Up for sale, a 1966 Fender Duo Sonic II in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. A model played by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to David Byrne to Patti Smith and Liz Phair among numerous others, the Duo Sonic II has found a home on countless recordings in the 60+ years since its introduction. 100% original save for a pair of new pickup switches and finished in its original Daphne Blue nitro lacquer, this vintage Fender is lightweight and lively at only 6lbs 8oz.

Essentially a hardtail version of the Mustang platform, this guitar offers a clear acoustic voice that’s resonant and authoritative, with plenty of sparkle and cut on tap via the pair of gray bobbin alnico magnet single coils. These pickups are wound virtually identically to a concurrently-produced Strat pickup, with the only difference being the flat pole piece design. Both pickups are robust and bouncy, with a sweet, lively character and smooth midrange. This Duo Sonic II also features a pair of On/Off/On switches, enabling slinky out-of-phase tones when in their innermost or outermost points. This Duo Sonic II benefits from a professional setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Neck: Maple
• Shape: Medium C, measuring .830” at 1st fret, .925” at 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 7 1/4” radius, pearl dot inlays
• Frets: Slender, grooves on frets 1-2, lighter wear until fret 5
• Scale Length: 24”
• Nut width: 1 9/16”, bone
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe double-line, white buttons
• Factory Markings: July, 1966 stamp on neck heel

Body Specs:

• Body: Poplar
• Pickups: Gray bobbin single coil x2
• Harness: Untouched solder, Stackpole pots date to 18th week of ‘66
• Controls: Volume, Tone, On/Off/On switch x2
• Hardware: Hardtail bridge with threaded saddles, control plate
• Plastics: Three-ply white pearloid pickguard, pointer knobs

The Daphne Blue finish shows some greening of the clear coat, with subtle, tight lacquer checking and some buckle wear through the clear coat on the back bass-side waist of the slab body. There are some finish chips and dings, largely on the perimeter, and a few additional minor marks from use. The gloss on the neck is extremely smooth and worn-in, with palm wear down to the bare maple behind frets 2-5 and extending up the treble side of the carve.

The original gray speckled hardshell case is included (painted black), along with the original pickup on/off/on switches.