Created by legendary Fender designer Gene Fields in 1976, the Starcaster was conceived as a competitor to Gibson’s popular ES 335 line. It was manufactured for only a few years, it’s true excellence appreciated years later by bands such as Radiohead, prompting Fender to re-issue a similar design. However the construction quality, finish and sound of the original puts the reissues to shame. This instrument is 100% original, missing only the small bracket which attaches the pickguard to the side of the guitar. The original pickguard (with serial number stickers) is included. (I will include a replacement bracket designed for the re-issue Starcaster.) The control knobs are the rare solid black type, rather that the more common silvered ones (they match the knobs shown in Tony Bacon’s official “50 Years’s Of Fender Guitars” book). The combination of the serial number and control knobs suggests it was probably manufactured in 1976.Cosmetic Condition: Super cool vintage vibe – a few minor nicks, chips, dings; surface scratches & light finish blemishes. As shown in the photos. This guitar has been well looked after, but played! Its in excellent shape for its age.Neck: Maple neck & fingerboard with black dot inlays. 25.5” scale. Frets show some wear, but have plenty of life in them. Fender-logo chrome tuners in perfect working condition. Truss rod is in good working condition & neck is straight.Body: Offset, semi-hollow, flame maple body with dual F-holes. Arched top & back with multiple binding. High-mass, string-thru bridge with adjustable saddles. 3-ply black pickguard.Pickups: Fender “Seth Lover” wide range humbuckers. Dual volume & tone controls; master volume; 3-way toggle switch.Playability / Sound: Nice action - neck plays well & feels very comfortable. Awesome humbucker tones!Case: Original hardshell case included. PLEASE NOTE: It’s fully functional and does a fine job of protecting the instrument, but it’s extremely road worn externally as you can see from the photos. The side-back join is completely worn through in several places (esp near the head) and the handle is attached with zip ties. This gorgeous and rare instrument has acquired some real vintage mojo over the years and probably has some stories to tell. It looks great, feels great, sounds great and deserves to be played!This is a private sale and I'm offering this vintage guitar for well below book value - don't miss out!