Danelectro 1956 U1 Reissue

Danelectro u1-reissue, surf-green color w/ white tape border; masonite top, back and sides; two piece maple neck w/ rosewood fretboard; single lipstick pkup w/volume and tone control; clear plexi pickguard; classic stop tailpiece style bridge w/walnut saddle configuration; and a metal nut. 21 med frets and cheap tuners(tuning and intonation a constant problem when playing aggressively.

I know this is a subjective issue, imh-unbiased opinion, I'll sum it up as this: as a lead guitar, it "fails" miserably; when used as a resonator/slide guitar, it's "great". Its metal nut, masonite construction and hollow inside creates a beautiful, clean, loud resonating tone, perfect for slide guitar. I only use it for that purpose.

Rating: for lead, a "zero"; for slide, a "9.5"

For lead guitar, the action S*u*c*k*s. For slide, "good"!

The fit is cheap, but that's ok.

Finish is ok for the budget build.

If used for slide playing, your gig will be successful. If used for anything else, "may danelectro have mercy on your soul".

Bought it used.

I've been playing for 28 years and own other gear: American ash deluxe fat strat w/floyd rose, mim '57 reissue strat, cherry sunburst Gibson Les Paul standard, Ovation ultra deluxe ele/acc., Jean Larivee D-9 dreadnought accoustic, and a La Patrie classical.

If it was stolen, I would hunt for another.

For the money, it's a great resonator!

My Danelectro is a U1 reissue. It is burgundy, maple nack, rosewood fret board, clear pick guard, 1 lipstick style pick-up. I've had it since the late 90's.Plenty of time to become very familiar with it. It is a VERY simple 1 pick-up guitar with tone and volume knob. However, for this guitar, simplicity is it's shining attribute. When you pick-up this guitar, you simply want to play it and nothing gets in the way of that. It is also very light in weight so it is comfortable to hold onto for hours without fatigue.

I'm not a professional musician, I usually tell people I play at playing a guitar. But, I am a good soundman. My normal configuration for this is to run it thru a DI box and straight into a mixer. From there I send it thru an array of effects units which can model different amps and a plethora of assorted effects. The basic sound from the guitar can be very clear and bright. However, tweek the knobs and input levels a smidgen and I can dirty it up, power house it, sustain it till forever, twang it with a coutry strut. It may only have one pick-up, but the placement seems optimal and the sound quality is very good, imho

When I got it, it had already been professionally set-up. Played very well from day one. I recently had the ability to have it set-up by a master. Oh my God!!!! This thing plays well beyond it's price and 'assumed' quality. Any of my musician type friends who have played on this are always very surprised at how well it plays. I haven't babied this thing. But, I also haven't really abused it either. Having had this guitar for numerous years, it has held up really well. The finish is still great, the tape on mine still doesn't have any problems. Some scratches on the pick guide, naturally, but nothing excessive. It is holding up well through the years and I don't expect to pass it on till I'm dead. This guitar is a keeper for me (I also got it's 12 string brother that's awesome too).

I don't play live, I'm not good enough. But, I have picked on this guitar for hours and years. It is holding up much much better than one would think a guitr of this price range would. No strap problems. Only thing is that, this guitar has a light body and has a tendency for the neck drop down while playing it. Once you get used to that, it's not a problem and the lightness of this guitar has been a pleasure. A friend of mine has a solid body SG. Very heavy and it hurts your shoulders after a half hour or so. Not this guitar. I can hold it for hours without getting any fatigue. I can't think of any problems I have had with this guitar.

I haven't had any reason to deal with customer support.

Obviously, I love this guitar. I have a 12 string Danelectro reissue also that is even more awesome. I have a clone telecaster and a yamaha classical. I have friends who play Ibanezes, Gibsons, Fenders and we swap guitars around often when playing together. I prefer this one, or my 12 string, to all the others for it's comfortable playablilty and wonderful sound. The single pick-up limitation has not never been a problem. For the money, this guitar is probably one of the best values out there. In my opinion.

One pickup, two knobs - that's it. The basic layout has been covered well by others. I'll withhold a rating since I personally think it has everything it needs.

I got this for jazz and some jangly clean chording. With my Vox AC15 I get a wonderful early British Invasion sound that I love. The U-1 in this respect provides a warmer and darker counterpart to my Ric 325. With a 1959 Bassman, I get a nice blues tone that works well for rhythm and brief lead lines. The sound is warm, yet detailed and clear. It can get twangy when needed, but the real winning sound here is mellow chording. The lipstick PUP has plenty of output and is almost dead quiet. I would describe the basic sound as a cross between amplified acoustic and a Strat's neck pickup.
I have it set up with 11-50 flatwounds, so versatility is a little limited. For jazz and jangle-pop, it's perfect.

Very well made. Two complaints - first, the truss rod seems a little un-responsive as it's almost completely tightened and I still see about .02" of relief. Second, the side tape isn't very well adhered compared to vintage Danos I've seen. It's starting to peel a bit in the corners, so I'll have to work some epoxy in there soon. Other then that, it's very well made and solid.

Tuners and strap buttons - same as all others. I'm planing to replace the tuners with Grover Sta-tites. The strap buttons will probably stay since I mostly play sitting down with the strap only to counterbalance.

Never dealt with Evets.

I bought this as a full scale compliment to my 1964 Silvertone 1448. It compares very well to the lovely plonky glory of that guitar, though a little more refined (and accurate intonation, of course). I love everything about it and plan to play it for many years. If lost or stolen, I'd have a hell of a time finding another black one, but I'd certainly try.

Don't know what year this is from but I am pretty certain it is a reissue. Bought it today from someone who I assume bought it new about 5 or 6 years ago, which would make it 2001 or 2002. There ain't no features on this baby. Just a neck, a body a pickup, volume and tone control. Beautiful in it's simplicity, really. Maple laminated neck, rosewood fretboard, nice action. It came with only 5 out of six strings. Really cool greenish yellow 50's-60's color. Binding tape loose on the inside curve... I expect they all have that problem after a while. Cheap tuners, lame bridge that actually seems to work o.k.

Slapped some light strings on it, adjusted the angle of the rosewood bridge a bit, tuned it up and checked it out. At first I thought there was going to be a problem with holding tune (I read here someone else with that same initial feeling) but fairly quickly it settled down and is now holding tune pretty well. Intonation is pretty damn close, considering the caveman nature of the bridge. Where this guitar shines however, is in the sound. BEAUTIFUL is all I can say. I am far from a great guitar player, and typically play only about a half hour a day. I picked this guitar up tonight and couldn't put it down for more than 2 hours. Played it through my Delta Blues amp and while it sounded nice, I sometimes got weird ringing sounds and other strange stuff. Played it through my Vox ADVT30 and the guitar really started to sing. The neck makes it easy easy easy to play and the guitar takes models and effects really well.... everything from heavy delay to deep dark distortion. Way fun !

Loose binding, cheapo tuners. Like the aluminum nut, hate the bridge but what the hey, I only paid $50.00 for mine and it looks essentially like new. The neck is great and real easy to play. Don't really like the short scale all that much but I'll get used to it.

Who knows? I'ts been around for 5 or 6 years already and still works great.

no knowledge

I really like this guitar, even though it is pretty new to me. I have a MIM Players Deluxe Strat and an Indonesian made HSS Strat and while this U1 does not compare to the MIM PD Strat in fit or finish, it sure does sound as good in it's limited way and is just as fun to play...maybe more fun. I'm a cheap S.O.B. and when I fine this much playability and sound quality for what I paid, I am a very happy camper.

Late 90's U1 Re-Issue. Black Finish, Clear, pinstriped pick guard. Creme side binding, rosewood fretboard, natural maple neck. One lipstick pick - up. Bought it new for 125.00 US. This guitar really looks fine, whether using my retro thin black leather strap, or in the stand. I swear I've seen it in rock videos from the era it was re-issued. (in black)

Always loved the Ventures and Dick Dale. Also a big Rockabilly fan. This is my first electric after years of playing acoustic. Nobody ever let me play guitar because I am a Harmonica guru, and I was getting tired of that "box". I tried electrics in my meager price range for years until I found the U-1. I have a musician friend who is blind, and she was with me at the time. I was ready to spend far more. She heard me playing the U-1 and lit up like a christmas tree. I tried it on every amp in the house. I tried it against classics and other more expensive guitars. She and I agreed. This was my sound, and it was SO DARN SIMPLE. I could add other guitars later at this price. This guitar seems to be better dialed closer to bass than treble. We tried a U - 2, and it just didn't have the same "round" tone. Sold. I play it through a Peavey Delta Blues 210. Great. When bored with that, I added: Danelectro "Milkshake" chorus, Danelectro "PB&J" Delay, and a "vintage" Boss OD-2 Turbo Overdrive. All strung together, it makes a very very thick infinite sustain sound, that would, (especially with the trem on the Peavey working, too), would scare the CRAP out of Bo Diddley. It is so full, and sweet, it scares the crap out of me! - Still Experimenting - I will NEVER lose this guitar.

It has very fast action, and stays in tune even if I leave it for weeks, or play it every day. That's very impressive to me. I don't care about much more than that as far as set-up. If I can just pick it up and enjoy it whenever... What else would I look for? I have noticed nothing of the aforementioned fret buzz. They are mass produced, maybe I got lucky? It's tight and right, (and light!)

I have not played this guitar live. I have no idea. I wish I could easily replace it, but sadly, they don't seem to be making them anymore. I'm gonna baby this as long as I can, as I really love it.

No warranty issues.

'98 Korean made, single pickup, stacked knob, very light good action

I play surf rock and it has great tone for this genre. It doesn't have as much punch as my Mexican Tele.

No problems here.

I use it as a backup guitar.

N/A

This is a great guitar and the best things about it are the simplicity and light weight. I probably paid about $100 too much for this guitar, but sometimes you eat the bear and other times the bear eats you. This time I was eaten.

Just a note, some time after writing my previous review, I took my Dano into the recording studio and layed down some tracks and was BLOWN AWAY! There was a certain song that I tried several guitars on, including a Tele, a Strat, A ric 620, Ovation Breadwinner and a LP Jr., but none of them caught the essence. One take with the Dano and all problems solved. For 125 smackers. One incredible sound (still ain't gonna use her live, though!).

Let's see. I picked this guy up new about two years ago. It has that cheap cool look to it, one lipstick pickup, one tone control stacked on a volume control. Rosewood neck, wood bridge, metal nut. I know that more pickups can be had but that would defeat the purpose of getting a Danelectro. It is simple, cheap, and sounds great. Sometimes, I like just picking it up to get away from all the feature creap that is stuffed into my other guitars. Simple can be beautiful.

This is the U1's strength. It sounds great. I have many guitars, and if I want the acoustic features closest to an acoustic, I pick the Danelectro. It's sound is clear and sweet. On the other hand, this rich sound does not do well with distortion; the sound is too complex and subtle and just sounds muddy if distorted (much as an acoustic would). As is well known, the masonite seems to create this sound. Similar to the old Fenders, I'm amazed that a guitar from the '50s gets its sound so right.

OK, this is where the guitar falls down a bit. Actually, the finish and action are fine, although I have some string buzz (only sometimes; the body must change with the weather; also, I know I can change to an adjustable bridge, but this would violate my principel of simplicity stated above and would probably screw up the sound). The 'fit' is fine also, but I'm going to use this section to mention what I don't like about the guitar. The neck has the clunky, stiff feel of an acoustic. I can't explain it, except that it just doesn't feel like an electric guitar neck. This is a matter of feel, but so it is...

The hardware is cheap, and I know to be careful with the strap buttons (they are 'not' solid). This is a one-song-a-set gigging guitar, though a terrific I-will-now-impress-you-with-deep-soulful-playing guitar. Bring a backup.

I've been playing about 40 years, and own many guitars. This is not a primary guitar because, like say a Gretch CG or a Rick 12-string, it is beautiful but has a very specialized sound. If you've never picked up one and played it check it out: it is light and fun and sounds great, and is everything a cheap guitar should be. I often think hard about swapping guitars I get bored with, but never the Danelectro. Without it, my sound palate would be incomplete.

Ko-rean reissue, hollow, Masonite body, 1 PU, rosewood fretboard, maple neck, non-adjustable truss rod, not-so-good tuners, replaced stock bridge with U-3 tuneable one.

The sound is great, just like the old blues men said of the original Dano/Silvertone makes, EXCEPT!.....the PU is a tad weak, you really have to compensate at the amp to get it over the hump. It's kind of a drag, it really limits it's use to the studio; not a good guitar for the stage. Does have a good treble bite though.

Finish? Set up? It was made in Korea, man! I think the factory is connected to their nuclear program.

I will never part with this thing....HOWEVER...I would NEVER use it live. It is a glorified toy. Sounds great, if not weak, but I can't see it standing up to any kind of abuse large or small. It is what it is...a cheap guitar that plays a little bigger than it really is.

Dunno

I have to confess that I like this guitar....not so much for the sound or asthetics, but it is a fairly fine playing axe with very decent action. Might sound odd, but it sounds better thru solid state amp rather than tube....go figure.

Laminated Top (poplar I believe). Volume/Gain controls. Single "Lip-Stick" pickup. Vintage cream color body, with rosewood fingerboard. Plastic tuners - very flimsy. "Coke-Bottle" headstock.

Sweet sound!! For rhythm guitar, this is all you need. Has absolutely no sustain, though - can't solo at all.

Intonation was horrible. Went to AllParts.com and bought a new bridge to solve that problem. Everything else was fine. The action and playability is far better than I could have imagined.

I've played it live, and it sounds great. But, I'd bring a back-up. Otherwise, I've had no problems with it breaking down - dropped it several times too... Pretty reliable.

no opinion

Been playing two years. Still building my collection of gear, but this guitar is my baby. It's a piece of crap, and I need to upgrade badly. But the sound and feel are so unique. I would be crushed if I lost it.

Late 90s? Early 00s? Commie Red with beige tape around the body. One lipstick pick-up in a middle position, standard Danelectro bridge with rosewood saddle, stacked knob for tone and volume. Korean made reissue of 1956 U-1 with peanut shaped single cutaway body and coke bottle headstock. Stock tuners (not so hot) and plastic strap pegs, aluminum nut. Feels fantastic if you're looking for a stripped down model like this which puts it in the league of the Les Paul Junior with a P-90. If you don't want stripped down you need to look elsewhere. Minuses for the tuners.

Play mostly punk, 70s glam, emo, heavy, this baby crosses the spectrum there if you're looking for something suitable for tube amp sounds. Use with Laney Hardcore 30R amp, Digitech RP-50, Danelectro Daddy-O and Fab Tone. The tone knob on this baby gives you all sorts of room to explore.

Bought this one used from a used instrument store but it had already been restrung and set up well. Strings hadn't been stretched and thought I had some real tuning problems but they're starting to get into shape now. Plays like a charm, nice thin neck. Minor fret buzz when I got it but you can raise and lower the action.

If you don't go nuts on stage, maybe replace the strap buttons, I'd play with this and another one or two for back-up.

n/a

I love this guitar. The biggest rips I've read on it here are regarding the tuning heads, bridge, and strap pegs. Here's some great news if you don't mind spending the money on a fantastic guitar (I don't) - the AllParts.com website has a special Danelectro section where you can get a bridge with adjustable saddles, good tuners, replacement body binding tape, pickguards, etc. A little pricey but try finding them somewhere else. I'm gonna buy about 10 of these if I can find them after I get the Convertible Pro in seafoam green I saw hanging next to it for $120.

Mine is not the reisue, is a true 1960 Danelectro U1, and is the simplest and functional electric guitar ever made. Neck (Maple) + Body (masonite and poplar) + pickup = Electric guitar. May be the tuners are not as good as the guitar deserves, but who wants to change anything in a jewel like this? The structure is very special: The body is semi hollow, but the neck is deeply inserted into it, so the pickup is placed over the neck. Semi semi hollow, semi solid, semi set neck, semi one piece. This baby is unique. I give 9, just because of the tuners, but the guitar itself is the main feature.

This guitar has a completely special sound. The body gives you a little amount of reverb, and the lipstick pickup is so sweet, even sweeter than a tele. Undoubtedly is not a versatile guitar, but the quality of the sound surpass the most demanding criterion. However I can cover all my music with the U1, and I play almost everything, but I use it mainly for The Cure, Radiohead, The Smiths, Yo la Tengo, Velvet Underground and Blues. I drive it into a Vox Valvetone a Behringer Gx 210 and the amp effects -very good amp-.

I bougth the guitar used -I'm not half old the guitar is-, and it has been in a box for decades, so I had to adjusted. Everything is in its rigth place: no buzz, comfortable, great.

Looks a little weak -has a wooden bridge!!! and works!!!!!-, feels ligth as a feather, but guitars are guitars, not assault weapons. If you treat it as what it is, won't have any problem. Everybody talk about the strap buttons, but personaly I haven't had any accident. And yes, I use it for live playing... the tunners stay on tune, to put it on tune is a little more difficult. (No matter what guitar you use, you need a backup)

Once I asked the Danelectro's guys for the constrrucion date. They answered me really quick.

I've been playing for 15 year and owned all sort of guitars you can imagine. Now my guitars are, the U1 and a moded Washburn WI-64 (two humbuckers). The U1 is a great guitar that I'll play till the last day of my life; is an unique piece of exquisite personality. If you can buy one: BUY IT or you'll lose a great chance to explore the seriuos side of the guitar universe.

This is a U2 reissue and is single cutaway with 2 lipstick pickups. It's body has a masonite top and bottom glued to a wood shell. So you would consider it a semi hollow which is why it gets those airy hollow tones. My guitar is a dark burgundy sparkle with white textured sides. The neck is also painted and the headstock is a coke bottle shape. The tuners are lowend but enclosed. They work well enough and give no problems. The fingerbrd is rosewood and has really nice stripes on it. The bridge is dano-designed and can be adjusted for lower or high action. It does not have the tunematic features but is adequate. The 2 knobs are conscentric with the tone and volume on 1 knob. There is also a 3 way toggle switch, strap buttons and also adequate. I received a gig bag from the pawnshop. This is not supposed to be a overpriced Gibson or Paul Reed Smith. I only paid $125 out the door. It's a retro style and reminds me of the 50's. It plays good, the action is low and seems to have a wider neck with a flat radius. I love it for what it is. It is very lightweight.

The sound is amazing to me. It can go to a very mellow jazz to high biting trebles. You just have to be careful cause just a little turn of the knob can change it. It suits the hwn, folk style jazz that I do. It's a very good rhythm guitar with lots of jangle. I've used it straight into the mixer and with Evans and Polytone amps. I use no effects other than a coiled guitar cord. The sound is versatile. Pickups are not as strong as you expect but the range of tones is amazing.

Very good construction but cheap. It works and I paid for it in the first 2 hrs I used it.

I've done 3 gigs and it has worked fine. I just have to be careful when adjusting the tone or volume while playing. It is a very light guitar and can even be heard unplugged around the house. Go try that with a Les Paul or PRS. The frets and fingerbrd are good and it plays very nice. I don't expect much from this guitar but it works and is making me money.

No contact with the factory. I bought this in a pawnshop.

I've been playing for 40 yrs. I have 2 other expensive Gibsons that can never sound like this cheapy. I like the lightweight of the Dano and the 50's vibe. After playing for 40 yrs, people don't really care if use a 10K Gibson or a $100 Dano. I could live with this guitar on a deserted island and I wouldn't feel bad. Buy a guitar like this and just enjoy playing music.

the features on this guitar well... no really simple guitar. its good though ould be better like the U3-56.

it sort-of suits my music style INDY/EMO. gosh my amp sucks its a Radio Shack im probly gonna get a crate or pignose. it is really noisy on distortion at highest level. it probly the amp. the sound is really rich like a les paul. the guitar has the widest varity without all the tune-o-matics and stuff. i would rather have it that a les paul. (unless gibson)

the knobs are plastic. the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.the knobs are plastic.

i dunno as soon as i got it, it broke within an hour. then i fixed and it broke again but now its fine.

no i need to though

good not another hoice besides a telecaster or something cool

Features?..........Features?......We don't need no stinking features! OK, actually, its quite simple. Single lipstick pickup, concentric volume and tone knobs, 21 frets, single cutaway body, blah, blah, blah........... What do you expect for this kinda money?

This thing sounds great considering the limitations on its electronics. I play blues, and classic rock, and you can't ask for a better sound than what it offers. Chunky lows, and singing highs. Fits my style nicely. I run it through Marshall Bluesbreaker IIs, (yep, two of 'em), a Dano Black Licorice, and a Dan-Echo delay into a Pignose G40v. Sound is amazing.

I bought this used, so I can't comment on how it was setup from the factory. I always put my new acquisitions through a complete setup after I get them. New strings, truss rod, pickup, neck, and bridge adjustments. I prefer to start from scratch. No damage to it. A+

This guitar could withstand live playing, however, I have other guitars for that. This was more or less bought to be used as a practice guitar around the house. Besides, with the features that this has, you'd have to invest some money to get more durable hardware on it so that you could take it gigging.(strap buttons, tuners, etc) I'd prefer to leave it at home.

And anyone who knows anything about playing out, you never, ever, go to a gig without a backup.

I've been in contact with the customer service folks through the e-mail. They got me answers fairly quickly regarding my questions.

I've been at the guitar for over 11 years, and I've had better and worse guitars go through my possession. This one is an inexpensive, simple, beginner level guitar. Don't let that fool you. This guitar can provide experts with what they're looking for. Just don't expect this to come off like a pricey Ibanez or Fender, though. Not going to happen. I knew that before I bought it, so my hopes were in the right place. I'll especially hold onto it since they aren't made anymore.

new model good sound from pickup. like the hollow body sound good pickup response. lipstick style. dont like the new strat style. yellow in color good eye catcher. good neck reaction. dont care for the tuners. or strap pegs. all in all , it is a trouble free good sounding guitar. if i knew for sure about discontinuing this model. there would be no price on this guitar.

i play gospel and country. it suits me fine. using a fender backstage amp and always add reverb. bright sound. love it

every thing form the factory was fine.

good

Simplicity itself. One pickup, one stacked knob.

Way more variety of sounds than you'd think. It can do a nice tele-twang, but more open and hollow body sounding. The low output, glassy sounding pickup works beautifully with effects of all kinds. No guitar anywhere near this price sounds this good.

Well, for the price, excellent. The main thing is the intonation are good out of the box.

Better put some epoxy on them strap buttons...they fall out!! Tuners a little feeble too.

A great little guitar.

I don't really know why I bought this guitar. I have always thought they would be an interesting piece to add to my collection, and when I heard Danelectro had discontinued the U1 I just had to have one. The U1 has a single lipstick pickup. Mine is Commie Red with the normal white binding that looks similar to athletic tape. It has a stacked knob for tone and volume. The bridge is non-adjustable unless you consider moving the wooden portion to set the intonation. It is a semi-hollowbody with a clear plastic pickguard. The tuners are a bit touchy and took some getting used to but are not a major problem. The neck is one of the best features of this guitar. It is very thin and plays smoothly. The one drawback I see is the strap pegs. They are plastic and are inserted into holes in the body without the aid of screws. I am rolling over ideas to fix this. This is a no frills guitar that is made to play. It may not have the bells and whistles of other guitars, but it makes up for that in tone.

I play mostly blues and old rock. Where this guitar really shines is 50's and 60's type rock. I play through a Kics USA 60w amp with a Snarling Dogs Blue Doo out in front. I usually play fairly clean or with only a little bit of bite. When playing clean I can dial in almost acoustic guitar tones. Very rich and sweet. With a little overdrive it still holds it's own but I usually roll back on the tone knob just a bit. I can even manage to get a twang sound out of it almost like a Tele on the neck pickup. It does have a little hum when I crank the overdrive. It hums even more through my Snarling Dogs Tweed-E-Dog, but I hardly play through it. This guitar would be good for jazz, blues, or what I use it for mainly, rhythm. It is also a good guitar for surf. I love this guitar for it's sound.

The action is low and very smooth. Although it is not a shreader by any means, not is not what it is intended to be. The guitar is flawless in terms of finish. Everything is in place and stable. It is no Cadillac, but in it's own right it is a beautiful guitar.

I worry about the strap pegs. Other than that I would have no problem gigging with the U1.

I have been playing for several years. I also own a Fender Strat and a Peavey Nitro. This guitar really has it's own niche in my arsenal. If it were stolen or lost I would be heartbroken as they are now out of production. I like this guitar so much that I have purchase a U2 and a U3 and hope to receive them soon. If you are looking for a guitar with a unique sound for not much money, then this may be the guitar for you.

It's a 1998, Dano. 21 or 22 frets. It is a Typical reissue Danelectro. Two knobs, the tone is on top of the volume. Knobs feel, cheap, like the strap buttons. Lipstick pickup, slanted, in the middle, if it was a Strat. The neck is rosewood, feels nice, and a sweet action. Burgundy metallic finish. Plastic tuners. I paid 199 dollars, its going to be plastic

I play, Country, Rockabilly, and Blues. The sound is perfect for Rockabilly, and Blues. Country, would'nt fit the Nashville assembly line of guitar music, but it works. Very quiet, nice rich sound. It sounds like a classic rock and roll guitar, The nifty fifty amp I use, makes the sounds. The guitar, plays very well, unplugged.

everything was set-up nice.

I don't play live, so i can't answer that question. I think it will last, the input jack on this guitar is cheap, that and the strap buttons, I think will go first. I can depend on it. Much like a boy scout, always be prepared.

never delt with them. One year warrenty card, never sent in.

Been playing on and off for 10 years. If it was stolen, I'd get a Dearmond M-65. Or i'd buy another, this guitar plays better and feels better than my Peavey Pred. Love the sound, love the feel. For the first time I actually got callous's on my fingers from playing this thing.

Single lipstick P/U, single cutaway semi-hollow body. Real nice playing unfinished neck. Bridge and tuners suck, but can be replaced. (Hey, for this price) I give it a 10 for the neck, 2 for the tuners and 3 for the bridge. Paint is excellent on body. remaining hardware is cheesy, but can be replaced or upgraded as needed.

Killer semi-hollow relic sound. Sweet, warm blues tone. Great hollow surf tone. Funky...in a good way. Not bad solo sound, but intonation needs to be addressed via new bridge. Decidedly single coil. I'm playing it through a little VOX Pathfinder amp (Which I would also HIGHLY recommend to anyone, even if you play through a boutique amp.) Obviously I am talking about low-price equipment here, but that makes it even better. I can only imagine what this guitar would sound like through an AC-30 or Fender Twin. I put all my $$$ into Bass gear. I didn't expect this guitar setup to sound so good, but it does...really good, especially for the $$$.

Excellent setup when I got off the rack...still playing the same strings. Intonation and tuning are a major issue because of the wood-slat bridge and (non)tuning keys. It plays exceptionally well...better than any mainland-asian or mexican Fender I've tried.(I'm not dissing Fender, but their cheap guitars honestly suck. Their cheap Basses are much better, relatively speaking.) I am pretty picky about the feel of a guitar...this one feels better to me than many 4 times it's price...god I love the neck. (These necks do have a trussrod, but you need to remove the neck to get to it...mine is straight and silky smooth...I can't begin to describe how good it feels and plays.)

It would smash easily without loosing a bunch of dough, if you're a showman. But, it has held up well, and I play hard. My girlfriend threw it accross the living room in a fit of rage on Thanksgiving (saying that I love it more than her) and it didn't do a damn thing to it. Strap Buttons are plastic...don't trust them outside of the living room. It's a low-acqusition-cost instrument...expect hardware upgrades to make it more useable. But the neck, pickup and sound offset the shortcomings by far.

I know they DON'T sell any hardware besides pickups. I checked out their web site thoroughly. I wanted to buy a bridge from one of the better models, but no dice. This bothers me, so I am giving this a bad rating.

I'm more of a bass player, but have played guitar on the side for 18 years. It's not a do everything guitar by any stretch, but it should not be dissed because of it's price or construction. THIS THING PLAYS AND SOUNDS EXCELLENT. Sweet vintage tone, and the lipstick oozes and cries and squeaks beautifully. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I got a killer deal on it..they are usually about $50 more. It needs a better bridge and tuners, but for the $$$ these can be justified.

I have a Korean made brand new (1997) 56-U1. One lipstick pickup, simple bridge, and steel nut. The nut has U shaped slots. The neck is plain wood (maple, I think) with a very light satin varnish and a rosewood fingerboard. The neck is two-piece laminated. Stacked Volume and tone knobs, plastic. The body is standard Danelectro plastic shell with masonite top and back, covered in a blue-ish purple laquer. The tuners are sealed amd seem sturdy enough. The strap buttons are plastic, and snap-fitted to the body. The guitar is very lightweight (4 3/4 lbs). The best feature the guitar has is simplicity.

The guitar is great for playing blues, jazz, and anything else that is suited by a hollowbody single coil pickup type sound. This is NOT the guitar to do mondo sustained metal/grunge/punk or whatnot. Intonation is perfect, and the resonance and overall sound reminds me of a mid- sixties Gibson 330 (P-90 pickups). There is plenty of tone control from the knob, and the sounds range from chunky blues to to nice, bright highs. The guitar sounds best played through tubes- great blues sound when slightly overdriven, and warm jazzy sounds clean.
I wouldn't mind a little more punch from the pickup, but it's lack of punch certainly doesn't hurt it.

The guitar was very well set up at the factory- good strings, perfect actions. There are no flaws I can find with the body, the fretboard is a perfect lamination, the frets are smooth and comfortable, and the tuning machines are perfectly aligned. The neck is a work of art- the wood is nice looking and not over-varnished and gives a warm, natural feel, with not lumps or flat spots.

The guitar seems to be sturdy enough, if a bit light. the hardware is good, solid, simple stuff, and the finish seems durable. My only real worry is the strap butons but I've not had any problems yet. It's certainly dependable, and has become my primary gig guitar- the sound is right and it's lightweight is perfect for gigging. I have no qualms about bringing only this guitar to a gig.

This is definitely the poor man's hollowbody. No question it's a cheap guitar, but it's a good cheap guitar. It plays wonderfully and sounds great. It was perfectly suited to my playing style- while i had been toying with the idea of picking up a 56-U2 or 59-DC, when i saw the single pickup U-1 on the rack I just had to get it. I played it at the shop, fell in love with the neck and the sound, and that was that. I would certainly buy another one. Probably will, in fact.