Adam B haha cool, how long did it take to earn enough?? Lol, i need to earn money for a decent amp and a used whammy pedal because i'm in a band now, wish me luck 😂
Here's how I decide whether or not to return something (guitars or otherwise): if anytime I think about the item I bought I instantly get that sinking feeling of disappointment, RETURN IT.
Stuart Zandonadi-Hatherley jr: ah Gibson owns Epiphone even though it's designed in another country, and it's the same for Squier, Fender owns them. you have to keep in mind that Gibson and Fender are the two oldest guitar companies. they started out making acoustic guitars back in the early 1900's with Gibson coming a little later. the first electric guitar came in 1949 as a 1950's model which you know it today as the Telecaster. in 1953 the first Stratocaster was made and in 1956 Gibson made there first electric guitar. back in the 50's you could buy a Gibson or Fender for only $200 dollars for the standard and $300 for the Deluxe. today that would be considered a steal to get a les Paul or Strat for that low of a price, but back then that was considered pricey. by 1960 the price increased to $300 for the Standard and $400 for the Deluxe. it was harder to get a guitar back then. people complained to Fender and Gibson about how expensive they were, so in 1961 Gibson was the first to formed a small company called Epiphone. they made a Les Paul Standard and two SG models, one was designed for the right hand and the other one was designed for the left hand. in 1963 Squier by Fender was born. in 1964 Fender started to move the Squier company to China and then later to Indonesia, because unlike Epiphone Fender wasn't making alot of money from the Squier back then. so in 1965 Fender went to Japan to bring there business out there, and then in 1966 the Ibanez guitar brand was born with the help of Fender. now out of the 3 budget companies from Squier and Ibanez back then, Epiphone was the better brand and had better build quality, just like Gibson was the guitar brand people wanted to own before they started going down hill in the 80's and to now where we are today.
Raven James - What Stuart meant to say was the ghost builder of Epiphone in China makes better quality guitars than the ones made in USA Gibson factory.
@@ravenjames3873 I like the enthusiasm of your information but you missed a lot of it. The telecaster, for example, is t the first electric guitar but it is the first production/mass produced electric guitar. Epiphone was not created by Gibson to answer to the customers wanting a lower cost, they were their own company and Gibson bought them. I've read different reasons why, but the one I like, is that Epiphone had some of the design ideas and patents that Gibson wanted and instead of trying to compete with Gibson just bought Epiphone. Regardless of the reason Gibson and Epiphone are under the same roof they are and it's because each was its own company in the early days. Also, Epiphone wasn't always a budget brand either. Many instruments from the earlier days are just as quality as any other instrument from the time and the price was much different then either. Please do make sure your info is in line before trying to teach people what's happening. Worse case, just mention that it's what you remember and the actuality may differ--just to let the reader know facts should be checked and clarified.
I have this guitar - it is excellent for the price. Super light, 24" scale, multitude of tones. It is so easy to play and has a nice grunge/punk vibe to it. It is a steal for the money new, given the quality.
DIY Guitar Talk yeah I was looking at a 3,000 fender custom shop and got zero info and the picture looked like it was taken with a disposable Kodak camera
Perhaps the previous owner had put stickers on the body and used something abrasive to remove them or the adhesive residue? Nice little guitar though - I really feel the need for one to complement my much modded Squier Bullet Mustang........
Man, I was having a bad day today and watching you just shred made my day so much better, thanks man (: keep up the great videos, i’m sure i’m not the only one who greatly enjoys your videos!
I am having this guitar in blue color for about two years and love it despite some issues related to MIM guitars. Being alone in foreign country, I was so happy to have this little guitar during COVID-19 lockdowns. I started to compose music with that and record. I don’t think I would consider to sell it since it provides unique sound and comfortability to me. Moreover, it was my friend during hard times and you know, friends can’t be betrayed and sold. ❤️
When you said "there's a push pull" i thought you said "there's a fish bowl". I was like is this some kinda surf guitar terminology for a coil split that I'm unaware of? Total duh moment.
I feel like we would be best bro's. Almost every guitar you review I buy like a week before. Always enjoy your videos. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Actually I can see those scratches pretty clearly on the small picture they provided. However I think anybody could overlook that as it has a really weird lighting and the picture is so small.
Last Christmas I went to guitar center and bought my mother a Yamaha FG, played around with it and knew that was the perfect guitar for her, I told the clerk I was going going to buy it and he told me that it a popular model, and that it was the last one in stock, so I was lucky to have found it and I told him I wanted it boxed up to bring it home, so he took it to the back and came out a few minutes later with it all boxed up and cashed me out, when I got home I wanted to take it out and play around with it a bit before I wrapped it, and come to find out the head had been completely snapped off from the neck and the guy literally rubberbanded it together, and then he tried to tell me that it was my fault I didn't look at the guitar after he boxed it up before I left, 5 MINUTES AFTER I HAD JUST PLAYED IT IN PERFECT CONDITION, moral of the story guitar center in corprate scumbags who have no passion for the instrument they are selling, support your local Musician/ Music Shop
Had a similar story with Thomann (German retailer). They sold me an audio interface that was supposed to have "slight traces of use". Well the thing looked like it had been taken on the road, used and abused for years. After some debating with them I managed to get a new one at a reduced price instead. So I am grateful that they made it up to me. But those kind of damages should really be disclosed so that you know what you are getting into.
That's why you have it shipped to the store and open the box in front of the person that hands it to you. If it's damaged or not what you expected, get a refund on the spot. It saves a lot of BS doing it that way.
Buying guitars online is always a bit of a crap shoot. I always look for used merchandise with lots of well lighted well shot photos. I look for verbose descriptions. There are too many items out there where only 1 or 2 pics are posted and a short one line description. I *TRY* to shy away from those. Unfortunately GC and music go round, etc. are notorious for under describing their used merch. I bought a great looking (in the ad) Peavey T-60 last year and was thinking to myself that it was too good to be true at what they were asking. I should have listened to my gut. It was advertised as VG and it was fair at best. I admit, at first glance it looked okay, but the frets were pretty much gone and previous owner(s) had monkeyed around with the electronics to the point that the pup leads needed to be replaced, there were unmatched valued pots... Just a mess.
Jason T. Also, you can call up and ask for an accurate description or have any GC associate take extra pictures for you. They can't notate every single nick and scrape. If it's a surface scratch, it's still in good condition. Is it a 5 or an 8? Call up and ask. Definitely not a WTF Guitar Center moment, but an "oops I was feeling impulsive and didn't want to do my homework on a used piece and now I don't like it... Waahh waahh waahh..." moment.
That IS surprisingly good man. I would return it because it looks more like someone had stickers on it and then removed them with the wrong kind of adhesive remover. And/or they scrubbed it with steel wool or some other abrasive material. That's definitely not from playing. I bet that happened at the store.
I had one for a while. Awesome guitar. Just plug it in my tube amp with medium gain and then do all the setup on the guitar itsellf. Lower the volume + single coil = super clean tone. Turn up the volume with the humbucker = super aggressive punk/rock sound. And it plays like a charm. Love it
Fender has always delivered on their humbuckers. Even the Squire 51 has a blistering HB (with tap as well). That middle position tapped with your amp sounds like Love Hurts to my ears. And I hear a lot of potential Tele sounds - good snap. Great review. Gonna freshen up my '93 Mexi Duo.
Count Von D I never liked the atomic humbucker a they put in various guitars, but this one sounds pretty nice and splits really well. I also like the pickups in the squire mustang.
my opinion of guitar center : guitar center blows emu's there I said it. I, like you had a very similar issue happen. they finally did take care of me but in total it took 6½ weeks. I'll never do business with them again. Cool video & cool little guitar 👍
These are super solid guitars!! I have very many HIGH dollar guitars and I loooove my Duo!!! Sorry you got an aesthetic headache that’s a bummer because it is a solid instrument.
I put a Seymour Duncan QuarterPound in the bridge of my '93 MIM Duosonic and that's worked out very nicely. Mine was in poor condition when I got it, broken pickguard and electronics. it was a trade where I swapped a Danelectro Cool Cat Chorus pedal for it so it was a lot better than ~$400 for a scuffed up one.
Astonishing Splitted / Coil tap sound on the humbucker ... Didn't expect a "full sound" as it sounded here. Good news. I only fell on 2 guitars with a decent coil split/tap. This one is the second. Thank's for the review
Ryan, you may never see this, but in case you were curious about the scratches near the top of the pickguard... I can tell you that I had developed the same scratches over time on an old mustang I had. Mine, no doubt, were caused because I store my picks in the pocket between the pickguard and the body up in that area. Eventually pulling out and putting picks in over and over created similar scratches. For some reason, a lot of Fenders tend to have a little gap right in that spot on all of their guitars with pickguards. Makes it ideal for a pick or two.
Weirdly, I just got one of these use from GC and even tho they described the condition as “good,” the thing is basically spotless, and it came with a tweed case. I got it for $450, which seems like a good deal. So far I love the feel.
I used one of these seafoam bodies with a Hipshot stainless bridge, Dimarzios, and a roasted maple / pau ferro Warmoth neck compound radius with Stainless frets and reverse headstock, with Hipshot locking tuners for a Partscaster. It's an awesome guitar, the new Duo Sonics are a solid mod platform for sure.
See if turning this into a real URL works! haha : facebook dot com /kyle.karich/videos/1638267776194343/ (it's set to public) I've never really taken any HQ pics of it, I'll do that tomorrow.
I have bought a few used guitars from GC off their website. I always call the store that has it and ask them to describe the cosmetic flaws. I have found them to be very honest. I called on one described as excellent and the salesperson told me that there were a few dings. He was surprised when I told him that it was listed as excellent. I passes on it and a few days later it was cheaper and described as good.
I know this is about 3 years late, but as a former guitar center employee, that photo was not an intentional cover up, they generally just don’t have a great place to take pictures of the guitars in the office, or much time to get a solid picture of it
I only started playing guitar for surf rock and punk. Living in sd over ten years ago made me truly appreciate punk and surf on. But surf is how I found you.
No actually watching your epiphone sl at NAMM so I knew if it would be good for surf. But I have totally watched the reverb shoutouts and now I now what reverb to get... ps fm 📻 49 and the local community when I went to high school in 2006 is why I know about punk and some Dick Dale. Also I llllllloooooveeee you!
Today I spent an hour in a guitar shop trying 3 mustangs - a Mexican with 2 single coils, a P90 loaded and the American performer. The Mustang is a cute guitar and I was attracted by the shorter scale, by way of a change. I really wanted to like one enough to buy because it’s just after Christmas, I have some money and I wanted to treat myself but I left the shop feeling that none of the guitars sound as good as their full size body equivalents.
Every time I’ve sat down with the Duo-Sonic’s I’ve liked them a lot. They seem to have a really raw kind of sound that I really like. Kind of like a mix between a strat and the offset Fenders with some of the brightness of a Telecaster.
hey i know im late to this video but i own this guitar now lol ive had it for about 2 or 3 years. it has the same marks on it in every spot! this has been my fav guitar ive ever owned ( being a fender fan boy) just wild to see where it was before i got my hands on it, small world haha
Just picked up a 51 squire used w/authentic American tele neck , fender tuners and corona neck plate for 150$ Canadian :) think I scored . Tons of mojo and the guy threw in a nice gig bag , fender braided cords , stand and picks . What a cool mashup
Fender doesn't support a lot of GC coupons. I ended up with this guitar when they couldn't get the coupon to go through to get an American Tele down to the price I needed. I did get get $50 in gift cards with my purchase. That's kind of like money off...
David Harrington I worked at gc for six years up until two months ago. Coupons definitely work on fender products. Unless the item is already on sale/clearance or less than cost once the coupon is applied, it will definitely go through. It sounds like you might have tried to add a coupon to a sale price or the salesman was just trying to make more commission off of you.
Hey Ryan just picked up the duo sonic yesterday and I love it. I actually bought a used modern player online and before I purchased I called up the store that was selling and asked an associate to look at it more closely for me. Most times when they post those for listing they are just taking a quick look over, testing everything, and taking a picture because they want it to sell it as fast as possible. Anyways I’m sorry you had such a bad experience hopefully next time will be a little more smoother.
About a month ago, I went to the Bridgeton Guitar Center to try out a used Brian May guitar. I had talked to them via email, and everything seem cool.... WOW...the wood around both bridge pole pieces were heavily cracked, AND whoever set up the bridge didn't properly set up the Wilkenson bridge because the back end was sticking up instead of being flat! I showed the employee the problems and he was nonchalant about everything I was saying. This was a month ago...and the guitar is still on their page. They wanted $600 for it, and they haven't dropped the price. It isn't worth it, and in fact whoever does buy it is going to have all sorts of issues with the bridge because of the wood cracking in front of the pole pieces. IMO, that is just wrong. Thankfully, I drove 2 hrs to test it out before ordering. Great video and demo. Send the guitar back and get one you'll be happy with. There is no need to accept something that disappoints you.
As seafoam green is my favorite color, and the neck is in such good shape, which you can't say about quite a few of the off-the-shelf Fenders, I would end up just keeping it and working on that finish. But, that's just me.
A fairly common experience, unfortunately...think a lot of us can relate. Let me guess - listed condition was 'great' or 'excellent'? GC does have a great return policy; they also need it. Keep up the fabulous content, Ryan!
Get a bottle of car finish polish 'swirl remover' and some cloths (if microfiber, watch out and don't use the sewed edges as the thread is sometimes nylon and will scratch the finish). "Kit" brand will work, there are others.
Yes im agree with u about coil tap thing...on american humbucker guitar like gibson and prs coil tap dont work perfectly, but in japanese guitars like ibanez and esp it work great...
I tried this model and the Mustang. I preferred the Mustang. I like the tone better and it has more range. I do like a clean sound but not TOO thin. The duo sonic is just a wee bit too thin for me - and I am a Fender fan. Some amps will give this guitar a little help with the thin-ness. There is a line between thin and cheap thin, and I think this guitar does a little more than flirt with that line. Having said that, I did like some to the sounds you got with your pedals - when you got some of that break up. As far as GC is concerned. I have had mixed experiences with them. With used stuff I've had better experiences with amps and with amps I got outside of my city. I got a really nice used amp from Cali and another from Buffalo (used). In fairness to GC, they do have a 45 day return policy. It is there for a reason. They are loose in some regards with respect to hit and miss with QC, but then again you can always return whatever you get. You are essentially the QC. The best way to get stuff from them, is to check out which guitar you want and take it home from the shop. If you have to order it, you need to be prepared for the hit and miss and not let them try to talk you out of the return when you do return it. I agree with the previous writer who commented on that "sinking feeling" of disappointment. If you want more or better chances with QC, consider going to a shop, checking out what you want. If they don't have it in stock and you have to order it, and you want to reduce the hit and miss factor- then I would order it from Sweetwater.
Only reason I go is they are 5 minutes from me and I pick up strings and maybe a patch cable from time to time. I haven't bought a guitar from them since... Probably very early 00's. Don't see why I would ever have a reason to again.
Dave Monty That’s not normal playing scratches. The description said normal playing scratches. I normally want things to be as described. You saying you don’t?
PS- with respect to the hit and miss, if you must order something from GC, either let them order it for you from the shop - have them deliver it to the shop, try it out at the shop and like it or return it right there at the shop. I am a beginner, but I have been a closet guitar lover for a long time and I have had to learn many things the hard way. Save yourself a lot of aggravation and heed this advice. At the end of the day, you are the QC. Do everything you can at the shop itself. If they do not have the item there- have them order it but delivered there. Then check it out there. Another tip= If you are a beginner, have a mentor or experienced guitar player with you when you go to get a guitar that you want. A person that is following you in what you want ( don't bring with you a person who is experienced and imposes what they think you should want) but is looking out for your best interests QUALITY wise for what YOU want. You want a good guitar - but the model you want - not what they want ("no- you should get a PRS not a Strat- kind of person- you don't need that crap). And btw, a sales rep is never going to be your mentor.
Yoooooooo I know this is pretty old now but I bought an affinity series tele in the same color also used from guitar center late 2019. It had very similar damage to it. It looked like someone had taken sandpaper to it. Was very disappointed because it played so well. My friend ended up liking it so he bought it off me and I bought the exact same guitar brand new for like 20 or 30 dollars more.
One hundred dollars reduction is going to mean considerable stuff going on. Return it or buff it. You pay either in time or money - and these are the poisons we choose in the final analysis. Prevention usually means balancing both - see my comments below. Just my humble opinion on this matter- based on my experiences..
Ive got one of these in baby blue...picked it up randomly at a music store a few months ago, played it for nearly two hours and knew it was going to be my baby I picked it up a week later and Im just in love with it
Something similar happened to me. Bought a Gibson SGJ 2014 Anniversary Edition, less than 30 days old return, on the cheap. Arrived with some terrible scratches & gouges. I was going to return it, but being from overseas, I decided to keep it, after the retailer offered another 100 dollars off.
The top scratching is an attempt to remove the original scratching without the proper knowledge of how to do it. Exchange it back or ask for some of your money back and fix it yourself. The discrepancy is what puts me off from buying used equipment via electronic inspection verses personal inspection. Are the Mustang and Sonic bodies the same just different hardware? Thanks!
I'd go humbucker with distortion and single coil clean...just to point out the obvious. I have a Les Paul and SG with 490R/490T humbuckers, a Melody Maker with P90s pickups and I think this would be perfect for my Fender guitar until I get an actual American Telecaster and Stratocaster. It's different from everything but seems to sound great...
I have the Daphne blue vs of this w/ Pau ferro fingerboard, which I didn't think I'd like but I love (the feel), and it's an awesome guitar. The short scale works great for and love the tension between the hardtail, short scale, & 11's. I've been playing old Motown stuff, some 60's music, some Otis Redding etc. & dialing in some great tones w/ my egnator. Definitely a keeper for & wish I had picked it up before the price hike. I THINK I once saw these going for $399 @ GC, but I might be off on that. Anyway, great guitar either way! Great vid and demo too. Considering the price you got this for and the fact you can buff that out, I'd keep it. Too bad the person trying to relic (which that does look like what they were attempting) didn't realize you can't do that with like a 4mm thick poly coat ;).
It's not accidental scratching my dude, someone had some stickers on there that they tried to rub off completely before they sold it. Probably used a mildly abrasive cleaning agent or pad. GC doesn't consider that mentionable and falls under the "mild wear and tear" for them. Which is great for shipped items because most people are put off by having to go back to the post office and mail it back, rather just suck it up and accept it. Fuck guitar center.
Which in your opinion is the better guitar for the money, this one or the G&L Tribute Fallout. Also, which is better in terms of playability, ease of play sitting, versatility, setup and for playing a mix of country, country rock, pop and rock..
I've had mine for a lil over a year and it's my favorite guitar! I mowed lawns all summer (I'm a poor teen lmao) for it and it was worth it
Sounds like j mascis' story. Expect to hear great things from you young man - you earned that guitar with blood, sweat and tears.
Send us all a link.
Hahaha i'm a poor teen too, i babysat all summer for my vm jazzmaster 😂
Emily :/ trimmed hedges for my strat
Adam B haha cool, how long did it take to earn enough?? Lol, i need to earn money for a decent amp and a used whammy pedal because i'm in a band now, wish me luck 😂
Emily :/ well my parents paid half, and good luck lol
Here's how I decide whether or not to return something (guitars or otherwise): if anytime I think about the item I bought I instantly get that sinking feeling of disappointment, RETURN IT.
great advice!!!
every single les paul from 2015 to 2018 :/
Chris House definitely have felt that before.
YES!!
No no no... The disappointing feeling you have is because you have yet to find the magic it holds..
Just do what Gibson would do about the finish flaws, paint over it with some pastel puke brown and call it a custom shop original
stepvan Joe
Lol even epiphone is doing a better job then Gibson at making guitars
Stuart Zandonadi-Hatherley jr: ah Gibson owns Epiphone even though it's designed in another country, and it's the same for Squier, Fender owns them. you have to keep in mind that Gibson and Fender are the two oldest guitar companies. they started out making acoustic guitars back in the early 1900's with Gibson coming a little later. the first electric guitar came in 1949 as a 1950's model which you know it today as the Telecaster. in 1953 the first Stratocaster was made and in 1956 Gibson made there first electric guitar. back in the 50's you could buy a Gibson or Fender for only $200 dollars for the standard and $300 for the Deluxe. today that would be considered a steal to get a les Paul or Strat for that low of a price, but back then that was considered pricey. by 1960 the price increased to $300 for the Standard and $400 for the Deluxe. it was harder to get a guitar back then. people complained to Fender and Gibson about how expensive they were, so in 1961 Gibson was the first to formed a small company called Epiphone. they made a Les Paul Standard and two SG models, one was designed for the right hand and the other one was designed for the left hand. in 1963 Squier by Fender was born. in 1964 Fender started to move the Squier company to China and then later to Indonesia, because unlike Epiphone Fender wasn't making alot of money from the Squier back then. so in 1965 Fender went to Japan to bring there business out there, and then in 1966 the Ibanez guitar brand was born with the help of Fender. now out of the 3 budget companies from Squier and Ibanez back then, Epiphone was the better brand and had better build quality, just like Gibson was the guitar brand people wanted to own before they started going down hill in the 80's and to now where we are today.
Raven James - What Stuart meant to say was the ghost builder of Epiphone in China makes better quality guitars than the ones made in USA Gibson factory.
@@ravenjames3873 I like the enthusiasm of your information but you missed a lot of it. The telecaster, for example, is t the first electric guitar but it is the first production/mass produced electric guitar. Epiphone was not created by Gibson to answer to the customers wanting a lower cost, they were their own company and Gibson bought them. I've read different reasons why, but the one I like, is that Epiphone had some of the design ideas and patents that Gibson wanted and instead of trying to compete with Gibson just bought Epiphone. Regardless of the reason Gibson and Epiphone are under the same roof they are and it's because each was its own company in the early days. Also, Epiphone wasn't always a budget brand either. Many instruments from the earlier days are just as quality as any other instrument from the time and the price was much different then either. Please do make sure your info is in line before trying to teach people what's happening. Worse case, just mention that it's what you remember and the actuality may differ--just to let the reader know facts should be checked and clarified.
@Arthur Morgan, Formerly 4th Chairman I called this person out too. Way off on all their info.
buff it out. you saved $100
Djvel Horjns h
6:49 you're welcome
you are a SAINT and a SCHOLAR!
Righy
I have this guitar - it is excellent for the price. Super light, 24" scale, multitude of tones. It is so easy to play and has a nice grunge/punk vibe to it. It is a steal for the money new, given the quality.
Guitar center always has terrible photos for used gear. And rarely more than 1 photo.
Mine arrives today! There were a few b-stock models on Reverb for $425, couldn't resist!
Their used equipment descriptions are terrible.
DIY Guitar Talk yeah I was looking at a 3,000 fender custom shop and got zero info and the picture looked like it was taken with a disposable Kodak camera
Perhaps the previous owner had put stickers on the body and used something abrasive to remove them or the adhesive residue? Nice little guitar though - I really feel the need for one to complement my much modded Squier Bullet Mustang........
That's what I was thinking.
Jim Kavanagh same here
Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound (light version) to the rescue!
Its coil split. You were correct.
Man, I was having a bad day today and watching you just shred made my day so much better, thanks man (: keep up the great videos, i’m sure i’m not the only one who greatly enjoys your videos!
I am having this guitar in blue color for about two years and love it despite some issues related to MIM guitars. Being alone in foreign country, I was so happy to have this little guitar during COVID-19 lockdowns. I started to compose music with that and record. I don’t think I would consider to sell it since it provides unique sound and comfortability to me. Moreover, it was my friend during hard times and you know, friends can’t be betrayed and sold. ❤️
When you said "there's a push pull" i thought you said "there's a fish bowl". I was like is this some kinda surf guitar terminology for a coil split that I'm unaware of? Total duh moment.
Bravo 👏! You play like the Ventures ! Beautiful Surf Rock 🏄♂️
I like the body on the DUO-Sonic better than the Mustang. If you are a smaller person it allows you to reach the top of the neck easier
it's splitting. tapping is turning it from hot to low output. splitting is turning it form humbucker to single coil.
I feel like we would be best bro's. Almost every guitar you review I buy like a week before. Always enjoy your videos. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Actually I can see those scratches pretty clearly on the small picture they provided. However I think anybody could overlook that as it has a really weird lighting and the picture is so small.
I was thinking the same. Watching this as I bought one used today, but in person.
Griping till 6.50 then plays guitar.
Last Christmas I went to guitar center and bought my mother a Yamaha FG, played around with it and knew that was the perfect guitar for her, I told the clerk I was going going to buy it and he told me that it a popular model, and that it was the last one in stock, so I was lucky to have found it and I told him I wanted it boxed up to bring it home, so he took it to the back and came out a few minutes later with it all boxed up and cashed me out, when I got home I wanted to take it out and play around with it a bit before I wrapped it, and come to find out the head had been completely snapped off from the neck and the guy literally rubberbanded it together, and then he tried to tell me that it was my fault I didn't look at the guitar after he boxed it up before I left, 5 MINUTES AFTER I HAD JUST PLAYED IT IN PERFECT CONDITION, moral of the story guitar center in corprate scumbags who have no passion for the instrument they are selling, support your local Musician/ Music Shop
Had a similar story with Thomann (German retailer). They sold me an audio interface that was supposed to have "slight traces of use". Well the thing looked like it had been taken on the road, used and abused for years.
After some debating with them I managed to get a new one at a reduced price instead. So I am grateful that they made it up to me. But those kind of damages should really be disclosed so that you know what you are getting into.
Buying used gear from Guitar Center ONLINE is a disappointment waiting to happen.
That's why you have it shipped to the store and open the box in front of the person that hands it to you. If it's damaged or not what you expected, get a refund on the spot. It saves a lot of BS doing it that way.
Buying guitars online is always a bit of a crap shoot. I always look for used merchandise with lots of well lighted well shot photos. I look for verbose descriptions. There are too many items out there where only 1 or 2 pics are posted and a short one line description. I *TRY* to shy away from those. Unfortunately GC and music go round, etc. are notorious for under describing their used merch. I bought a great looking (in the ad) Peavey T-60 last year and was thinking to myself that it was too good to be true at what they were asking. I should have listened to my gut. It was advertised as VG and it was fair at best. I admit, at first glance it looked okay, but the frets were pretty much gone and previous owner(s) had monkeyed around with the electronics to the point that the pup leads needed to be replaced, there were unmatched valued pots... Just a mess.
Guitar Center probably took a piss on it too.
Jason T. Also, you can call up and ask for an accurate description or have any GC associate take extra pictures for you. They can't notate every single nick and scrape. If it's a surface scratch, it's still in good condition. Is it a 5 or an 8? Call up and ask.
Definitely not a WTF Guitar Center moment, but an "oops I was feeling impulsive and didn't want to do my homework on a used piece and now I don't like it... Waahh waahh waahh..." moment.
i live pretty close to a guitar center where i live, so i can just drive there which is only about a 20 minute drive.
I got small hands so having that shorter neck is just great on my hands when playing those big beautiful chords :)
That IS surprisingly good man. I would return it because it looks more like someone had stickers on it and then removed them with the wrong kind of adhesive remover. And/or they scrubbed it with steel wool or some other abrasive material. That's definitely not from playing. I bet that happened at the store.
I had one for a while. Awesome guitar. Just plug it in my tube amp with medium gain and then do all the setup on the guitar itsellf. Lower the volume + single coil = super clean tone. Turn up the volume with the humbucker = super aggressive punk/rock sound. And it plays like a charm. Love it
You can polish it out with some work. You have 20 minutes worth of work to fix it for $100 off. Let's see, $100 for 20 minutes of my time? I'm in.
Disassembly, buffing, reassembly, restringing. That's a lot more than 20 minutes.
There were scratches on my tele's pickguard when I had it shipped. It was new, though. I totally feel you, man.
Fender has always delivered on their humbuckers. Even the Squire 51 has a blistering HB (with tap as well).
That middle position tapped with your amp sounds like Love Hurts to my ears. And I hear a lot of potential Tele sounds - good snap.
Great review. Gonna freshen up my '93 Mexi Duo.
Count Von D I never liked the atomic humbucker a they put in various guitars, but this one sounds pretty nice and splits really well. I also like the pickups in the squire mustang.
my opinion of guitar center :
guitar center blows emu's
there I said it. I, like you had a very similar issue happen.
they finally did take care of me but in total it took 6½ weeks. I'll never do business with them again.
Cool video & cool little guitar 👍
These are super solid guitars!! I have very many HIGH dollar guitars and I loooove my Duo!!! Sorry you got an aesthetic headache that’s a bummer because it is a solid instrument.
Oh man. Loving those tones. I don't even play surf rock and I want one of these
If you play it and it feels and sounds good. Keep it!!! Ulgy guitars need love too.
I wish they made these in left handed models, my husband loves these Mustang style guitars. Especially with the Easter/spring colors they come in.
No lefties on the originals or these 😢😒
I put a Seymour Duncan QuarterPound in the bridge of my '93 MIM Duosonic and that's worked out very nicely. Mine was in poor condition when I got it, broken pickguard and electronics. it was a trade where I swapped a Danelectro Cool Cat Chorus pedal for it so it was a lot better than ~$400 for a scuffed up one.
Frank Carr that sounds fun!
Astonishing Splitted / Coil tap sound on the humbucker ... Didn't expect a "full sound" as it sounded here. Good news. I only fell on 2 guitars with a decent coil split/tap. This one is the second. Thank's for the review
Just picked this up, and like you fell in love. Had no intention of buying this particular Fender but glad I did.
Playing starts at 8:00
Ryan, you may never see this, but in case you were curious about the scratches near the top of the pickguard... I can tell you that I had developed the same scratches over time on an old mustang I had. Mine, no doubt, were caused because I store my picks in the pocket between the pickguard and the body up in that area. Eventually pulling out and putting picks in over and over created similar scratches. For some reason, a lot of Fenders tend to have a little gap right in that spot on all of their guitars with pickguards. Makes it ideal for a pick or two.
Weirdly, I just got one of these use from GC and even tho they described the condition as “good,” the thing is basically spotless, and it came with a tweed case. I got it for $450, which seems like a good deal. So far I love the feel.
I used one of these seafoam bodies with a Hipshot stainless bridge, Dimarzios, and a roasted maple / pau ferro Warmoth neck compound radius with Stainless frets and reverse headstock, with Hipshot locking tuners for a Partscaster.
It's an awesome guitar, the new Duo Sonics are a solid mod platform for sure.
Kyle Karich I want to see this thing
See if turning this into a real URL works! haha :
facebook dot com /kyle.karich/videos/1638267776194343/ (it's set to public)
I've never really taken any HQ pics of it, I'll do that tomorrow.
Kyle Karich awe, it doesn't work. I'll see if I can copy paste it later.
I use Sweetwater for guitars. That 55 point inspection is worth it.
So Anyways, send the damn scuffed to hell thing back! Hardly worth telling the whole world about it
I have bought a few used guitars from GC off their website. I always call the store that has it and ask them to describe the cosmetic flaws. I have found them to be very honest. I called on one described as excellent and the salesperson told me that there were a few dings. He was surprised when I told him that it was listed as excellent. I passes on it and a few days later it was cheaper and described as good.
I know this is about 3 years late, but as a former guitar center employee, that photo was not an intentional cover up, they generally just don’t have a great place to take pictures of the guitars in the office, or much time to get a solid picture of it
I only started playing guitar for surf rock and punk. Living in sd over ten years ago made me truly appreciate punk and surf on. But surf is how I found you.
James Hatcher awesome! The reverb shootout videos?
No actually watching your epiphone sl at NAMM so I knew if it would be good for surf. But I have totally watched the reverb shoutouts and now I now what reverb to get... ps fm 📻 49 and the local community when I went to high school in 2006 is why I know about punk and some Dick Dale. Also I llllllloooooveeee you!
Today I spent an hour in a guitar shop trying 3 mustangs - a Mexican with 2 single coils, a P90 loaded and the American performer. The Mustang is a cute guitar and I was attracted by the shorter scale, by way of a change. I really wanted to like one enough to buy because it’s just after Christmas, I have some money and I wanted to treat myself but I left the shop feeling that none of the guitars sound as good as their full size body equivalents.
What an excellent review. Thanks so much! I am waiting on my HS in crimson red.
Every time I’ve sat down with the Duo-Sonic’s I’ve liked them a lot. They seem to have a really raw kind of sound that I really like. Kind of like a mix between a strat and the offset Fenders with some of the brightness of a Telecaster.
hey i know im late to this video but i own this guitar now lol ive had it for about 2 or 3 years. it has the same marks on it in every spot! this has been my fav guitar ive ever owned ( being a fender fan boy) just wild to see where it was before i got my hands on it, small world haha
That’s wild!
Nice shirt, Buddy!
Thanks, really helpful easy going video. You've helped me decide and it will be my first proper Fender. Nice one. ☺
I like the fixed bridge much better than a tremelo. Easier to tune and just seem way better! Cool guitar except for damage.
Just picked up a 51 squire used w/authentic American tele neck , fender tuners and corona neck plate for 150$ Canadian :) think I scored . Tons of mojo and the guy threw in a nice gig bag , fender braided cords , stand and picks . What a cool mashup
Just return it dude. They have coupons like three times a month so you can get a brand new one for not much more than you paid for this one
thats a good point
I agree and few times a year they have $100 off guitars $499 and up $150 $799 etc. and you can always use on fenders and Gibson’s
Fender doesn't support a lot of GC coupons. I ended up with this guitar when they couldn't get the coupon to go through to get an American Tele down to the price I needed. I did get get $50 in gift cards with my purchase. That's kind of like money off...
David Harrington I worked at gc for six years up until two months ago. Coupons definitely work on fender products. Unless the item is already on sale/clearance or less than cost once the coupon is applied, it will definitely go through.
It sounds like you might have tried to add a coupon to a sale price or the salesman was just trying to make more commission off of you.
Where can I get those coupons
I got a brand new Duosonic HS in light blue for 110 under list price. Gotta love Reverb man.
Hey Ryan just picked up the duo sonic yesterday and I love it. I actually bought a used modern player online and before I purchased I called up the store that was selling and asked an associate to look at it more closely for me. Most times when they post those for listing they are just taking a quick look over, testing everything, and taking a picture because they want it to sell it as fast as possible. Anyways I’m sorry you had such a bad experience hopefully next time will be a little more smoother.
About a month ago, I went to the Bridgeton Guitar Center to try out a used Brian May guitar. I had talked to them via email, and everything seem cool.... WOW...the wood around both bridge pole pieces were heavily cracked, AND whoever set up the bridge didn't properly set up the Wilkenson bridge because the back end was sticking up instead of being flat! I showed the employee the problems and he was nonchalant about everything I was saying. This was a month ago...and the guitar is still on their page. They wanted $600 for it, and they haven't dropped the price. It isn't worth it, and in fact whoever does buy it is going to have all sorts of issues with the bridge because of the wood cracking in front of the pole pieces. IMO, that is just wrong. Thankfully, I drove 2 hrs to test it out before ordering.
Great video and demo. Send the guitar back and get one you'll be happy with. There is no need to accept something that disappoints you.
As seafoam green is my favorite color, and the neck is in such good shape, which you can't say about quite a few of the off-the-shelf Fenders, I would end up just keeping it and working on that finish. But, that's just me.
Surf Rock forever!!!
A fairly common experience, unfortunately...think a lot of us can relate. Let me guess - listed condition was 'great' or 'excellent'? GC does have a great return policy; they also need it. Keep up the fabulous content, Ryan!
Sorry you're bummed... but you're right, it sounds great!
Get a bottle of car finish polish 'swirl remover' and some cloths (if microfiber, watch out and don't use the sewed edges as the thread is sometimes nylon and will scratch the finish). "Kit" brand will work, there are others.
Yes im agree with u about coil tap thing...on american humbucker guitar like gibson and prs coil tap dont work perfectly, but in japanese guitars like ibanez and esp it work great...
This guitar is so surfy got it day one deff my fav guitar I’ve ever owned
I tried this model and the Mustang. I preferred the Mustang. I like the tone better and it has more range. I do like a clean sound but not TOO thin. The duo sonic is just a wee bit too thin for me - and I am a Fender fan. Some amps will give this guitar a little help with the thin-ness. There is a line between thin and cheap thin, and I think this guitar does a little more than flirt with that line. Having said that, I did like some to the sounds you got with your pedals - when you got some of that break up.
As far as GC is concerned. I have had mixed experiences with them. With used stuff I've had better experiences with amps and with amps I got outside of my city. I got a really nice used amp from Cali and another from Buffalo (used). In fairness to GC, they do have a 45 day return policy. It is there for a reason. They are loose in some regards with respect to hit and miss with QC, but then again you can always return whatever you get. You are essentially the QC. The best way to get stuff from them, is to check out which guitar you want and take it home from the shop. If you have to order it, you need to be prepared for the hit and miss and not let them try to talk you out of the return when you do return it. I agree with the previous writer who commented on that "sinking feeling" of disappointment. If you want more or better chances with QC, consider going to a shop, checking out what you want. If they don't have it in stock and you have to order it, and you want to reduce the hit and miss factor- then I would order it from Sweetwater.
It said "Used", right? But then again - Guitar Center is destined to go out of business.
Never bought anything from 'em... an' never will
Only reason I go is they are 5 minutes from me and I pick up strings and maybe a patch cable from time to time. I haven't bought a guitar from them since... Probably very early 00's. Don't see why I would ever have a reason to again.
Dave Monty That’s not normal playing scratches. The description said normal playing scratches. I normally want things to be as described. You saying you don’t?
only go there for that reason, they are the worst when it comes to buying guitars and talking about amps.
Where do you guys buy your guitars?
PS- with respect to the hit and miss, if you must order something from GC, either let them order it for you from the shop - have them deliver it to the shop, try it out at the shop and like it or return it right there at the shop. I am a beginner, but I have been a closet guitar lover for a long time and I have had to learn many things the hard way. Save yourself a lot of aggravation and heed this advice. At the end of the day, you are the QC. Do everything you can at the shop itself. If they do not have the item there- have them order it but delivered there. Then check it out there.
Another tip=
If you are a beginner, have a mentor or experienced guitar player with you when you go to get a guitar that you want. A person that is following you in what you want ( don't bring with you a person who is experienced and imposes what they think you should want) but is looking out for your best interests QUALITY wise for what YOU want. You want a good guitar - but the model you want - not what they want ("no- you should get a PRS not a Strat- kind of person- you don't need that crap). And btw, a sales rep is never going to be your mentor.
G.C. charges $19+ tax to the buyer for shipping a guitar from one location to another 💩
I've purchased 2 used guitars from G.C. and I'm very happy with them. I got a good deal on both 😈
I got a few home relic guitars over the years I think there is nothing more authentic than a home relic job sometimes I'll just relic it harder
Reminds me of the sterling cutless guitars
DEFINITELY originally had stickers on it that they tried to remove without using Naptha🙄
Yoooooooo I know this is pretty old now but I bought an affinity series tele in the same color also used from guitar center late 2019. It had very similar damage to it. It looked like someone had taken sandpaper to it. Was very disappointed because it played so well. My friend ended up liking it so he bought it off me and I bought the exact same guitar brand new for like 20 or 30 dollars more.
If you can live with buffing it out, maybe they'll knock more off the price. I'd go for that.
if i take it in and they try to cut me a deal i might consider it.
They were trying to make sales not criticize and make bad impressions of the guitar then no one would buy it but that’s guitar center
I think the humbucker with reverb sounds sicker than the single coil, I do love me some surf rock, but it sounds so much fuller
I really love ❤️ you! I wish I still lived in San Diego just to high five you! You’re always the best!!! I’m literally addicted to your videos!
James Hatcher well now I'm blushing
60 Cycle Hum it’s a fact though. 👌🤘👍🤙
I hate returning things too, but this is a time you should return it.
Good review ! Thanks
Looks like someone attempted to relic that guitar. “Players Kit”: scratch remover, and polishing kit will polish the scratches out.
You bought the first Road Worn Duo Sonic!
the scratching above the pickguard is likely from someone wearing a watch or something on that was tapping
The scratching near the top is probably someone's thumb ring when they were strumming hard
One hundred dollars reduction is going to mean considerable stuff going on.
Return it or buff it.
You pay either in time or money - and these are the poisons we choose in the final analysis. Prevention usually means balancing both - see my comments below. Just my humble opinion on this matter- based on my experiences..
Hey, what is that green guitar behind you?
Seriously wtf (in a good way)
Ive got one of these in baby blue...picked it up randomly at a music store a few months ago, played it for nearly two hours and knew it was going to be my baby
I picked it up a week later and Im just in love with it
Take it back dude I'd take it back immediately.
That sucks aboot the paint but great vid, I always enjoy them. Keep up the good work.
Sounds great! Maybe it'll be my first mod level guitar!
I agree it's a bummer but you can hardly blame Guitar Center in an isolated case like this. That's why there's a return policy in the first place.
Something similar happened to me. Bought a Gibson SGJ 2014 Anniversary Edition, less than 30 days old return, on the cheap. Arrived with some terrible scratches & gouges. I was going to return it, but being from overseas, I decided to keep it, after the retailer offered another 100 dollars off.
The top scratching is an attempt to remove the original scratching without the proper knowledge of how to do it. Exchange it back or ask for some of your money back and fix it yourself. The discrepancy is what puts me off from buying used equipment via electronic inspection verses personal inspection. Are the Mustang and Sonic bodies the same just different hardware? Thanks!
I'd go humbucker with distortion and single coil clean...just to point out the obvious. I have a Les Paul and SG with 490R/490T humbuckers, a Melody Maker with P90s pickups and I think this would be perfect for my Fender guitar until I get an actual American Telecaster and Stratocaster. It's different from everything but seems to sound great...
I have the Daphne blue vs of this w/ Pau ferro fingerboard, which I didn't think I'd like but I love (the feel), and it's an awesome guitar. The short scale works great for and love the tension between the hardtail, short scale, & 11's. I've been playing old Motown stuff, some 60's music, some Otis Redding etc. & dialing in some great tones w/ my egnator. Definitely a keeper for & wish I had picked it up before the price hike. I THINK I once saw these going for $399 @ GC, but I might be off on that. Anyway, great guitar either way! Great vid and demo too. Considering the price you got this for and the fact you can buff that out, I'd keep it. Too bad the person trying to relic (which that does look like what they were attempting) didn't realize you can't do that with like a 4mm thick poly coat ;).
I would end up using the coil split alot.. If this thing was left handed and had a vibrato on it, I'd buy it from you right now.
Does the middle position actually mute the hum??
You saved $100 on a $500 guitar. I'd buff it out and be happy.
It's not accidental scratching my dude, someone had some stickers on there that they tried to rub off completely before they sold it. Probably used a mildly abrasive cleaning agent or pad. GC doesn't consider that mentionable and falls under the "mild wear and tear" for them. Which is great for shipped items because most people are put off by having to go back to the post office and mail it back, rather just suck it up and accept it. Fuck guitar center.
Love the guitar. Return it, and get a brand new one!
Which in your opinion is the better guitar for the money, this one or the G&L Tribute Fallout. Also, which is better in terms of playability, ease of play sitting, versatility, setup and for playing a mix of country, country rock, pop and rock..