I didn't know this Fender EXISTED?! | Friday Fretworks

A closer look at a somewhat forgotten point in Fender's history; the Duo Sonic!
My Line 6 Helix Preset: www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk/helix-preset.html
Tabs & Backing Tracks: www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk/tablature.html
PayPal Tip Jar: www.paypal.com/paypalme/ChrisBuckGuitar
Key points:
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - JAM!
1:07 - What is a Duo Sonic?
1:48 - MusicMaster and Duo Sonic
2:02 - Is it really three quarter sized?
2:36 - The Duo Sonic's features
3:05 - Introduction/changes to its design
3:30 - What does it sound like?
4:00 - The Mustang!
4:35 - Famous Duo Sonic players
4:54 - The Reissue!
5:33 - My lack of an Offset...
6:24 - JAM!
Hey! My name's Chris Buck and I'm a musician from South Wales, United Kingdom. Thank you for checking out Friday Fretworks! As the name suggests, there's a new video every Friday. If you haven't already, please subscribe and if you have, it'd be lovely if you came to say hello on Facebook and Instagram as well. Links below!
ChrisBuckGuitar
ChrisBuckGuitar
BuckandEvans
www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk

[@haus05]

my god are you a DISGUSTINGLY amazing guitarist ..... makes me just floored every time i see you play man! Such talent !!! massive fan!

[@Stringwar]

It hurts doesn't it...hoping to sell my soul to the devil in exchange for this kind of talent.

[@Edwarbr]

I know right...I will never let him play my guitars, because they will ask for a divorce.

[@michaelmadron8654]

How many hours did it take to reach this point ?

[@myriad860]

+1

[@swizacx715]

Your playing is just amazing, putting 99% of shredders to shame, including me. A lots of feeling and outstanding dynamic in playing.

[@sandervisser790]

smoothly breaking strings @ 0:59

[@user-rc3pc1jy2p]

Crap... Haven't noticed it until this comment

[@lueymeteora1410]

The show Must Go On!

[@MarcoTav18]

Damn that was smooth. Wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't read your comment!

[@SarahEHowson]

I got a Capri Orange Duo Sonic in a clearance sale and I honestly can't believe how amazing they are. It's so good that there's a major focus on them at the moment because they're deserving of more recognition.

[@thomasmorelli9271]

I have a 1957 Fender Duosonic, I bought in 1968 when I was 11 years old from a neighbor. I played in bands for years. Still have it but it stays home now, my 1972 Telecaster and '86 Strat go on the road with me. Glad to see reissued!

[@switchbacksentence1244]

That first clip! Your phrasing is something else!!

[@stevesoldwedel]

So tasty.

[@teaheadQ]

Hendrix and Trucks all in the same line, unbelievable groove.

[@EKdlwoasred]

@@teaheadQ exactly what I thought

[@Linkmohr12]

Always like the gear, but the music draws me here.

[@laurifinlandia]

fun little fact: the word "offset" refers to the non-symmetrical waist curves on guitars like mustang, jaguar and jazzmaster. however, if you look at the waist on the duo-sonic, you'll see that the wais is symmetrical, thus technically making it not offset.

[@chrisshaw6451]

OMG Chris! You could make a broken umbrella sound epic if you put strings on it, FABULOUS! 👍♥️

[@gregbrown3185]

Just witnessed what you did with this guitar on Cardinal Black new tune Jump In! Now I must have one! Thanks Chris

[@josebarberena9564]

What a joy is it to listen to this guy's playing. It's phenomenal. I hate myself for not subscribing here long ago

[@pipotherium]

the 24 in scale is so comfortable

[@slacktoryrecords4193]

Liz Phair famously played a yellowed Olympic White Duo-Sonic II (the Mustang-style one, minus the Mustang’s Dynamic vibrato) and a Dakota Red Musicmaster in the 90s.

[@rstuartcpa]

I had a '64 Duo Sonic II and I think the scale was 24". I regret selling it every day. One thing I wish Fender had kept from the original was the two three-way switches above the pickups. This allowed a couple of combinations that were out-of-phase that sound even more quacky and quirky than positions two and four on a five-way pickup selector on a Strat. Also a couple of in-phase positions which were "humbucking."

[@seansyw143]

I love the desert sand/anodized pickguard/maple fretboard look

[@stevencowan1788]

I honestly look forward to these friday fretworks mate 🤟🏻

[@TorToroPorco]

I wasn’t quite to sure what to make of the guitar’s tonality relative to all the other choices Fender offers especially if you include the Squier range. Then Chris ends the video with a tasteful stylish jam and all my doubts melt away. Lovely mocha color, I like the way it matches the tint of the neck.

[@shagradauyo]

That outro using the middle position was gold, sweet sounds Chris!

[@AnkurWow]

Chris, that’s the best I’ve ever heard you play. Can’t wait to see where you’ll be 5 or 10 more years and beyond...!!

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

Man how I look forward to Friday Fretworks. It's always great to hear something new from you...

[@michaelbrooks5178]

That intro alone was worth the admission! Stellar.

[@JP-ch3hn]

Great playing! It kept tune through the string break nicely.

[@farangkinok]

can't keep my eyes off your right hand Chris, fantastic stuff !

[@johnhbox7767]

Hooray it's Friday... have a lovely weekend everybody

[@crispysyd9190]

It is a cool guitar, but anything in your hands is going to be fantastic.

[@dobster5819]

I wish it was Friday everyday. Your playing is wonderful.

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

Nice bit of history coupled with superb playing, a win win.

[@pepecardenasmusic4226]

I have 2 duo sonics, 3 mustangs, and 1 musicmaster bass, love this guitars, I want a Musicmaster guitar in my collection

[@dsilva70]

Bought one today after seeing this video. The exact same model. Love it to pieces. Thanks Chris. You’re awesome.

[@Mandobird1]

I've got the 2008 Squier Classic Vibe re-issue. Still my favourite axe.

[@hanskung3278]

I have watched alot of vids about the duo sonic, this is the first one where someone plays lead, I always wondered why no one jammed on the duo sonic, sounds s great, thanks.

[@smithersjones7541]

Great playing, and I’m really impressed by how this guitar sounds. I’ve fancied one for a while but I’ve been in the fence.

[@BV_Beve]

The original Duo one of Tomo’s favourites. Sweet intro Chris.

[@like2view]

That postlude was lovely !

[@frankkissane1908]

Years ago I had a 1963 Duo-Sonic with the slab rosewood in white with a reddish tortoise pick guard. The configuration was exactly like yours with the three way toggle. Interestingly enough, unlike the "new" reissues the switch went between neck pickup-both pickups IN SERIES- and bridge pickup. There was a significant boost in volume and girth when switched to the middle position (like a humbucker). I believe that this era (1955-1964) Duo-Sonic was the only guitar that Fender made like this.

[@tonycross4519]

Always nice playing Chris!

[@thethingsyasee...5112]

I just bought a Duo sonic in desert sand. I have a late 50's Musicmaster but sadly it is in no shape to be played. I was going to attempt putting the neck onto the Duo sonic but haven't yet. It has a beautiful soft v that the Duo sonic doesn't have. Thanks for making this vid!

[@paulcowart3174]

I've got a nice 65 MM neck that I would like to match up with something cool off set or not

[@lesharrison3739]

No matter what you play it sounds like Chris Buck. Your feel is unreal. Thanks for all of these. All the best!

[@tobymoorhouse]

My father-in-law's prize guitar is a pre-CBS Duo Sonic.. suits him because he is 3/4 size too. He had it serviced recently and found out it has a 1960 Strat bridge pickup. It really is like a mini-Strat.

[@LennyJohnson5]

Lovely description of your father-in-law! I now have an image of Bilbo Baggins playing a Duo-Sonic.... 😂

[@andrewmooney3523]

Great sounding guitar! The colour, though, is absolutely ghastly! Playing as usual is sublime! Ya big show aff!

[@dlux703]

I have a 63 that I bought (beat-up) in 65 and even though it's a tad too small for my hands I still use it for slide in DGDGBD. Mine has been customized over the years with a DeArmond dynasonic pu in the bridge and a 60's strat pu in the neck. Has a great voice for slide with real variety of tones. Your stunning playing is why I come here, but always enjoy the gear as well.

[@paulgordon6949]

That is a cool guitar. And your playing is just awesome!

[@ilyjesusable]

I just bought one and this made me so excited for it to come

[@terrymckown2441]

Came here once again for the most amazing right hand ever, though the other one is no slouch, and left with a Duo being shipped. Had it a week now, new best friend, thank you Mr. Buck 😉

[@jimbocarrino763]

Dude this is one of my favorites! I've been waiting for you to check one of these out on FridayFretworks!

[@carlogerelli2004]

great playing bro!

[@trqx147]

Sounds so good!

[@rjsmith6698]

The first guitar I ever played, was my father’s Fender Duo-sonic which looked identical to the one behind you in the video, which he bought back in the late 50’s or very early 60’s when he was in his 20’s. It may have had a different colour strike plate, don’t recall, and still had the snap-on chrome metal cover piece for the string loader. Guess I was pretty spoiled learning to play on an easy guitar like that. (didn’t help though☹️) Great to learn a bit about it from your video!

[@kylecravens8052]

Yeah love these guitars - sounding good!

[@johnulrich5572]

I have a '66 Duo-Sonic II with a 24 inch scale length. The neck looks and feels just like a Fender Jaguar neck. The top load three saddle bridge can be intonated "close enough" and in the days before electronic tuners it was fine. I wish Fender would re-issue the Duo-Sonic II because I prefer the design over the original Duo-Sonic. Thanks for the video and for proving that you can get great sounds out of a little package.

[@Skiptracer1981]

The Duo-Sonic II exists in the form of the hardtail Mustang. Only thing missing is the phase switching.

[@LennyJohnson5]

What a pretty guitar. Impeccable playing as always - feel and phrasing to spare.

[@jamesbridgman5223]

Just subscribed. You are an amazingly talented guitar player and I really enjoy your videos. I practice and practice and then watch one of your videos and realize I still suck at guitar. I've lately been trying to copy your pick roll. You make it looks so easy when you change from pick to fingers. I've probably dropped my pick over a million times now trying to learn that 🙂 Kind Regards and please keep the videos coming. Thank you.

[@Seventeen_Seconds]

I've heard a few people say it's not actually an offset, when you look at the body next to a Mustang you can see it's nowhere near as offset at that. It's like a different guitar all it's own I think that's why I like it so much.

[@nigelwilliams3311]

Hi Chris. I went looking for a shorter scale guitar about 10 years ago when my arthritic fingers started to struggle with the stretches. I bought a Jaguar - not the original single coil type favoured by Johnny Marr, but a Classic Player HH. The 24" scale is pretty much my comfort zone these days. I do own a Strat and a Tele, but they are a bit of a challenge. On this Jaguar, the roller knobs above the bass strings provide a variable blend between coil-tapped and full humbucker, independently for each pickup. This does allow for a great variety of sounds, and this Jag is really a very versatile guitar.

[@pipotherium]

It may be obvious but - down tuning the strat/tele to Eb essentially gives you the same tension you'd get on a 24" neck in E

[@seanfitzpatrick7878]

Chris have you recorded or considered recording an instrumental? A tribute song perhaps? Or an instrumental album would be awesome. I'm sure the overwhelming majority of the folks subscribed to this channel would agree and would purchase it. Obviously you're a very busy man but keep it in mind if you would...

[@claireluo9885]

I'd pay good money for that! Give the people what they want Chris!

[@timothycormier3494]

I just spent the afternoon cooking the family Sunday dinner and listening to buck & Evans. Chris is great in that band. But I’m starting to think that he’s rising above! His playing over the last few years has really gone to the next level. From really really good to WOW! This kid is amazing!!

[@superweak]

That was a great intro man. Wow

[@walterrizotto8668]

Don't know why Dave Alvin never gets a mention when talking about Duo Sonics. He rocks.

[@ultramagnus4374]

It’s funny because my first guitar was a Squire Duo-Sonic and I never saw another one for a long time

[@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638]

Got one. Love it. Great sound.

[@robertrowan9893]

I've heard the names before somewhere, but this ties it all up in a concise thought stream. Wouldn't mind at one myself. Alas...

[@SammyEatsYourBrain99]

theres also aH/S and when i heared it with some effects on it i was literaly thinking "kurt would have loved this so much"

[@touchingstone]

there is static noise in the ending jam solo, man I download the video just love it and I love playing it, you da best!

[@ernestschultz5065]

Fender also brought back the duo sonic in 1993 for a short time. I know because I have the 93 reissue. scale length for some reason was 22.7 inches.

[@Skiptracer1981]

The original Duo-Sonic and all other student models were 22.5" scale. 24" wasn't available as an option on student models until after the Mustang. Even the first Mustangs had 22.5".

[@mttmtmmt5701]

Your outro was to die for...

[@melometa4]

Yes, pure poetry. The intro floored me, and the outro finished me off

[@Twang-Train]

Thanks! Great Review!

[@jasonarchimandritis1183]

While part of the "offset series" the duo sonic technically isn't offset...if you look at picture of it next o a mustang you'll see the "waist" on the duo sonic pretty much matches on both sides, as compared the mustang which is truly "offset" (draw a straight line from the center of the "Waist" on either side and you get a diagonal line as opposed to straight line)

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Chris, I think you might have converted me, that really sounded excellent. :)

[@Glicksman1]

The Duo Sonic was an inexpensive entry level Fender, as Chris said. It was a very common electric guitar in the States, along with the Mustang, and many young guitarists began with it. I always liked how it sounded, very Fender-ish and not at all a big sonic come-down from a Strat or a Tele. I never liked the 22.5” scale neck, though, as my big fat fingers have a hard time of it past the 12th fret. It would make a great slide guitar, however. As the re-issue Duo Sonics have the same neck as the Jaguar with its 24”scale, this is a lot better for me and only a slight bit shorter than most Gretschs at 24.6”. So, what does this tale tell us? Well, listen to Chris’s always brilliant playing on it. He shows us that a good or great player will sound good and great and like him/herself on any properly working instrument.

[@patrickmaloney8717]

F**king awesome playing. Saving that to slow down and try to figure out. Should only take me a year or two. Ha ha and thanks.

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Dham you play so good!

[@silvertoneize]

Amazing song man!!

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

That is one beautiful guitar

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Fender did actually have a short run in the 90s with Strat pickups and a 22 inch scale length, too. I can't remember if they were part of a specific line, but they can still be found occasionally for pretty reasonable prices. I've seen some on craigslist in the past for only a couple hundred bucks.

[@davidkieltyka9]

I had one of those for a year or so…ended up giving it away to a co-worker. It was alright but then I got a ‘65 white Mustang that, as they say, smoked it. ☺️

[@timothycormier3494]

Personally, I like the big toggle switch. It’s just cool looking!

[@apathetiquette]

Duo-Sonics were actually first re-issued in 93/94. I bought one at the time and still have it. I wanna say it way $250... the cheapest Fender in the music shop at the time.

[@Stereostupid]

I absolutely love these

[@DJBuglip]

Tomo Fujita's got a gorgeous 1955, I believe he said it was, that I watched him play earlier today. Man that thing sounds amazing.

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

I own a 1963 Duo Sonic. It is Candy Apple Red. There is an circled OK ink stamp in the neck pocket that is half on bare wood and half on paint. 1963 was the first year for Candy Apple Red.

[@TheInfamousLegend27]

your guitar playing makes my muscles contract its so good wtf teach me

[@tobuslieven]

The 24 inch scale length version is the same scale length as Brian May's red special. It makes me wonder if it could be a useful base for a Brian May like tone.

[@327ewok]

there is also a chinese made classic vibe version of this in desert sand with gold pickguard from like 2008 but with plastic button vintage open shaft tuners. i got mine for 150 dollars used and had to resoder a broken wire and replace the switch and its one of the best guitars i own, great to play all day standing up or on the couch, even has insane specs like quartersawn maple neck with crazy figuring and is rock solid

[@wozzerwozzer1]

Love this guitar in the new Cardinal Black track!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Well spotted! ;)

[@hmrbruce]

Love your playing, My wife who does not like anyone loves your playing, BROKE A STRING DIDN'T you?

[@Luke150130]

man that's a lovely guitar! you've said before about making all the backing tracks you play to in the videos yourself, just wondering what you use for drums?

[@Mega_trav]

Fender MIM Duo Sonic HS is now my main guitar 🤘🏻

[@petertiffany8096]

I believe that Desert Sand color was the color of the undercoat Fender used in '56 combined with the nitro overcoat. It was issued that way as a cost savings and became a classic color. I will add that over 2 years ago I bought my youngest son one of the olive green offset Mustangs. I liked it the moment I removed it from the box. I almost got one of the white ones for myself. I will say it had some issues from the beginning, though. The tuners were terrible. It would not stay in tune. The output jack went bad immediately. I replaced the tuners and the output jack. After the first winter, it developed terrible fret sprout. After cleaning that up and cleaning up the fret ends, it is now a really nice little guitar. It has been quite stable ever since. I suspect these might have the same issues, but maybe not. I might get one. Looking forward to see what other colors might come out on 7/14/20.

[@leelossi1257]

I've got an original 62 duo sonic that sounds absolutely amazing. small but still very playable even with big hands. I'd love to hear chris play it!!!!!!!!!

[@tobyrutter3776]

Same here mines a 62 love it. It's like a mini strat

[@richsackett3423]

Duo Sonics are extremely fun guitars. They're like great-sounding toys after adding decent pickups. String them with 11s. Your scholarship is impressive, as always.

[@walterrizotto8668]

These strings are perfect for 24" scale guitars: stringjoy.com/guitarstrings/strings/electric-guitar-strings/balanced-11-5-gauge-electric-guitar-strings/. As for the saddles, Highwood 10.80s are a massive improvement: www.highwood-guitarparts.com/.

[@richsackett3423]

@@Wxterslide that’s actually just silly.

[@richsackett3423]

@@walterrizotto8668 Love those on my Les Pauls.

[@grahambliley8604]

I want badly to hear the instrumental trio record you make with Steve Jordan and any rando b-3 player.

[@marchstone]

Omg that string popping off at 1:00 haha

[@cchester1919]

Was close to buying an original one of these but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money that they cost, even though they’re ‘cheap’ for a vintage fender. For you however, it would be very much worth it. Easily one of my favourite players :)

[@Overlorddz]

Heyyy cool style dude - not the usual blues flowy technique but it has that nice spikey groove. Righteous! Oh and about Bill Haley, when my Dutch aunt brought that record home in like 1955, my grandfather broke it in two because he called it 'rotting'. Like the people before him thought jazz was sex crazed and blues was the devil.

[@Steven_SK]

Nice! I have been looking hard at these and well I think I will have to get it sooner than later. Loved the tone and the look has grown on me. I wasn't a fan at first. The interview was great with "G" @Thomann. It was interesting the offset conversation came up. Got to be a sign... I hope my wife believes in destiny.... Thanks!

[@structure289]

Duo Sonic short scale ,with humbucker in the bridge ,perfect guitar !!!

[@VodkaSelekta]

I love that backing track. Is there any way to get ahold of it/is it online anywhere? Keep up the good stuff.

[@Mrthreadedtime]

My first guitar was a 1961 Fender Duo-Sonic that belonged to Stephen Stills and he traded it to Charlie Wirz of Charlie's Guitar Shop Dallas when it was on Harry Hines (R.I.P.) for some gear in 1977 then Charlie gave it to me (My mom knew him, I was 9 yrs old). Sold it and have searched high and low for that guitar but to no avail. Great Guitar.

[@greg6L6GC]

There are photos of Mike Bloomfield playing one.

[@TheFarout69]

By the godz, how do play with a watch dangling around? Is tied to your tap tempo? Yaaar, your killing me! But such a good player- real good. I might build one of these from after market stuffs - the pickups make a thing ya know. Thanks for the vids- I subscribed. Pickups! 24 i inch scale is key!--- Not metric yet!

[@henrikysteinwolffhelgesen2627]

Excellent and musical playing and fantastic tone. Wow. What amp?

[@zeroceiling]

Some of these had the old red bobbin pickups...with that nice glassy tone...

[@11calman]

What a lovely style of playing this guy has,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, i suppose also,,, it could be an idea to show what sort of setting up he was using for this Video Picks, strings, Amp, pedals. Most of us guitar players are interested in these sort of things,,, (Just saying)