Duesenberg Starplayer TV, silver sparkle, made in Germany in 2000. It's fair to say this one turns a few heads... it looks amazing. This is a pretty early example of Duesenberg's iconic Starplayer TV, so it's got the first version of their trem and some minor electronic differences, but it's otherwise pretty similar to the current offering. I've heard talk that pre-2005 Dues stuff is made entirely in Germany, whereas later offerings use woodwork from Korea, so it's cool to nab an early one if you can. The silver sparkle has yellowed with age to a gorgeous champagne light gold, which paired with the art deco styling and cool little details makes for a very alluring aesthetic. The tone has that Duesenberg hi-fidelity 'ping' to it: there's a certain bell-like clarity on offer, a piquant defined top end and excellent note-separation that ensures your parts will sit perfectly on top of the mix. The bridge pickup has a lovely snarling, creamy growl to it with a dose of gain too, it's a lot of fun. The neck is moderate in shape, similar to a Gibson slim sixties profile but with a more definite taper as you go up the neck; it sits in the hands comfortably and the lightweight semi-hollow body adds to the ease. The original case is MIA, but it's otherwise in pretty swell shape for a twenty year old guitar. Dues-enberg Ex Machina, right?

Model: Duesenberg Starplayer TV
Made: Germany, 24 Aug 2000 (serial 000549)
Finish: silver sparkle top, trans-black burst back and sides
Body: laminate spruce top, laminate flame maple back and sides, semi-hollow centre block style
Neck: USA rock maple, Indian rosewood board
Weight: 3.610kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Duesenberg GrandVintage humbucker and Domino P90 single coil
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few little dimples on the top horn, back edge and along the centre line, as well as widespread light scuffs. The sides have minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front doesn't show marks very easily, but there's a couple of dimples around the back edge and in the elbow area, a corner missing from the guard and some standard play scuffs on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear but appear to be recently dressed, levelled and polished, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.