Danelectro 59 DC

Further to my previous review below, I am altering my opinion on this guitars features.
I, and others, have given details of the basic guitar, and, as I dont' use a tremolo anyway on my strat, it just gets in my way.., I fugure that the Dan has everything you need.
The bridge looks like a piece of shit. It works, and that rosewood probably helps the tone.
It has all I need, so full marks for features. I guess that too many features, add-ons, widgets and gizmos would ruin it.
10

The range of sounds this thing can make belies its simple spec.
It can wail, it can moan, it can chug.
It can't do thrash metal. This is not a loss to me.
I use no effects, just a nasty Fender Squier practice amp, that sounds shyte above '5', -but- I also have an Aria/Loco bass amp, through which the Dan sings.
I love this sound.

The guitar, as stated elsewhere, was perfect. I have had it a month, play for at least an hour every day, and it still is.

Seems to be OK so far, finish not a problem, strap buttons not a problem.
TIP:- cut your guitar strap down so the mounting bit at the end is narrow enough not to get folded over, and the guitar sits perfectly.

Dunno, no further dealings with them.

I am still a beginner on six strings, but I am OK on bass. I love this little guitar, and have begun writing using this and my basses. Something i have not done for a few years!!.
Extremely good chugging guitar, and perfect for call and answer riffing.
Open chords sing sweetly, power chords chug, high notes wail mournfully. Little body sustain, but a bit of vibrato is all thats needed.

Modern remake of an old 'classic'. Korean, made of Masonite ( MDF? ) over a ply frame. What appears to be the cheapest, nastiest, crappiest hardware ever fitted to a guitar. At first sight, that bridge, and those tuners..... Twin 'Lipstick' pickups, stacked vol and tone controls, PU selector. All you need really. The opinion rating reflects my needs, your milage may vary.

I am a learner, playing riffs, scales and chords. No real structure, def. no style ( cynics ). I don't use any effects, and play through a Fender Squier Sidekick bloody awful waste of money amp. Hint:- don't buy this amp, it is shyte for anything other than lowish volume practice.
No extraneous noises from the pickups at all. The pots are silent too.
Danelectros have a unique sound, which I just happen to love. Go play one a t a music shop and make your own mind up. Output seems low, but the tone...To die for.
The guitar can be made to make warm mellow sounds, or bright leads. It sounds, to me, halfway between a telecaster and an ES335.
Lurve that sound!, but beaar in mind that that was the reason I bought it, so I am biased.

The setup was -perfect-
Action perfect, intonation, according to my tuner, was perfect, that crappy looking bridge does a good job. The pickups are odd. The bridge pickup seems to have a lower output than the neck pickup, but this is easily balanced with the vol controls. The finish, for -any- guitar, let alone one this inexpensive is perfect!. No flaws whatsoever.None.Nil.Nada.Get the point?. The metal nut is the only thing I have 'attended' to. I slackened the strings off, and brushed the nut with graphite powder. That is all the attention it needed.
Compare that to my first 6string, a strat which needed everything adjusting.
As for those cheapo looking tuners, I have to retune my guitar once a week. Before a practice, I hook it to my tuner and check. I practice for an hour a night at least, and to need to retune one or two strings a week is nowt. My strat?, daily...
I rest my case

Dont play 6string live, but, even though this guitar seems cheap, I suspect it would cope OK, 'cept for the strap buttons.The hardware is solid enough, the finish tough as old boots, and, when I get good enough ( only played 6string for 6months, before that, 18years on bass ), I will mod the strap buttons and gig like a bugger with it.
Strap buttons aside, this will last.

I emailed danelectro with a trivial question, they replied the next day. I have no problems with this superb little guitar, but for some reason feel I would be looked after should a problem arise

Not been playing too long, but now want to replace my VOX and Fender Precision basses with a Dan Longhorn, and I want a single cutaway/twin pickup Dan to complement it with a Dan Amp.
I compared this guitar with a Telecaster, a Les Paul Junior, and a Yamaha. It came dowwn to a choice between the Dan and the Yamaha. The Dan won just on that sound through the shops amp. Now I waant a Dan amp too!!
Chosen coz it was inexpensive, played well, sounded good and looked great. If I had it stolen, I would kill the thief if I found them, and yes, I would buy another. I have played a Longhorn, and my Fender is going...
My rating is personal. I love this guitar. I can riff like a bastard on it, play sweet chords, or grunge like mad on power chords. It takes it all in its stride and comes back for more.
Not the same kind of power as a Gibson with humbuckers, nor as strident as a Strat for wailing solos. Who cares.

Dude, Does anyone know about guitars? I mean Dan Electro is a good company, but when I bought the DC 59....I was disappointed. I brought it over to my friend who works on guitars for a living. The intonation was out, More specific.... There is a basic design flaw which causes poor intonation. I give this guitar an overall rating of 5. But on the other hand, the DC 59 is a perfect beginner model.

Your typical Danelectro features...masonite, masonite, and more masonite, single coil p.u.s in lipstick tube cases, low-rent tuners, binding "tape" around the sides, plastic strap pegs...the usual. Enough has been said about the physical aspects of these guitars so I won't waste this space...Giving it a "3" for features (there's almost NOTHING to it...I'd give WAY higher points for a built-in BEER KEG), but that's not meant as a no vote...not at all!

Sounds very odd...almost like an original Dano. Notes die out abruptly, then come back, only to die once more! Interesting acoustic qualities of Masonite...hmmmm...no noisier than your average single-coils. Extremely bright & twangy on the bridge p.u. (also the quietest setting) like a hollow Telecaster (with WAY less output volume) and beefy (but still transparent) on the neck p.u. Combined p.u. settings yield loudest tone...probably your best bet for a "lead" setting. Sounds really good for rockabilly...twangy and hollow. Works especially well for Link Wray covers!!! If you want it to sustain and sound a bit meatier, use it with a good overdrive/clean boost box. I'm playing it with my '62 Fender Super amp and a Vox overdrive. I really like this guitar, but I'm not convinced it sounds EXACTLY like an old one.

For the bucks, this is really well put together. Better than average frets, and great finish (mine is the dreaded "Jimmy Page" model...I hate Jimmy Page...in black) as well as DEAD ON INTONATION out of the box. Impressive as all hell for a wooden saddle that's not compensated! All I can say is that it's a really awesome bargain at this price. If it were a Jerry Jones at triple the cost, I'd give it a "7" but instead I'll give it a "9" because it's a miracle of budgetronic craftsmanship.

Hmmm...I wonder if this will live a long time. Masonite looks like it would cave in if it got bashed around. Tuners are better than what people say about them, strap buttons DON'T fall out like people say they do, and I guess it is about as dependable as an original Dano. I'd use it without much worry, though I ALWAYS gig with a backup guitar.

Can't tell you anything about the company...no dealings with them as of yet.

Been playing about 14 0r 15 years...I've got a few "good" guitars like 60's Fenders (Jaguar, Jazzmaster) and I've owned many "junk" guitars (Harmony, Kay, Silvertone, Teisco). I like this guitar but it will never be my main guitar. This is a really simple, really fun cheapo guitar that actually plays and sounds surprisingly good. Wish it had a wang bar but I guess I should be grateful that it feels and sounds the way it does. HOWEVER I can see how this could be a really frustrating guitar for a beginner. Beginners would probably prefer a low-end Strat clone over such an idiosyncratic guitar. This is really for people who want a Danelectro sound...it just doesn't sound like anything else and it sure doesn't sound modern. If you like 50's and early 60's guitar sounds, get it. Otherwise, get something more versatile.

3-way switch, two stacked volume/tone knobs, 2 lipstick pickups, decent output. I got mine with a free gig bag. The guitar has a nice overall feel, but a few cheap touches: simple rosewood bridge, non-beveled and very thick pickguard. I'd love to replace the pickguard with a better-looking one. Otherwise nice finish and it was well-setup and easy to play.

This is my first guitar (up till now I played bass only). I love the sound, very rich and reverby. Even without a reverb pedal you can hear reverb from sympathetic vibrations in the (semi-hollow) body and the other strings. Good range of sounds from the two pickups and tone controls. I'm using a Nobels tremolo, Boss OD2 overdrive, and awaiting a George Dennis Wah. Like I said, I'm a beginner, but it isn't hard to play though I don't have much to compare against. I like Jesus and Mary Chain -- sweet distortion and power chords. (Good thing since I can't play for shit.)

Seemed well setup and no obvious flaws. But not much adjustability to the bridge.

It's a pretty lightweight guitar, I guess Pete Townshend would make short work of it. I haven't played live with it so I can't say. It's fine for my home recording.

I'd buy it again because it's cheap and it has the semi-hollow body and nice sound. It looks cool at a distance (neat pickguard shape) but a bit cheap close-up.

Not much in the feature department, but I like that. Simplicity. The only thing I do not like is that the volume controls are too far from the strings. I like to use them while playing certain notes to get an effect, won't happen with this guitar.

This cheap little thing sounds great. Many different sounds can be pulled out of it with a little help from the volume/tone knobs. Even picking the guitar in different places offers many unique sounds, from deep tones to twangy rockabilly. Definitely a fun guitar to fol with.

This guitar might have the best neck and action fo all the tohers taht I own (Fender Tele & Epiphone Sheraton II). It is pretty amazing how good it really is in my opinion for the price that you pay. The finish is nice, but that tape may become a bit loose over time. The bridge seems to chip away every time you bend the strings though, and changing strings is a pain in the ass because of how they lock in with the ball end.

Other than the bridge chipping, you may need to invent a strap that fill fit on the strap button by the neck, not much room to play with. Seems like it will hold up pretty well though. The finish is really nice and should stay scratch free if taken care of. I hear the strap buttons fall out, but mine have been okay thus far. I would use it at a gig for sure.

Haven't had to contact them yet.

I own a few different types of guitars, as mentioned above, and I really like the sounds I can get out of this one. Should be nice for recording. I would buy a new one if something happened to this one, can't go wrong for the price. And the mustard yellow color is so cool.

I have now owned my 59-DC for a while and played it extensively. The following is a followup to my earlier review.
Some have reported that the Dano can not use heavier gauge strings than the stock 10-46 it is delivered with. I inquired about this thru Danelectro's web site (www.danelectro.com) and was told that heavier strings CAN be used. Naturally this requires a new set-up and likely neck adjustment (which is not easy because the adjusted can only be reached with the neck removed.).
The bridge height is easily adjustable, however. It is accomplished by turning the two philips head screws thru the access holes on the bridge.
I have also found that the pickup height is adjustable via the screws on the back of the body. What a quick and easy method! :)
More on the benefits of the above under "sound", below.

As a writer of origianl material in a Blues/Primitive Rock style, I am always looking for new or additional sounds which will kindle my creative process. I bought the Dano very much with this in mind.
My initial playing of the guitar brought satisfaction because Danos, of themselves, have a unique sound that mixes a sharp biting treble with a bongy midrange. What has surprised me is how much that sound can be varied by adjusting the setup; particularly the pickup height.
One aspect I love about my vintage `50s Tele is the way that a clear bass line can reside underneath the 'twangy' top end. Could this effect be had on the Dano while still keeping it's unique sound quality? Not with the stock set up, but I did find a way:....
I first raised the bass end of the bridge about 1/3 turn counterclockwise of the adjusting screw. I then raised the bass end of each pick up and lowered the treble end.
Raising the bridge in this way allows for powerful "hitting" of the lower strings without getting any fret buzz, while still keeping easy action on the lead strings.
Changing the pick up height as described, technically at least, make the tone 'out of balance.' For my playing style, at least, it has the opposite effect. It tames the treble peak inherent in the lipstick tube pickups, while allowing the Danos unique midrange "bong" to remain. Very nice! :)~
I also have found that the above setting makes the Dano sound very good with increased gain. (In stock trim it was a littlle weak when used this way.) In fact, with a careful setup of volume on the guitar and matched preamp gain on my Marshall 900 Dual Master volume amp, this guitar becomes supremely good for controling the "bite" by means of pick control. I find that Ican play a lick with a dominant "women tone" and then cut through a few chosen notes or a phrase by simply hitting them a little harder. None of my other guitars (Tele, Strat, Les Paul, Sheraton, or ES-Artist) allow for this level of control. Lovely!

I continue to be pleased and surprised by the quality of the neck on this inexpensive instrument. One "fault" has become manifest, however: The low "E" string is too easily pushed off the neck when finger vibrato is applied. This is a shame, because the lower register has a wonderful tonality that makes it a natural for use as a second 'answering' voice when soloing.

Excellant. It seems that the problem of loose strap buttons has been corrected by Danelectro. Yes, they are still plastic (which is likely adaquate for the weight of the guitar. It is LIGHT!), but they are now firmly attached (glued?), and don't come loose.
Too, if the strap's leather ends are trimmed down to 3/4" by 3" -- which, again, should be plenty strong enough for the weight of the guitar -- the position of the strap buttons becomes EXCELLENT. It -- unlike most other positions -- requires no twisting of the strap at all, just a smooth arch from button to button over the players shoulder. (Danelectro should provide such a strap with the guitar.)
Some reviewers have commented on the side "tape" coming loose on their instruments. Mine came with the "tape" a little loose in the curves of the cut-aways. Repeatedly pressing it into place seems to have stratched the tape and solved the problem.
Too, some reviewers have commented unfavourably about the tuners. On my instrument they hold quite tuning well and seem rather robust. (Indeed, they appear almost too robust for the delicate 'coke bottle" head.)
Frankly, I expect this instrument to prove very reliable and durable.

I've been playing about 40 yrs. I've owned and played lots and lots of guitars. The Dano 59-DC is unique. No, its not my "favorite" guitar; that will likely ALWAYS be my custom wired Gibson ES-Artist. But I do like it enough to pick it up and play it often. And, each time I do, I discover a "new" sound. How many instruments can one say that about?
Now...If I could only find one of those PISMIRE II amps everyone is writing about! :)))

Biggest features are: it looks groovy, and it comes in yellow.

Definitely a bright single-coily sound -- I usually play the middle switch setting with the neck pickup tone turned all the way down. This is the best compromise, because the rear pickup is super-bright (not in that nice way like a Tele either) and the front pickup is kinda boring. But I can't be too sure b/c I play it through a Korg Pandora and Roland keyboard amp ;-) But it compares well with my Strat.

It's set up at the factory, and has a fairly nice action & intonation. Standard ebony bridge and squeaky little nut with cheesy tuners -- still, no major tuning problems so far. I wouldn't do windmills on this thing though. Hard to do bends b/c of the flat neck, but chord-jangling is nice. The neck seems a bit straight.

I don't think it was built to last a lifetime. It's super-light. It would be a great guitar to smash on stage, and I bet the plywood would spark up rather well.

This thing is just a blast to play. It's a fun little treat. If you decide you want one, make sure to play a few different ones and check the action, they're all a bit different.

This is one of those reissue jobs. Nice guitar. I picked up an original dc at a guitar center today and thought it felt very close to my dc59 reissue. The tunners aren't the best. The tail piece is another stor, but thats what makes these danos unique. I love the PIckups! The controls aren't that great either

Great tone. You can make it sound like a tele or a lespaul, I think thats what attracted Jimmy Page to it.

Action was a bit high. it came with 9s i put on Gibson B.B Kings, I lowered the action sounds great now. one problem is that everytime you change strings you almost always have to re adjust the little wooden bridge.

its seems like it has the durability of a toooth pick but its a tuff guitar I have dropped it twice and its still in one piece

I own some good guitars Rick 330 american tele, and strat, lespaul, and this baby is up there with em' If it were stolen I would replace it.

Hardboard top and bottom (whatever that is???) with plywood frame. Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. Metal nut, nickel frets, 2 lipstick pickups, 3-way switch, stacked knobs, seal pickguard, imporved enclosed Dano tuners. Mine is black w/ the padded faux tweed gig bag (which is a good value and all yer gonna need unless you slam equipment around).

I play this guitar through a Fender Blues Deluxe and the sound is great. Typical single coil sound, middle position sounds strat-esque and bridge sound is very much like a hollow-bodied Telecaster with plenty of rounded tones. Killer country tones can be had here. Nice cool jazzy tones can be coaxed through the neck pickup too. This guitar is an excellent value. Pickups are quiet with medium output. I play an early '70's stock Tele but haven't picked it up since I bought the Dano.

Let me start by saying that the Dano 59-DC is a reissue, a modernized version of the original. The neck is adjustable and the tuners are much better. Many players claim they wouldn't use it as a main player but I have to disagree. Get a good qualified tech to work with it a bit and it will play great. Metal nut needed string grooves enlarged to stay in tune. Intonates fine and neck is straight. Frets are clean and smooth. No complaints after setup work. Stays in tune and plays as good as my '71 Tele. Plays and sounds better that new import Teles and Strats. Black finish is nice too. You get a good guitar for $200.

See some of the above. Off the rack it's not a main player, however, with some good set-up work it is. I HAVE used it as a main stage guitar without a backup. It's light too so it doesn't break your back after plaing for long periods of time. The only improvement Dano should make is better strap buttons and better cut grooves in the nut. I know that Dano is trying to keep the list price down but I don't think these improvements would push it up. My strap buttons haven't come out yet but I'm sure they will at some point. Two small issues for the price.

n/a

I like the fact that you can pay $200 for a guitar that plays and sounds well, and can be used as a professional guitar. It's no Fender or Gibson custom shop but for $200 it's fine.