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.