hello everyone my name is jason.. im a new at playing..i have played a takamine g-240 accoustic guitar for a few years and just recently was lucky enough to get a electric for christmas... my question is about my electric...its a fender starcaster?...made in china!! it seems to have a humm or buzz to it.. i noticed people putting different pickups in them.. what shld i do to upgrade the components in the guitar.... and the guitar cable doesnt seem to be very good either.. thanks everyone for any comments that you have

and is it considered a strat???

If I'm not mistaken, Starcasters have a S/S/S config (however, I hear there's a new "Rockband" edition guitar that is H/S/S.). Single coils, by nature, are noisy. You can switch to position 2 or 4 (turning two of the pickups kind of into a humbucker sorta thing), which will take away a LOT of buzz.

As far as upgrading...well...if you're just starting out, you may quit later on. A lot of people do. Its not always entirely wise to invest so much money into a starter guitar. Not saying that quitting is inevitable, you may go on with it for the rest of your life. But for now, its a good idea to well...not worry about tone so much (although if you do worry about it, you can always shoot for a Squier or a MiM Strat, if you have the money).

As far as the cable goes, just go out and get a new one. A new cable costs about $15-$20. $30 for a good armored one.

Hope that helps.

thanks for the reply..

Sorry to say that it needs to say "Stratocaster" on it for that. But, regardless you got yourself a good starter guitar. I would not go crazy modifying it. You'd be much better served using that money to save up for a classic-vibe Squier Strat or (ideally) a Fender MIM standard Strat. But, yeah, sounds like you need a new cord.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

Fender says it's a strat. Good enough for me.

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Ignorance IS bliss - and I am the happiest person here!

thanks again for the replies... ya i was wondering if it was considered a stratocaster... the package said strat on it.. but no where did it ever say stratocster... and honestly everyone wants a stratocaster...lol.. but for now this is what i have and have to work with.. i love playing guitar.. i never ben much in to video games or anything like that.. i use to play sax.. for a few years when i was in school.. oh about 15yrs ago..lol.. but since i picked up guitar i have not ben able to set it down.. is what i am gathering from the people who replied is to just enjoy playing and save money to get a better made strat when i am ready to move to the next level... me i wanna play like eddie van halen or jimmy hendrix or eric clapton, etc there are so many good guitarist out there.. its very tuf to say who i like the best.... gotta long way to go!!! lol... thanks everyone

I don't know if the Starcaster has a RWRP middle pickup. If it doesn't, then positions 2 and 4 will not be quieter than the other positions.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

You do indeed get hum canceling in positions 2 and 4 on a Starcaster...

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Ignorance IS bliss - and I am the happiest person here!

The Starcaster is a very entry level "Strat Copy" made by Fender. Yes it looks like a Stratocaster but the pickups, pots, and hardware are low quality compared to the other guitars Fender produces.

If you decide to keep it you will definately be upgrading almost all of the "guts" It's not a bad starter guitar so enjoy it. Plus you can have fun modifying it with better pickups and pots.

Welcome to the boards little brother

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

The Fender Starcaster is considered a Stratocaster-type guitar but not a Fender "Stratocaster". It is a Starcaster Strat. It is an entry level guitar for the 100 to 150 dollar price range. In my opinion it has the same quality as a low-end Squire.

They are good to learn the basics on. As you learn and grow, your guitar should grow with you and I hate to say it, this one will not the way it is out of the box. If you really love the feel of the neck and body, it may be worth it to you to eventually do mods on, otherwise save your money for a higher end Squire, MIM Fender, or even better a MIA Fender.

Have fun learning and we'll see you around.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Hey Jason,
The most important thing to remember is that you have a begining interest in Electric Guitars, and this Starcaster is a good start for entry level players. I also agree with the comment about NOT sinking alot of your money into upgrading your Starcaster, if your interest is in just learning about how to UPGRADE your Starcaster for better performance, it is fine, because you can always CHANGE the UPGRADED STRATOCASTER PARTS, on a better quality Stratocaster. As for the cord, get a good Cord, they are NOT that expensive, and always usable, you even might want to get 1 with Gold Connectors. Good Luck, and remember, you have a start that I hope will develope into a Life Long love for Music, and of course, a love for STRATOCASTERS, ROCK ON DUDE.

Yeah I just re-read my post...little harsh on Starcasters, not my intention. Have fun with it. It is a good guitar to learn on for playing and modding.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

thanks everyone, you all rock!!!!! thanks for all the comments.... alot different exsperience than i had at the local music store.. they practically ran me out.. treated me like a total dumbass.. ya i am going to play this guitar until i get into the position to upgrade.. i dont know what it is but i just love the sound and the feeling i get when i play my guitar.. it may not be a delux or custom or a high end guitar... but to me when i pick it up..it feels like it is to me.. proly cus i dont know better..... lol.... thanks everyone!!!!!!!

" i dont know what it is but i just love the sound and the feeling i get when i play my guitar.. it may not be a delux or custom or a high end guitar... but to me when i pick it up..it feels like it is to me"

Thats all that matters dude.
Welcome to the forum.