More on my 1959 Fender Duo Sonic
This baby was first introduced to us in mid 1956, the original Duosonic (two pickups) were Fender’s 3/4 size, student model, 22.5″ short scale beginners guitars.
With the switch in the middle position, the two pickups are in series, giving a humbucking pickup type sound. These short scale student models were made to the same high quality standards and materials that Fender used for its more expensive models. For this reason, Duo-Sonics are very well made.
In late 1964 both models moved to second generation, coinciding with the introduction of the Mustang. A buddy of mind, Serge Roy of Brantford has one of these puppies! The “II” designation was then added to the DuoSonic and MusicMaster names. These models are more like the Mustang (except the Mustang has a vibrato), than the original DuoSonic/MusicMaster models. The differences in the new generation were in the body shape, pickguard, and electronics.
It was available with either a 22.5″ or 24″ scale, but is most often found with the longer scale. The 24″ scale Duo-Sonic II, Musicmaster II, and Mustang of the September 1965 to October 1966 period are sometimes found with a slab rosewood fingerboard, usually of Indian rosewood.
Some Fender experts today speculate that the slab board necks were leftovers from 1962 Jaguars. Don’t tell Serge about this one,ok?
No matter what is said about this vintage instrument the only thing that matters is how it plays and sounds. I am truly blessed by having this little gem of a guitar and I know that. If you ever get the opportunity to play a 1959 Fender Duo Sonic you will know what I mean and remember this post!
Keep on Jammin’
May 16th, 2009 at 12:01 am
[...] a number of classic guitars in my collection and each one has a unique sound quality to them. My 1959 Fender Duo Sonic has 2 lovely single coil pick ups. Using both pick ups together, the pick up selector in the middle [...]
October 31st, 2010 at 6:26 pm
[...] My electric Fender Duo-sonic, just like Jimi’s, is a short scale (sometimes referred to as a student model) electric guitar. Anyone who has ever played it raves about it. The neck is made of rosewood and very small (great for all you speed freak guitarists out there), ultra light and the single coil pick ups are tailor fit to obtain that ultimate funky sound! Another great guitarist who owns one is my high school mentor Scott Merrit. I stupidly sanded mine down while Scott cut out this neat hole in the upper part of the guitar that he used as a handle, it is really neat! [...]