Duesenberg Starplayer TV Thomann Edition

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Thomann Edition review

The Duesenberg Starplayer TV Thomann Edition is a black semi-hollow electric guitar made for players who want a distinctive instrument with careful construction and a broad, articulate voice. Created for the retailer's 70th anniversary, it pairs an arched laminated spruce top with an arched laminated flamed maple back and a center sustain block. Gold-plated hardware and a gold-leaf headstock logo give the special edition a polished look without changing its core Starplayer TV format.

The owner reports describe a guitar that feels and looks commensurate with that level: clean workmanship, a refined finish, and a setup that was playable straight from the case. That is not a guarantee every instrument will need no adjustment, especially after changes in temperature or humidity, but several players found the action low and even, with no troublesome fret buzz or weak notes across the neck.

Construction and playability

The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, 22 jumbo frets, and a 12-inch fingerboard radius. The 647 mm scale and 42 mm nut width give the instrument familiar proportions for players moving between many full-scale electric guitars. A dual-action truss rod provides neck adjustment in either direction. One reviewer particularly liked the neck's feel and balance, while another found its D-shaped profile less comfortable than a more rounded C shape. That preference is worth considering in person, since neck shape can matter more than the specification sheet suggests.

Players describe the guitar as comfortable on a strap and lighter-feeling than a Les Paul-style instrument. Its setup also earned strong feedback for bends and fretting comfort. One owner changed to 9, 50 gauge strings to make bending easier, while noting that the supplied setup was already highly playable. The included Duesenberg case is part of the package; no gig bag is included.

Visually, the black finish and gold hardware are central to this edition's appeal. Owners repeatedly call out the finish quality and the way the gold stands out against the dark body. The case and small details also made a strong first impression. These are subjective points, but the reactions are unusually consistent: several buyers chose this model after being drawn in by its appearance, then found that its playing feel and sound supported the initial attraction.

Pickups and sound

The pickup layout combines a Duesenberg DP90 Domino single-coil pickup in the neck position with a Grand Vintage humbucker at the bridge. Master volume and master tone controls, plus a three-way selector, keep the control scheme straightforward. Reviewers describe the two pickups as balanced and unusually clear, with chords and single-note lines retaining definition rather than turning thick or indistinct. The overall character has been called honest and articulate, with enough body to avoid sounding sterile.

The neck pickup and the middle switch position drew especially positive comments. The bridge humbucker struck one player as brighter and more metallic by comparison, though amplifier settings can shape that impression. Compared with another guitar using a similar pickup pairing, one owner found the Duesenberg clearer and less heavy-sounding. That points to a voice that favors separation and detail over maximum thickness.

Clean tones and moderate overdrive appear to be natural strengths, and owners also mention jazz, pop, soul, neo-soul, and modern sounds. The guitar can cover blues-rock and heavier settings too, but it is not presented as a dedicated metal instrument. The neck single coil can pick up electromagnetic interference near an amplifier or other electrical sources, as is common with single-coil designs. Players who regularly work at high gain or close to noisy equipment should keep that behavior in mind.

Tremolo, hardware, and value

The Duesenberg Radiator tremolo received favorable reports for its smooth action and tuning stability when used with restraint. Duesenberg Z-Tuner machine heads and gold-plated hardware complete the specification. One owner reported that the guitar held its setup over months of use, though string changes, playing style, and local conditions can affect tuning and setup on any instrument.

At 2,444, the Starplayer TV Thomann Edition asks buyers to pay for its finish, construction, included case, and individual sound. The player feedback supports that premium positioning, particularly for those who value refined workmanship and a semi-hollow guitar with a voice distinct from more familiar designs. The main reservations are personal: the D-shaped neck may not suit every hand, the bridge pickup may be brighter than some players prefer, and the single-coil pickup is susceptible to interference. For players drawn to its feel, looks, and clear, expressive response, it makes a persuasive case.