Fender Duo Sonic Electric Guitar 2: A Forgotten Classic

In the 1960s, Fender revolutionized the electric guitar market with its iconic models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. However, amidst these legends, a lesser-known gem emerged – the Fender Duo-Sonic II. This student-level solid-body electric guitar, released in mid-1964, boasts an impressive list of features that make it a standout among its peers.

The Fender Duo-Sonic II was designed to be a more affordable alternative to Fender's high-end models, with interchangeable components with the new Mustang. Assembled at Fullerton, California, this 1966 model boasts a rich Daphne Blue lacquer finish, an alder body, and a maple neck adorned with a rosewood fingerboard.

One of the most notable features of the Duo-Sonic II is its string-through body-mounted bridge, which provides a more solid feel than the tremolo-equipped Mustang. This design also allows for improved tuning stability, making it easier to maintain perfect pitch during performances. The guitar's two pickups offer interesting in/out of phase sonic options, similar to the Mustang, allowing players to experiment with unique tones.

Despite its impressive features and playability, the Duo-Sonic II often gets overlooked in favor of more popular models like the Mustang. However, this 1966 example showcases the guitar's potential as a fine-playing, light, and handy instrument. With its original grey hard shell case, this Fender Duo-Sonic II is an excellent representation of the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.

The neck of this guitar bears a date stamp of March 1966, just over a year into the CBS era. This period saw significant changes in Fender's production techniques and design philosophies, which ultimately influenced the development of future models.

In conclusion, the Fender Duo-Sonic II is a remarkable guitar that deserves recognition for its unique features, playability, and historical significance. While it may not be as well-known as some of Fender's other iconic models, this 1966 example proves that sometimes the most overlooked guitars can be the most rewarding to play.

Fender duo sonic electric guitar 2