Trying a Duesenberg for the First Time | Starplayer TV Phonic USA Venetian White Review + Demo

[@petedevriese]

I put a Duesenberg trem on my SG because it fits the standard bridge holes. It’s a nice simple mod that I dig, and it’s simple to restore my guitar back to original specs, though I care a lot more about playing than collecting.

[@tonyhill1141]

I have owned seven of these beautiful guitars. They are worth every dime. Incredible vibe, tone, and feel. If you are considering one, go for it. The Joe Walsh Alliance is one of the best guitars I ever owned and kick myself for selling it.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Tony Hill... Do you still own any of these?

[@oatnoid]

Where does the line form, I mean, to kick you. I know how you feel.

[@PeterMoore350]

Thx for that. I had bookmarked that model. Are all the necks the same profile? Or do thydiffer like PRS. For example i have 5 Solar guitars- all six string models various shapes but all are 1.x models and all the necks are the same. And for me ? The perfect neck and so if they a new model like they just have with the X, I know exactly what neck I’m getting

[@howardmaryon]

Thanks for that, I love semi acoustics, I have a small collection of Gretch, but now my next obsession will have a big D on it! Oh wait, that sounds a bit weird....

[@darrylmoore127]

I always wanted to Check one out But no one around Detroit carries them . Do they have basses would be the next question. Definitely tell it is a thin neck Art Deco great

[@alexglass2112]

My “regular” star player has an arched back as well as front…it is sooooo well made. Got it while in UK so maybe from DE but not a single QC issue. Amazing guitar and the trem system is crazy subtle and stable, .

[@charleswood123]

I love how extra critical trog is of every guitar that’s not a Gibson

[@judas2891]

What do you expect from a Gibson cheerleader and fanboy? And by the way, that's a beautiful guitar.

[@rikkr1307]

Mmm, my take is he usually tells it like it is. Jmo though

[@mikeomatic9905]

I figure he just expects more from companies that aren't Gibson. Gibson is already known for their QC issues.

[@jameshartwell4345]

I’d like to see more of everything , but it usually is always Gibson. Sadly.

[@benlogan430]

Factual and critical are different beasts.

[@71guitarsmith]

I actually really impressed with the sounds that is getting! Blew me away a bit

[@stephangros1029]

Two things i would add. You don’t need a roller bridge because it move a little back and forth when using the arm, so it stays better in tune. When changing strings you can put them inside the tuner from above until they come up underneath so that the end of the string won’t hurt you. I love my phonic !

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

@The_troglys_guitar_show1 WOW ! WHAT ABOUT ME ?

[@Appeldoornvideos]

Seems to be a scam.

[@1337million]

I really like how many "sets of three" they are able to fit into the guitar. The logo of course, then the pickguard and the headstock, output jack, the two "windows" on the tailpiece with three bars in each and the butt of it, the three stripes for the fretmarkers, the three lines of the metal piece holding the pickguard, the steps on the trussrod cover, the tuning pegs, three knobs, even the bridge studs! Those are all I've noticed in the video at least. To really phone it in they could have made the 12th sidedot be three dots and even go for 23 frets lol.

[@valmoney8867]

they missed a trick with the case keys though...but yes really cool.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Very cool guitar! Duesenberg does make some sharp looking guitars. So cool to see one demo'd on your show! Looking forward to part 2!

[@robabraham4620]

This must break the record for the amount of branding on a single guitar - looks awesome, very fancy!! Plus I love the tones, p90 in the neck really brings a great clear tone to the middle and OOP setting. I might have to have a look at their offerings.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Wow what a fantastic guitar. Absolutely beautiful and sounds pretty damn good too. Thanks for the new owner for getting Austin to feature this

[@mwbright]

Four months ago I bought a Starplayer TV. About a month ago, I started to fall in love with it. I had a Les Paul Memphis semi hollow body once for nearly a year and while that guitar was different, it sounded just as good. Sadly, I couldn't afford it and the owner took it back. While the Duesenburg isn't the same, it has enough in common to keep me very, very happy. I can't seem to make a single sound out of this thing that isn't really cool, just like the Gibson. Also, my Duesenburg could be the ugliest guitar in the world and I'd still be thrilled. The fact that it's gorgeous is just icing on the cake. This guitar really, really delivers.

[@beckmanspeedmachine1012]

The bridge actually moves when you move the trem bar. Eliminating the need for roller bridge. It also the keeps the strings the same length when using the trem where a roller changes their length slightly. according to Duesenberg. My favorite guitar.

[@michaeldavidryandanielpaul1990]

The blue mosaic Mother-of-Pearl finish is insane! 0:42 Thanx for the video, loved it 💙

[@davidpaul6656]

Yes! Like Zematis

[@michaeldavidryandanielpaul1990]

@@davidpaul6656 Love those!

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

They had one in a kind of sea foam green that was even more beautiful!

[@JokersWild70]

Seems like a very well made and thought out guitar. Not my style of guitar, but again, cleaning up those small QC issues will make it top notch. From "Stray Cat Strut" to "Roundabout." Nice!

[@spiceybadger]

Duesenberg are amazing. My number 1 is a doozy and beats the heck out of everything else I have

[@laurelwilson314]

I’d heard of this brand because Jason Isbell used to play them quite a bit. Though these days he seems to gravitate more towards vintage Les Pauls and Telecasters, with his current #1 guitar being a ‘59 burst called “Red Eye” that previously belonged to Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@maudeeb3502]

Bought one of these a couple years back....chambered 49er. Excellent instrument. Solid construction, stable trem, and beefy pickups...only complaints are the weight and the price.

[@brittenmusic6923]

Great review of this brand. Very interesting to learn about a Duesenberg, its build and tonal characteristics.

[@jacksonhornady7474]

I found out duesenberg existed when I saw a local bands lead guitarist playing a blue sparkle starplayer TV. I went to there website and was blown away by some of the guitars and this one was actually one of my favorites. I hope to own on someday!!

[@philmanson2991]

Joe Walsh was the first player I saw using a Duesey. They are GORGEOUS!

[@makeloud]

Really enjoyed watching this presentation of the TV Phonic...while holding and strumming mine! Thankful that I don't have any of the finish issues noted. I have never played a guitar that felt so perfect to me, and the tuning stability is unmatched. Great range of tones as shown in the video. To anyone who has the means, find one and try it out. Worth every one of the odd-numbered pennies they are asking.

[@Oris37]

These are superb guitars (I have a couple). And finally, someone else in the world has now heard of 椎名 林檎 , she's an incredible artist and I've been following her since the late '90s - and her band (東京事変) since they formed back in 2004 - check 'em out. She even recorded some music written by the late Burt Bacharach...

[@Annodomini1993]

As a long time viewer I have to say… one if your best episodes imo. Thank you!

[@jhwk1970]

I have several really nice solid body’s but decided I needed a nice hollow body and I wanted something different. I was basically searching for the right high end Gretsch but then I ran into an orange Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe. It’s an absolutely terrific guitar. It plays as well or better than anything, stays in tune, looks great, sounds fine, and the smaller body is better for me than an ES Gibson. I love it.

[@Zundfolge]

Is the weird price because their prices are actually in Euros and they just get converted to dollars?

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

I own several Duesys and one of them is the Starplayer TV Outlaw....I love all of them and especially their playability. Their quality is extremely consistent, so great to be ordered online..

[@mortonwilson795]

Great to see a Duesenberg here! I bought a Cherry Burst Starplayer Rebound a couple of years ago. It came with 2 Mini-Buckers but I ordered a P90 from Duesenberg for the neck - it's that combination on the middle setting I love for clean stuff. Mine came with 10 - 52 gauge which I have stayed with (I have 10 - 46 on my other guitars) and the slightly weightier low end has led me into 'riffing' a lot more - sorta makes sense with the overall vibe and sound of the guitar - fun!

[@patmcwilliamsmusic]

I love my Duesenberg Fullerton! Very expressive sounding guitar. Beautiful clean tones through Fender amps but also great rock tones through Marshall. Check out Tom Bukovac playing Barracuda with Anne Wilson on his signature model 👍🔥 Thanks for the video.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Impressive. I can see why Nashville studio guys like it. The sounds will cover both the need of a Gibson or Gretsch. Taking it and a Tele to a session would have you covered. The cool thing about the overall sounds as they are full, all useable and very clear, articulate and tight.

[@stockholm1752]

I was impressed by the variety of tones from the pickups. The differences are really noticeable. It’s a bit flash, and Art Deco styling isn’t to my taste, but it definitely makes a statement. The trem system seems an improvement over a Bigsby (plus, you can remove the bar if desired). Unlike most Gibsons, I can see why these cost what they do. How about one with a nice natural maple top with tortoise shell binding and pick guard?

[@joshuatavares2384]

I had the les Paul trem 2 system and it’s a subtle bar but it’s just cool to look at. I’m tempted to buy one for my Gretsch because I live in Maine and two music repair shops install them.

[@olivercsendes6688]

Really surprised by how many tiny flaws you found, my Duesenberg is almost flawless and it definitely doesn't have those paint issues. Great documentation!

[@ikigai47]

Is yours noisy? I know this "P90" is technically a single coil but having just got mine today, it's way too noisy w/60 cycle hum. Especially in the OOP position (one position away from the neck)

[@olivercsendes6688]

No, I mainly play humbuckers, but also have another P90 equipped guitar. No, the Duesy is not loud at all.

[@guyincognito1423]

I've always loved the looks of Dusenbergs, but could never justify paying for one.

[@joshuatavares2384]

Yeah I owned a 1300$ Rivolta and I started nitpicking everything. I don’t play more than a serious hobby. Yet, 3800$ that’s hard to justify playing in my bedroom. Same with Magnatone Amps, the builds are superior to others but I just can’t say yes

[@john564holloway]

Gotta hold the 'Dueses' responsible for the craftmanship. I've seen just as bad with Gibson. The paint goofs definitely should've never left the QC bench. The pearl binding in the F holes is stunning! The Dues tuners are great to the point that you won't get stabbed by the end of the string when cleaning. I have a Bigsby with a spoiler (a life saver) so this trem is fabulous. So impressed with the pup tones, especially the neck pup...........Thank you, Austin, for this great demo & spec check!

[@goodcopbadcop9872]

What does poor QC at any other company have to do with QC at D? Frankly, Gibson is not such a high bar to be compared to. Epiphone is better...

[@john564holloway]

@goodcopbadcop9872 I just mentioned Gibson because that's what Austin mostly reviews. I do agree that Epiphone's craftsmanship has caught up with Gibson. I have 3 Epi Les Pauls & 1 Gibson Les Paul.

[@john564holloway]

@@kevone08 I've seen poor QC and craftsmanship from both.

[@nitrogen_777]

The pot brand is Göldo, it's a German distributor of various guitar parts and tools, some of them self-designed. The name of the founder (Dieter Gölsdorf is on the back side of the trussrod cover). The company claims to be worldwide first selling DIY-kits for guitars and basses. Some parts (if not all of them) for the Duesenberg guitars are their own design. And frankly speaking, that Duesenberg tremolo system is the best vintage tremolo I've ever played. In Germany this guitar costs about 2800 Euros.

[@jameslanclos568]

Duesenbergs are beautiful...they've been on my wish list for a long time. And German craftsmanship has been and still is, above par. They take great pride in most everything, and it shows. The stepping designs are art deco and the radiator tremolo, tec. is also deco.

[@markatkinson6839]

Except that there made in Korea

[@ralfschmitt2341]

You are right. But they are not all made in Korea. Impressive is that every little piece comes out of the Düsenberg factory. And I love their design. Somestime I will also own one.

[@markatkinson6839]

They are all made by Mirr Music in Korea. Same factory that makes Reverend, Italia and Rosenow guitars. You won’t find “Made in Germany” on any guitar, label, paperwork or website. Seems to me if they were made there it would be emblazoned everywhere.

[@MrRFasters]

​@markatkinson6839 It simply not true. Their not Korea, but the body work is Kroatia made. A EU based, Duesenberg owned, built, managed and run Duesey factory making the guitars until finishing and interim QC. Assembly and final QC Germany. Look up their vid and see for yourself.

[@jameslanclos568]

I believe you, but German craftsmanship is excellent whether the Duesenberg is made in Germany, Korea or Croation. I just assumed it was German made from the name. Thanks for letting me know.@@MrRFasters

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

They are INCREDIBLE guitars…best tremolo system on earth….I own a Mike Campbell model and it’s SO good…best playing guitars in existence

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

I've always appreciated the Duesenbergs , they are beautiful guitars, though I was not fond of the racing stripe paint job on the Mike Campbell model , man the one you reviewed sounds GREAT !.....Thanks Trog ! keep'm comin' !!

[@CliveBarnesMusic]

I've owned this guitar for over a year now, and it's a phenomenal guitar.

[@salsalsalsalsalsal3094]

I am stoked to see a Duesenberg on the show, thanks for the review!

[@horrorview]

From what I've read, the Duesenbergs were made in the same factory that makes the higher-end Peerless brand of Korean Jazz Guitars until Duesey secured their "own facility" in China. Peerless did its own take on the Duesey with its Retromatic series, which, while not as ornate, did feature some very cool art-deco appointments and upscale components (bone nut, medium-jumbo frets, roller bridge, VERY Duesey-style Stetsbar trem, etc) as well as some really tasty Alnico II humbuckers designed by English-fella Matt Gleeson of Monty’s Pickups. They also feature a VERY Duesenbergish style metal "P" logo on the headstock, as well as a similar pickup and tone selector system. They failed pretty spectacularly at their initial pricing ($1600!) but are a sleeper hit at the current $400-$600 they currently list for on the 'verb). It's a very nice guitar with excellent QC, so if you're in the market for something LIKE this but don't have the cash, this is one that could scratch the itch!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

James Reilly pretty cool thanks for the heads up on these! 👍

[@pihermoso11]

They are made/assembled in Germany, with their electronics coming from either Japan or Korea, they don't have a china factory

[@MrRFasters]

All wrong. Their parts are 100% Duesey designed, made and QC. And they have a Kroatian factory, setup, managed and run by Duesenberg themselvws, doing the body work basics, until finishing and intermediate QC. Then shipped to Germany for final assembly. Look up their extensive company vid in the tube. A company 100% focused on their own, non copied, Duesey sound, design and players quality. I play them beside owned US made Gibby, Fender and PRS stuff. Their in the PRS and Gibby master private build stuff quality range, for fractions of the price. Only gotta love the lush 50s Duesey designs. Some think over the top, I love them to death.😊😅😂❤

[@Ackdaddy100]

I have owned Gibsons fenders Ibanez Jackson you name it but by far the best quality guitar I have ever owned is my Duesenberg Starplayer TV well worth the money and outclasses anything else I’ve owned

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

For that price, there should be no nearly falling out screws or crappy trim paint, who do they think they are, Gibson?

[@patrickmaszun8906]

There is one decoration part missing. On the trem should be a black oval inlay with a D in it. I have never seen a Duesenberg in such a "bad" condition (at least in germany). I have the exact same model and love it.

[@Grayox]

Been watching for over a year, and i know you are primarily a collector, but your playing has improved so much since I first subscribed. Love your content, keep it up!

[@jefflemieux8890]

A lot of artists use Duesenberg in the studio…. Chris Cornell loved ‘em!

[@kevinoconnor2921]

You just convinced me NOT to buy one👍

[@mkaris1484]

Cornell playing them is what got me to buy one. And they are killer guitars.

[@PeterMoore350]

Mr Trogly. Austin. I’ve paused this at 1:44. I have the black version in a wish list on Reverb and Thomann. I’ll comment later if needed but WOW it’s stunning. Greetings from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@wocnwol6123]

Always good stuff Trogly, thanks for your hard work getting these videos posted. Re: stringing a Bigsby. They can be a PITA but it's easy to keep the ball end in place if you shove a rubber door wedge under it.

[@austinknowlton1783]

Last I knew Dusenberg also made a signature model for Mike Campbell. I'd argue that he's more legendary than a girl from Japan, all due respect.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I really like these guitars. If I was going to pay $4k for a guitar I would build my own or contact Highline Guitars.

[@mottmatt7844]

I assume that the price is like that because it's converted from Euro. Göldo is a German parts manufacturer btw. They are the company behind Duesenberg.

[@lazy_lefty]

The price might be a weird number because in germany, and most of europe, when they list a price it includes any taxes or fees, but in the US we have taxes added on to the listed price.

[@ronzinale]

Duesenberg Starplayers are great. The tones are versatile, with Fender scale neck, an humbucker for heavier rock and a sweet, sweet P90 on the neck. The tremolo is much more usable than a bigsby because the bridge moves slightly, and it stays in tune perfectly. A great guitar. It's a shame they don't make Nitro versions, but some colors are great (I don't like the one in the video, but it's just me).

[@fernandolopez3440]

I saw Dave Grohl playing one of these with Foo Fighters and also saw Chris Cornell using a black one with Soundgarden, didn't know the brand back then I had to investigate a little. So sad they're very expensive they really look and sound great live

[@ericsebena1734]

For the record, I bought a Duesenberg late 2022 and the authorized dealer that I got it from brand new did take my offer of a sizable discount (almost $800) so I'm not sure where that info about auth. dealers not being able to adjust pricing came from but my experience tells me otherwise. Great looking and sounding guitars. The binding all the way around on mine is quite flawed though (tv fullerton white). From a distance it looks great but up close if you really look, it's pretty all over the place. Otherwise a fantastic piece though.

[@BushidoPhoto]

Gretsch now uses string through Bigsby's on many of their new guitars. My new rosewood tenny has one!

[@brianritchie8920]

My ‘17 falcon has a string thru bigsby on it

[@Masterfighterx]

Can't forget the great Johnny Depp had a Signature Duesenberg. There seem to be some grey area around Duesenberg, some of their expensive are made in Korea while having the price of it should be made in Germany. For that price it's super sus that there isn't a stamp/sticker saying where the instrument was made. A lot of the bits and workmanship on the guitar looks like import to me too..

[@roddyrockstar]

yep that's what i don't like about this brand... they make you pay a lot of money for a guitar mainly done in Asia. They make good guitar there, but it's not worth the asking price (and i'm not the kind of guy to pay 3500USD for any guitar at all.)

[@cenjim]

The bodies are built in Croatia in a Duesenberg factory there. Not an Asian product at all. Once the bodies are completed, they are shipped to the Duesenberg factory in Germany for final assembly.

[@aznsensation44]

there's no proof they are made in Korea at all; it's just a bunch of hearsay on forums. Duesenberg has released videos showing their Croatia factory however. Nor does it matter where the parts really is made because at the end of the day the guitar is ASSEMBLED in Germany and that's all that is needed for anything to be labeled made in Germany.

[@aznsensation44]

@@roddyrockstar first of all it's a RUMOR that it's made in Asia, not confirmed by any sources at all. And secondly we have to get over what something 'should cost' based on where it's from. For example, iPhones are made in China and yet nobody says anything like they shouldn't cost $1k+ because they are made in China right?

[@Masterfighterx]

@@aznsensation44 For what you pay, they should not be a 2 part production like that and it should be very clear where it comes from. Electronics made in china is a bit different to instruments if you ask me, especially when it's not custom luthiers, because Eastman seems VERY good, whereas Epiphone competes with Korea, Mexico and Indonesia at the same price if not higher and tends to fall behind, both in some specs and f&f. And yet, there still tend to be differences in electronics made in china vs Japan/Korea.

[@nascargas]

I am an automobile enthusiast. I have been along with my love of music since my toddler days. I would sing along to Elvis songs playing on AM radio while sitti g in my highchair. That was the late 60s. My love of cars is just as deep. By age 5 I could accuratley name cars a quarter mile bejind our family station wagon on road trips. All that to say I see a definite corolation between these high end Duesenbergs and the high end art deco Duesenberg automobiles of the 1920s and 30s. While there is very little automobile design elements between the two, the connection is art deco design. The company crest would not look out of place as a hood ornament although the car did sport a winged creature. The clincher for me was when you mentioned the tail trem piece. Called the Duesenberg "Grill" that does sport a likeness of an automotive grill...put me over the edge to comment. Even though it looks more like an early BMW grill, the distingtion is there. I know you have zero intrest in automotive enthusiasm as you have mentioned in the past with car/hotrod themed Gibsons. This is just a distinction I have made....a quick check of wikipedia has backed up my ascertation in part. When Ron Wood opened his signature Duesenberg guitar, he called it a Doozey....the nickname of the legendary automobile. The website also showed the corrolation between the guitar company and the car company.

[@rexrathtar3893]

The plasters (band-aids) reminded me of a guitar I got fairly recently which also had an odd gift in the box: a kazoo. Kind of fun.

[@jeffwyatt7199]

Tom Boukavac has a signature model called the sessionman.. great reviews on those.

[@neurotic_punk]

There's a blues/rock singer/guitarist out of New Orleans named Eric Johanson. He rocked a couple of Duesenbergs when I saw him open for Kingfish. If you really want to see these guitars put to the test then go check him out.

[@B_Wolfen]

@7:44min the pot is branded Göldo. That is the parts/hardware brand of the same guy that founded Duesenberg, Atze Gölsdorf. I.e., you'll find Göldo parts retailed by Thomann

[@boyo3221]

Great Episode..would love to see more starplayers...especially the emerald green tiled one ! they are beautiful...but out of my price range sadly

[@ChrisTopherBunnell]

I got my Duesenberg Falken discounted, after I ordered it from Chicago Music Exchange and it came with damage, so I demanded a partial refund. After much hassle, Reverb forced them into an end price of $2500. I chose the Falken because it had FilterTron style pickups that are both coil tapped with individual switches.

[@CodyWolfeVevo]

To my ear it sounds different then any guitar I ever heard. Really really unique. Definitely can't get that sound out of a strat. Its like a tight chimey humbucker

[@michaelsuh5871]

Laminated tops are not “carved”-they’re pressed. You can refer to it as “arched” but it’s misleading to say “carved.”

[@johanngregory3499]

I’ve got a Deusenberg Star Player TV “ICE PEARL” which has a complete Mosaic Mother of Pearl face & matching headstock. P90 in the neck & a Humbucker in the bridge. One 1️⃣ exceptional added bonus is that my Deusenberg was PLEK’d at the factory. The first guitar I got out of the box and was ready to play. No adjustments needed! The step up was spectacular. Btw: I enjoy seeing the axes 🪓 🎸 🪓 😎✌🏻❤️⚡️💙☀️🌈🎶🎶🎶…may the music never stop …

[@ikigai47]

I have a Starplayer TV Phonic that was plek'd. Just like the one in this video. The setup wasn't bad but doesn't hold a candle to my cheap Yamaha Revstar Element which wasn't plek'd. Love the mosaic design on yours

[@leo42062]

this is a amazing sounding guitar that ring man its so good weird fact time there was a car made in the deco art period that was called a Duesenberg it was like this guitar once you seen one you just cant un see it it was gorgeous some folks might say its to flashy but speaking for myself i was a instant fanboy the Duesenberg car is featured on jay leno"s show thank to the buyer for sharing the new found treasure!

[@adrianr2312]

I've been curious about Duesenberg's! Great vid

[@Stuart_Cox1969]

Good looking guitar, case candy looks fantastic.

[@dorrianstone7264]

🎸 *Gibson LP + Fender Strat = **_Duesenberg SPTV_* Its got LP looks and pickups and Strat controls and scale length. I own a Dues Starplayer TV Outlaw (black gator skin). And now I want another, lol. LOVE THEM

[@fluxerflixer1]

I want the Tom Bukavac signature guitar. I’ve heard the tremolo system is extremely smooth and never goes out of tune. With German engineering you can never go wrong. They are pricey though. And yes, that headstock paint edge was a little disappointing. Thanks for the review!! I’ll now watch it.

[@drjsmajor]

I saw him in concert in Nashville recently. Buykavac played his Les Paul FAR more than he played his Duesenberg--Just for the record. Full disclosure it is a real 1958 Les Paul--but still played it more than his Duesenberg.

[@robstanton9215]

I think it’s pretty dang sharp!! Very impressive clear crisp tones!! I don’t think you’re being overly knit-picky at all about the trim and paint issues Austin. IMHO a $3600 guitar shouldn’t have ANY fit and finish issues. My Les Paul Classic was $1800 used and I haven’t found a blemish on it as far as factory mishaps are concerned. Love your show btw!!! Nate over at Sweetwater helped me out this past week and I threw your name out there as a referral. THANKS!! 👍🤠👍

[@chiquiabello4372]

You missed one of the greatest things about that Duesenberg trem system: the bridge is designed to rock back and forth with the trem action, keeping it in tune through completely animalistic wang bar movement while also preserving sustain that a roller bridge, with all its moving parts, would leak out. It's so well designed that you can take that bridge and trem and put it on a cheap guitar like an Epiphone or Harley Bento with stud adapters for the bridge, and it'll perform just as well, whammy wise.

[@nvs6177]

They've been super popular amongst church guitarists for close to 20 years now, mainly due to Nigel Hendroff from Hillsong. They're also pretty popular amongst country guitarists. They're a great alternative to a lot of the Gretsch models.

[@o0Bananaphone0o]

I am a very happy owner of a Starplayer TV Mike Campbell in that lovely dark green metallic. I love Mike Campbell I love Duesenbergs And I live 50 km from Hannover So there was no way of avoiding getting one 😁 Their build quality, playability and Sound is unmatched to me.

[@TheMarxist70]

Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam has played one for years. As well as Mike Campbell who has his own signature model from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

[@mkaris1484]

I own multiple LPs but I’m always picking up my Star Player. Guitar is a precision instrument. German guitar that’s like driving a BMW.

[@johnathanhurd3561]

I like that the pearl binding isn't the typical white, silvery, color if you will but more of an aged-looking, smokey, golden, color that matches the other gold appointments that are on the guitar. Which in turn kinda promotes those sorta vintage-style vibes the guitar expresses in its appearance. Cool guitar for sure.

[@giuseppeandrei2287]

Wow, US pricing is nuts. They're ~2800€ (~2995USD) here in Europe with taxes. I've also seen these discounted, so I'm not sure what the story is with that is They are wonderful and extremely consistent guitars. Every time I pick one up in a different store I know what it's going to play and sound like and that expectation is met. Once you pick one up, others will match the sound in your head which you've associated with the guitar. Also, one of the best trem systems out there :)

[@ironmikezero]

Re: the Duesenberg's Bigsby-like trem . . . nice fix. FWIW, higher-end Gretsch models (Pro Series) that have Bigsbys have had string-thru trem versions for several years now that eliminate the frustration of fitting the string ball-ends on those tiny posts--of course, you'd be in the same price neighborhood as the Duesenbergs.

[@frantisca]

Almost a home run, but for the neck profile. I had 2 Duesy: a Starplayer TV and a Senior 52. The latter is a D shaped neck, rolled on the edges, very comfy. The SPTV had to go cause I can't play thin necks. I regretted it, as it was a very fine guitar. Duesy's are very high quality guitars with a great tone.

[@V.Drouin]

I've owned a Duesenberg Starplayer TV Deluxe once and, without trying to be a downer, I was very disappointed by it. There were a lot of small QC issues here and there which wouldn't have been a problem if it wasn't for the price of it and the fact that the guitar, contrarily to a lot of things I read online, would not stay in tune. I've had a luthier look at it twice and he filed the nut properly (it wasn't from the factory) and did everything he could and it wouldn't stay in tune. The finish also felt very thick and plasticky, not at all comfortable on the neck, very sticky. You could also see that the cnc cut way to large the holes for the inlays so there was a lot of glue showing between the inlay and the rosewood. Also another big issue that I have with Duesenberg guitars is that they kinda try and sell it to you as a German made guitar whereas the actual woodworking part of the guitar is done overseas (the same korean factory that does Reverend, from what I understand) and part of the hardware is Japanese made. The guitar is finished, assembled and setup in Germany or California. Notice that in the guitar it says "Germany" everywhere but nowhere does it say "Made in". The sticker is only for a trademark which has nothing to do with the country of manufacture. This is not an issue in of itself, many great guitars come from Korea and Japan. The issue is they do this to cut down on the price but they sell you the guitar as a premium "Boutique" German product. I have played and owned many guitars and, to me, Duesenbergs are good 2400$ but here (Canada) they sell for 3900$ which is way overpriced for what it is sadly. I sold it, got a used PRS with the money and never looked back.

[@bricedavin1757]

Yes ! They look and sound high end, but they don’t feel so when played.

[@johnwhitmore4395]

I didn’t care for the sounds at first but the more you played the better it sounded , your a good player Mr. Trog

[@Time-Trvlr]

I think kerfing thin wood joints is a must.😊

[@smokintee117]

I would drop the bridge pickup and raise the neck pickup to even out the sound and keep them closer to the same volume.

[@SyrusEtube]

My Duesenberg Session Man is absolutely beautiful and has become the favorite guitar in my collection.

[@Marshallica]

I liked the binding inlay around the f hole. This was not too overboard on criticism trogly. You’re awesome.

[@duaneperkins8329]

Love the looks of the guitar! Really like the bridge pickup. Would really like to see a few more of the Duesenbergs.

[@Zwidawurzn]

Got a 2018 Caribou Stardust. These are incredible guitars with nice improvements over these well known brands, but you gotta live with having a messed up headstock binding on a guitar which is not exactly cheap... mine is messed up in a different way but still messed up. But i got used to the binding now it's by far my favorite 6-string guitar.

[@wadeguidry6675]

Slightly too decorative for my taste, but it's control layout is nice and simple and it sounds sweet. Check out the custom shop version of this guitar named Rusty Steel. It's like a slightly steam punk version of this.

[@vntg649]

Kudos for kicking it off with Stray Cats. Brian Setzer is one of my favorite guitarists.

[@koryleach9660]

Have you tried any of the Godin line?

[@alexh3153]

I’ve been waiting to see a good review of one of these, glad they’re in the us now, every one of the phonic models I saw for sale was in Europe

[@Zundfolge]

I flipped through their web site, the only thing I don't like is that they don't seem to have an option of a hardtail except for a couple of single pickup models.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

I've seen, heard and played (I think) one once and enjoyed the experience. It's pricey for me. Hence the reason now of making my own guitars. It would be easy to genive in and settle on any of the Indonesian guitars like, Cort, PRS SE, Thomlin's Harley Benton (especially their split-coils from Rosewell) and Amazon. There prices are lower than expected and the quality is higher than expected also. I bought one for my son a I played it for a few days and the only thing I found was no copper or electric paint and dial in best intonation. Frets were nicek and better than my acoustic guitars. I've got a lot of acoustic guitars. So if I wasn't making my own electric gui bextars and 5-string basses, I would be going Indonesian with Cort, PRS SE and I'd love to try their 50watt head and my JBL-D123E and my 2130 JBL? I would also like to try Specter and Ibanez. But for now, I got wood from 20 years ago and have 12 instruments will be done or one one. Either way I will finish 1 to all 12.

[@PeterMoore350]

Great review trogly. I’m so glad that you were to do this because you show us stuff on your workbench that we wouldn’t normally get to see. I remember that Ibanez Pia tear down you did which was extremely valuable to me coz I have the Sun Dew Gold Pia and of your channel I know what to do should i need to. This Starplayer ? Beautiful and they another model called the TV+ which has a piezo pickup. That’s the one I want. One day 😂 Greetings from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@mhmoretti]

I have a Starplayer TV Blue Sparkle and the same Phonic you are reviewing. They are great guitars.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Totally drop dead gorgeous Dusenberg Starplayer. But comes with annoyingly disappointing finish errors it should not for the price and reputation. P94 style neck pup doesn't quit pull off the P90 tone, maybe due to 250k pot, or maybe inherent design features of the pickup. That's not a problem if you're not expecting something and is upgradeable.

[@marmelaki]

I can't say enough about my Duesenberg Starplayer TV+ - it's a great guitar in all aspects. One thing that maybe Austin didn't spend much time on, is the tremolo system which -unlike a Bigsby - stays in tune no matter what you do to it. And it's smooth like butter. I'm glad Trogly's Guitar Show finally caught on to the D craze 🙂

[@goodcopbadcop9872]

I have about 8 or so Bigsby equipped guitars of all kinds and they all stay perfectly in tune. Matter of fact, I just pulled out a MIJ Gretsch 6120 that blows this guitar away in every category (except the mismatched radius bridge) and it was in tune and stays there when I play. Set up is key to making Bigsbys stay in tune (or just about any guitar really).

[@tucki666]

These are killer guitars! I "only" have the solidbody "special" with a trem fitted later. Awesome tones, use it for jazz. You must have got a "monday" model, mine absolutely flawless!