Fender Duosonic Electronics and Pickups

The Fender Duosonic guitar, which was introduced in 1956, typically has 2 single coil pickups with a vertically mounted selector switch located on the lower horn of the body. Unlike other common Fender guitar models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster the Duosonic switch isn't easy to reach while playing. Also, another difference is that the pickups, even on most vintage examples, are reverse-wound/reverse-polarity. This provides a humbucking effect when both pickups are engaged when the switch is in the middle position.

In some models, the pickups were covered with a solid plastic cover that completely covered the pickup's pole pieces. This was different from the standard Strat where the pole pieces were exposed and the Tele where the bridge pickup has exposed poles and the neck pickup's are covered with a metal plate. Newer reissues and some vintage models have the pole pieces exposed much like the Strat.

In fact, pickups that fit the Stratocaster also fit the Duosonic in most cases. Due to the slant of the pickups and the shorter scale length this can impart a different sound to the guitar. I've generally found it more brash and in your face as opposed to the more elegant sound from a Strat. Telecaster pickups will not fit in the Duosonic without major modifications to the guitar.

As for volume and tone pots, the typical Duosonic uses a single 250K pot for the volume and one for the tone. These pots serve both pickups. Wiring a Duosonic is rather simple, much like the Tele.

Overall, the Duosonic's electronics, along with it's unique scale length, combine to produce a unique guitar tone.