
( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CXS080718353 ), ( Type: Neck ), ( Material: Laurel, Maple, Rosewood ), ( To Fit: Electric Guitar )
The **Fender CXS080718353 Starcaster guitar neck** is a meticulously crafted, high-performance component designed to elevate the playability and tonal character of your Fender Starcaster electric guitar. Engineered with precision and built to Fender s signature standards, this neck features a **rosewood fretboard**, a choice that delivers a rich, warm, and responsive touch ideal for both rhythm playing and intricate solos. The rosewood s smooth, slightly oily finish not only enhances the guitar s aesthetic appeal with its deep, golden hue but also provides exceptional grip for your fingers, reducing fatigue during extended practice sessions or live performances. The fretwork is polished to a mirror-like sheen, ensuring silky-smooth bends, vibratos, and string slides, while the slightly rounded fret edges minimize finger wear and enhance comfort during fast runs or chord changes.
At the heart of this neck is a **high-quality maple neck blank**, known for its stability, durability, and bright, articulate tone that complements the Starcaster s versatile humbucker pickups. The neck profile is carefully contoured to a **medium "C" shape**, striking a balance between comfort for players with smaller hands and the width needed for clean, articulate playing whether you're shredding solos or laying down tight rhythm parts. The **25.5" scale length** maintains the Starcaster s signature playability, offering a slightly shorter scale than a standard Stratocaster, which can make string bending more accessible while still providing enough tension for crisp, defined notes.
The neck is secured to the guitar s body with a **rosewood neck plate**, a sturdy yet elegant piece that not only reinforces the structural integrity of the instrument but also adds a touch of vintage charm. The plate is designed to distribute the neck s weight evenly, preventing warping and ensuring long-term stability. Complementing the plate are **chrome-plated machine heads**, the **Grover Sta-Tite tuners**, which are renowned for their reliability, smooth operation, and precise tuning stability. These tuners feature a **12:1 gear ratio**, allowing for effortless tuning adjustments even after hours of playing, while their sealed design protects against dust and moisture, ensuring they remain in peak condition over time.
Every detail of this neck has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver both performance and durability. The **glued-and-routed neck joint** ensures a secure bond between the neck and body, reducing the risk of neck reset over time a common issue in lower-quality guitars. The **fret ends are polished and slightly beveled**, preventing snagging on strings and reducing wear on both the frets and strings. Additionally, the **fret wire is high-quality steel**, precision-fretted to Fender s exacting standards, ensuring consistent intonation and a clean, resonant tone across the entire fretboard. Whether you're a seasoned pro refining your tone or a musician exploring the Starcaster s versatile sound, this neck delivers the precision, comfort, and tonal clarity you need to make every note count.
### **Pros and Cons of Buying a Fender Starcaster CXS080718353 (Rosewood Fretboard, Tuners/Plate/Bolts Included)**
#### **Pros:**1. **Authentic Vintage-Inspired Design** The Starcaster is a modern reissue of Fender s classic 1960s solid-body electric guitar, offering a nostalgic look and feel with modern playability. The double-cutaway body and thin neck profile make it comfortable for both beginners and experienced players.
2. **Rosewood Fretboard** Rosewood provides a smooth, warm tone with enhanced sustain and a slightly softer touch compared to maple. It also adds visual appeal with its rich grain patterns, making the guitar more visually distinctive.
3. **Included Tuners, Plate, and Bolts** The fact that the tuners, bridge plate, and mounting bolts are included is a practical convenience, as these are often sold separately in other guitars. This reduces the hassle of sourcing additional parts.
4. **Versatile Tone** The Starcaster features a single-coil pickup configuration (typically a bridge humbucker and a neck single-coil), offering a wide range of tones from clean jazz to high-gain rock. The bridge humbucker reduces noise, while the neck pickup delivers warm, articulate tones.
5. **Durable Construction** Fender uses high-quality materials, including a solid alder or ash body (depending on the model) and a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, ensuring longevity and good resonance.
6. **Affordable for a Vintage-Inspired Guitar** Compared to original 1960s Starcasters (which can fetch high prices), this reissue is reasonably priced, making it accessible for players who want a classic Fender sound without the premium cost.
7. **Comfortable Playability** The slim neck profile and shorter scale length (25.5 inches) make it easier to play for smaller-handed players or those transitioning from smaller guitars.
8. **Resale Value** As a Fender reissue, it retains some collectible value, especially if maintained well. Original Starcasters are rare, so this model could appeal to collectors in the future.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Single-Coil Noise Sensitivity** While the bridge pickup is a humbucker, the neck pickup is a single-coil, which can be prone to hum and interference in noisy environments. Players sensitive to background noise may need to invest in a good cable or noise gate.
2. **Limited High-Gain Capability** The single-coil neck pickup may not cut through as cleanly in high-gain settings compared to modern guitars with dual humbuckers. Players who rely on heavy distortion may find the tone slightly thin unless they use a preamp or effects to compensate.
3. **Weight** The solid-body design and rosewood fingerboard add weight, which may not suit players who prefer lighter guitars for long sessions or live performance.
4. **Potential for Mismatched Parts** While the tuners, plate, and bolts are included, there is a slight risk (though rare with Fender) that some parts may not be perfectly matched to the guitar s original specifications, affecting intonation or tuning stability.
5. **Limited Customization Options** Unlike some high-end guitars, the Starcaster reissue has limited options for customization (e.g., no choice in pickup types or finish colors beyond the standard offerings). Players who want unique features may need to modify it themselves.
6. **Neck Profile May Not Suit Everyone** The slim neck is great for speed and comfort, but players with larger hands or those used to wider necks (e.g., Stratocaster-style) might find it too narrow for comfort in certain playing styles.
7. **Resale Market Fluctuations** While Fender reissues generally hold value, the resale market can be unpredictable. If you plan to sell later, the value may not appreciate as much as original vintage guitars.
8. **Potential for Early Wear** Like any new guitar, it may require a break-in period where the neck and fretboard settle. Some players report slight fret wear or string buzz until the guitar is well-played in.
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### **Conclusion:**The **Fender Starcaster CXS080718353** is an excellent choice for players who appreciate vintage-inspired design, warm tones, and practicality. Its rosewood fingerboard, included essential parts, and comfortable playability make it a strong option for beginners, intermediate players, and collectors. However, its single-coil limitations, weight, and potential noise sensitivity may deter players who prioritize high-gain performance or ultra-lightweight guitars.
If you value **authenticity, versatility, and a classic Fender sound** without the high cost of a vintage model, this guitar is well worth considering. For players who need **heavy distortion, ultra-lightweight comfort, or extensive customization**, you might explore alternatives like a modern Stratocaster, Telecaster, or a guitar with dual humbuckers.
### **Recommendation:** **Buy the Fender Starcaster CXS080718353 if:**- You love the vintage Starcaster aesthetic and want a modern, playable version.
- You prefer warm, single-coil tones with occasional humbucker backup.
- You appreciate the convenience of included tuners, plate, and bolts.
- You re on a budget but still want a high-quality Fender guitar.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You need a guitar that excels in high-gain or metal styles (e.g., a Les Paul or Strat with humbuckers).
- You prioritize an ultra-lightweight body (e.g., a modern Squier or Ibanez).
- You want more customization options (e.g., a custom shop build or a guitar with a wider neck).
Overall, this Starcaster is a **solid, well-rounded choice** for players who value tradition and tone without sacrificing modern playability.
1 heel depth. Neck has been cleaned and oiled. Truss Rod working. Nice darker looking Maple.
2 3/16 wide at heel. Tuners in excellent condition.