It seems that Fender's Squier division is hitting the market with a new Duosonic, the Squier Classic Vibe Duo-Sonic 50's. This replica guitar isn't true to the original 1950's Duo-sonic it attempts to emulate. At first glance, the Desert Sand paint job and gold anodized pickguard makes it appear vintage but, when we look close, the differences become evident.
First of all, the body is basswood. This body wood is often questionable as a tonewood for single coil guitars like the Duosonic. The scale length of the neck is 24 inches, not 22.5, which is a difference although there were 24 inch Duosonics produced. Also, on the neck, there is a gloss maple finish that many players find too sticky. Plus, with a nod to modern playability, the Squier Classic Vibe Duo-Sonic 50's 21 fret neck has a 9.5 radius, a modern C shape and medium jumbo frets. So much for the vintage vibe there.
On the bright side the pickups are AlNiCo V single coils which is certainly a cut above the cheap ceramic single coil pickups found on earlier Squier Duosonic copies. The other electronics seem to fall into line with the vintage layout.
Fender is trying to come out with a new line for Squier, the Classic Vibe Series. The Squier nameplate has been hit or miss, mostly miss, over the years but they're trying their best to compete in an increasingly crowded and better quality lower cost guitar marketplace.
I'd also mention that you still get the classic style Duo-sonic 3 saddle bridge. That means that you should know how to correctly setup the guitar or have someone do it. Otherwise you are likely to have tuning problems with your Squier Classic Vibe Duo-Sonic 50's. Also, don't think of giving this guitar a relic treatment. The paint job is poly so you won't get a relic look, only an ugly look.
I'm not a vintage snob or a purist by any means but this guitar looks like it's trying to please two markets, those who like the vintage look and feel and those who like modern appointments. I suspect that the Squier Classic Vibe Duo-Sonic 50's won't please either side very well.
