The Musicmaster originally featured a 22.5-inch scale , a one-piece maple neck with 21 frets , a three-saddle bridge , and one singlecoil pickup . It was quite spartan , to be sure , but it was also undoubtedly a Fender . It had the same quality construction , futuristic look , and distinctive tonal signature of its predecessor , despite selling for just under 120 dollars , around a third of the cost of a Strat .
For kids with slightly more money to throw around , Fender released the Duo- Sonic several months later . It was essentially a two-pickup version of the Musicmaster , built with the same body and neck , but outfitted with somewhat more complex electronics . Both guitars went through various updates over the years , but remained popular in the Fender lineup . These days , pre- CBS models can be had for under two grand , making them very accessible to vintage guitar collectors of average means .
The Musicmaster originally featured a 22.5-inch scale , a one-piece maple neck with 21 frets , a three-saddle bridge , and one singlecoil pickup . It was quite spartan , to be sure , but it was also undoubtedly a Fender . It had the same quality construction , futuristic look , and distinctive tonal signature of its predecessor , despite selling for just under 120 dollars , around a third of the cost of a Strat .
For kids with slightly more money to throw around , Fender released the Duo- Sonic several months later . It was essentially a two-pickup version of the Musicmaster , built with the same body and neck , but outfitted with somewhat more complex electronics . Both guitars went through various updates over the years , but remained popular in the Fender lineup . These days , pre- CBS models can be had for under two grand , making them very accessible to vintage guitar collectors of average means .
“ The Stratocaster , was financially out of reach for many younger players that wanted it , and thus began to design something smaller and more affordable .”