Features: 9
A little low on features, but it IS a student model, so I didn't expect a whole lot of fancy hoo-hahs. Comes with the standard fair for a Duo-Sonic. 2 Single coils, which sound fresh and chiming, with a great jangling tone. Pickup switch similar to a Les Paul, but different enough to be noticeable, in that it is smaller, and made entirely of chrome (no plastic). Switches nicely, but noisily. Hardtail bridge / stop combo. Three saddles. Excellent sustain.
Sound: 10
This is EXACTLY the sound I wanted when I ordered this guitar, a super-bright but versatile chiming tone, expertly delivered by the Duo-Sonic's two single coil pickups. Like I said before, great jangly-chimey tone. The basswood body gives it some warmth. Sounds great acoustic too, so I can walk around the house and play. Responds well to even the heaviest of distortion and overdrive, but can create a heck of a lot of feedback (which I love sculpting on this guitar). The controls are: Switch Down = Bridge Pickup / Switch Middle = Both Pickups (humbucking) / Switch Up = Neck Pickup.
Finish / Visual: 7
Not the greatest looking guitar. The aluminum pickguard and wonderfully finished maple neck are great. The pickguard is visually arresting and the neck plays like satin, as well or better than MIJ Mustangs I've played. However, the bland, beige, "Desert Sand" finish lends itself more to a Cinnamon Pop-Tart than to a guitar. Also, when I got it (it is a used guitar) there was a scuff on the side of the guitar. Not sure how it happened, and its not too noticeable, but it just makes me want to refinish this in Blue Sparkle or Sherwood Green even more.
Reliability: 8
I haven't gigged with this, but when I got it in the mail, even though it had been sitting in the cold for two days and now had to adjust to the warmth, the neck didn't warp and the finish didn't crack. Also, no buzz or dead notes on the wonderful one piece maple 21-fret neck.
Overall: 10
A great little guitar. Amazing sound, amazing feel, responds well to effects. The only problems that you might find in this are the: a) short scale (24 inches) which would probably not be a problem for most here, and 😎 the bland color scheme; if you can get past this, you have yourself a great guitar. Also, the body is thin, but not so thin you couldn't attach a vibrato if you desired one.
Well, there's no section in the review area regarding the Duo-Sonic, so I posted it here. This is for all those out there who are considering picking one of these budget beauties up. Any questions, just ask. 😁
