You’ve seen it. Even if you didn't know the name at the time, you’ve definitely seen that oversized, art-deco pickguard and the sparkling finish gleaming under stage lights. It’s the Duesenberg Starplayer TV. It looks like it fell off the back of a 1930s luxury liner, yet it sounds like a fire-breathing monster when you kick on a fuzz pedal. Most people assume Duesenberg is some ancient German heritage brand that’s been around since the dawn of the electric age, but honestly? They’ve only been around since the mid-80s. Dieter Gölsdorf started the company in Hannover, and since then, they’ve managed to do something almost impossible: create a new "classic" in a market that is obsessively stuck in 1954.
The Starplayer TV isn't just a guitar. It’s a statement. When you see Mike Campbell from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers or Joe Walsh slinging one, it’s not because they’re getting a massive endorsement check—though I’m sure the perks don’t hurt. It’s because these guitars solve a very specific problem that has plagued Gibson and Fender players for decades. They bridge the gap. You get the chime of a long-scale bolt-on, but the warmth and sustain of a semi-hollow archtop. It’s a weird, beautiful hybrid that shouldn't work as well as it does.
The Secret Sauce of the Duesenberg Starplayer TV Design
What actually makes this thing tick? First off, the construction is a bit of a curveball. It’s a semi-hollow body with a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. Now, usually, you see spruce on acoustic guitars or high-end jazz boxes, not on a guitar meant to be played through a cranked Vox AC30. The spruce adds this airy, sophisticated top end that you just don't get from a standard laminate maple top. It breathes. It feels alive under your fingers.
Then there’s the scale length. Most "Gibson-style" semi-hollows use a 24.75-inch scale. Duesenberg went with 25.5 inches. That’s Fender territory. That extra bit of tension is exactly why the Starplayer TV has that "snap." When you dig in, the strings don't turn to mush. They fight back just enough. It’s why country players love them for chicken pickin' just as much as rock players love them for big, ringing power chords.
That Weirdly Perfect Pickup Combo
The electronics are where things get truly interesting. Instead of two humbuckers or two single coils, Duesenberg uses a "GrandVintage" Humbucker in the bridge and a "Domino" P90 in the neck. This is the ultimate "best of both worlds" setup. The P90 in the neck is thick and creamy but stays way more articulate than a muddy humbucker.
Switch to the middle position. This is the "secret" sound. Duesenberg wires it so some of the low frequencies are filtered out of the humbucker signal when combined with the P90. The result? A hollow, out-of-phase-ish cluck that sounds like a very expensive vintage Gretsch. It's addictive. You’ll find yourself staying in that middle position for entire sets because it cuts through a mix without being piercing.
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Why the Tremola Doesn't Suck
Let’s talk about the vibrato system. Most "Bigsby-style" tailpieces are a nightmare to string and a disaster for tuning stability. Duesenberg looked at the classic design and basically fixed everything that was annoying about it. Their Diamond Deluxe Tremola is smoother than a vintage unit, and because the strings loop through the back rather than pinning onto those tiny, frustrating needles, you can actually change a string in under thirty seconds without losing your mind.
And the tuning. It stays. Even if you're doing aggressive dives—well, as aggressive as you'd do on a semi-hollow—the combination of the heavy-duty hardware and the rock-solid nut means you aren't reaching for the tuners after every song. It feels premium. Like a door closing on a Mercedes-Benz. There's a weight and a precision to the hardware that makes most "off-the-shelf" parts feel like toys.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Made in Germany"
There is a bit of a controversy, or at least a misunderstanding, about where these guitars are actually built. Some purists get their feathers ruffled because Duesenberg uses CNC-cut bodies and necks sourced from specialized facilities in Korea. People hear "Korea" and they think "budget."
That's a mistake.
The final assembly, the "Plek" fret leveling, the electronics, and the meticulous setup all happen in Hannover, Germany. It’s a global manufacturing process that allows them to keep the quality control insanely high while keeping the price—while still expensive—below the "private stock" levels of some American brands. If you've ever played one, you know. The fretwork is usually better than what you'll find on a Gibson Standard straight out of the box. The Plek process ensures that the neck is mathematically perfect before it even leaves the factory. No dead spots. No buzzing. Just low, fast action.
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Real-World Use: Who Is This For?
If you’re a metalhead playing dropped-Z tunings, this isn't your guitar. The feedback from the semi-hollow body will fight you at extreme gain levels. But for literally everyone else? It’s a Swiss Army knife.
I’ve seen the Duesenberg Starplayer TV on stages ranging from modern worship bands (where the "shimmer" and "ambient" tones are king) to gritty blues clubs and massive stadium pop tours. Carrie Underwood’s guitarists use them. The Eagles use them. Even Keith Richards has been spotted with Duesenberg gear. It’s a professional’s tool. It’s reliable. It looks incredible under stage lights, especially the "Gold Top" or the "Blue Sparkle" finishes.
The Weight Factor
One thing to keep in mind: it’s not a featherweight. Despite being semi-hollow, the center block and the heavy-duty hardware give it some heft. It’s usually around 8 to 8.5 lbs. Not Les Paul heavy, but you'll know it's there. For some, that weight equals sustain. For others with bad backs, a wide padded strap is a mandatory investment.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
You're looking at spending somewhere between $2,800 and $3,500 for a new one, depending on the finish and the specific model variation (like the Mike Campbell signature or the Phonic). That’s a lot of money. You could buy a very nice American Professional II Telecaster and a small tube amp for that price.
But here’s the thing: the Duesenberg feels like a finished product. Most guitars at the $1,500–$2,000 range still feel like they need a "setup" or a pickup swap or better tuners. The Starplayer TV arrives "done." You don't "mod" a Duesenberg. You just play it.
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The aesthetic is polarizing for some. The "Art Deco" vibe is loud. Every single knob, tuner button, and jack plate is custom-designed to fit that 1920s-meets-1950s look. It doesn't look like a Fender. It doesn't look like a Gibson. It looks like a Duesenberg. In a world of clones, that's worth something.
Common Misconceptions and Limitations
- "It's just a fancy Gretsch." Not really. While they share some DNA, the Starplayer has a tighter, more modern feel. The 25.5-inch scale gives it a punch that 24.6-inch scale Gretsches often lack.
- "The spruce top makes it too bright." Actually, it’s the opposite. It makes the high end "sweeter." It takes the edge off the bridge humbucker and adds a woodiness to the neck P90.
- "It's too big." It is a standard "TV" size, which is roughly equivalent to a Gibson ES-335 but slightly more compact and ergonomic. It fits comfortably against your ribs.
Taking the Next Steps
If you're seriously considering dropping the cash on a Duesenberg Starplayer TV, don't just buy it online based on the photos. You need to feel the neck. It’s a "D" shape—medium-thick, very comfortable, but different from the slim-taper necks many modern players are used to.
Here is what you should do:
- Check the weight. If you find one at a local shop, ask to weigh it. They vary slightly because of the wood density.
- Test the "Middle" position. Plug it into a clean amp, preferably something with a bit of "chime" like a Vox or a Dr. Z. Play some open chords. If that sound doesn't put a smile on your face, this might not be your guitar.
- Inspect the hardware. Look at the bridge and the tremolo. Notice how the strings are routed. This is a masterclass in industrial design.
- Compare it to an ES-335. If you can, play them side-by-side. The 335 will feel "woollier" and more traditional. The Duesenberg will feel faster and more "hi-fi."
Honestly, the Starplayer TV is one of those rare instruments that actually lives up to the hype. It’s not just a pretty face. It’s a rugged, road-ready machine that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you’re recording in a studio or playing a dive bar, it’s going to perform. Just be prepared for people to come up to you after the set and ask, "What on earth is that guitar?"