Duesenberg Starplayer TV, orange, made in Germany 2008. What a treat! I was very pleased to score this for the shop, it's been too long since we had an SPTV through. The Starplayer launched in the late 90s and is Duesenberg's most iconic model. You get an arched spruce top paired with a flame maple back and sides, with a centre-block for sustain in an approximately LP-sized body with a classy F hole on the top side. They do some hectic finishes: this Gretsch-style orange is pretty gaudy, but it's one of their more understated options. The original cream pickguard has been swapped for the gold sparkle example, which I am a big fan of. This looks like a million bucks, it's jam packed with swagger. The neck is a comfy rounded C shape, which paired with the lightweight body makes for a comfy, ergonomic feel. The tuners and trem are really nicely done too, so it holds tune better than a Bigsby and is easier to re-string to boot. This has the Dues classic hi-fi 'ping': it's clear as day, but with a lovely rounded juicy body to balance it out. If you mixed the snappy attack of a Gretsch Duo Jet with the calm clarity of a PRS Custom 24, that would be pretty close. Germans doing it better as per usual. 

Model: Duesenberg Starplayer TV
Made: Germany, 17 Dec 2008 (serial 086829)
Finish: transparent orange, trans-black burst back and sides, gloss poly
Body: laminate spruce top, laminate flame maple back and sides, semi-hollow centre block style
Neck: USA rock maple, Indian rosewood board
Weight: 3.420kg
Mods: guard replaced, original cream guard included
Pickups: Duesenberg GrandVintage humbucker and Domino P90 single coil
Case: Duesenberg deluxe hard case, inc docs

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of minor dimples on the end and some light scuffs on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs and rub wear on the back only. The back has some dimples in the middle of the body and near the edge on the top horn, as well as some light scuffs on the bottom horn, bottom edge and elbow area, no major marks. The sides have some light scuffs on the top horn and elbow area and some dimples near the jack. The front has some very light scuffs around the bridge and some play wear 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. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.