FENDER PLAYER DUO-SONIC 2020 in GOLD - Unboxing, First Impressions and some bad news...

Fender have added the DuoSonic to the Player series this year and in some great colours. Unfortunately, mine was not in the shape that it should be. I will be back with a full review once I get a replacement guitar or part.
Fender Duo Sonic in Desert Sand:
www.thomann.de/gb/fender_duo_...
Fender:
shop.fender.com/en-AT/electri...
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This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.
#theguitargeek #Fender #DuoSonic #unboxing #firstimpressions

[@bennyharderguitar]

I can’t stand that they ship guitars without at least a gig bag.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That could have saved this issue

[@tomblaze2]

This has been the deal for over 10 years ... they can then charge an extra $100 for a case

[@joebryant8500]

@@tomblaze2 Good. Fender's policy is to keep price rises to a minimum by dropping bags/cases and then giving you the option to buy one if you want to. I have 7 Fenders; when will I ever need 7 bags/cases? In real terms (i.e. adjusted for inflation) Fenders today are cheaper than they were 10 years ago. In 1998 I paid £379 for a (Mexico) Standard Strat. That is £734 in today's money. Today I can find the modern equivalent (Player Series), which is a much better guitar remember, for £579. In real terms, £155 less for a better product (enough to buy a case or 4-5 bags). Isn't that great? Well done Fender.

[@joebryant8500]

@@Peter-ff1tp Fender sells two cases for the Duo-Sonic. Catalogue numbers 0996126306 and 0996121306. They also sell a bag specifically for short-scale electrics (0991513206), though you can of course use any full-sized bag as the Duo isn't that much shorter than a Strat, overall.

[@alecaventura]

@@joebryant8500 My friend purchased a TVL MEX JAZZMASTER and had the same problem with the toggle and it came in a Fender hardshell case, i think they should be more carefull with it.

[@mrtwohats]

I do actually have a blister on my finger (from hand carving wooden spoons, not playing a Duo Sonic!). Great that this is a genuine unboxing. The whole intonation, general set up and quality control is a big issue for me with companies like Fender. I teach guitar to younger students and parents bring me new instruments wondering why they're always out of tune, or crackly, or whatever. You wouldn't buy a vacuum cleaner and then expect to have a tech set it up for you before it could pick cornflakes off your carpet!

[@XxHarounXx]

If fender makes a tele in this finish with that pickguard it's an instant buy for me

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Oh wow! Imagine that!!!

[@geetarbube]

The Mod Shop offers desert sand and gold pickguards for Tele build.

[@jaimeeugeniomunoz8323]

squier j5 telecaster

[@Tyler-rf5sg]

There’s a new squier contemporary tele that’s this color of gold, but no pick-guard

[@beardedrancher]

I never knew Andre the giant was such a killer player

[@jacksolomon451]

The bridge saddles lined up in a row were a dead giveaway. I really enjoy videos like this, thanks for showing it as is!

[@BessieBopOrBach]

Enjoyed this video very much. Thorough and honest, with a useful teardown. Ow, I've got splinters in my finger!

[@TAKFULLHOUSE]

Awesome review!! looks and sounds great!! thanks for sharing!!

[@spaceraisin.]

Glad that you released this video despite the guitar's flaw, a true 'unboxing'. I've got blisters on my fingers :)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks. Great guitar. Small flaw that makes a big difference

[@MedievalRichard]

I collected my 2016 Fender Duo-Sonic today after being at a guitar tech for over a week. Having a full set up has transformed it 10 fold! I purchased the guitar this year as well. A guitar player/band goer myself for many years, i have many guitars/equipment, but the duo-sonic is something else.. How light it weighs for a start...just cool!

[@MedievalRichard]

Course I watched to the end as well lol....

[@frankiec2765]

Cheers from NY! Yes Andy I stayed until the end. :-)

[@miguelangelvacaheredia8230]

Great video... I have a duo sonic 2021 HS, it took me 6 months to find the right way to set it up... Something very impprtant is to set up the tension of the strings using adjusting the truss rod, this is a must if you want to leep it in tune and have the best tone. It has a really great sound... And feel so confortable to play... Easy to fall in love with this guitar once is right set it up.

[@OsBMXandHotrods]

Looking forward to the replacement review

[@beuk]

I've got blisters on my fingers and I loved this video, thanks!

[@upover]

That guitar looks amazing. I have blisters on my thumbs.

[@ginopenguino1450]

I liked your review and I like your style. I just subscribed to your site!

[@tomdameek]

It’s a shame the way it came in like that Andy but at least it shows that not onlyHarley Benton’s come with QC issues. But like HB I’m sure most come in great condition. I would love one of these though. The sound is gorgeous. I wouldn’t have blisters in my finger with one of these. It’s great that you Aired it. Great video

[@tomblaze2]

That Guitar Looks Stunning

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I really dig the look

[@GuitarGearGyan]

I feel your pain. I got a Squier Classic Vibe Mustang and the tone knob had moved around in shipping and a wire had broken off internally. Their shipping & QC leaves a lot to be desired. Looks super though and sounds great in your giant hands. Hope Fender sends you a switch for this and pays the medical bill for the splinter in your finger.

[@TroodosPoolGuy]

I have actually got blisters on my fingers, but they're from hand drilling a cribbage board with a pin vice! Warts and all video, very cool!

[@thehowlingjoker]

Oh yeh, they had or maybe still have a squier one in the same colour I was very tempted to buy. Those pick-guards are lovely and suits the guitars colour so well. Looks twin to the Squier J Masic jazz sig. They need more guitars with anodized pick-guards.

[@johncooper9912]

I agree about bonding with the guitar- if it sounds good and plays well, I would far rather replace one part myself. We shouldn’t have to though!! Come on Fender- get your procurement in order!

[@emptypromises2962]

I've got blisters on my fingers. But I think I have to get one of these Duo Sonics soon.

[@thethingsyasee...5112]

I have the same guitar. The switch is funky also. When I switch to neck pickup sometimes it doesn't work until I jiggle it a bit....do you think it could just be dirty?

[@Marcus-jg4jb]

I've seen so many of those duo sonics with bad switches that I got blisters on my fingers, back when they were in the offset series. 2017 maybe? Sad to see that they still haven't fixed that problem. The one I bought had a working switch. Buuut I got bored before long and gutted and put in new electronics not long after buying it.

[@Mandobird1]

My Squier CV Duo Sonic never gave me splinters, and after 9 years of regular playing, its switch is still going strong.

[@TheFarout69]

The 7.5" fret board radius was original on these, back in the day, I think they went 9.5 on these.

[@GuitarsForIdiots]

I've got bits of guitars in my finger is this how this works?

[@saschabeck117]

I love the "Back to the Future " car in the back- my favorite movie😀💯 ...and have no parts of that guitar inside of me😂

[@spudvader]

It's a guitar pedal, a delay or reverb I think

[@baoli4443]

So interesting. My 2016 duo sonic (surf green with Pau Ferro board) came with a bum switch just like that one. I assumed maybe they'd fixed the design for 2020! Apparently not!

[@adamsteelproducer]

Well... that guitar’s a part of you now. Literally. So the bonding shall commence! Once it’s sorted and video complete- it could be a candidate for modding to the ultimate TINY GUITAR

[@Anchorette]

the fender play group in FB is the absolute best!

[@travisguide4516]

that is a pretty guitar I like it so many choices in this syle guitar but this might match my bronco bass the best

[@stevejones9740]

I can't find the follow-up video; did you ever get it done? I'm trying hard to justify the Fender Duo-Sonic HS over the Squier Bullet Mustang HH, and your thoughts on a working DS would help. Thanks. Oh, and I do have metal swarf stuck in my thumb.

[@SSRT_JubyDuby8742]

I actually do have blisters on my fingers from composing a lead break yesterday. Shoddy control, I bet those two named Q.C. guys seriously regret not using a squiggle themselves now.

[@petsounds8006]

Most beautiful guitar in the world

[@Oris37]

I gave you a bleedin' thumbs-up for this video..! :-) That's the main problem with buying online - unless the guitar is packaged securely and/or in a case, it's a gamble with what comes out of a flimsy cardboard box with no/very little packing material. The main target for this guitar will be students who will spend a bit extra (currently ~£499 in the UK) wanting that logo on the headstock but Fender should really be ashamed to have let this leave the warehouse packaged that way, even if the switch hadn't been broken... No wonder Harley Benton are doing so well.

[@marksargeant1019]

I've got blisters on my fingers. I got a tele instead of one of these. But I've still got my eye on one of these. Out of all the offsets the Duo Sonic looks ergonomically cleaner and it's a hardtail which is a bonus for me.

[@davedavem]

I've got blisters on my fingers. Spent the day drawing out the plan of a climbing frame for my kids and it turns out a foot underground in my garden it's solid granite! Need to hire a pneumatic drill just to put a few posts in! So thanks for entertaining me :) Also, I've seen better packaging on a postcard, poor job, Fender!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Dave! I’ll be back with an update ASAP

[@Buzzel-NL]

Gotta love the unboxing axe to unbox an axe.

[@xneurianx]

Duo-Sonic. Instant thumbs up!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I snort laughed at this

[@sunnydaturtle]

Thank you for sharing! And im glad you aired out the switch lol

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Pickup switch aside, that's a great looking guitar. I'm actually quite gutted the switch broke because I wanted to hear more of what it could do! haha I've got blisters on my fingers!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

It’s coming dude. Fender are arranging a new guitar

[@cliveclive54]

Ouch Andy,I'm a member of the Piston Broke club! \m/

[@labeandistort6213]

bought a duosonic HS, had the same problem with the switch! 2 years late...does anyone had simmilar problems as well?...other than that, a really fun guitar

[@johncooper9912]

Wow, that switch has a poltergeist! 😂😂😂 ever thought of a crossover video- “paranormal guitars”… 😂

[@Axman66]

++ i think it`s no surprise because it wasn`t well packed for shipping. i bet the guy at QC did a good job and the switch was ok at that time++ very nice guitar++

[@rtsmudge7251]

Really lovely guitar. Even if it bit Andy. The switch should be easily sorted.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I survived... Switches are easy

[@BudgetPedalChap]

Splinter finger. Reminded me a little sonically if the dano dc 59. I think it could do with some thicker strings it seemed to flub out when you strummed. Seems alright though

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Shredder toes. It needs a LITTLE setup. Strings feel good man

[@H_Oscarsson]

You've got metal (rather than any other music genre) in your fingers!

[@ladyluckdrums]

I've got blisters on my fingers! I've also got a duo sonic on order. Now I'm hoping it all works out of the box!

[@daviestl89]

No way! The selector switch on my duo-sonic was also broken when I recurved it! What’s going on?

[@deluxeedition46]

Yea the base of my selector switch was loose but I I tightened it up it ok now

[@Furtheronmusic]

I've got blisters on my fingers. Shame was looking forward to hearing it.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Sorry man I will get that fixed

[@smokepeddler]

Btw if you are used to squire necks, any actual fender neck will feel beefy. Squires have a narrow nut with and slimmer back than a standard Fender neck. MIM Fenders are standard spec just made in Mexico instead of the USA.

[@mitchellclark6458]

Its a mass produced guitar their are gonna be mistakes, even in qc, just cuz of the scale. it's whether or not they own up to those mistakes that make them a good or bad company imo.

[@ianjones1751]

Metal splinter from the fender unlucky for some, the pubs are open I'm going on a bender, looking forward to part 2

[@jason_from_canada]

Ow! I've got a splinter in my finger! 😩 Andy, no one can accuse you of not putting blood sweat and tears into your videos. Today it was blood! Also Blood Sweat and Tears, a good band. Fun fact, Mike Stern was recommended to audition for the band by Pat Metheny who was teaching Stern at the time. 😁

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you Jason. Great info. I need to open up spotify

[@angrynorway]

Was there ever a follow up to this video? It’s be nice to see the switch fixed, especially as I’m thinking of buying one.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I will get it done for you!

[@angrynorway]

@@TheGuitarGeek That would splendid, thanks!

[@mototakahe836]

In my fingers a metal splinter I have. Yes Yoda!!

[@paulcowart3174]

Everyone seems to like these Duosonic Afroman Very cool Definitely like the switch as opposed to the little clicky things above the strings how they used to be Good looking guitar IMO But you might have gotten an anodized 🍋 Why I don't buy a guitar w/o playing first but I can see your not too thrilled even though your giving it a good GO 9.5 radius as well 😂 Last demo I saw on the exact same 🍋 I mean guitar it was really pretty nice QC might be an issue w this one

[@joaoviegas6556]

Couldn't it be from the shipping?

[@buckellard]

Nice how you work your guitars under your skin! You've got a metal splinter in your thumb. Grab it with nail cutters. They have a precise grip and won't slip like tweezers. Good review! Do you have another review where the DuoSonic works properly?

[@surfysonic9847]

'Tis but a scratch! It's just a flesh wound! ...oh alright...I've got blisters on me fingers! Hope you get the switch fixed soon!

[@Ryzz808]

Thumbelina please be careful. Excellent unbiased unboxing 👍

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks!

[@lukedwelly]

(I still may purchase two of these, to do up!!)

[@rustydodge6167]

Don’t feel bad. Just got a paranormal baritone (Squier) from SWEETWATER with the pick up switch snapped off clean at the base, and a crack in the body. Definitely shipping damage. Not packed well.

[@waynebagley]

Did you ever get another from Fender. Or an explanation. I want to love this particular guitar. Please try again with a new video.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

There’s a replacement on the way. Video will go up as soon as it arrives!

[@PooNinja]

Pre thumbed up ... If this vid isn’t kewl I’ll flip flop it like a politician 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I really hope I keep your vote this year.

[@PooNinja]

the right “Jem”of a bribe would get ya votes 4 Life and beyond 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

@@PooNinja I hear you.. i cannot stretch that far. How about one day i shout your name at Steve Vai?

[@PooNinja]

There you go stealing Ryan’s ideas again!!!! In the words of 311 come original ya gotta come original. Mang you had me at straplocks ✊🏽for acostinking Metal 🤘🏽

[@CJ-rf9jm]

I've got splinters on my fingers n Fender did it :-P I remember a dire straits song with a line about a blister on the finger from playing guitar. Really though I do like duo sonics though I've not owned 1 yet. Typical of fender though to stick an inspection tag on a guitar while clearly not having inspected close enough. Reminds me of a problem I had with a fender amp last year (still under warranty) which they refused to do anything about or even answer my questions. A flaming shame really as I'd prolly end up getting 1 used instead whenever 1 comes up.

[@markwhitehead6965]

Splintered finger here. Thought: Switch may have been broken in transit. Fender may need to reconsider packing materials. Epiphones I have bought are packed with a small block of polystyrene over the switch to protect it

[@frankw9619]

It's odd that these don't as I recently bought a Squier Classic Vibe Starcaster which had one.

[@Steven_SK]

I'm with Poo on the pre-thumbed. Looks like you have a lot of preemies.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Well I have a reputation you now

[@jamescurnick1637]

Wow....bet you didnt want that to happen and a splinter to boot.....great....anyway I was at Andertons music shop last year purchasing my G n l asat bluesboy semi ( which is beautiful by the way ) when I happened upon a duo sonic in white with the mint green colour plate....I love the feel and the sound of it and it played lovely. It was second hand for around £280 or sommin like that....I almost came out with 2 guitars but noticed just before reaching for my card that it had a 1 inch crack in the body next to the neck joint which had been filled....so I was like.....naaaa fanks....lol....but I was impressed with the quality feel of it all...anyway....still a great video here thanks, its not always gonna go to plan with guitars is it. There produced like cars really and sometimes you just get unlucky with one. Cheers guys.....James in gloomy cold Sidcup.

[@bojanh6437]

Is there a part deux? The one with fixed switch?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Coming next week!

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

Right from the start you could tell that Fender dropped the ball on packaging this guitar.

[@prisonmike4971]

I had to trade mine because it just slapped way too treble-y to me. It is a really comfy guitar to play but I could never find the magic tone for me..even with pedals. I still wish I just kept it anyways..mine was orange and I loved the look

[@MrInfinite43]

The switch on mine sucks also, I got the capri orange, its fun to play. Sounds somewhere between a Strat/Tele

[@salliemusic5016]

Nice work posting this in full form. It was entertaining and disappointing. Good luck with the thumb; it'll grow back.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad you enjoyed it, I am looking forward to hearing from Fender so I can follow up with a real review

[@dominicmcmahon4798]

Can someone please tell me what that gold double cut guitar is on the wall?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Prestige DC coupe!

[@Steven_SK]

Any follow up on this? Or is that a vid for another day? :)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Just waiting for the replacement to arrive! Should be here this week

[@lukaslmguitarcorner]

I've got blisters on my broken switch.

[@simonbradley524]

I bought a daphne blue duo sonic last year, after a month the pick up selector died on me too, comon Fender!!!

[@ampheadz2965]

Little Billy; Mommmmy! Andy needs a band-aid! He's got blisters on his finger! Mom; Shit! what has that boy done now!

[@mralgebro]

Did you ever get a new switch tip?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes I did!

[@suzanpandey3542]

Which model of fender is behind you?

[@suzanpandey3542]

Is that jazz bass or what?

[@matthewbaker2053]

ive got blisters on my fingers that sucks

[@michaelp.4811]

I've got "metal" splinters in my fingers... and blood on my new guitar.

[@lukedwelly]

"I've got a splinter in my thumb!!" What a shame - I was actually considering purchasing two of these to do up!! If you actually have a penchant for Mustangs and Duo Sonics, Callaham do make a compensated, three saddle bridge so it is possible to retain that old world look and make the instrument sound better, as well!!

[@mikevolders2848]

Thumb’s up !

[@bveracka]

Blisters on my fingers! Bad switch aside, I love the Duo Sonic; it oozes cool and is super basic - a lot like a P-bass. I'm really surprised by the broken switch. Better than a bad neck, a poor fret job, or something big, but still..._YIKES!_ I always buy USA Fenders, but the QC at Fender Mexico is quite solid these days - far better than in years past. Out of a hundred or more guitars they made in that year, my guess is they made maybe 5 that were defective, and you got one.

[@stephanematis]

"I got splinters in my fingers!" - yelled out loud (edited version makes more sense in context)

[@MurrayWilliams]

The switches on the Duo-Sonics re-releases have always been garbage. We’ve had to replace numerous ones. It’s a shame. Switches are not expensive .. certainly less expensive than the bad customer experience. They should be better. And, I got blisters on my fingers ... “that doesn’t make sense does it” ... ow, I got a splinter in my finger... how many of these am I supposed to write? ... love the vids!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I think you nailed it!!!!! Will a full size switch craft switch fit?

[@MurrayWilliams]

I think so

[@doncoyote2]

and Mustang switches also.

[@baileyva]

I’ve got blisters in my finger... with metal shavings..

[@joebryant8500]

All of the Duo-Sonic models have just been deleted from the Fender UK website ...

[@pronumeral1446]

I've got a splinter in my finger.

[@jasq99]

I’ve got splinter in my blister:)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Ouch!

[@fuckyoutube4]

GUITARGEEK HAS (a piece of) FENDER IN HIS FINGER!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

It’s a part of me

[@Icantdrive55]

Looks like QC is not so good at Fender. Sometimes it seems like Squire has better QC. Metal Splinters!

[@frmcf]

Something about having a bit of this guitar in my finger.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Ouchie!

[@j.n.4694]

What do you mean I have blisters on my fingers?

[@nikkoberserker]

hello , i'm sure it's not a quality check error ,probably it's due to a bad shipping , only one box to ship a guitar is not good ,double boxing is safer ! anyway fender give a you switch if you don't replace the entire guitar ,(not sure they have an other model if it's a limited edition) .request a commercial gesture .this duo sonic look cool ,i love it ! give some news about the troubleshooting . take care ,be safe !

[@EytschPi42]

I got blisters......

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Filthy

[@spankenheim]

@@TheGuitarGeek animal ends aren't known for their cleanliness.