The no-nonsense Classic Vibe Duo-Sonic.
In my younger days, I had a sweet late-’50s Fender Duo-Sonic, and recently—in an effort to try to buy back every model of guitar I sold in my youthful folly—I decided I needed this baby once again. So it was off to eBay to see what was available. The older Duo- Sonics seemed pretty pricey, but it turns out Fender offers a Duo-Sonic as one of the models in its Squier Classic Vibe series. All right! I was on it.
Fender puts more attention to detail into its Classic Vibe models than its typical Squiers, and as a result the Vibes cost a little more. These Duo-Sonics are closely based on the old ’50s model and sport a 24"-scale maple neck, a gold anodized aluminum pickguard, and an appealing Desert Sand finish.
When I started my search, these new Duo-Sonics had a list price of $529, and Musician’s Friend was selling them for $329, so that gave me a starting point on eBay. I found very few preowned models around the ’Bay, but after several weeks of bottom feeding, I finally found a nice used one for $220, plus $25 shipping.
When you catch the light just so, it’s hard to top a gold anodized aluminum pickguard. Note the 3-saddle bridge and “top loader” stringing system. INSET: Posing with a Duo-Sonic on her 2003 self-titled album, Liz Phair has long been associated with this short-scale Fender. Other players known to embrace the model—though perhaps not quite as evocatively—include Jimi Hendrix in his “Jimmy James” Isley Brothers days, Johnny Winter in the late ’60s, Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, and Television’s Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd.
It may have been listed as used, but when the Duo-Sonic arrived it looked brand-spanking new, as if the original owner unpacked it, strummed a few chords and then stuck it under his bed. I was knocked out by the looks—the paint and the gold pickguard together were very classy! Sporting medium jumbo frets, the shorter-scale maple fretboard—1 1/2" shorter than a Strat or Tele—makes bending pretty easy. Normally I’m more of a rosewood fretboard guy, but in recent years I’ve been warming up to maple ’boards. I also dig the 3-way Telecaster-style barrel saddles. It’s easy for a Tele player to make the transition here.
So how do I like it? I only have two complaints about these new Duo-Sonics: The single-coil pickups are a little weenie-sounding compared to, say, a Tele or a Strat. Why not use standard Strat pickups to make it compete with other guitars in volume? And I’m still trying to like maple fretboards, but the heavy gloss that’s usually applied on them seems to slow down my playing when my fingers get sweaty. I think leaving the gloss off would make these a little more retro and easy on the fingers.
That said, I’m quite pleased That said, I’m quite pleased overall with my Duo-Sonic and will probably keep it. But you know how that goes.
Will Ray
is a founding
member of the
Hellecasters guitar-twang
trio. He also does guitar
clinics promoting his
namesake G&L signature
model 6-string, and produces
artists and bands at his studio in
Asheville, North Carolina. You can contact
Will on Facebook and at willray.biz.
Guest picker Ally Venable
Ally Venable - Guest Picker
By FifthLegend from Eagan, Minnesota, United States of America - Thundercat, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70617212
A: For my late-night show's house band, I’ve assembled a dream team. This ensemble inspires me with their unparalleled musical talents and diverse backgrounds. Chris Layton’s drumming is unmatched and he will provide a solid foundation. I’ll have Jon Batiste on keys. His creativity and energy is boundless. Eric Gales would be on guitar. I love how emotive his music is, and I strive for that type of connection within my playing as well. Finally, I’d have Thundercat on bass. His playing is infused with jazz and funk sensibilities that would tie the whole sound together in an interesting way.
Obsession: My current obsession is shifting my approach to playing—focusing on connection over applause. Instead of chasing technical perfection or crowd reactions, I’m leaning into the emotional and spiritual side of music. It’s about creating moments that resonate deeply, whether it’s with myself, my bandmates, or the audience.
David Saenger - Reader of the Month
A: I love the idea of supergroups and how each of the players would interact. On guitars I would have Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) and Isaiah Sharkey. My drum and bass combo would be Stewart Copeland (The Police) and Mohini Dey. On keys and sax, I would have Herbie Hancock and Joshua Redman. My male and female vocalists would be Corey Glover (Living Colour) and Liv Warfield (Prince). All of these players are fantastic improvisers and really know how to put on an entertaining show in any genre.
Bassist Victor Wooten
Obsession: My current obsession has been bass. My 12-year-old daughter started playing electric and upright bass about two years ago, and it’s been a blast working with her. I’ve been really focusing on having a solid pocket, and it’s forced me to get better at reading bass clef. I’m taking her to see Victor Wooten next week. Can’t wait!
Jason Shadrick - Managing Editor
Jason Shadrick on the SNL stage.
A: The natural move would be to go for a high-energy party band decked out with multiple keyboards, horns, and vocalists. I’d go a different route. I’d go for a more rootsy vibe with Blake Mills leading a band consisting of Jay Bellerose on drums, esperanza spalding on bass, Bob Reynolds on saxophones, and a rotating guest each week. They could cover lo-fi Americana, funky open-tuned blues, and so much more.
Obsession: This month is slightly less obsession and more reflection as this will be my last issue as Managing Editor for PG. Over the last 15 years I’ve worked on 182 issues, which is kinda mind-boggling. I’ve been lucky enough to do some incredible things during my time at PG, including walking through the host door at SNL and spending a few minutes with Brian May. Never could have imagined it. I am very grateful.
Nick Millevoi - Senior Editor
A: I’ve long said that joining one of the late night bands would probably be my absolute top dream gig. So, if I were choosing my own late-night band, from any era, I would go no further than getting a chance to sit with Paul Schaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band or G.E. Smith-era Saturday Night Live Band.
Obsession: The late guitarist Jef Lee Johnson, who spent time in Schaffer’s band, had a heavy resume that included stars of all genres from Billy Joel to the Roots to McCoy Tyner. I got to see him play some low-key gigs around Philly, and each rearranged my molecules. It’s only now, years after his 2013 death, that I’ve become obsessed with his discography. Though much of his work was as a high-level sideman, his albums show the broad range of this masterful guitarist, whose tone, feel, and phrasing conveyed the instrument’s deepest emotional capabilities.
“Earthwood Bell Bronze strings are a giant leap forward in tone, playability, and durability. They’re great in any musical setting but really shine when played solo. There’s an orchestral quality to them.” -John Mayer
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