Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR

Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR: An In-Depth Hands-On Test

The Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR sits at the intersection of German precision and vintage aesthetic, positioned firmly in the high-end semi-hollow body electric guitar market. Priced at $2699, it arrives in its custom-molded hard case, unmistakable in Crimson Red and dripping with Art Deco influences. Below, I'll break down its construction, electronics, hardware, playability, and sonic versatility, prioritizing real technical considerations over brand reputation or cosmetics.

Build and Materials: Strictly Semi-Hollow

The Starplayer TV Deluxe CR is a semi-hollow electric guitar with a sustain block, not a true hollow body. The body uses layered flamed maple for the back and sides, paired with a carved spruce top. The archtop design, complete with two f-shaped sound holes, is classic for its category and helps yield a pronounced resonance even before plugging in. The body measures 18.1 x 13.4 x 1.8 inches, which keeps it comfortable for both seated and standing sessions.

The neck is solid maple, cut to a standard scale length of 25.5 inches (647 mm). Combined with a rosewood fingerboard and a nut width of 1.65 inches (42 mm), the neck profile lends itself to both chord and lead technique. A 12-inch fretboard radius and 22 jumbo frets make bends and vibrato more accessible for most players, though a minority of field users have reported that bending is not its strongest suit compared to some solidbody models.

Hardware and Electronics: Consistency with Quirks

• Case: The custom-molded Duesenberg case is exceptional. It offers a tight, secure fit, but some users have noted the need to loosen the tremolo arm (with a hex tool) before storage due to its snugness, especially with the Radiator tremolo system onboard.
• Tremolo: The Duesenberg Radiator vibrato unit is smooth in operation, with most test users reporting impressive tuning stability. Still, a segment of players experienced strings occasionally going flat or sharp after using the tremolo, often related to the wobbly bridge and sometimes exacerbated by the requirements of string gauge and playing style. Maintenance and setup are therefore crucial for optimal performance.
• Controls: The guitar features a master volume and two multi-tone (Vario Tone) controls, which add considerable flexibility. Their operation is nuanced: from the central position, rolling left functions as traditional tone control, while dialing fully right introduces a split coil-like effect that changes the voicing of the pickups. The three-way toggle switch is substantial, if a touch stiff for rapid changes during recording.
• Hardware Finish: Duesenberg uses nickel plating on the hardware. Over time, the finish tends to lose its shine, developing a dull, matte look despite regular cleaning. This is a known characteristic and mentioned by the manufacturer.
• Pickups: The configuration, one Duesenberg D-Tron in the neck and a Duesenberg Grand Vintage humbucker in the bridge, offers a broad palette. Expect warmth and body from the neck, while the bridge pickup brings articulate highs with a punch. Blended, the tones land slightly closer to a classic Les Paul but with more noticeable twang and chime, reminiscent of Fender's single coils, but it never sounds like a clone. The output is distinctively Duesenberg.

Playability: Comfort and Nuance

Right out of the case, the Starplayer TV Deluxe CR presents as a well-set-up instrument. The neck fills the hand without excess heft, jumbo frets are dressed perfectly, and the action allows for aggressive strumming without fret buzz. The guitar resonates responsively, with feedback from real users confirming excellent sustain and a highly dynamic sound suited for nuanced playing. Feedback also confirms that the guitar responds particularly well to variations in picking and attack, highlighting the contribution of the semi-hollow construction and sustain block.

Attention is drawn to the ergonomics, a nicely concaved jack socket, matched Art Deco hardware, and optional secure strap buttons contribute to its practical comfort standing or seated. The included transparent pickguard is structurally sound, but some field reports suggest it benefits from an extra screw for added stability near the volume knob, especially for aggressive players.

Sound: Versatility Without Compromise

The Starplayer TV Deluxe CR offers a full, dynamic tonal spectrum. Clean settings deliver bell-like clarity and a complex midrange, with strong natural sustain and overtones, even unplugged. Through an amplifier, the instrument holds its harmonic content, described by players as nearly having a natural reverb effect. Snap and sparkle are present thanks to the maple and spruce construction, but the guitar avoids the brittleness some semi-hollow models exhibit. Distorted, the pickups retain their definition and prevent muddiness, with the Vario Tone controls further expanding usable tones from jazz warmth to percussive pop.

Crucially, this model does not simply mimic Fenders or Gibsons. Instead, its pickups and body design combine elements from both, landing just closer to a Les Paul with more high-frequency detail and a unique "twang" that stands out, especially in clean and pushed-amp contexts.

Criticisms and Field Issues

• Some minor quality control lapses have surfaced, such as spotted paint inside sound holes or stray wood dust under the pickguard. These issues didn't affect playability but detract from what is otherwise a premium-feeling instrument.
• Internal wiring is sometimes visible through the sound holes, a common quirk in semi-hollow builds yet worth noting given the price.
• The nickel hardware inevitably loses its luster regardless of cleaning frequency; a known trait of this finish.

Conclusion: A Distinctive, High-Performance Semi-Hollow

The Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe CR is a charismatic, highly playable semi-hollow electric guitar fit for demanding musicians. Its standout construction, detailed hardware touches, unique pickup configuration, and ergonomic design coalesce to create an instrument with a clear voice distinct from the market's usual suspects. While the tremolo system is well-executed, meticulous setup is recommended for best tuning stability, and a few minor quality control details could use attention at this price. For players after a semi-hollow that's both traditional and modern, with its own unmistakable character, the Starplayer TV Deluxe CR is a worthy contender.