The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: neepheid on August 07, 2013, 01:34:59 AM

Title: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on August 07, 2013, 01:34:59 AM
Dunno if this is a windup or not, but if it's real... very interesting. Apologies if this has been covered already, had a quick search first.

http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Effects-Pedals-Multi-Effects-and/Fender-teases-a-new-Starcaster-reissue/m-p/35763765

A model that never made it past prototype, and a long lost one. And two Fenders that most certainly would give me GAS, especially the Starcaster. Is anyone else excited by this prospect apart from me?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Chris P. on August 07, 2013, 03:36:47 AM
I just saw some stills on a Dutch forum. Cool!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on August 07, 2013, 10:14:00 AM
I liked this comment in the HC thread:

Quote
Yeah, sooner or later they'll run out of wacky ideas for new hacked up road worn humbucker equiped thinline jazzocasters and Justin Bieber signature squier hello kitty esquierstangs...

...And they actually start going back to their roots

Not that I'm even vaguely interseted in the starcaster though, but if it'll mean they finally get their priorities straight, I'm all for it
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on August 07, 2013, 11:43:11 AM
Cool, more choices. It's not like they discontinued J's, P's, Strats etc.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: jumbodbassman on August 07, 2013, 12:14:38 PM
all comes down to the quality of what they put out.   
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: mc2NY on August 15, 2013, 11:24:50 AM
Obviously.....Fender has run out of ideas and is going the Gibson route of trying anything.

This looks as smart as buying a guitar brand that built better guitars than Fender and stopping production (Hamer) and putting those talented guys onto building Guilds.

Now, wouldn't ya think if you bought THE ONLY GUITAR BRAND that was never sued for building hi-end versions of your main competitor's guitars....ya might see an opportunity to grab market share from Gibson? Maybe by STEPPING UP production of the Hamer TBirds and other close Gibson-esque designs?

I can understand Fender NOT wanting Hame to keep building Fender-esque axes that are as good or better than FCS builds....but WHY would you not use the golden opportunity to stick some needles in teh eye of your big competitor?

Nah!! Instead, close up the brand and build more dopey old designs.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: 4stringer77 on August 15, 2013, 12:14:55 PM
Starcaster, what a nice name.
The first Fender guitars were the Broadcaster, Telecaster and Stratocaster and then came the bass.
It would have made sense to call it the basscaster but I think Leo saw the confusion that might cause. Besides the fact it makes the instrument sound like a fishing rod, if you hang a cig at the headstock and you accidentaly burn the B, you'd have an asscaster, and no one wants that. So Precision won.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: dadagoboi on August 15, 2013, 12:26:11 PM
Obviously.....Fender has run out of ideas and is going the Gibson route of trying anything.

This looks as smart as buying a guitar brand that built better guitars than Fender and stopping production (Hamer) and putting those talented guys onto building Guilds.

Now, wouldn't ya think if you bought THE ONLY GUITAR BRAND that was never sued for building hi-end versions of your main competitor's guitars....ya might see an opportunity to grab market share from Gibson? Maybe by STEPPING UP production of the Hamer TBirds and other close Gibson-esque designs?

I can understand Fender NOT wanting Hame to keep building Fender-esque axes that are as good or better than FCS builds....but WHY would you not use the golden opportunity to stick some needles in teh eye of your big competitor?

Nah!! Instead, close up the brand and build more dopey old designs.

Obviously they think switching their workers to making Guilds will make them more money.  If building Hamers was bringing them enough ROI they'd continue that.

Starcaster, what a nice name.
The first Fender guitars were the Broadcaster, Telecaster and Stratocaster and then came the bass.
It would have made sense to call it the basscaster but I think Leo saw the confusion that might cause. Besides the fact it makes the instrument sound like a fishing rod, if you hang a cig at the headstock and you accidentaly burn the B, you'd have an asscaster, and no one wants that. So Precision won.

Great theory but absolutely wrong.  Precision predated Strat by 5 years and you forgot Esquire.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on August 15, 2013, 12:48:26 PM
Fender didn't buy Kaman in order to revive the Hamer brand, they bought it for the production facilities and skilled staff. Same reason they bought Tacoma a few years earlier.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: 4stringer77 on August 15, 2013, 02:57:09 PM
Gibson bought Epiphone which ended up as their import brand. What was left of Epiphone in NYC ended up as Guild and now Fender is doing to Guild what Gibson did to Epiphone.
I was being silly about the Basscaster thing.
On second thought maybe the analogy between Fender and Guild as to Gibson and Epiphone isn't right either. So I guess now I'm the asscaster cause that's where I'm talking from.
How bout that Coronado?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on August 15, 2013, 04:26:37 PM
BTW, "Starcaster" was used for years for bottom-of-the-barrel super low-quality import Strat's sold in big box and department stores. They were priced at the same level at Squier Affinity, but with Walmart First Act quality. Pawn shops are full of them.  
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on August 15, 2013, 09:28:01 PM
Gibson bought Epiphone which ended up as their import brand. What was left of Epiphone in NYC ended up as Guild and now Fender is doing to Guild what Gibson did to Epiphone.
I was being silly about the Basscaster thing.
On second thought maybe the analogy between Fender and Guild as to Gibson and Epiphone isn't right either. So I guess now I'm the asscaster cause that's where I'm talking from.
How bout that Coronado?

I don't think the analogy holds. Fender has been committed to producing the high-end Guilds in the US all along. Most of them are acoustic guitars, so we don't hear as much about them.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on August 15, 2013, 09:32:24 PM
My wife has a goldtop Guild Bluesbird, one of the ones they stopped making after Gibson beat PRS in court before the decision was reversed. It's VERY Hamer-like.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: 4stringer77 on August 16, 2013, 06:46:01 AM
That bluesbird would look nice next to an M85 bass.
Dave, I realized the analogy was poor and recanted myself in the quote you posted.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on August 16, 2013, 11:28:29 AM
.....
Dave, I realized the analogy was poor and recanted myself in the quote you posted.

The asscaster? Don't give Fender any more new ideas!  ;)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on August 16, 2013, 12:16:03 PM
The asscaster? Don't give Fender any more new ideas!  ;)

Don't give Mark any ideas, either!   :o
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Highlander on August 16, 2013, 12:53:14 PM
The Lady already has more ideas than most of us will ever contemplate in our wildest imaginings... ;)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on August 31, 2013, 10:08:29 PM
http://www.fender.com/basses/other/coronado-bass-rosewood-fingerboard-3-color-sunburst/

(http://assets.fender.com/frl/cb87444ebd14d4358ce2cc7600d87884/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)

http://www.fender.com/basses/other/starcaster-bass-maple-fingerboard-black/

(http://assets.fender.com/frl/396d7b1ac003474a6e94bb8f98dc6b29/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on August 31, 2013, 10:39:32 PM
Here is one of the 2 original prototype Starcaster basses in action (closeups at 2:13 and 3:00)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivLw77vU_N8
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 01, 2013, 11:14:38 AM
Coronado looks nice. After having owned an original, though, I would definitely have to play one before I'd consider buying.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on September 01, 2013, 09:51:52 PM
I like the solid colors better than the bursts. Olympic White could be awesome.

(http://assets.fender.com/frl/f4f76fd0b2aa0a2293543743e3d743aa/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/2e68fd2a54890329e9e32a25a8293597/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/216b7b891845d694bc2999ccac3338db/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/de390b02e8139c0754da87da5adff623/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
(http://assets.fender.com/frl/37e7f7b8e8ae19a57cdad9fe48ac62a9/generated/86ceb3c861ac3d7b0737b2ccde488ca3.png)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on September 02, 2013, 08:39:20 AM
I do like the reverse headstock on the Starcaster. 

To me, the 'burst on the Coronado looks quite "period".
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 02, 2013, 11:27:48 AM
I like the black Coro better. The burst is probably meant to look period correct but the originals had a distinctive black edge.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 02, 2013, 07:43:59 PM
I like them both in burst.  I agree with Dave.  I've had two Coronados and they both were underwhelming.  I loved the style and the necks, but the pickups just didn't cut it.  Never could get a decent sound/tone out of then.  If the new hum buckers have more output and low end,  I'd be interested.  Same goes for the Starcaster.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 02, 2013, 08:28:00 PM
If those Starcaster pickups are the same as the ones in the new Tele Bass, they ought to be nice. They definitely capture the vibe of the old ones with only a hint of 'modern nasal.' Hopefully, the Coronados will sound as good as they look. I'm a sucker for the tailpiece and body.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 02, 2013, 09:32:26 PM
I like them both in burst.  I agree with Dave.  I've had two Coronados and they both were underwhelming.  I loved the style and the necks, but the pickups just didn't cut it.  Never could get a decent sound/tone out of then.  If the new hum buckers have more output and low end,  I'd be interested.  Same goes for the Starcaster.

Mine just sounded strangled. Not really sure whether it was the pickups, the construction or a combination. We'll see with the new ones.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on September 03, 2013, 02:49:45 AM
Hate to disappoint those looking for more raw oomph but the Fidelitrons are not high output pickups, if the one in my Cabronita P is anything to go by.  To my ears they do sound good though.  It'll be interesting to hear what effect the different pickup positions make.  Impossible for me to say if they'll be an improvement on the original pickups in Coronados back in the day, but logic tells me that after all this time and experience, they have to be better, or something's gone horribly wrong.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 03, 2013, 01:07:21 PM
Hard to say until we hear them. DeArmonds were well regarded pickups, but those particular pickups didn't do it for me on the Coronado. Maybe they would have been fine on a solidbody, and maybe the new Fidelitrons won't sound as good on a thin hollowbody.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on September 03, 2013, 02:13:32 PM
"Fidelitron" sounds like someone had a Gretsch moment.  ;)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 03, 2013, 08:09:34 PM
"Fidelitron" sounds like someone had a Gretsch moment.  ;)

Exactly. These are bass versions of the Gretsch-type pickups in the Cabronita Teles. Remember, Fender doesn't own Gretsch, they just manufacture and market for them. Gretsch owns the Filtertron name so Fender's own pickups use a different name.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 04, 2013, 08:17:54 AM
I think the problem with the old Coronados was the body as well.  I agree, I had heard good things about the DeArmond pups, so the lack of tonal quality may have been more related to the body build.  I have a set of Coronado DeArmonds waiting for a project.  I'll find out for sure if they suck when I put them into a different body, probably a solid one.

Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 04, 2013, 09:34:52 AM
Be sure to let us know when you do. I'm guessing they'll sound good in the right body.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on September 04, 2013, 02:16:06 PM
Exactly. These are bass versions of the Gretsch-type pickups in the Cabronita Teles.

In general terms, that would seem a like a plus.  I have found that I like most Gretsch pickups, although the ThunderTrons are rather low output.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 04, 2013, 06:43:25 PM
In general terms, that would seem a like a plus.  I have found that I like most Gretsch pickups, although the ThunderTrons are rather low output.

Really?  Bummer, mine sound great through the MM 130.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 04, 2013, 06:44:34 PM
 Stopped into the HOG today and the new basses will be in sometime mid-October.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on September 05, 2013, 02:59:17 PM
OMG  Stop making me want something I don't want ! Sheeze Coranados couldn't give 'em away back in the day, one can only presume the new ones will be a improvement. Whats the deal with the Starcaster??????  Did Fender make that in the past, or is this some new take?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 05, 2013, 03:47:01 PM
The Starcaster bass never made it beyond prototype. http://www.guitaraficionado.com/first-magnitude-1976-fender-starcaster-bass-prototype.html
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on September 05, 2013, 04:29:15 PM
  Wow! I had never heard of it. Learn something new everyday. Crap makes me want one even more.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 06, 2013, 05:45:38 AM
Well, if the pickups don't suck and the things sound decent, I want one of each!  I've dumped numerous hollow bodies over the last year due to less than stellar output or tone.  I am in the hunt for any short scale bass that plays well and meets the sound image I have in my head (and that's hard to even describe!).
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on September 06, 2013, 06:22:07 AM
  I had a Squire Tele bass so I can speak for the Humbucker, they are a serious kick a%# pickup. I expect excellent quality Squire has been bringing it in spades lately. There is a Classic Vibe 50's P bass at the HOG that is just beautiful, gorgeous flamed maple neck with a pine body............the thing absolutely kills.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 06, 2013, 08:17:29 AM
  I had a Squire Tele bass so I can speak for the Humbucker, they are a serious kick a%# pickup. I expect excellent quality Squire has been bringing it in spades lately. There is a Classic Vibe 50's P bass at the HOG that is just beautiful, gorgeous flamed maple neck with a pine body............the thing absolutely kills.

I agree.  I payed that one and it's a beautiful.  The neck is a little wide for me, but the quality and price are killer.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on September 06, 2013, 08:39:18 AM
 So I ordered my Starcaster in cherryburst today  ;D While I was at the HOG Bill was pestering Curt on the phone.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 06, 2013, 11:31:05 AM
So I ordered my Starcaster in cherryburst today  ;D While I was at the HOG Bill was pestering Curt on the phone.

If you two ever decide you have enough basses, HOG will go under in a few months time.  ;)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 06, 2013, 05:06:41 PM
If you two ever decide you have enough basses, HOG will go under in a few months time.  ;)

Yep, they'd be hurting for sure!  I said I would take a natural Starcaster and cherry burst Coronado, provided they don't sound like ass!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 18, 2013, 09:08:11 PM
I didn't look at the Coronado specs closely enough. These will have an alder center block. That will sure make a difference.

Sweetwater and others have the bass listed at $750 for preorder.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 19, 2013, 09:37:57 AM
Was the old one a maple block?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 19, 2013, 04:57:05 PM
The originals had no center block. As thin as the body is, having any kind of center block should be noticeable compared to the originals.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 20, 2013, 07:19:49 AM
The originals had no center block. As thin as the body is, having any kind of center block should be noticeable compared to the originals.

Well, no center block sure didn't help the tone or resonance of the original.  Hopefully things will improve with the next generation.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on September 20, 2013, 03:15:08 PM
Let's hope it's for the better. I won't pre-order one though. I'll wait to hear what others think.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Rob on September 20, 2013, 05:26:10 PM
Well, no center block sure didn't help the tone or resonance of the original.  Hopefully things will improve with the next generation.

I always though the guitars sounded dead as well.  Not bad just lifeless.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on September 21, 2013, 04:23:52 AM
The "reissue" designation is a bit misleading here. The Coro RI just shares some visual features with the old Coro's, but they are irrelevant to the sound or playability, like f-hole and headstock shape or fretboard binding and inlays. With its different construction, different pickups and hardware, it's a new model.

With the Starcaster, similarity to the 2-3 prototypes is really unimportant; not many know how those sounded or played.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on September 30, 2013, 06:31:54 AM
The "reissue" designation is a bit misleading here. The Coro RI just shares some visual features with the old Coro's, but they are irrelevant to the sound or playability, like f-hole and headstock shape or fretboard binding and inlays. With its different construction, different pickups and hardware, it's a new model.

With the Starcaster, similarity to the 2-3 prototypes is really unimportant; not many know how those sounded or played.

I agree.  No one really makes a true reissue these days.  For the most part, it's a cosmetic link to the past, but almost every other element is new.  Which may not be all that bad if the original model was lacking in tone, output or playability.  Looking forward to seeing how these two turn out!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on October 11, 2013, 11:50:20 AM
I was in the HOG the other day and Curt said the new hollow bodies were shipping now.  Should be interesting!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Wilbur88 on October 14, 2013, 05:04:23 AM
I was in the HOG the other day and Curt said the new hollow bodies were shipping now.  Should be interesting!

Yes, they are both now on eBay.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on October 15, 2013, 07:01:07 PM
Can't wait to see them
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on October 17, 2013, 07:36:50 AM
Let me know when yo go Bill!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on October 17, 2013, 01:16:45 PM
I stopped in today on the way to work, but didn't stay long.  Long enough to buy an amp and run.  Geezzzzzz.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 10, 2013, 05:17:35 AM
Played a new Starcaster Friday, cherry burst.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The finish is the usual flawless mile deep poly.  The maple neck has some really nice flame and the fretboard is also finished, ala RIC.  The neck profile is different from most fender basses.  It is a little flat, not so rounded.  I found it comfortable on a 30" neck.  The weight is good, I didn't notice any neck heaviness.  It is a beautiful bass for sure.  I like the neck and body styling.  The electronics seem pretty good.  I like the 3-way switch, always have.  It plays nicely, comfortable for my short fingers.  I have to say, it's a pretty cool bas for a china product.  I'm leaning toward buying it.  I was in between meetings and couldn't stay long, so I'll go back on Tuesday to play it through a good amp.  If it sounds good, I'll snap it up.

The biggest gripe I have about the recent glut of foreign made hollow body basses is the electronics.  Most of these basses are beautiful, well constructed and play comfortably, i.e. Guild, Hofner, but the electronics are mediocre at best.  I want the pups to have some balls and many are just place holders.  I'd pay for less poly and more juice in the pups!  I know that's asking a lot at this price point, but someone in China has to be able to make decent pups and keep the bass price under $800.  Is that asking too much?

More on the Starcaster next week.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: dadagoboi on November 10, 2013, 06:07:35 AM

I'd pay for less poly and more juice in the pups!  I know that's asking a lot at this price point, but someone in China has to be able to make decent pups and keep the bass price under $800.  Is that asking too much?


You have to pay a lot more for less poly and the same quality of finish.  It's much less labor intensive to shoot on polyurethane with limited wood prep.  Then finish sand and buff it out.  The pickups and electronics cost the factory $40.

So yes, you're asking too much from a Chinese $800 bass from "Fender" with their markups.  From another supplier maybe not.  Rondo Music now sells some great guitars with US hardware and pickups for excellent prices.  The market isn't there for basses.

That bass cost Fender no more than $200 FOB China, probably less.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 10, 2013, 09:36:29 AM
Yep, US and homeboy builders like us can't compete with Chinese labor costs.   Ugh.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: dadagoboi on November 10, 2013, 09:48:25 AM
Yep, US and homeboy builders like us can't compete with Chinese labor costs.   Ugh.

Unfortunately you have to if you want to get a toehold in the market.  If you have better ways of making a living or spending your time, why bother?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 10, 2013, 10:30:33 AM
About ten years ago, a friend who is in a position to know told me that the actual landed cost of a $200 retail Squier is roughly $30. I can believe it.

There's always room for a higher quality product, you just have to find the right niche. You can't compete with cheap labor at the low end of the market.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: jumbodbassman on November 11, 2013, 06:33:54 PM
Average retail gross margin is usually 55-60%.    So the retailer is paying less than $100 for that bass from fender....

That is why America/western Europe  can never compete  on the low end of any market in any product line.   Parts,  labor is fractions of what they cost.

And why I am still out of work since Dec.....
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 12, 2013, 08:12:31 AM
What a drag Jim.  This country needs to get back on track.  As for Chinese goods, now that the buying public is used to them, I don't think we'll ever be able to turn the clock back.

Best wishes and good luck out there, Jim.  I can imagine it's very disheartening for you.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 12, 2013, 09:09:25 AM
The irony is that as China gains economically, it's going to eventually undermine the ultra cheap labor costs. The only difference between the plutocrats in the US and the ruling party elite in China are the few regulatory agencies and labor laws "destroying our freedom." China may never build a middle class like the 1950's US, but as more people benefit from their lopsided economy the Communist Party hold gets diluted. However small that may be, in a country of 1.4 billion people, somebody is bound to get pissed off. Suicides at iPhone factories are only the beginning, and unlike the lazy, deluded United States, China has nowhere to go but up socially.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 12, 2013, 10:37:05 AM
The irony is that as China gains economically, it's going to eventually undermine the ultra cheap labor costs. The only difference between the plutocrats in the US and the ruling party elite in China are the few regulatory agencies and labor laws "destroying our freedom." China may never build a middle class like the 1950's US, but as more people benefit from their lopsided economy the Communist Party hold gets diluted. However small that may be, in a country of 1.4 billion people, somebody is bound to get pissed off. Suicides at iPhone factories are only the beginning, and unlike the lazy, deluded United States, China has nowhere to go but up socially.

Excellent analysis.  The key will be the commie leadership keeping a lid on the growth of expectations by folks earning more money.  History shows it's not so easy and if I were in the government, I'd be nervous.  The genie is out of the bottle now!!!  Ha, ha! :vader:
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 12, 2013, 01:56:27 PM
That's the way it almost always goes, regardless of what government is in charge. Those of us of a certain age remember when you went to Japan to manufacture cheap goods. Then the Japanese had to go to Korea, etc. etc. How many years will it take for Chinese companies to start manufacturing in Bangladesh?
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 12, 2013, 02:15:33 PM
I wouldn't put it past them to use the aftermath of that terrible typhoon to "annex" some territory. They've been encroaching on the Philippines ever since we left. The irony is that when the US closed its bases in the Philippines, the people there all but kicked us out, but now that they have an almost completely dysfunctional government (even worse than the US) and China scares them, guess who they're being nice to again? There are a lot of tensions in Southeast Asia. Vietnam hates China, their former ally against the US and regularly has to keep its Russian-built fighters patrolling for Chinese intruders. China also despises Japan for WWII atrocities. Anyone with a realistic view knows that WHEN China finally decides to swamp Taiwan and possibly nuke Japan, it'll be WWIII, but right now, they don't have the military muscle to hold off a US counterstrike. China's leaders make no secret about it; they one day expect to rule the entire world. Putin wisely plays games with their military hardware purchases and more than a few "leaks" of our tech have been intentional dead ends. Their F-35 knockoff, the J-31,  performed so poorly that the Chinese military passed on it altogether and is marketing its as fourth generation + export fighter to poor countries that want to pretend to have a "stealth capability." The Communist Party knows that unless it expands its resource base, its citizens are going to start eyeing their leaders a little less respectfully.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: dadagoboi on November 12, 2013, 02:23:03 PM
That's the way it almost always goes, regardless of what government is in charge. Those of us of a certain age remember when you went to Japan to manufacture cheap goods. Then the Japanese had to go to Korea, etc. etc. How many years will it take for Chinese companies to start manufacturing in Bangladesh?

The earliest Chinese manufacturing that was of decent export quality was done by the Taiwanese in the "Free Enterprise Zone" factories, where they shipped Taiwanese managers and exploited cheap Chinese labor.  The factories I worked with were exclusively Taiwanese run except for 2.  The one I had the best relationship with moved from Taiwan to China in the late 90s but also kept their Taiwanese factory open.  5 years ago they shut China down and sold the land back to the government and moved everything back to Taiwan.  There's a big housing bubble that makes land speculation seem like a much easier way to make money in China.  That and high wages have already caused manufacturing to move to VietNam, Malaysia and Indonesia.  The textile industry went to Bangladesh a long time ago.  I seriously thought about moving to Viet Nam around 2000.  Beautiful country, fantastic food both Asian and European and the people have a lot more soul and culture than the Chinese.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: dadagoboi on November 12, 2013, 02:47:23 PM
I wouldn't put it past them to use the aftermath of that terrible typhoon to "annex" some territory. They've been encroaching on the Philippines ever since we left. The irony is that when the US closed its bases in the Philippines, the people there all but kicked us out, but now that they have an almost completely dysfunctional government (even worse than the US) and China scares them, guess who they're being nice to again? There are a lot of tensions in Southeast Asia. Vietnam hates China, their former ally against the US and regularly has to keep its Russian-built fighters patrolling for Chinese intruders. China also despises Japan for WWII atrocities. Anyone with a realistic view knows that WHEN China finally decides to swamp Taiwan and possibly nuke Japan, it'll be WWIII, but right now, they don't have the military muscle to hold off a US counterstrike. China's leaders make no secret about it; they one day expect to rule the entire world. Putin wisely plays games with their military hardware purchases and more than a few "leaks" of our tech have been intentional dead ends. Their F-35 knockoff, the J-31,  performed so poorly that the Chinese military passed on it altogether and is marketing its as fourth generation + export fighter to poor countries that want to pretend to have a "stealth capability." The Communist Party knows that unless it expands its resource base, its citizens are going to start eyeing their leaders a little less respectfully.

In my view the Chinese are a lot smarter than you think, they've been around 4700 years longer than the US has.  Smart enough to BUY all the oil resources they can get their hands on instead of starting endless wars.  Smart enough to spend money on infrastructure, unlike here where it's cut back on everything except "defense".  The average Chinese feels his country has improved his life, they're proud of themselves and with reason.  From no roads to bullet trains in 30 years for one.  China is generally aware of its problems at home and taking steps to rectify them, I wouldn't be surprised if they had a reasonable universal healthcare system before we do.  They are already taking over Taiwan, it's evident to anyone traveling there who is familiar with the country.   

Any Philippino who studies history has a reason to hate the US, they're aware of the genocide after the Spanish American War.
The Philippines is the absolute worst country I've ever been to in Asia in terms of poverty.  I attribute the horrific Manila slums directly to the Catholic church and corrupt governments propped up by the US since Independence in '46.  Most people there would be better off under a Communist government like China or VietNam's.

Vietnam:  The only country in the World that has defeated France, China and the USA one on one.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on November 12, 2013, 03:45:09 PM
In my view the Chinese are a lot smarter than you think, they've been around 4700 years longer than the US has.  Smart enough to BUY all the oil resources they can get their hands on instead of starting endless wars. 

They've been quietly "acquiring" islands in the South China Sea for the past ten years using military force to occupy the Spratly Islands claimed by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Malaysia, literally killing the occupants as part of a move to make a claim on the oceanic shelf which is expected to hold more oil and natural gas than every other region on earth and through which 80% of the world's oil and 20% of oceanic cargo passes. Their tactic is to attack an island using military and fishing boats and then use their coast guard to quarantine their territory. China is famous for its patience, but is is also famous for its bloodshed. The Cultural Revolution and subsequent purges have killed more Chinese than ALL the casualties of the Holocaust, WWII, and Stalin combined!

Right now they're trying like crazy to build a blue water navy. They have one old decommissioned Soviet carrier with an aircraft ski jump, which limits its planes' range and payload, that they are trying to field and have laid the keels for three other, larger, more advanced carriers with electromagnetic catapults. Their weakness in ultra high tech is efficiency and tolerances: they can't build decent jet engines and they can't even get their copies of western military gear to perform at 60% equivalent effectiveness. Ironically, for such  a populous and industrialized country their weakness is that the only military hardware they have in large numbers is cheap junk that barely works. That's THE reason the US defense industry is spending itself beyond redemption. China hates Russia, but knows that Russia would fight a bloody war without thinking twice while a war-weary US isn't exactly going to rally itself to save Walmart.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: rahock on November 13, 2013, 05:42:51 AM
The US has a tendency to think that they are smarter than everyone else, despite its' rather short history. It is a mistake to underestimate anyone, particularly those who have been around and experienced so much more. I love this country, but we have proven ourselves to be very foolish, very often.
Those who say ,"love it or leave it", should listen a bit closer to those that say ,"change it or lose it."
Rick
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on November 13, 2013, 11:49:34 AM
So, how about those basses then? ;)

The Coronado has arrived in my local shop finally, will try to get a shottie of it at the weekend.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 13, 2013, 06:05:55 PM
I need to check one out in person, this is one I definitely want to try before even considering an order. None seem to be in stock locally yet.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on November 13, 2013, 06:29:09 PM
The photos look REALLY tempting.  :o
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 14, 2013, 05:34:14 AM
I'm going into the HOG today.  The Coronado is in and I want to play it and the Starcaster through a good amp before I decide anything.  I am really yearning for a good sounding, easy playing 30" hollowbody. 
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 14, 2013, 10:06:32 AM
I don't doubt it will be easy playing. The tone is the big question.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 14, 2013, 01:58:01 PM
I don't doubt it will be easy playing. The tone is the big question.

Well, my first impressions of the Coronado are good.  I brought one home and it will go to practice with me tonight.  It is easy playing, nice weight and balance.  I tweaked the action and boy the adjustable bridge worked just fine.  I did ditch the rounds on it for some DA half rounds.  I now have that old school thump and it will be interesting to see how the cheaper pups mesh with the Mesa amp.  They actually sounded pretty good through a new Fender Bassman tube amp at the HOG.  The fit and finish are excellent, I have to admit.  The hardware is middle of the road, but not overly cheap looking or feeling.  The neck is really nice.  Beautiful maple and a profile more like an old Mustang bass.  We'll she how she does at full bore with the band.  With my B-15 practice amp, it's really an old school sound.  The volume across the strings, one of my pet peeves, is very good.  I'm surprised!  So, more tomorrow after the test run tonight.

I decided I liked the Coro look more than the Starcaster.  So it;s the Coro for now.  BTW (I'm sure Dave is wondering), the new Coro sounds better to me than the two originals I had before.  A little more life to it, but I don't think the body is any more resonant than before, it's hard to tell!  Maybe Chinese pups are a little livelier than old DeArmonds.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 15, 2013, 05:44:20 AM
The bass did well at practice.  The guys liked the sound of it.  The guitar player was OK with it, but he thinks I should sound like Geddy Lee all the time, ugh.  What do guitar players know about bass anyway?

I put half rounds on it and it thumped away happily.  I am impressed by the pups, though not as powerful as TV Jones Thundertrons (I had to turn the amp from 8 to 9 o'clock to get the volume I wanted) they still did a nice job.  They do have a nice response range and I think they are a bit better then the Epi pups I've had in the past in basses like the EB-3 and the Allan Woody.  The 3-way switch gives the bass a lot of tonal variety.  Needless to say, the 30" slim profile neck is great to play.  The weight is nice and there weren't any feedback problems at volume.  As usual, the e-string on a short scale struggles to be well-defined with a flat-style string.  With rounds that it came with, the bass is clearly louder and the notes on the e-string much crisper.  I know this is blasphemy, but I think the bass, with half-rounds sounds a lot like my Hofner Club.  Not exactly, but they share a certain hollow body thump that surprised me.  Maybe it's the thin body.  My hollow body Gretsches didn't always that thumpiness, probably due to the big box bodies they have.  This bass is different.  To be frank, it sounds better than an original Coronado (which probably isn't that hard to do, but it is better IMHO).

Well, I'm gonna keep it for a bit and play around with it.  I'll try some nickel rounds on it to see how that flies.  It will be fun to experiment with it.  For the money, it's not a lot of risk and I do love the look of the cherry burst.  I have to say, it's quality is right in there with the lower priced Gretsches and Hofners.  Besides, the pups are the same size a TV Jones Gretsch, so a drop in mod is possible too.  It will be competitive in the market, I think.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 15, 2013, 05:56:08 AM
Here she is.  I wish I could say the build quality sucks and Fender shouldn't build these in China, but it looks like most any other poly coated Fender or Epi I've ever owned.  I will say the finish doesn't appear as deep as I've seen on foreign made basses.  That's refreshing and makes the bass look a little better.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1134_zps1ab895d3.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1134_zps1ab895d3.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1135_zps9817a127.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1135_zps9817a127.jpg.html)

As I said, the pups are exact TV Jones/Gretsch clones.  Lots of options if you wanted to upgrade.  Like someone once said, you can put great pickups in a turd of a bass and it's still a turd.  This bass is a bit better than a turd IMO.  I upgraded the pups in an Allan Woody and it did make a significant difference even though the bass wasn't the greatest build around.  So, we'll see what the future has in store for this bass.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1136_zpsf4c0a640.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1136_zpsf4c0a640.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 15, 2013, 12:00:04 PM
Thanks for the report. Based on it, I'll probably pass. Maybe I'll feel differently when I'm able to try one.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 15, 2013, 01:16:38 PM
Thanks for the report. Based on it, I'll probably pass. Maybe I'll feel differently when I'm able to try one.

Again, as I suspected, the pups are the weak point, but they are pretty decent.  At this price point it's a nice bass.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on November 15, 2013, 02:43:52 PM
I have a pair of FIlterTrons sitting around somewhere......

Hmmmmmmmmm......
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 16, 2013, 04:04:29 PM
I have a pair of FIlterTrons sitting around somewhere......

Hmmmmmmmmm......

Yeah, me too......
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on November 16, 2013, 06:08:58 PM
 Sure looks purdy to me! I love odd ball stuff. Some of the poly finish stuff lately has been has been very lightly applied.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on November 18, 2013, 09:08:30 AM

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1134_zps1ab895d3.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/Coronado%20Bass/DSCN1134_zps1ab895d3.jpg.html)


I laid hands on the Cherry Burst version last weekend.  The pickups are imprinted "Fidelitron", so as Bill noted, they're direct copies / spinoffs of the Gretsch pickups.  I thought the bass sounded nice.  I tried the full range of the tone controls and could get everything from Chas Chandler's thumpy sound to a more contemporary sound.  Not high on treble, but I don't expect that from a hollowbody or chambered bass.  There was enough treble to make my lousy finger technique on rounds clearly audible with zings every time I lifted a finger.

The thing I noted: HEAVY.  Had to be all of 9 pounds.  One of the guys at the store came over and commented that everyone had noticed that it is heavier than it looks.

Their price was $749, which is fair for a bass like that. Fit and finish were very nice, and as Bill noted, the clear coats were not ladled on - they were moderate in thickness.  It featured inlays and very nice binding on the neck, both of which i liked a lot.  The tuners felt smooth and easy to adjust. Bridge is fixed in place, with the mounting pins going into the body.

I can't justify going after one with my 1970's Univox hollowbody and my Gretsch 5123, but it's a nice bass.  I think it ought to sell well.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 18, 2013, 12:30:33 PM
I'm still having fun with mine.  I didn't really notice the weight!  Now that I pick it up, it is heavier than it looks.  The extra mass should assist the tone, not deter from it I would surmise.  I'm taking it to practice gain and see what it can do after I've tweaked it some more.  One other note, the knobs seem a bit cheap and I will swap those out.  It will be my one Chinese bass for awhile.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on November 18, 2013, 12:42:41 PM
The extra mass (center block, I'm guessing?) will prevent neck-dive and feedback, two of the most prominent features of the old Coro's.

Besides, 9 lbs. is ideal for me. That's what my Fenders and Rics weigh. My 1964 Gretsch 6070, a full hollowbody (no sustain block), also weighs 9 lbs.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 18, 2013, 01:59:09 PM
The extra mass (center block, I'm guessing?) will prevent neck-dive and feedback, two of the most prominent features of the old Coro's.

Besides, 9 lbs. is ideal for me. That's what my Fenders and Rics weigh. My 1964 Gretsch 6070, a full hollowbody (no sustain block), also weighs 9 lbs.

Just for grins, I weighed my new Coro and it came in at 9.5 lbs.  Definitely a good balance, no neck diving (like my Gibson SG) and no feedback at playing volumes at our club.  I have always liked the styling, or lack thereof in some people's opinions, of the Coronado.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on November 18, 2013, 02:05:18 PM
I agree, the balance is better than would be the case if it were lighter. 

It really NEEDS flats, Bill....they're calling you...........   :-*
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 18, 2013, 03:54:24 PM
I agree, the balance is better than would be the case if it were lighter.  

It really NEEDS flats, Bill....they're calling you...........   :-*

I did put DA half rounds on and they sound good.  They are my new favorite semi-flat string.  I also have rediscovered DA Chromes, great sounding strings.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 18, 2013, 04:33:56 PM
I'd rather save my money for a vintage Coro I at a reasonable price.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on November 18, 2013, 05:22:38 PM
I'd rather save my money for a vintage Coro I at a reasonable price.

I thought you had categorized them as excessively mediocre.   ???
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 18, 2013, 05:32:26 PM
I thought you had categorized them as excessively mediocre.   ???

I agree, the new Coro sounds better than an original.  I made one little improvement.  I added a strap button to one of the neck plate screws since the reissue location under the neck heel is a pain to actually use. 
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on November 18, 2013, 10:24:44 PM
I thought you had categorized them as excessively mediocre.   ???

The original Coro II is mediocre, IMHO. The Coro I has the single neck pickup and a different bridge and sounds quite different, quite a bit more open to me.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 19, 2013, 06:12:54 AM
While I did have 2 Coro IIs, I can't say anything about the Coro I.  I can't imagine a bridge would make that much more of a difference since the pups and body were all the same.  Either way, I like the new one and it's pretty nice for the price.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on November 19, 2013, 06:44:28 AM
Well, my local shop finally got a Coronado in and I had a go of it at the weekend.  It was ... OK.  For a start, I find it hard to get the "short scale == toy" mentality out of my head but I tried to do so.  Certainly looked great, couldn't really fault the finish, not too thick (I seem to remember the Modern Player Tele bass I tried seemed to have about an inch of finish on it - an exaggeration for sure but it felt like the bass was made of finish and not wood, you know?), nice cherry burst.  Pickups were as I expected - having a Cabronita P I am already acquainted with the Fideli'tron pickup.  Sweet top end, plenty twang if you want it but no slouch in the low end either.  A decent amount of cut available on the tone controls.  Good interaction between the pickups - the characters of neck and bridge dovetailed well for a change instead of serving to cancel each other out.

One thing I noticed was that with both pickups on, the volume controls became like master volume - turn one down and it turns off the entire bass (and not on a very graceful taper either) - is this how they're wired or is it a fault with the one I tried?

Don't think I'll get one.  It just didn't wow me enough to drop nearly £700 on one (yes, that's UK street price - circa $1100).  Like I said at the beginning, it was ... OK, good even, but didn't click with me.  Would still like to try a Starcaster bass at some point, for reference if nothing else.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on November 19, 2013, 08:08:17 AM
I'm a sucker for a hollow body, been my weakness since forever.  I'm keeping mine as it does perform better, IMO, than the Hofner Sutcliff, Guild Starfire reissue, some lower end Gretsches, and other HBs I've owned in recent years and can't even remember!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on December 02, 2013, 03:02:24 AM
Oops, I bought a Starcaster yesterday.  Tried it in the shop and despite being given a practice amp to try it through, the bass had BALLS.  This is a good thing.  Really dug the looks and it's a hefty beast for being semi hollow, perhaps there's a half brick for a central block ;)  Once I got it home I had a quick blast through my own amp and found surprising amounts of high end (I mean it was there - after my experiences with the Modern Player Telecaster bass - a mudfest - I did not expect to hear any), and a real meaty tone.  Same daft master volume wiring with both pickups enabled but at least it's a graceful taper.  Not really a pickup blender myself (I like switches) so I'm not super fussed about it.

More thoughts when I get a proper go of it at a band rehearsal or something.  Now to find something to put it in.  For now, the JC and the Starcaster will have to share a bag.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: neepheid on December 09, 2013, 09:49:24 AM
So, the report.

Surprised at how "normal" it feels despite being a short scale (this has something to do with the nut position relative to the body and probably not an accident). It did need more work than I usually have to put in EQ-wise (although the sound was weird in the room that night anyway), needs the amp's help in the high end as you probably expected. Favourite switch position - middle. Produced what I think is the punchiest palm-muted sound out of any bass I've owned. Shame I only use that technique very occasionally! It was trouser-flappingly thick and bassy (even with a solitary 10" driver) and I did have to listen a bit harder than usual to myself but it could be heard.  Won't be doing any crazy slap funk lines with it any time soon (I won't be doing them ever, but that's not the point).
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on December 09, 2013, 12:32:26 PM
It's not surprising that it doesn't feel small. My former Coro II was the same way, which is probably why it was sometimes mistaken for a long scale.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on January 11, 2014, 09:29:42 AM
Well, I've had the Coro for a couple weeks and I'm still enjoying it.  I like the feel of it, the neck is wonderful to play and the pups are reasonably beefy.  It sounds really nice through my B-15 and I'm going to give it a go at practice again to see how the half rounds perform through the big rig.  Overall, a nice bass for the money IMHO.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on January 31, 2014, 09:59:43 AM
  Sigh I am trying soooooooooooo hard to stick to my USA or vintage collecting (or both) rule. That Starcaster is just plain cool.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: drbassman on January 31, 2014, 11:24:23 AM
Yep, having one Chinese bass can be unsettling, but I'm learning to live with it.  That natural Starcaster is very cool looking for sure.  Nice neck on it too.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: jumbodbassman on January 31, 2014, 03:23:12 PM
natural with a maple neck..  that might be hard to resist when I get a job...
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Basvarken on February 02, 2014, 04:21:31 AM
I have a refugee in the house...

(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/12120_10203038488268171_1745882852_n.jpg)


I get to test this bass for De Bassist magazine.
Pleasantly surprised how un-Fenderian she is.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on February 02, 2014, 07:49:17 AM
 I played one the other day on the whole I liked it.................. sort of like a EB2Ds bigger stronger brother. Very well made the only negative was the neck had way to much relief, I felt like Robin Hood trying to play it. Not Fenders fault, the store should really pay more attention to this sort of thing.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: ilan on February 02, 2014, 07:50:58 AM
Curious to hear your impressions of the Starcaster.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: godofthunder on March 02, 2014, 08:02:52 AM
  I tried out the Coronado yesterday. Like the Starcaster and almost all of Fenders non USA product line I found it to be a very well built bass, surely better crafted than the original. The first thing I noticed when picking it up it is heavy! The alder center block must be massive. The bass was well set up and played nicely through the registers. The 32" scale makes it easy to get around. The bound/block rosewood neck is gorgeous and the fret work is nicely done. The neck is a narrow U shape and the strings are rather close together. Combined with the massive body and the small neck the bass felt award to me, I preferred the feel and balance of the Starcaster.  I loved the three tone ketchup and mustard sunburst, the finish is top notch and light years better than what was severed up in the 70's. As I didn't really get on with it I didn't bother to plug it in. Dragged back into the light from obscurity Fender has done a excellent job recreating this bass. In the end the bass isn't for me but if you are itching for a Coronado I defiantly give this bass a thumbs up.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on March 02, 2017, 06:37:51 AM
Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days!!!

Late to the party, as ever, but I have a black Starcaster coming my way next week. I'm thinking of fitting Schaller strap locks to it, and hoping the whole gubbins will fit inside the top cutaway. Ideally I would be moving the strap button onto one of the neck bolts, but I'm not sure how well the Schaller buttons would take to being drilled out.

My next task is to go through my box of strings and see what will actually fit!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on March 02, 2017, 10:43:20 AM
My guess would be regular short scale strings, since there's no separate tailpiece.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on March 02, 2017, 10:58:49 AM
My guess would be regular short scale strings, since there's no separate tailpiece.

Agreed, that appears to be a conventional 30" string with that type of bridge.  A tape measure will reveal all.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on March 02, 2017, 01:56:33 PM
My guess would be regular short scale strings, since there's no separate tailpiece.

I saw somebody suggest you needed 33'' scale length strings. Probably Internet nonsense, but I have run into issues with Fender headstocks and G strings (Matron!) before. I have a set of Status 'Hotwire' medium scale groundwounds I got as a freebie from somewhere, and a set of medium scale Chromes cut for a 2+2 headstock.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on March 02, 2017, 02:39:55 PM
I saw somebody suggest you needed 33'' scale length strings. Probably Internet nonsense, but I have run into issues with Fender headstocks and G strings (Matron!) before. I have a set of Status 'Hotwire' medium scale groundwounds I got as a freebie from somewhere, and a set of medium scale Chromes cut for a 2+2 headstock.

You would need enough tail (i.e. beyond the winding length) to reach the G, but that has to do with the overall length, regardless of the wound length.

Most SS strings are 32 - 32.5 in. winding length. It's possible that the Starcaster needs a little more, depending on how far back the ball end anchor is from the saddles.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on March 09, 2017, 02:28:56 PM
I did a bit more digging. La Bella made a custom Starcaster set designed with a 33'' length. Eeek! I've purchased some Fender flats. They were cheap enough, and I can use them elsewhere in the estate if they don't do the job. I've gone for a 45 - 105 set.

The Starcaster arrived on Tuesday. There were a couple of crackles in the electronics, and a loose output jack, so I've stripped it down. I plan to upgrade the wiring with CTS pots, Switchcraft jack and switch and coax hookup wire. I'm impressed with the WRHB reissues, as visually they are a very close match to the '70s original I had kicking around for a couple of years. Far less microphonic, thanks to a wax potting job. Having said that I'm considering wiring the bass with the coils of each pickup in series, as in series the pickups are dark, though nicely powerful and consistent in tone.

Definitely a very cool looking bass.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on March 10, 2017, 10:25:51 AM
I have the LaBella 33 flats on my slothead EB-0. Bought 'em here (http://www.bassstringsonline.com/La-Bella-Deep-Talkin-Flat-Wound-Bass-Strings--Custom-33-Winding-Length-4-String-Set_p_2628.html). It's not in the LaBella catalog, but they'll make anything to order, although there may be a long lead time.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on March 17, 2017, 03:49:23 PM
The bass is alive and kicking!

(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o720/Alanko/IMG_6509_zpsnwlhjklg.jpg)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on March 17, 2017, 06:15:11 PM
Looks very nice indeed!!  :toast:
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on March 18, 2017, 01:48:13 PM
That looks in great shape.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on December 16, 2017, 02:43:50 PM
I've bought a Coronado bass from Ebay, in metallic red. I didn't keep my Starcaster very long, so hopefully I keep up with the Coronado a bit better. 8)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on December 16, 2017, 09:34:49 PM
IMHO the Coronado looks better, at least. Hope it works out better for you.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on December 17, 2017, 07:24:16 AM
I was surprised that the new Coronado is heavier than I expected, and I like the look.  Hope it works great for you.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on December 19, 2017, 12:53:46 PM
I keep reading about the weight of the Coronado, and now I'm worried.  :mrgreen:

A friend's father had an original '60s Coronado guitar. It was a tonally dead, pitiful thing that made a sort of dull sustain-free clunking sound. Maybe it would be good for reggae or R'n'B ('60s style) where you just needed a quick, clean 'chop' on the backbeat or whatever? Steve Cropper stuff, and even he didn't use one. Did anybody use one back in the day?

Fender have definitely had to make a bunch of changes to the reissue design, for whatever reason. The originals weren't semi-hollow but fully hollow (right?) and had Dearmond pickups rather than the Gretsch-style things in the new one (right?).
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on December 19, 2017, 06:01:36 PM
The photos of the 60's versions look like Dearmonds.  The new ones look like Gretsch-style pickups to me.

If you want to go hollow-body, my recommendation would be to check the Gretsch G5440 (long scale) or G5442 (short scale) basses. Here's the 5442.

(http://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/GretschVert/10002/2518002515_gtr_frt_001_rr.png)
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on December 19, 2017, 07:27:30 PM
I keep reading about the weight of the Coronado, and now I'm worried.  :mrgreen:

A friend's father had an original '60s Coronado guitar. It was a tonally dead, pitiful thing that made a sort of dull sustain-free clunking sound. Maybe it would be good for reggae or R'n'B ('60s style) where you just needed a quick, clean 'chop' on the backbeat or whatever? Steve Cropper stuff, and even he didn't use one. Did anybody use one back in the day?

Fender have definitely had to make a bunch of changes to the reissue design, for whatever reason. The originals weren't semi-hollow but fully hollow (right?) and had Dearmond pickups rather than the Gretsch-style things in the new one (right?).

I had an original Coronado II bass, the pickups were DeArmonds. It was fully hollow and it was too light. With the strap button placement, the severe neck dive made it rotate away from the body. It also had an uncomfortable neck profile. The tone wasn't great but it was okay. The discomfort is what made me get rid of it.

The reissue can't be that heavy. It's still a thin body, right? Some extra body weight would definitely be a good thing.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on December 22, 2017, 01:00:50 PM
The weight of the reissue is fine! It maybe just surprises people that a hollow-looking bass has any sort of weight to it?

Which is a roundabout way of saying that the bass arrived today! From the get-go I prefer this thing to the Starcaster as I like the bigger body, and the pickups have a bit more clarity and detail to them, rather than just a big fog in the low-mids.

Here it is:

(https://scontent-lht6-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/25011587_1208544789290095_3656411246560804864_n.jpg)

Barely in the door and already modified. This bass was crying out for a thumb rest, so I added one at a slant; mirroring the '60s basses. I also cut a pickguard for it from a pearloid pickguard blank, and I swapped out the black switch tip with an amber one. The black pickguard was never a feature on the original '60s Coronados, and it seems Fender were pushing for a more Gibson-esque vibe on the reissue?

The bass came with a strap button mounted below the heel of the neck on the body. This is a very tight space to get a strap in, and I could not fit any strap with a Schaller strap lock in there. You would need a narrow strap! I tried out a few straps and the bass balanced awkwardly; wanting to hang a bit forward and with the strap itself running aft of the cutaway to my shoulder. As stock both strap buttons are mounted directly along the center-line of the body.

As a workaround I drilled a hole between the front pair of neck bolts, both in the neck plate and in the body. I fitted a strap button here (as you find on an EB0, Jack Casady, Starfire etc), and it balances ok. I've had to ditch the Schaller strap locks because they prod me in the stomach, so I'm using Grolsch bottle grommets instead. Better than nothing!

I also cut down the shine on the back of the neck. I really admire the build quality of these Chinese Fenders, but the ultra glossy lacquer on them makes them feel a bit cheap and plastic-y. It also makes them a bit squeaky and I found my hand drags a bit on the lacquer on the neck. I don't take it back to raw wood, simply take a fine sanding pad to it until there is no longer light reflected from the surface. I took some of the shine off the thumb rest as well. This is a Fender part, but it is a very shiny plastic part and looks a bit cheap until you knock the shine off a bit.

The only big downside, for me, is the volume controls. With the switch in the middle you can mute the bass by turning down either volume control. This is fixable if you hook the pickups to the middle lug on the pots rather than an outer lug. The other thing is an errant crackle in the switch itself. In this Youtube demo of another Coronado there is an audible crackle in the switch, and this is a brand new instrument!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg9EKOplAng

Skip to 2:17 if you want to avoid a staunch reminder of why roundwounds aren't the best choice for a bass like this!

From memory, the electronics in my Starcaster were cheap, generic stuff. This is where Fender cut corners. I prefer being able to blend pickups, so I might rewire it. I have a replacement Switchcraft switch to stick in there as well for when the time comes.

Also, like the Starcaster, the fretwork is alright but not stellar. It is better on the Coronado (the Starcaster frets were lifting in some places, or never seated correctly in the first place), but he frets could maybe do with a polish, and maybe a bit more crowning as well? Beyond that, the inlay work and the binding on the neck are very nicely applied, and the amber lacquer is very evenly applied.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Dave W on December 22, 2017, 01:03:19 PM
Looks nice!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Pilgrim on December 22, 2017, 08:33:26 PM
Looks GREAT to me!!  Nice PG choice!
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Alanko on December 24, 2017, 10:35:29 AM
Thanks guys! The Coronado and I hit the road last night:

(https://i.imgur.com/FnyOcmj.jpg)

A good gig. Ramshackle, but it all came together. Another band, who were headlining and sort of the local heroes for this scene, brought a lot of extra lighting gear, smoke machines and stuff down to the gig. Very psychedelic.

I ran the Coronado into my VT:DI, into the PA system and then into that wee Laney amp sitting on the beer crate behind me. I had the Laney set to only give me upper frequencies, and I had a lot more of my bass coming through the wedge in front of me. Between the Laney and the wedge I had a few hotspots onstage where I could get certain notes to feedback, or at least sustain nicely. I noticed this with the Coronado more than I've ever noticed with other basses.
Title: Re: Fender to finally make the Starcaster bass and reissue the Coronado?
Post by: Highlander on December 24, 2017, 12:39:22 PM
When ya coming up to Inverness for a gig, then I can get a shot... :mrgreen: