1959 Fender Duosonic

by Jack Kasmer
(Sebring, Fl)

I know these guitars supposedly came only in a beige color but this guitar was originally red with a black pickguard. this guitar was my brothers since the mid 60's. it's a short scale. unfortunately it was restored in the late 70's because I let an idiot use it and he decided to paint it, totally messing up the guitar. it was restored by a Fender guitar expert and looks exactly like when we got it. My brother died in 1970 and he loved this little guitar because it bent notes so well (Jimi Hendrix was his idol).I'm curious as to what this guitar is worth and also to say that you could get Duosonics in red. thank you.J

ANSWER

Hi, Jack--

Thanks for the interesting history of this guitar!

Here is the Blue Book general info:

DUO-SONIC (U.S. MFG.)
- offset double cutaway hardwood 3/4 size body, metal pickguard, bolt-on maple neck, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, fixed bridge with cover, six-on-one-side tuners with plastic buttons, chrome hardware, two single coil pickups, two knobs (v, tone), three-position switch, available in Desert Sand, Sunburst, or Custom Color finishes, mfg. 1956-1969.

The color indicates that the guitar may not be a 1959: "In 1964, .... Red, Blue, and White finishes were introduced." Only the serial number would establish the date for sure.

Here is the pricing info. from the Blue Book:

1956-1959 Short Scale

Mint $1,400
Exc.+ $1,200
Exc. $1,050
Avg.+ $900
Avg. $750
General $650

Of course, these prices are based on the guitar being in ORIGINAL condition. The refinish will have a major negative effect on the value--how much is hard to say.

On the other hand, any guitar is worth what someone will pay for it, so the right buyer might overlook the refinish if it is as good as you say.

Best Wishes,
Lynne