your headstock. They also come in many colors and button styles. www.ebay.com/itm/111535948409?epid=2256016825&hash=item19f80f8279:g:G0QAAOxySy9SR2eT
I just bought it and it is beautiful. My plan is just to update to fender locking tuners, seymour duncan Alnico pro II, and split coil high quality pots. Would you recommend upgrading the capacitor and cables as well then?
That sounds like a great plan! While you in there, you might as well upgrade the wiring as well. As far as capacitors are concern, many pros say the type of cap does not matter much, but pay close attention to the cap value-that's were here will hear a difference. here's a couple of vids to give you some ideas. Thanks so much for you comments and for checking out my video. ua-cam.com/video/iTXCqYrJI4A/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/y7y6wD1LHYQ/v-deo.html
really like what your luthier did with the headstock there. I have the contemporary active Starcaster and I love it but the head is a little on the unwieldy side
Hey Joe, I know what you mean. That Starcaster(s) headstock; it just looks kind of funny to me too. But, just goes to show you what a saw blade and a little imagination can do...lol.!! Thanks my friend for you comment and for checking out my video, it's much appreciated. Stay Safe...
hey, Thanks so much for your comment. You might want to check out my latest sem-hollow mod----ua-cam.com/video/TEIMCW0Dkhg/v-deo.html How I made my Ibanez AS53 from cheap to neat. Good luck.
Great video - I just got one of these and was planning on keeping it stock for now -but your jazzcaster idea is great - I might be tempted to stick an alnico 5 paf in the neck for a great jazz sound - are you playing with the tone rolled off at the end ? very nice .smooth jazz sound.
Hey Lee, Yes that was a TUSQ nut. I can't remember the exact model, but I will try to find out what I used and get back to you. All GraphTech nuts come slightly oversized. They do have to be sanded a bit to make sure you get a good fit. You'll need to check with your guitar makers web-site to get the correct nut size and correct string spacing to match your neck. These are the 2 most important items. The width, length, and height can be sanded down to spec, once the other mentioned parameters are met. After you get the specs you need, GraphTech has the best measuring platform for finding the correct nut and color for your guitar. Just go to their site or give them a call. It takes a little research, but it's not really too hard to do. If that's "outside" your luthier skills, you can always buy the nut and take it to your local tech or luthier to be shaped and installed. Once you have the correct nut, it will take all of 20 minutes to fit and install. By the way, Sweetwater has the best price on GraphTech nuts (most times) but if you spend a couple dollars more buying directly with GraphTech, you can return the nut even if you mess it up for another. Good luck. I'd love to see your guitar when you get it done.
@@Gregabalese Thanks for that info! I'll definitely post a photo once it's complete. One more question... Did the stock tuners have double locking pins, or just one? Thanks!
Hey Lee, How ya doing? Now that you mentioned it, I can't remember if the Squier had 1 or 2 pins. I just always use the Hipshot tuners with the Universal Mounting Plate, which can fit almost any guitar without the worry of drilling new holes or how many pinholes there are. I would think at the price of this guitar, they probably use 1 hole pin. I don't think they would spend one dime more on drilling 2 holes and the extra cost of a two-pin tuner! I could be wrong, but I would think 1pin is what they used. I look around and if I come up with a definitive answer, I let you know.
I'm pretty sure that I used "HipShot" Open back, black tuners with the UMP. I got them from Sporthitech. They have a shop on eBay. The universal mounting plate allows you to install them without drilling new holes in your headstock. They have 6 in-a-row, 3 on-a-side, open or close gear, staggard, or all the same height. And a bunch of colors. Also, check out Tone "Ninja tuners." They have some really nice tuners at affordable prices. Good Luck and thanks for checking out my video.
I love the headstock, but I get that it’s a marmite guitar. I have the Classic Vibe and love everything about it. If I would change anything it would just be to put vintage Fender tuners on it.
Hey Nikhil, so glad you found something in the video that could help you out. Good luck on your project. I'd love to check it out when you're done. Thanks a bunch for your comments. Stay Safe! @@Nikhil07b
Thanks for the insights on this. I have a new one on the way and already have my upgrades in hand and ready to install. I have done this on ES-335 type semis so I know what you mean by it being a bear. I use dental floss to pull stuff through. I'm going with Seymore Duncan Phat Cats in both positions along with the CTS pots, Switchcraft switch and jack. Also doing bone nut replacement. I'm keeping the headstock however because I like it. LOL.
That sounds like its going to be a nice guitar. Maybe do a video on it when you're done, I'm sure a lot of us would love to hear it. Good luck with your project and thanks so much for viewing, and your comments on my video. All the best and stay safe!
Amazing video that unfortunately I found it after I sold my Starcaster as I wasn’t happy with the sound and I didn’t know what to do to improve it. The results you got were exactly my dream, such a beautiful jazz tone. Loved what you did with the neck head shape. Now I need to find another guitar and start planning the mods.
Don't worry my friend, you can make the guitar of your dreams. You just got to stay out there, do some research, make a plan and then go for it. Maybe even write down your list of needs and wants for your build or mod. I used to lay in bed and think of all the possibilities of what I wanted (and could afford), make some notes, and then try and put it together the next day. And just when you think you know what you want, you see another guitar or video that makes you wish you went another route..lol!!. But the main thing is if you have fun and don't overtax yourself-must times things will turn out OK. I wish you all the best in finding your "right guitar." and thanks so much for watching my video. Good Luck!
Just bought a Candy Apple Red Starcaster and you are correct, it resonates beautifully! Can't wait to mod the pickups somewhere down the road.
Good luck, and much sucess!
love the video! I just picked up this guitar in white and i love it ive been wanting one of these since i played the re--issued 2013 starcaster years ago in a shop and i after watching a few videos and reviews it was almost unanimous that this would be a great mod guitar and that instantly sold me. This is going to be the first guitar that i mod so im excited to see what i can do, your vid def showed me things i didnt even know i could do. rock on
Hey WillyPepper, so nice of you to check out my video. I glad it helped you discover some ideas. Wish you luck on your project. Send me a pic or video when you get it done. Love to see how it turns out! Stay Safe.
Hey Gregory, I modded my Classic Vibe Starcaster. Hardware upgrades (locking keys, roller bridge, TP6 style adjustable tailpiece), no electronics. I do like the satin neck on the Affinity version better than the lacquered neck of the Classic Vibe so I'm looking at buying a used Affinity on the cheap to swap necks. I like the idea of trimming the headstock, although if you color the lower swoosh part, the headstock looks much better from the top. May color the back too so I don't have that "tomahawk" look you talked about. Thanks for sharing! I'm going to check out more of your vids.
Thanks for checking out my video. Good luck with your mod's.
Superb Job. Sounds Great and You are proud of your work and playing! Well done, the Jazz Master Players would be Proud too!
WOW, you know how to make a 70-year-old Jazzer wanna-a-be smile. Thanks so much for your comment! Have a safe holiday.
I have plans to purchase a red one and I will no doubt to make it my own. Great video.
Thanks a lot for your comments! Hope you make a great guitar for yourself. Good luck and have fun.
Exactly the video I was needing to see!! Thank you!
Hey Saepium V, glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching and for your comments!
Thanks for sharing this. I found it very informative and helpful to my project.
Glad you found something in there you could use. I appreciate you checking out my video and for your comments. Stay Safe!
Very nicely done. I like your approach and I think you are giving a lot of folks a lot of ideas. Thanks very much.
Glad you like it. Thanks so much for checking it out. Happy playing!
Nice job
Just got a custom vibe star caster
Need to upgrade to audio taper pots
Gonna keep stock humbuckers
Thanks for checking it out, and for your comments.
Great video! I'll bet half the guitar world is thinking the same thing on these!! My Starcaster should arrive today, and I've got the same plan for mine. Regarding the rear access panels, my Epi ES-333 Tom Delonge has an access cover on the back as you mentioned. I was able to get a great deal on it cause it was missing!! I just made one up from a pickguard.
Thanks for that insight and for checking out my build. Your comments are much appreciated.
Cool video, please tell me the name of your replacement head stock tunners, thanks.
These are "Hipshot" black open-back locking tuners. They come with the "UMP" universal mounting plates. These allow you to mount these tuners on almost any guitar without drilling new holes in your headstock. They also come in many colors and button styles. www.ebay.com/itm/111535948409?epid=2256016825&hash=item19f80f8279:g:G0QAAOxySy9SR2eT
Oh yeah, forgot to thank you for checking out my video. Thanks!
I just bought it and it is beautiful.
My plan is just to update to fender locking tuners, seymour duncan Alnico pro II, and split coil high quality pots.
Would you recommend upgrading the capacitor and cables as well then?
That sounds like a great plan! While you in there, you might as well upgrade the wiring as well. As far as capacitors are concern, many pros say the type of cap does not matter much, but pay close attention to the cap value-that's were here will hear a difference. here's a couple of vids to give you some ideas. Thanks so much for you comments and for checking out my video.
ua-cam.com/video/iTXCqYrJI4A/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/y7y6wD1LHYQ/v-deo.html
really like what your luthier did with the headstock there. I have the contemporary active Starcaster and I love it but the head is a little on the unwieldy side
Hey Joe, I know what you mean. That Starcaster(s) headstock; it just looks kind of funny to me too. But, just goes to show you what a saw blade and a little imagination can do...lol.!! Thanks my friend for you comment and for checking out my video, it's much appreciated. Stay Safe...
great job - beautiful sound - smooth playing!
Many thanks!
Nice job. How do you like that guitar compared to some of your other semi hollow body guitars?
There are a bunch of semi-hollow I like. Right now I'm playing an Eastman T484. Great guitar. Thanks for the comments.
Gréât job . I’m looking round for a cheap semi to mod and this has given me some good ideas
hey, Thanks so much for your comment. You might want to check out my latest sem-hollow mod----ua-cam.com/video/TEIMCW0Dkhg/v-deo.html
How I made my Ibanez AS53 from cheap to neat. Good luck.
You and Yours be more blessed thank You for the info .
And you also! "Peace be unto you." Thanks for watching my video and for your thoughtful comments, it's most appreciated. Stay Safe.
Great video - I just got one of these and was planning on keeping it stock for now -but your jazzcaster idea is great - I might be tempted to stick an alnico 5 paf in the neck for a great jazz sound - are you playing with the tone rolled off at the end ? very nice .smooth jazz sound.
Thanks a lot for your comments and for checking out my build. Wish you much success with yours. Let me know how you make out with your build.
Thanks for posting this video! Did you use a Tusq nut? Can you tell me which model, and did it require and sanding or filing? Thank you!
Hey Lee, Yes that was a TUSQ nut. I can't remember the exact model, but I will try to find out what I used and get back to you. All GraphTech nuts come slightly oversized. They do have to be sanded a bit to make sure you get a good fit. You'll need to check with your guitar makers web-site to get the correct nut size and correct string spacing to match your neck. These are the 2 most important items. The width, length, and height can be sanded down to spec, once the other mentioned parameters are met. After you get the specs you need, GraphTech has the best measuring platform for finding the correct nut and color for your guitar. Just go to their site or give them a call. It takes a little research, but it's not really too hard to do. If that's "outside" your luthier skills, you can always buy the nut and take it to your local tech or luthier to be shaped and installed. Once you have the correct nut, it will take all of 20 minutes to fit and install. By the way, Sweetwater has the best price on GraphTech nuts (most times) but if you spend a couple dollars more buying directly with GraphTech, you can return the nut even if you mess it up for another. Good luck. I'd love to see your guitar when you get it done.
@@Gregabalese Thanks for that info! I'll definitely post a photo once it's complete. One more question... Did the stock tuners have double locking pins, or just one? Thanks!
Hey Lee, How ya doing? Now that you mentioned it, I can't remember if the Squier had 1 or 2 pins. I just always use the Hipshot tuners with the Universal Mounting Plate, which can fit almost any guitar without the worry of drilling new holes or how many pinholes there are. I would think at the price of this guitar, they probably use 1 hole pin. I don't think they would spend one dime more on drilling 2 holes and the extra cost of a two-pin tuner! I could be wrong, but I would think 1pin is what they used. I look around and if I come up with a definitive answer, I let you know.
Good job man
Thanks for checking it out. Stay Safe
Can you share what tuners did u order
I'm pretty sure that I used "HipShot" Open back, black tuners with the UMP. I got them from Sporthitech. They have a shop on eBay. The universal mounting plate allows you to install them without drilling new holes in your headstock. They have 6 in-a-row, 3 on-a-side, open or close gear, staggard, or all the same height. And a bunch of colors. Also, check out Tone "Ninja tuners." They have some really nice tuners at affordable prices. Good Luck and thanks for checking out my video.
Thanks man, this helps a lot
Glad you found some things you can use. Thanks for watching and good luck with your project!
I love the headstock, but I get that it’s a marmite guitar. I have the Classic Vibe and love everything about it. If I would change anything it would just be to put vintage Fender tuners on it.
Hey Tony, I agree-I owned a Classic Vibe Tele and they are great guitars for the price, hard to beat. Thanks for checking out my video. Stay Safe!
@@Gregabalese yeah I m so happy with it.
Nice job🤙
Thanks a bunch for checking it out. I had fun and learned a lot.
Respect.
Thanks for your comments.
👍
Thank you
For what?
@@Gregabalese I was planning on making similar modifications on my starcaster and you vid helped me understand what to do
Hey Nikhil, so glad you found something in the video that could help you out. Good luck on your project. I'd love to check it out when you're done. Thanks a bunch for your comments. Stay Safe! @@Nikhil07b
cheap to neat is always the best
Yeah, is fun and rewarding to take an "OK" guitar and make it special. Thanks for watching.