Orange Amps Forum

Hello Everyone,

So I'm slightly jonzin for a Duesenberg Dragster. I'm a big LPJ style fan and stumbled upon this model about a year back. Anyhow, I'm looking at picking up a new guitar as it's been a while since my last one.

Anyone have any experience with more recent Duesenberg guitars? There is some drama going around online about them being made in Korea even though they have a pretty high price tag and claim to me German made. I could care less where a guitar is made as long as the quality/fit/finish is top tier.

Thanks guys.

Boy_Narf wrote:Hello Everyone,

So I'm slightly jonzin for a Duesenberg Dragster. I'm a big LPJ style fan and stumbled upon this model about a year back. Anyhow, I'm looking at picking up a new guitar as it's been a while since my last one.

Anyone have any experience with more recent Duesenberg guitars? There is some drama going around online about them being made in Korea even though they have a pretty high price tag and claim to me German made. I could care less where a guitar is made as long as the quality/fit/finish is top tier.

Thanks guys.

I briefly owned their lower end starplayer special model. Solid body single cutaway model.

1) they look fantastic
2) effortless to play - really well made and designed guitars. The neck is 12" radius, a big plus for me
3) the sound.... Was Something else to what I'm used to but very good. Warm, but plenty of high end and sparkle, lower output than traditional humbuckers. Really plenty of jangle, but not as thick or chunky sounding as a LP.

I wish I still had the one I had. Since then duesenberg us constantly on my ebay and Gumtree watch list. One day.... I will own one again.....

Just looked at the Dragster, looks very interesting.

I would look to try before you buy though if you can.

Oh yea for sure on the trying thing.

I was so pumped to get a PRS Mira S2 when they came out. Picked it up and within 5 seconds knew I hated it. Glad I didn't order one sight unseen.

I really want a Duesenberg Black Hole Sun. Oh the price!!!!

I have two of them - both Starplayer Specials. Amazing guitars - they practically play themselves (very handy) even though they're on the heavy side, I don't mind the weight.

I definitely have to say they sound unique yet familiar at the same time. Unlike a PRS which sounds like generic nothing, the Doozy's have a great sound! And the Starplayer Specials are pretty affordable compared to the other models....

Here's mine:

^^^^^^Wow^^^^^ serious guitar porn

Lama wrote:^^^^^^Wow^^^^^ serious guitar porn

I could add some more.....

That's the one I had, same as Billy's black one.




I still regret selling it.
It played and sounded as good as it looks!!!!

Whether or not they lie about where they are made... still beautiful instruments. Just a shame I can't order then decide. There is only one Dusey supplier in my area and if you order it you are taking it home. I don't find how a guitar sounds as important as how it feels as I'm positive for the prices these go for in NA, they sound wicked.

So I've heard online that they are not very LP ish, they have their own kind of twangy/jangly thing going on. Do you folks think they sound more like a Tele?

An old guitar player I used to know had two of the star players. One solid, one hollow. I remember them feeling amazing to play, but he paid a small fortune to get them imported to Canada (before we had any suppliers in our area).

Boy_Narf wrote:Whether or not they lie about where they are made... still beautiful instruments. Just a shame I can't order then decide. There is only one Dusey supplier in my area and if you order it you are taking it home. I don't find how a guitar sounds as important as how it feels as I'm positive for the prices these go for in NA, they sound wicked.

So I've heard online that they are not very LP ish, they have their own kind of twangy/jangly thing going on. Do you folks think they sound more like a Tele?

An old guitar player I used to know had two of the star players. One solid, one hollow. I remember them feeling amazing to play, but he paid a small fortune to get them imported to Canada (before we had any suppliers in our area).

Yeah, they are not particularly heavy sounding guitars, nice jangle, lovely highs, fantastically articulate and defined.

One of the delimna I had about mine was that it didn't quite fit some of the materials I've written which is heavier rock stuff. That said, a pick up swap would have sorted that. The specific pick ups in the starplayer special are fairly low output pick ups.

Low output humbuckers eh? I'm wondering how the P90's sound.

I'm really liking the look of SG esq Dragster with the oil and wax finish.



I doubt the finish will last long though.

The red one is nice too,



Does seem like the red model has been discontinued on the German site. I'm also not sure if it's only the natural one with the oil/wax finish, or both of the SG esq models. I've already got a LPJ in TV yellow, so I'm looking to get something a bit different.

Ok... so I was working off prices from a few years back around $1800 for the Dragster. Now they are $2500CAD. OH MY GOODNESS! Yea um, I might actually have to pass on one of these guys until I can find a used one.

Yes, they are very pricey things indeed.

A shame, isn't it? That red one is just about as sexy as anything!!!!

Just realised my black picture needs to be updated since I out a black pickguard on it...

I bought both of mine used on ebay. Paid about $1100 and $1200 for them. Not horribly expensive but the Starplayer Specials are definitely the cheaper of the bunch.

Yea used would be wonderful if I can ever find one.