Introduced in 1956 alongside the Musicmaster model equipped with a single pickup, the Fender Duo Sonic served as the company's designated twin pickup student guitar. It featured a shorter 22 1/2" scale length and a stripped-back design. The unique pickup configuration and shorter scale have contributed to the Duo Sonic's enduring popularity, offering a relatively affordable entry point into vintage guitars from Fender's golden era.
This 1959 Duo Sonic is a great example of a player grade, pre-CBS slab board version of the model. Constructed with a slab Alder body and a maple neck featuring a Rosewood fingerboard, this is unfortunately missing its pencil neck date. The original pots, pickups and wiring loom are present and correct, with the original brown pickup covers used this year. The white pickguard, threaded saddle top-loading bridge, and all other hardware remain original and are in good condition.
This guitar has previously been refinished at least twice, and is now sporting a black refin. Remnants of a previous refinish remain, which must have encompassed the rear of the neck and headstock, with areas of gold sparkle finish still visible although the vast majority of it has been removed. This guitar also includes a later Fender short scale hard case.
As with all vintage instruments, this 1959 Fender Duo Sonic has been given a full service and appraisal by the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
