Features and Differences Between the Fender Duo-Sonic and Fender Mustang Electric Guitar Models: Controls, Woods, and Top Models from the Fender and Squier Brands.
Although Leo Fender had already triumphed with the Telecaster and Stratocaster models, this didn’t slow his creative flow. On the contrary, there was no stopping this man, as Fender maintained his passion as an instrument designer for life.
Fender Duo-Sonic vs Mustang
FENDER DUO-SONIC
Consequently, two years after the creation of the Stratocaster, in 1956 Fender introduced the Duo-Sonic and Musicmaster. In these new models, Fender aimed to return to the simplicity of the Telecaster.
The body of these guitars is similar to that of a Stratocaster, but slightly narrower, longer, and with slightly less pronounced cutaways. However, their functional characteristics are more similar to those of the Telecaster model, such as the three-saddle fixed bridge, although Duo-Sonic models currently feature individual saddles for each string.
Their pickup configuration is also similar to the Telecaster model, but in this case, the bridge pickup is straight, and the neck pickup is slant. Consequently, the balance between the bass and treble notes would be different.
It features a three-way selector switch and a fairly short scale length of only 24 inches. A very light guitar with an even shorter scale length than traditional Gibson models, since the Duo-Sonic was originally designed for young guitarists with smaller hands.
However, this model is widely used by musicians looking for unique sounds that break away from the conventional, but naturally, the Duo-Sonic maintains Fender’s authentic, bright, and clear tones. For this reason, this model has been widely used in independent music and alternative rock.
Fender Duo-Sonic Models
Fender offers this model in the Offset series, at a fairly moderate price of around $680.
The Fender Duo-Sonic Offset features a fixed bridge with single saddles, alder body, a maple neck with a 9.5-inch-radius fingerboard, and Fender Duo-Sonic single-coil pickups.
This same model can be found at a fairly similar price, with an HS pickup configuration.
In addition to this model featuring a dual-coil pickup in the bridge position, it also features a push-pull tone control, allowing the bridge humbucker to be used in split mode.
FENDER MUSTANG
Ten years after the Duo-Sonic’s launch, a supposed replacement model was introduced, but it ultimately didn’t turn out to be a replacement, as the Fender Duo-Sonic is still being manufactured today. That replacement model was the Fender Mustang.
The Fender Mustang abandons the simplicity of the Fender Duo-Sonic to incorporate a tremolo system and individual controls to activate each pickup in phase and out of phase. Otherwise, it’s identical to the Duo-Sonic, with the same scale length, but this time the pickups were positioned at an angle.
The pickups are angled to balance the bass with the treble. However, Jimi Hendrix never seemed to be concerned about this issue. Jimi’s Stratocaster had a compensation that was completely opposite to the standard Strat model, as Hendrix was left-handed, but used a right-handed model. In fact, Fender currently makes the Jimi Hendrix Signature Stratocaster with this feature, and the guitar costs around $1200.
How the Pickup Selector on a Standard Fender Mustang Works
Now pay attention, because this Mustang pickup selector thing is a little confusing.
The switches have three positions: on would be toward the sides and off would be in the center. So if we place the two switches in the center, the guitar won’t play. Don’t be alarmed when you plug it in, because that’s how it is.
To connect the neck pickup, simply flip the front switch to one side while keeping the other switch off.
To activate the bridge pickup we will do the same, turning off the neck pickup.
With both pickups connected forward or backward, both pickups would be activated in phase. For the record, this would be the normal way they would be connected.
And with both pickups connected facing outward or inward, both pickups would be activated, out of phase. This results in a lower-volume, thinner, shrill, and nasal sound.
Squier Mustang
Squier offers several models, such as the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Mustang with a poplar body and alnico magnet pickups, priced under $450. You can also opt for the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Competition Mustang, identical to the previous model but with a different finish.
One of the most affordable models within this brand is the Squier Sonic Mustang HH, with a fixed bridge, poplar body, and a pair of ceramic magnet humbucker pickups, priced at around $230.
Squier Paranormal Cyclone
The manufacturer also develops the Squier Paranormal Cyclone model with a Mustang-style appearance, Strat-style pickup and bridge configuration, and Jaguar-style controls.
If none of models have convinced us, this guitar may be the solution. The Paranormal Cyclone features a 24.75-inch Gibson-style scale, making it a guitar with a very distinctive and unique personality.
This model features a vintage-style floating bridge over a poplar body, housing three alnico magnet single-coil pickups, with individual on/off slide switches for each pickup.
This last feature allows us to activate two additional pickup selections compared to a Standard Fender Stratocaster, such as activating all three pickups in unison, and the bridge pickup alongside the neck pickup.
Not many guitars can offer such originality and features, for a price that in some online stores is around 430 dollars.
Fender Mustang
We move on to the Mustang guitars marketed by Fender. Among the brand’s most affordable models is the Fender OffSet Mustang, priced at around $650, with the manufacturer’s signature features such as the use of alder wood for the guitar’s body.
Although this model does not feature the classic out-of-phase pickup options, unlike the Fender Vintera 60s Mustang. This model costs up to $900 and has a more curved vintage-style fingerboard with a 7.25-inch radius.
The Fender Mustang 90 features P90 pickups for added punch, priced at around $650.
Fender Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang
Finally, the Fender Mustang was used by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, but with a double-coil pickup in the bridge position. Today, Fender markets the Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang custom model, shaped like a cross between a Fender Jaguar and a Fender Mustang. A blend of the artist’s most iconic models, which changed music history, for a price of around 1200 dollars.
