Fender Duo Sonic HS Black Offset Series Review

Today I review and demo a 2017 Fender Duo Sonic HS finished in Glossy black with a Pau Ferro fingerboard.
I play the Fender Duo Sonic through all 3 pickup positions play with clean and distortion
You can contribute towards the channel by tipping me on Paypal
Paypal - paypal.me/them...
Please Like the video comment below and subscribe to my Channel.
Contact me via email
[e-mail]
Follow me on Instagram
/ theguitarmanifesto
Facebook
/ theguitarmanifesto
#Guitarmanifesto #Fender #DuoSonic

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Kolder SFV just pointed out to me that the duo sonic HS has coil splitting so I will be making a part 2 to this video 😂😎🎸😜

[@MikeFromNashville]

This is a great guitar! I have owned the green and blue. It can do a lot of different styles of music. It certainly will attract the Nirvana fans and it can do Nirvana very well. This is a guitar I would recommend to anyone. You can't beat the price.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Its's a grunge machine that's for sure, sounds and plays great

[@LeonTheSpy]

I have that in Daphne Blue, It arrived on Kurt Cobains Birthday and is my goto guitar at the moment. Those pickups are amazing. Shame about the fret ends, I put on Ernie Ball slinky 10s straight away... made an instant tone transformation, 9s are no good on those. Ha ha you really are finding the Pau Ferro a little hard to get used to...save the trees man!!! haha Great to see the videos coming thick and fast as the snow!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Ah awesome dude they are amazing guitars just don't like the colour at all,. I blame the Chinese and their love of making rosewood furniture 😂😂

[@anthonysclafani3963]

+Leon Thespy hello, fellow Guitar Geek! 👋🙂

[@LeonTheSpy]

Hey Buddy!!! *** secret hand shake

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I hope you've both washed your hands you're handling prime meaty cuts on this channel ;)

[@janicehooverscott8114]

I've been researching starter guitars all day. You sold me on this one! :)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Ah awesome she is a great guitar 😎🎸☑️

[@Anson120]

Steve Jones is the reason I play music. The Pistols came first. Then the damn broke ,and out came Black Flag then it flooded Nirvana. I am proud I choose the music I did.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Ahmen brother love a bit of Steve Jones I'm a fellow Jones too 😎

[@LeonDonnelly23]

I love your videos Rob, really informative and engaging. I’ve ordered this guitar and will get it soon. You also inspired me to get a Revelation RTJ 60 thinline and I absolutely love it. Can’t wait for the Duo Sonic to come in. Keep up the great work, really appreciated.

[@adamfernandez-davies5197]

I love duo sonics, it's great for nirvana tone. Also keep up the good work man

[@theguitarmanifesto]

thank you \m/ totally agree dude

[@jayjkayhouseofharleys3151]

NICE DEMO ROB !! LOVE THE AXE !! :):)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

thank you very much dude, not sure about the poo ferro

[@lamkenneth3191]

great review and you know i really like your strumming style

[@theguitarmanifesto]

thank you very much :)

[@DentalPark76]

Thanks for the review. Love this guitar ❤️🎸

[@theguitarmanifesto]

no worries dude she is a beaut

[@tjjr1062]

I have the same rig. Duo Sonic and Boss Katana. I love them both. Thanks for the great videos.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

That's a great setup there

[@Lat3xE4teR]

Clean neck pickup sounds perfect for literally the entire “Bleach” album

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yeah 🤘👌

[@daniwest1370]

Wow Rob, youre steping up your game!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I'm trying dude \m/

[@lovroknezevic8555]

Beautiful guitar dude! I've been thinking about one of those for a while now for a second guitar. I love humbucker but also that single coil twang. Still unsure tho, the market is so big nowadays. Great video :)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

There is a part 2 to this video uploading now will be up in 5 mins... This is a very good versatile guitar with a good range of sounds highly recommended dude

[@kurtcobain6075]

Im really stuck between this and the offset mustang. I use distortion alot for grunge/punk but also want something that sounds great clean. what is your suggestion?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Personally I'd go duo Sonic purely because of the Humbucker with coil splitting. You have that fat Humbucker sound and you can have single coil on the bridge too.

[@kurtcobain6075]

Rob The Meat Manifesto Thanks for the advice! Ive had my blue duo sonic HS for about 2 weeks now and i couldnt be happier! Love the channel keep up the good work

[@anthonysclafani3963]

+Rob The Meat Manifesto how much of an impact does the mustang's short scale length have on the tone?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Gives you a mighty fine jangle sound

[@matred3538]

Thanks, really helpful video. Think I'm going to go for one in a sunburst. Nice one. ☺. It will be my first proper Fender in my collection.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Glad the video helped, such a cool guitar enjoy 🎸💯

[@matred3538]

@@theguitarmanifesto my Duo Sonic arrived and it's beautiful! I took a risk with a b stock and it only seems to have very small nick at the neck joint. Sweet! Many thanks again.

[@wilzy30]

It has a very bright tone.

[@mateoaponte7556]

Like that Green Day flag! I have the same one!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Awesome I got it when i see them at the London O2 last year

[@kevinpaul1719]

I really like that one sir

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Was a nice guitar

[@wastewoodrockers5526]

Another good video. My jaguar has a Pau Ferro fret board but it's a lot darker than that duo sonic, idk maybe they stained it or something?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

some of them do seem to be darker than others

[@TheJMan1K]

Would a heavier set of strings get rid of the slinky issue? Also amazing playin mate.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yep I'd stick 10s on it

[@theguitarmanifesto]

thanks dude \m/

[@panagiotiskaragiannis5851]

Wow that is a beautiful guitar

[@theguitarmanifesto]

She is a fine Guitar dude 😎🎸

[@DaveWire]

love the snow behind :)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Haha it looked the part but was so cold

[@DaveWire]

love this guitar too i bought a surf green version i m waiting for it :)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

ooh nice awesome guitars dude

[@cloud_monkey422]

I also have the black one (diff fret board mines rosewood) and I bought it as soon as they came out. I also put a jb in the bridge before I even played it because I didn’t like the bridge pup And Earnie ball top skinny heavy bottom 10s But man it is as light as paper and so fun to play. and love the nirvana and foo fighters stuff in the background. Are you in the nirvana guitars and gear Facebook group? You’ll see my duo sonic in there!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Awesome I much prefer the Rosewood Fingerboards. great guitars and nice to play. Thanks dude I try to avoid Facebook :)

[@mikebiggle4691]

Great review Rob! how does the neck compare to the Jazzmasters and Jaguars. I really like the Duo-Sonic tones and neck.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

they are all pretty similar to be honest apart from the scale lengths

[@samgillies9502]

Nice review - how does it compare to the singlecoil only variant (your review of the Capri orange 2016 model)? Seen a good secondhand deal on the SC with maple neck and wondered if it's worth paying quite a bit extra to get the split 'bucker..

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Thanks dude, depends what sound you're looking for the SS model will be super clean, the HS model has humbuckers for a big sound but the coil splitting gives you that clean sound probably more versatile

[@samgillies9502]

Rob The Meat Manifesto cheers Rob- just tried them both out and I think the maple fretboard is so much nicer than the Pau ferro.. that might have done it for me! Could always sling a single coil sized HB if needed but never play that kind of music anyway! Thanks again

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yeah I'm not imagine fan of Pau ferro, yeah a hot rail could be a good plan.

[@samgillies9502]

I bought The singlecoil variant! The bridge pickup is weaker than I remember when trying out so the hot rail looking a very viable option. Loving the neck though. Thanks again for your advice!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yeah the bridge pickup is thin, adding a hot rail will definitely make sound a lot better dude 😎🎸

[@thecharles21]

Me again bro, sory, fender mustang or duo sonic HS? I tried today the mustang P90 and my first impression was is to hum in she, even when i was playing it feel the humming. Any thoughts?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I would be looking at your signal chain I've never had any hum issues with my one

[@jasonknight3969]

What song were you playing when you were playing it distorted near the end of the video?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

one of my songs dude

[@nicholasrickfordpavlovic-g2886]

I know i am in the minority, but I like the Pau Ferro more than the rosewood. It looks a lot better, and pretty much feels the same.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

It's the colour I mainly don't like

[@alexandreferreira6049]

I don't know why... but all the guitars made here in Brazil are made with Pau Ferro, and this wood here looks very different than that... It's more dark with the same lines crossing the entire neck.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I don't know why Fender don't stain them a little darker to be honest I've seen other guitars using Pau Ferro and they look better

[@leowoodbridge755]

I have a pau ferro fretboard on my standard tele hh ghost grey. It looks awesome and the wood is much darker, Great guitar. I do agree it looks odd on the duo sonic. Good video though, sounds great man.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

thanks dude, I wouldn't mind if it was darker looking :)

[@jemimah318]

Were all the licks you played your own? Like that finger-picking thing you did for the clean demo? ‘Cause that was goddamn beautiful. I want this thing just to play clean. It sounds so good.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Thanks dude yeah all my own riffs. It does sound awesome playing clean

[@jemimah318]

Right on, man. Would you happen to have any tabs/tips for that one? I’m trying to brush up on my own finger picking, and this seems like a great exercise. Not to mention it sounds super pleasant.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I haven't no sorry

[@ReynaldiRaditya]

so i saw the fender special edition sticker on the back of the headstock. What does that stand for? anyway great demo Rob.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Basically they will be a limited a limited run I guess.

[@kevinpaul1719]

I just saw it. The coil split video. Rob I found some very good and not expensive humbucker pickups. The name is Guitar Head, I put a set in my best Les Paul Standard. I did the Peter Green mod with the out of phase. Sounds great but it limits the range. I have a Japanese Burny Les Paul Custom with that mod for recording so a normal Les Paul is a change. I did not like it 490 and 498 Gibson pickups and the Guitar Head pickups sets it on fire.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

now they sound very interesting will check them out for sure.

[@rebelandthehearts]

Is the neck pickup the same as the fender mustang one do you know?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I'm not entirely sure if I'm honest

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

I really love the Duo Sonics. When I was looking to get an electric guitar I played the Daphne blue one and fell in love. I haven’t played any of the ones with Pau Ferro though. I’m personally not a huge fan of the black. It’s too plain for my eyes. Nice review though. I’m surprised it has sharp frets. The few that I’ve played were nice and smooth. But it does have a lovely sound.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

The duo Sonics are great, agreed I don't link Pau ferro or black guitars

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

When it comes to the Pau Ferro I can’t judge it yet because I’ve yet to be in its presence. But I like funky colors that pop! Neon stuff or just over all vibrant. I hate plain colors. The closest thing to a plain color that I like are grays. But that’s mainly because I love to use gray in my art and I see how gray is in everything.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Totally with you on the bright neon colours dude

[@jay_thedog_man5169]

I use to be really obsessed with neon colors. So much so that I’d only wear purple, neon green, yellow and orange pants in high school.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

that's commitment right there dude 😂😂

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

🔥🔥🔥

[@des0connor]

Hi Rob, great review and great playing!! Where can I learn that riff you start playing at 5:23?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I'll try and do a video of this and a few other riffs

[@des0connor]

That would be great and very much appreciated, thanks for running your channel so well Rob :)

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Glad you like the channel dude 😎🎸

[@Sam-w9des]

UPDATE: although iv only had mine a few hours, I will say its awesome smooth as butter pickups are awesome and it will do anything from Megadeath to country its so sweet. NOW the big question? how does it compare to my Gibson lp goldtop with p90s, well ill be honest its a toss up right now at this point but honestly I think the fender will have the edge. yes 500 Mexican compared to 1000 USA yes the fender is that good imho. its a shame really but hey it is what it is. @Rob The Meat Manifesto the color is way better n person cant get the camera to really bring out the blue like I see it thanks for the comment though on Instagram. I got mine for 100 off says blemished well I'm still lookin for the blemish so... anyway have a wonderful day and keep rockin! also to all the beginner's out there don't give up no matter how much u wanna smash it on the floor keep movin forward, we all have been through it. its tuff u be tougher!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Ah awesome glad you are liking the Duo Sonic they really are great guitars the pickups sound awesome. I think Gibsons are overpriced anyway that's another story. I've had a fair few Sonic blue guitars one of my favourite colours.

[@Sam-w9des]

BTW I did get a rosewood board

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yeah much better :)

[@nintendozoom]

I found in my city this guitar and the Squier Jazzmaster almost at the same price range. What to you think about the variety sound of the two guitars? I’m going to purchase one of these guitars in August. *another great video, btw

[@theguitarmanifesto]

It's a tough choice dude the fender name may be the selling point also on a resale point

[@dinnerputter8757]

Hey dude. I'm currently looking for a sort of "nirvana" style guitar under 500 usd, and I'm having trouble deciding on one. Any suggestions?

[@MenagerieMusic]

This exact guitar in the video is on reverb for $425.99 right now. I’m thinking of getting it.

[@Sam-w9des]

I need help! would u sell a Gib Les Paul with p90s for this??as I'm interested in the versatility I could get with the sonic as in putting a black winter in the bridge and a vintage n the neck for that jimmy tone.what's your take on my idea?? id appreciate it Thanks P.s.. id get rosewood board.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Well I'm not a fan of Gibsons so I would definitely say yes, to be honest I really like the stock pickups. My best advice would be try and get to a music shop that stocks them and try it out. If you want Rosewood you will have to get a used one as they only make Pau Ferro now

[@Sam-w9des]

Rob The Meat Manifesto thanks for your input I ready like the sonic from yt vids

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Dude me too especially the HS version with the coil splitting

[@Sam-w9des]

Rob The Meat Manifesto yes I actually just ordered one got 45 days to try it out so we will see how it stacks up to my Gibson

[@theguitarmanifesto]

ah dude that's a good plan, let me know how you get on with it \m/

[@lespauldisciple3349]

I already have four Fender Strats, three Fender Teles and a Fender Mustang 90. I was torn between the HS Duo Sonic or the Lead III. I'm definitely leaning towards the Duo Sonic. (I have a superb '96 Korean Epi Les Paul Standard which I upgraded with Gibson '57 Classics. That sorta corners with a vengeance the market on HH guitars.) #FENDER4EVER

[@miguelangelvacaheredia8230]

Wow... What a coincidence, I have a strat, I was going to buy a Lead III and then I tried the Duo sonic and thatsbthe one I got, HS sunburst.... Really cool tones... But I changed the gauge chords to 8.5 earnie ball to get a more uniform sound...and to have an amazing playability.. Cheers. Great review

[@shellydrew100]

Thanks for this Rob , just goes to show just because its got a Fender logo on the headstock does not make it better than the Squier's...no way would i pay this much , just for a logo !!!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yep I can take or leave expensive guitars

[@brettpope5962]

Good review. Fender Mexico series has to be losing sales due to the pau ferro. Aesthetically, the wood clashes with every color I've seen except a srv.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Totally agree dude 😎🎸 poor choice from Fender

[@markhannington3695]

Pau ferro looks great on a Canary Diamond Duo Sonic HS

[@wilzy30]

Rob, how many guitars do you have? 😍

[@theguitarmanifesto]

too many check my 1000 sub video ;)

[@puberticus]

What's the song at 7:18? Btw great video man keep it up!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

One of my own songs dude, that thank you

[@Fr0st173]

Im sure HS Duo-Sonic should have coil split. Does yours have? It would be awesome to listem a coil splitted demo

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Dude just checked you are so right it does, I will make a part 2 review. thanks for pointing that out that is a such a cool feature

[@Fr0st173]

Glad to help, cant wait for part2!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

just uploading now ;) thanks again dude \m/

[@Fr0st173]

oh, so fast, Im very happy thx to that

[@theguitarmanifesto]

no worries dude, may as well as I have still got it all setup :) be about 10 minutes

[@cameronsigmon6562]

you should get and review the Dean ML-XM

[@theguitarmanifesto]

It's a metal machine :)

[@petehixson9046]

Poo Ferro fingerboard?

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Pau Ferro new wood to replace Rosewood for this CITIES BS

[@petehixson9046]

Yea, I just think they spelled it wrong.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

yes I also say Poo Ferro looks awful

[@petehixson9046]

it just looks like a soft wood, haven't tried one but thats the impression I get.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

It feels 'ok' but doesn't look right against a maple neck

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

The Pau Ferro wood isn't to my taste either. The look of it looks like the fretboard i had on my first ever guitar which was an Encore

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Just looks cheap and nasty dude

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

Do the Pau Ferro fretboards usually look like this? i've had no experience with them. It'd be a shame if this becomes the norm

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

I really like it on its own but I'll agree it doesn't match a black guitar with a mint pickguard and the headstock is yet another wood colour. I suppose it would look a lot better with a flame or quilted top, or some natural finish.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I've seen about a dozen of these Fenders with the PF fingerboard and they are pretty much all the same, not for me.

[@del7538]

The Pau Ferro wood looks awful. Surely there are other woods that satisfy cites that look better than that?!

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Totally agree very poor choice Fender, I only got this guitar to review I certainly wouldn't buy it to keep with the poo ferro

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

It looks quite good on a Suhr: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0758/4003/products/suhr-custom-black-w-pao-ferro-neck-50_2048x2048.jpeg?v=1511868462 cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0758/4003/products/suhr-custom-black-w-pao-ferro-neck-27_2048x2048.jpeg?v=1511868462

[@theguitarmanifesto]

sure does look nice on that doesn't go well with a maple neck

[@Lat3xE4teR]

P O O F E R R E T

[@shellydrew100]

Oh the snow , we wan't some up in the wilds of north Yorkshire :)...back to the guitar , it doesn't look very inspirational , if i saw this in a shop...well i'd more than likely walk past it...

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I like snow when I'm looking through the window with the heating on 🤣

[@theguitarmanifesto]

And yes it's not the best check the orange duo sonic video much better guitar

[@shellydrew100]

Nah got the heating turned off , i prefer the cold...i just love walking about in the snow with bare feet , it feels and sounds like cold rice crispies when you walk on it...ha ha ha

[@theguitarmanifesto]

@@shellydrew100 fuck that shit I hate the cold 😂🤣

[@shellydrew100]

Yeah seen that Rob , but i've got me heart set on the Squier vintage modded Jazzmaster :)

[@kevinpaul1719]

I,though that has coil split

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Yes it has coil splitting I made a follow up video

[@guitargirlutube]

Some lemon oil might darken that rosewood I think )

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Nope it Pau ferro, will take a lot more than a for of oil

[@shellydrew100]

How ironic , that Squier used to be a cheaper version of Fender...are now way much better

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Not a lot in them that's for sure

[@pitis2flie]

Very beautiful looking guitar, apart from the ugly colored fretboard.

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I know wish they would use something resembling the colour of rosewood

[@shellydrew100]

For me i still prefer the Squier vintage modified over these over priced Fenders !

[@theguitarmanifesto]

Agreed

[@DaveWire]

The link i told u on your direct live enjoy :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/faHakHekZtmChdE

[@josh.w3554]

Fingerboard looks dry as a desert

[@theguitarmanifesto]

I must say I'm not digging this Pau ferro lark

[@bPcrazydave]

That's what I hate about this Pau Ferro. Oil does nothing to improve the looks, and it feels rough.