Difference Between Fender Stringmaster & Dual Profession

Doug Freeman · From: Los Angeles, CA

OK, I'm a newbie to steel guitar and wonder about the main differences between the Fender Stringmaster and Dual Professional. The pickups are very different, obviously...how does that translate to sound and response? And do they differ in string length and spacing? Any other key differences? All else equal it seems like vintage Stringmasters go for a good deal more money than Dual Professionals, so obviously there's something people like better about one over the other. What is it? Thanks.

Billy Gilbert · From: Texas, USA

Most Dual Pros have a 22.5" scale, while 24.5" is the most common scale length on Stringmasters. Some Stringmasters have a blend pot wired between the pickups to allow the player more tone selection.

String spacing between the two is very similar, if not the same.

Having the strings run through the pickups on the Dual Pros limits the space for your picking hand when playing on the high frets. I like the sound of both. YMMV Laughing

Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

Doug,

I have Two Stringmasters, a 22.5" S8 and a 24.5" D8. I also own a 22.5" Dual Pro. I find myself rarely playing the DP for the reasons Billy gives above. I just love that blend pot and two pickup system. You can dial in any sound you need with a Stringmaster.

I still enjoy the Dual Pro and it is a wonderful instrument in its own right very bright and snappy is how I would say it sounds. It is just not quite as versitile as a Stringmaster. The DP seems to have a little more output (a good thing IMO) than the SMs in single coil mode. As you dial the SM towards Humbucking mode, the SM will gain output to then exceed the DP.

String spacing is the same at approx 3/8" on all of the above.

There will be a Steel Guitar Assn meeting and jam August 23 at Sam Ash in Cerritos. Since you're in LA that might be a good place to check out some of the different steels and see what they sound like depending on what shows up.

Prices of all these guitars are up there and climbing all the time. My steel fetish started about two years ago so I'm no expert. Hopefully you can use the opinion of a newer player/collector.

Best,

Rich

Chris Scruggs · From: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

All Dual Professionals have the 22.5" scale. I prefer the sound of a Dual Pro. The Stringmaster doesn't sound as strong as a Dual Pro to my ears. The string through PU does limit your right hand placement, but it is the greatest PU in the world.

It's the sound of all your favorite records! The Stringmaster wasn't introduced until the very end of the prepedal era, so most classic country records with Fenders are Dual Pros and it's triple neck cousin, the Custom.

The location of the tone pot is more convenient on a dual pro, too, as you can turn it with your Pinky while you play. The SM has it behind the bridge which is a little limiting. Also, Stringmasters have a "sweet spot" with the blender. A Dual Pro's sweet spot is when you plug it in, IMO.

It's like Strats VS. Teles. One isn't better than the other, it's just a matter of prefernce. I strongly prefer Dual Pros.

CS

Chris Walke · From: St Charles, IL

Dave Harmonson · From: Seattle, Wa

You are correct. The single necks are called Deluxe 8, and both the string thru and 2 pu versions are called Deluxe. The single necks for are all practical purposes are the same as the String Master or Professional, however.

Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

Yeah Chris & Dave, you are correct. Sorry I mis-spoke. My single is a Deluxe 8 which is a single neck Stringmaster. I just get so used to calling it a SM 'cause you know...........

I continue to search for a triple and a quad I can afford. to fill out the "harum".

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois