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Fender Duo-Sonic HS Review

When it comes to guitars, Fender is a name that immediately comes to mind. They have been making quality instruments for over 60 years, and their products are always highly sought after. One of their best offerings is the Duo-Sonic HS. This guitar has been designed for players who want the classic Fender sound in a smaller package.

In this article, we will answer some common questions about the Duo-Sonic HS, as well as provide product reviews and tips from some of our expert staff members!

Fender Duo-Sonic HS Review

Fender Duo-Sonic HSThe Fender Duo-Sonic HS is a great choice for beginners because of its short scale length. It’s also easy to get a cutaway for higher frets, thanks to its simple construction. The wood used in this guitar is also very refined, making for effortless playability. And finally, the versatile tones it produces make it a great option for any situation.
Plus, the humbucker pickup with the single-coil cover gives you more options than most other guitars on the market.

The Duo-Sonic HS features a single or dual pickup configuration, making it perfect for a variety of playing styles. Whether you’re looking to play complex rhythms or simple melodies, this guitar has you covered.

Some people may prefer a longer scale length, but the Duo-Sonic HS’s shorter scale makes it easier to play, especially for younger or smaller-handed players. If you’re looking for a great sounding and easy to play guitar, the Fender Duo-Sonic HS is the perfect choice for you.

Fender Duo-Sonic HS User Manual

Having problem? Download Fender Duo-Sonic HS instructions.


Pros & Cons of Fender Duo-Sonic HS

Pros
  • Short scale length is great for beginners;
  • Getting a cutaway for higher frets is simple;
  • Refine the construction of wood;
  • Effortless playability;
  • Versatile tones;
  • Humbucker pickup with the single-coil cover giving more versatility;

Cons
  • The instrument gets one or more pickup;
  • Absence of Tremolo System;
  • Some people may prefer a longer scale.


Buyer’s Guide

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before making your purchase, here are a few things you should keep in mind about the Fender Duo-Sonic HS Guitar:

  • The first thing to consider is what kind of music you want to play. The Duo-Sonic HS is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres, but it may be better suited for some styles than others.
  • Think about what size guitar you need. The Duo-Sonic HS comes in both full and half-size options, so make sure you choose the right one for you.
  • It’s also important to consider your budget. The Duo-Sonic HS is an affordable guitar, but if you’re on a tight budget, there are other options available that may be better suited for you.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a closer look at the Fender Duo-Sonic HS Guitar and see what it has to offer.

Playability

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS list does a fantastic job of procuring the musicians with top-notch outcomes. If you’re going to buy a guitar, start by making better informed purchase decisions.

As necessary, check the playability mode. This will help you not only assess the useful features of the instrument but also determine whether they fit your fingers. A playability check will enable you to broaden your search accordingly!

In terms of playability, this guitar is very user-friendly. The action is low and the fretboard is smooth, making it easy to play fast licks and solos. The neck is also slim, which makes it comfortable for those with smaller hands.

Neck

Due to its small 24″ scale length, the Fender Duo-Sonic HS was designed with students in mind when it was first created. Its neck had a C-shape orientation that made it comfortable for pupils to hold and easy to grasp. This makes it an ideal combination, especially for novices.

The sturdy 22 medium Jumbo frets create a lot of comfort for many different guitar playing styles.

In comparison to the Fender Stratocaster, this model offers players a simpler and more efficient playback. It solos higher up the neck thanks to the neckband, which makes it more noticeable and effective for the artists’ high-quality sounds. This function prevents hand cramps when playing. [1]

Body

This model has a lightweight design and a sturdy wood body. This makes it simple and easy to grip both while standing and sitting during the performance. For painters, the light body disguises a simple shift and prevents shoulder strain. While the neck is constructed of maple, the body is built of alder.

The fingerboard has 21 medium-jumbo frets that show no wear over time. The radius is also small, which makes it easier to grip and play.

The hardware on the guitar is also of high quality, with chrome plating on all tuning pegs. The bridge is a hard-tail string through design that keeps the strings in place while you’re playing. The nut is also made of synthetic bone material, which gives the user a better experience when playing. There are two single coil pickups located at the neck and bridge position.

Electronic Parts

The guitar has a three-way blade switch for the pickup selector and a master volume and tone control. The master volume control is located on the upper bout of the body, while the tone control is on the lower bout. There is also a mini-toggle switch located near the input jack that allows you to select between two different sound settings: “lead” and “rhythm.”

The lead setting gives you a brighter sound with more treble, while the rhythm setting gives you a warmer sound with less treble. Both settings are useful, and it’s nice to have the option to switch between them.

The instrument receives its distinctively varied engagement from the single-coil and humbucking pickups. Single-coil pickups are connected to the neck pickup while humbuckers are added to the bridge pickup.

It makes sense to add a humbucker pickup to your guitar since Fender typically uses single-coil pickups. The Fender Duo-Sonic HS characteristics give the sound system an obvious playback position and make it simple for players to use.

The sound of the guitar is not only dependent on the pickups but also on the type of amplifier you’re using. If you want to get a distorted sound, you’ll need to use an overdriven amplifier. For a clean sound, you’ll need to use a clean amplifier.

Moreover, the instrument has a pickup selector switch that aids in carefully adjusting the bridge and neck positions. The featured instrument also has a guitar chord input jack for the performers.

One issue that some people have with this guitar is that it can be difficult to change the strings.
The reason for this is that the bridge is mounted on top of the body, making it a bit tricky to reach. However, once you get used to it, it’s not really a big deal.

Sound

The Duo-Sonic HS has a sound all its own. It’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely unique. It’s got a bit of an ’80s sound to it, but it’s also got a modern edge to it. It’s perfect for those who want a guitar that can do both vintage and modern styles.

Sound

The pickups are what give the Duo-Sonic HS its unique sound. They’re single coil pickups, but they’ve got a bit more output than your typical single coil. This gives the guitar a bit more power and punch, while still retaining that classic single coil sound.

Reliability

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS Guitar is a reliable instrument that will last you for years to come.
It is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, so you can be sure that it won’t fall apart easily.

This guitar is also easy to keep in tune, thanks to its die-cast tuners. If you take care of your Duo-Sonic HS, it will serve you well for many years

Price

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS retails for $399.99 USD, making it an affordable option for beginner and intermediate guitarists alike. If you’re looking for a quality instrument on a budget, the Duo-Sonic HS is definitely worth considering.


FAQ

Are there any alternatives to the Fender Duo-Sonic HS?

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Fender Duo-Sonic HS, there are a few things to consider. First, what is your budget? Second, what is your level of experience? And finally, what style of music do you play?

If you have a limited budget, then the Squier by Fender Affinity Duo-Sonic HS is a good option. It’s a lower priced version of the Duo-Sonic HS and it still has all the same features that make it a great guitar for beginners.

If you’re more experienced, then you might want to check out the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. It’s a bit more expensive than the Duo-Sonic HS, but it’s a great guitar for those who are looking for something with a bit more power.

Are there any alternatives to the Fender Duo-Sonic HS?

Finally, if you play a particular style of music that requires a certain type of guitar, then there are many other options available on the market. For example, if you play metal music, then you might want to consider an Ibanez RG series guitar. If you play country music, then you might want to check out a Telecaster or Stratocaster. There are many different types of guitars out there and it really depends on your specific needs as a musician.

What’s the difference between Fender Duo-Sonic and Fender Duo-Sonic HS?

The biggest difference between the two models is that the HS (Highly Specified) has a better quality build and construction. It also comes with an upgraded bridge, pickups, and tuners. The original Duo-Sonic was designed as a student model instrument, so it doesn’t have the same features or attention to detail as the HS.

What are the dimensions of the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar?

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar has a length of 42.10 inches (106.93 cm), a width of 4.50 inches (11.43 cm), and a depth of 15.20 inches (38.60 cm). The scale length is 25.500 inches (64.77 cm), and the nut width is 11/16 inches (17 mm). It weighs 9.78 pounds.

How does the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar compare to other guitars in its price range?

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar is very competitively priced for all that it offers. It compares favorably to other guitars in its price range, both in terms of quality and features. When compared to similar models from other brands, the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar is typically a better value.

What are some of the key features of the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar?

Some of the key features of the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar include its two single-coil pickups, three-way pickup selector switch, vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, and chrome hardware.

Additionally, the guitar has a comfortable C-shaped neck profile and 21 vintage-style frets. The body is made from solid alder, and the fingerboard is rosewood.

Are Duo Sonic guitars good?

Duo Sonic guitars are very good, especially for the price. They offer great value for the money, and they are made by a reputable company. The quality is excellent, and the features are impressive. If you are looking for a guitar in this price range, the Duo Sonic is definitely worth considering.

Who plays a Fender Duo-Sonic?

Fender Duo-Sonic guitars are popular among a wide range of players. They’re often seen in the hands of indie and alternative rockers, but they’ve also been used by country, blues, and even metal guitarists. If you’re looking for a versatile guitar that can cover a lot of different styles, the Duo-Sonic is definitely worth considering.

When was the Fender Duo-Sonic made?

The Fender Duo-Sonic was first introduced in 1956 and remained in production until 1959. It was then reissued from 1986 to 1987 and again from 2016 to present.

The original Duo-Sonic was designed as an entry-level guitar for students. It featured a shorter 22.75″ scale length and two single coil pickups. The 2016 reissue of the Duo-Sonic maintains many of the same features as the original model, but with some modern updates like a vintage style tremolo bridge and 21 frets instead of 19.

What kind of music is the Fender Duo-Sonic good for?

Due to its small size and short scale length, the Duo-Sonic is a great guitar for beginners or players with smaller hands. It’s also a popular choice for travel guitars. The Duo-Sonic can be used for a variety of genres, but it excels in pop, rock, and indie styles.

Does Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar come with a gig bag?

The Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar does not come with a gig bag.

However, there are a number of different gig bags and cases available from Fender and other companies that will fit the guitar.

How long is the warranty on the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar?

The warranty on the Fender Duo-Sonic HS guitar is for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, but it does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or misuse of the instrument.

Is the Duo Sonic an offset?

The Fender Duo-Sonic is not an offset guitar. The original model was introduced as a student guitar in the 1950s and did not feature the offset body style that would become synonymous with Fender in the 1960s.

Is the Duo Sonic an offset?

The 2016 reissue of the Duo-Sonic does have a slightly offset body, but it’s not considered an offset guitar by most standards. [2]

Do I need an amplifier to play the Fender Duo-Sonic?

No, you don’t need an amplifier to play the Fender Duo-Sonic. The guitar can be played acoustically or plugged into an amp for electric tones. If you’re planning on playing electric, we recommend using a small practice amp or a modeling amp with built-in effects.

Related Video: Fender Duo-Sonic HS – early impressions and WTF GUITAR CENTER?

Conclusion

The Duo-Sonic HS is a great guitar for anyone looking to start learning the instrument. It has a slim neck and lightweight body that makes it easy to hold and play, and its two single-coil pickups provide a wide range of sounds. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, the Duo-Sonic HS is sure to please.

If you’re interested in picking one up for yourself, head over to our website and check out our selection today!


References:

  1. https://guitarcenter.pl/catalog/gitary/gitary/gitary-elektryczne/fender-player-duo-sonic-hs-ibm
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Duo-Sonic