1965 Fender Duo Sonic II Olympic White w/case

6lbs 14oz.

Very good condition for it's age! Freshly setup and restrung. Plays great and functions as it should. The finish tells a long story, plenty of scrapes, dings, scratches and blemishes. See pics. Bridge saddles have been replaced but originals are included. The case may not be original but it's close to the same age- literally held together with duct tape! It willl help protect in the shipping process and storage but not much else. Handle is broken as well.

The 1965 Fender Duo-Sonic II in Olympic White is a highly sought-after vintage electric guitar, representing the transition between Fender’s pre-CBS and early CBS eras.  Originally designed as a student model, it has evolved into a cult favorite among collectors and indie rock musicians for its unique tone, short scale, and offset body style.

Introduced in late 1964 and produced through 1969, the Duo-Sonic II was a redesign of the original Duo-Sonic, featuring a larger, offset body similar to the Fender Mustang, but with a fixed hardtail bridge instead of a vibrato system. The 1965 models are particularly prized because many were assembled using pre-CBS components (neck stamps from late 1964, Stackpole pots, single-line Kluson tuners) even if the pickups were dated early 1965.

Most 1965 Duo-Sonic II guitars feature the following specifications:

Body: Solid alder (sometimes poplar) with a slab body design.
Finish: Olympic White (nitrocellulose lacquer), which often ages to a creamy yellow or shows checking.
Neck: 1-piece maple with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard (slab board on some early models) and pearloid or clay dot inlays.
Scale Length: 24 inches (longer than the original 22.5" Duo-Sonic), making it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those seeking a slinkier feel.
Pickups: Two single-coil pickups with reverse-wound/reverse-polarity wiring.
Controls: Unique electronics featuring two 3-way slider switches that allow for in-phase and out-of-phase tones, effectively acting as a humbucker when both pickups are engaged.
Hardware: Chrome bridge, Kluson Deluxe tuners, and a tortoise or white pickguard.

Due to their rarity and historical significance, all-original 1965 Duo-Sonic II guitars in Olympic White command significant prices. Values fluctuate based on condition, originality of parts (especially pickups and finish), and provenance.

Pricing: Recent listings for all-original examples in excellent condition range from $2,995 to $3,395. Models with refinishes or replaced parts (tuners, switches) typically sell for less, often between $1,999 and $2,500.

The Duo-Sonic II is renowned for its distinct "quack" in the out-of-phase position, a sound utilized by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and various modern indie rock guitarists. The 24-inch scale length offers lower string tension, facilitating easy bending and a comfortable playing experience. While originally marketed as a student instrument, the build quality matches full-sized Fenders of the era, featuring high-quality woods and craftsmanship that distinguish it from modern budget alternatives.

Since 1979, we at Mom's Music have worked hard to make the Louisville, KY music scene something special.  Now, we’re working hard to share what makes us great with the world.  We take pride in our care and attention to detail regarding every instrument and musician that comes through the store, and every instrument we receive gets a thorough inspection and setup when it arrives in our shop and prior to shipment.
All orders placed will require a signature upon arrival.  If a different arrangement is preferred, send us a message or give us a call.