Squier Contemporary Active Starcaster in Flat Black

The Starcaster is arguably one of Fender’s boldest designs. Its striking offset semi-hollow design stuck out like a sore thumb among the classic Fender staples.

Now, Squier have given the semi-hollow Starcaster the Contemporary Series treatment: active ceramic pickups, a satin C-shaped neck and a gnarly matte finish. A rock ‘n’ roll instrument to the core with an accessible price point – what’s not to love?

Key features

• Sealed semi-hollow body for resonant tones
• All-Maple construction for crystal-clear treble response
• Active Squier SQR ceramic pickups offer a cutting-edge contemporary sound
• Speedy 12” radius with C-shape neck
• Black chrome hardware for a slick aesthetic
• Matte finish with matching headstock strip

Here’s what Fender say:

The Starcaster broke the mold of semi-hollow guitar design with its offset body shape when it was introduced in the ‘70s, offering versatile sounds and out-of-this-world styling for the most adventurous players.

The Contemporary Active Starcaster is an evolution of the original Fender model, engineered with a sealed semi-hollow body for minimized feedback and powered by dual Squier SQR active ceramic humbucking pickups for high-output tone. Player-friendly features include a slim, comfortable “C” shaped neck profile with a fast-playing 12” radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets, as well as a stop tailpiece for solid tuning stability.

This Squier model also features a matching painted headstock contour, black chrome-plated hardware and a smooth satin neck finish for a natural feel.

Specifications

Body

• Body: Laminated Maple
• Body Finish: Matte Urethane
• Body Shape: Starcaster

Neck

• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Finish: Satin Urethane
• Neck Shape: "C" Shape
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305 mm)
• Number of Frets: 22
• Frets Size: Narrow Tall
• Position Inlays: Black Dots

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: Squier SQR Ceramic Humbucker
• Neck Pickup: Squier SQR Ceramic Humbucker
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
• Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
• Pickup Configuration: HH

Hardware

• String Nut: Synthetic Bone
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Hardware Finish: Black Chrome
• Tuning Machines: Die-Cast Sealed
• Pickguard: None
• Control Knobs: Skirted Amp Knobs
• Bridge: Adjustable with Stop Tailpiece
• Strings: Nickel Plated Steel .009-.042 Gauges