1957 Fender Musicmaster and 1959 Fender Duo-Sonic
July 20, 2010
In 1955, Fender Sales decided the company needed to add inexpensive student electric guitar models to the existing lineup, which included the Esquire, the Telecaster, the Stratocaster, and the Precision bass.
In 1955, Fender Sales decided the company
needed to add inexpensive student
electric guitar models to the existing
lineup, which included the Esquire,
the Telecaster, the Stratocaster, and
the Precision bass. These new beginner
electrics were introduced by 1956. They
were called the Musicmaster (one pickup)
and the Duo-Sonic (two pickups).
These short-scale guitars were designed
for young beginners with small fingers.
The Musicmaster and Duo-Sonic shared
Both Michael Bloomfield and Jimi Hendrix played Duo-Sonics in their early careers before working their way up to the "big boy" Fenders and Gibsons.
More information on these Fender guitars can be found in Fender: The Sound Heard ’Round the World by Richard R. Smith, and in The Fender Book by Tony Bacon and Paul Day.
Dave's Guitar Shop
Daves Rogers’ collection is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite and Tim Mullally
Photos and words by Tim Mullally
Dave’s collection is on display at:
Dave's Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
davesguitar.com