Danelectro 59 DC

Its been said before. Except mine is blue.
Ive changed the pots to 250KOhm.
Still cant get the volume and the tone pots to work like theyre supposed to.
The neck is kinda Dshaped. Strong on the shoulders. Medium thickness.
I dont really like it but what the hell.

I love the sound. I use it for open D tuning. Mainly play slide on it.
Heres how it sounds live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjHvy4-oZZ8

Well its a cheap guitar and thats what i love about it.
If someone has figured out a case that fits. Gimme a holler.

Still working after 3 years of heavy use.
I love the fact u have to tune it in the middle of the song. Hehehehe.

never dealt w.

I love this guitar. I am always on the lookout for another dano.

Bought new in March 2009 (so I'm assuming that this is a 2009 model) and this is really a first impression review. Made in China. All black satin finish with yellowed side tape and pickguard and "aged" matt hardware. I think these are still limited edition each year, but who knows? A black on black Dano DC 59 was always on my radar as a guitar I'd like to have one day and these seemed like a great price (under ??200) and cool specs (Black neck and headstock was a real selling point for the perfect Jimmy Page vibe).

Two lipstick pickups, rosewood fretboard, tone & volume. I like the look of the original stacked knobs better but I'm sure they must have been a bit fiddly and a pain to wire up. I may give it a go in future if I can figure out the wiring diagram as independant tone and volume for each pickup would be a bonus. The switch is a bit flimsy but relocating the jack plate seems like it was a good idea. Frets are on the medium to smal side, but are excellent.

No extras to speak off as it was bought straight off a guitar shop wall and they threw in a gig bag, but then it's not a custom shop Gibson we're buying here.

I expected a basic guitar, and that's exactly what I got, but it's far from a cheap and nasty guitar.

I am a Led Zep freak so was initally looking for that whole White Summer (Live), Kashmir, In My Time of Dying, live sound and messing about with slide or DADGAD tuning and you can pretty much get all of this by plugging into a decent tube amp with some gain. I'm not really one for effects and pedals so I can get clean and bright sounds up to the sort of low-fi metallic crunch that Jimmy Page gets. The bridge pickup is as you would expect quite bright but is not overly harsh and with the neck pickup thing fatten up a bit. The middle position is a bit tamer, but overall very impressive and a great, unique sound. I'm sure things would get a bit out of hand at silly volumes but I haven't been there yet.

Unplugged the guitar has a nice resonance and a good amount of sustain. Although I initially bought this with the one-trick Zeppelin thing in mind, I have found myself using standard tuning a lot and it makes a good guitar for just having around the house or whatever to play unplugged. I had expected it to sound like a plastic ukelele unplugged but it sounds fantastic!

Never really paid much attention to Danelectros as a brand but the first thing that struck me when I saw loads of the new ones lined up in the shop was - they do look cheap - but I was never in the market for a green one or whatever so was pleased that the black looked the best to my eye. Grabbed it and plugged it in and the next surprise was that they feel and play like a guitar far superior to the price or the toy-town looks would have you believe.

Despite being hollow (with a centre block running under the bridge) and made of chip-board, or whatever masonite is, they don't feel very hollow or fragile. There's some weight there and they are very well balanced and feel sturdy. I was also surprised by the neck as I have big hands and would avoid super skinny necks buy these are chunkier than I thought they'd be and very, very comfortable.

I can't say much for factory set up, as I'm not sure how long is was in the shop or what they did to it if anything. The setup intially wasn't bad, but wasn't fantastic either although the intonation seemed ok. The finish was absolutely flawless. It is unlike any other finish I've experienced. It feels plasticy but is very smooth and although it seems thick is actually fairly thin. They've used a sort of cloudy clear coat to get that matt finish. The tuners seem pretty good and stay in tune ok.

I added some graphite to the nut and saddles which helped tuning after putting on new strings and setting her up. I had no idea how to set up a Dano so went searching for tips online (of which there aren't many) but the first thing was to give some radius to the saddles of the adjustable bridge so they matched the fingerboard as they were all completely flat when I got it. Next I sorted out the overall string height and finally made sure the end screw was screwed all the way down to the body which improved the resonance. Intonation was a bit difficult becuase of the location of the screws to move the saddles but it just takes a bit of patience. Sorted out the pickup heaight too. It now plays like a dream and I'm actually really amazed at how good it plays and feels. I was expecting the action to have to be a lot higher and was worried about excessive relief in the neck but I can have the action much lower than I thought I'd be able to. I think there is meant to be a truss rod in these new one but haven't had the neck off yet. Anyway, I cannot believe a guitar at this price can play this good!

I don't really care for the yellow dye stuff on the pickguard and binding tape but I understand where they were going with this as the whole guitar has a pseudo-aged vibe without being relic'd.

I play mainly Heavy Rock & Blues. I play a lot at home although I would not hesitiate to take the Dano to gigs. I would say that it is not a guitar that I would use as my main axe or workhorse but I'm not saying it's not possible. I just see it as something to add a different flavour to songs or for playing slide and alterate tunings which it does very well. I also think that at this price it is exceptionally good for someone looking for a first electric - I wish they'd had these when I was a kid! I have no doubt that it would stand up as a main axe if that's your thing. As long as it's setup up correctly it's a dream to play. I have no doubt that it would take a beating and seems far less likely to break if it fell over than a Les Paul.

My main reson I would not use this all the time over other guitars is upper fret access (Well the main reason is I have a 58 Reissue Les Paul, but even so...) Though it's a double cutaway, there's not much access past fret 12 and the smaller frets don't really lend themselves to lots of upper fret - widdly,widdly,widdly - lead playing although I doubt many are buying these with that in mind.

Not needed it.

I've been playing for around 12 years and have owned all sorts of Gibsons, Fenders and Epiphone including my beloved Gibson custom shop Les Paul which is my main axe. My main amps are a fender blues junior and a Marshall half-stack, the Dano sounds great through both.

There's nothing more I could ask of the DC 59 as it fulfilled all my expectations and then wildy surpassed them in terms of the build quality, playability and amazing sound. My favorite parts of the guitar ar e the sound, cool looks and overall playability. I really can't put it down at the moment, even just strumming along to the stereo over breakfast.

I would have no problems buying another one if mine were destroyed at this price you can't go wrong and I don't think that I would have much trouble finding another just as good given the build quality of them.

you can find the specs elsewhere. it's a hard tail electric for you to hone your skills and work the sound out with rather than flick switches all day.

neck pickup is very versatile. you can get almost any sound you want out of it but remember that lipsticks are single coils so for pure crunch you'd be better off with humbuckers. excellent clean tones in the middle setting.

bridge pickup is that danelectro sound and gives you a great, different sound to through in sometimes. it's a very bridght sound, fresh and clean. right on the edge of being jangly but not quite... the sound is quite distinct from a rickenbacker but equally usable.

both pickups sound great with distortion and it's series wiring make the middle setting (both pickups) deep and full and perfect for changing your sound drastically, qucikly.

there was one flaw that impacted the sound upon arrival but it is EASILY SOLVABLE and i don't want it to put anyone off buying the guitar. i had to file the hole the G string passes through on the bridge as it was hampering restringing and most importantly flattening the sound of the g and basically ruinging the sound of a great guitar. 3 PASSES WITH A FILE AND IT WAS PERFECT but i wanted to mention it.

action could have been better out of the box but hey, you just spent 160 quid on a quitar, it aint gonna turn up like a custom shop gibson.

easily adjustable for string height and although the intonation was practically perfect anyway, it's easy enough to change it if you need to. (not as easy as a strat but still easy enough)

everything else was perfect. i don't think you will ever get a super low action on it but i dont think it demands one either. i have a medium action as i think this guitar was made to alternate between fingers and slide.

definately gig with it. everything will last. strap buttons are solid.

great guitar... great for a beginner but probably better to widen the tonal range of a guitar collection.

great sound whether picked, fingerpicked, strummed like an acoustic... whatever.

highly recommended

My DANELECTRO 59 Dc is from 2008 and in black. It has two of the classic lipstick-pickups, one volume knob and one tone knob, along with a pickup-switch (neck, both, bridge). The pickup-switch is slightly angled, so that the switching motion required fits well with the normal stroke motion. The tone control changes the tone massively. The volume control works like you would expect.

The body is made from masonite, and I'm pretty sure it's hollow inside. The sustain isn't extreme, but it's good enough for what I'm going to use this particular guitar for.

It has an adjustable bridge. I've heard that made a huge difference over past models, but I personally wouldn't know. The guitar intonated almost correctly right out of the factory though.

Tuners are fine. To begin with they slipped more than on my gibson, but after the strings settled in it's fine.

The finish had one flaw - it's nothing major, but in a small spot (the size of half a pea) it looks like it's been scratched or something. It looks like someting you could just wipe off, but you can't. (completely flat though)

21 frets - but the cutaway doesn't allow for proper access to 3 of them.

Considering its $ 340 price tag (in Denmark) it's not bad. Not bad at all. You get a more than decent guitar for very little money, and I'm actually playing it less than I'm playing the les paul I have at the moment. I give it 8 for the lack of dedicated tone/volume controls and the small finish flaw.

The sound. It has a very bright attack, with a mellow sound following. Dare I say, dull? It's not lifeless, it's just very full and mellow. It's a bit like a single coil (it has the glassy sounding elements), but more mellow and dull. You can get some really creamy and extremely lively distortion, which is what I like it for.

The pickups are relatively low output, but that doesn't mean they can't be nicely distorted. They have some hum to them when distorted (like single coils), but it's not audible while playing.

I have trouble deciding which pickup selection I like best. They are all unique and great sounding.

I'm not sure how much I like it on low gain settings. I mean, the sound is fine, but it could have done with some more sustain. But it doesn't need a whole bucket of gain to have loads of sustain.

It's a nice guitar with a nice sound. First when I was buying a guitar with lipstick pickups I wasn't sure what to expect, but I've been pleasantly suprised. And priced like it is I think that's a 9. It's really good for things like queens of the stone age actually. For some it might be an 8 depending on what they play.

The action was setup with the action slightly higher the closer to the bridge you get. Of course this is easily fixed, but I have decided not to tamper with anything that works just fine. Pickups where a bit uneven, but I fixed that. Very easy to fix.

The neck is actually really good. It's the same finish as the rest of the body, and it's just really smooth and and nice. Your hands never stick to it and it all feels very natural. It's not too thin. Maybe I would have like it a tiny bit fatter, but I like it how it is.

All screws were tightened the way they should be. The nut and washer at the input jack fell off after a couple of days though. I forgot to check that as the only thing initially, but it's nice and tight now.

The only thing I have to complain about it that you can't reach as far up as you want to. First of all, there's the one less fret it has compared to the les paul, but I just couldn't reach as high notes as I could on the les paul. I waste 1 fret with the les paul, 3 or something like that with the 59 dc. It's not as playable really high up as the les paul is. I guess that forces you to be creative and find other notes to play than those you normally would have gone for. Aside from that I really enjoy the playability of this guitar.

The neck isn't very strong though, the pitch is easily changed. Nothing you can't prevent from just playing it right though.

Based on these things it gets a 9.

This guitar will definitely withstand live playing. The guitar feels a little "plastic", but I actually think it's quite well made. Another person mentioned the pickup selector feels a little weak. I don't know what I think of that. I think it's just the very light weight that makes it feel a little fragile. It's definitely not as solid as my gibson though, so it's only getting an 8. I would use it live with no backup though.

The template also suggests I talk about the strap buttons. They're quite pick. I had to cut my trap up to make it fit on the guitar, and I'm sure it's going to stay there.

Never talked to them.

I'm 19 and have been playing for... 6 years? I'm pretty good and creative. I play a lot of queens of the stone age - all of it, not just the old stuff.

I have two guitars this far. A 2004 les paul studio and now this. My next buy is going to be an epiphone dot in cherry. Not because Josh has one, cause I had my eyes on it before he started using it, but because of all the good things I've heard about it.

If it was stolen or lost would I buy another... I don't know, I can't really picture the situation, but I really like the guitar. It's a lot of guitar for the money. Seriously.

The very creamy and lively (and aggressive, but at the same time mellow... well you really have to hear it I guess) distortion you can get out of it is what I love the most about it. What I hate the most is that you can't reach all the way up the neck. But **** that.

Something I wish I had asked before buying the guitar... Not really. The final score is given based on the price relative to what you get.

2007 issue Danelectro DC59 in Black. This is the reissue of the classic Danelctro closely associated with Jimmy Page (amongst others). "Improved" tuners and bridge, revised pickups, simplified controls, aged tape binding and guard etc. Nothing included or offered other than a pair of allen keys. I've used a friends 90's reissue 56 Dano and the improved features on this are a definite bonus. Fully adjustable bridge and modern tuners make a difference.

I teach guitar full time as well as live playing and this guitar can cover anything I've thrown at it. Live, I run it through a 50 Watt Marshall JCM800 into a 70's Basketweave cab live through maybe a MXR Phase 90 and a bit of Delay. At work, any old amp from the smallest Crate Practise amp, Pod XT, Pocket Pod, Vox Valvetronix and so on. It can do most styles with clarity and character although I find the bridge pickup harsh in comparison to the neck (and vice versa the neck pickup dull if you tame the bridge). The concentric controls would easily cure this problem. This guitar can be very noisy. My switch has an audible clunk. The volume control has no taper. Not good at cleaning up a sound or reducing volume and even when fully off there's still some signal going through!? The tone control is more an on/off affair than what one would expect. Howeverthis guitar is cheap! I'd previously considered shelling out up to ??500 or ??600 for a 90's one of ebay before this came out for ??150.!For another ??50 I'm going to get a professional to put in superior quality pots and a switch and I'm also toying with going back to the old concentric setup (vol and tone for each pickup)

The guitar played great from the get-go. Really comfy and skinny neck. Better fret job than guitars I've paid ??700 for! I've done very little to this other than tweak the high E and reset the intonation. There is an imbalance with the pickups for certain styles but I haven't tinkered enough with it to get the best out of it yet. There is some tuning issues though. Yhe plain strings are prone to slippage and the high E breaks easily. I'm considering fitting locking tuners to see if it might solve part of the problem.

I can totally depend on this guitar. It's comfy, easy to travel with and looks as cool as fudge! Mines has picked up a few nicks easily but it kind of adds to the vintage vibe and I don't plan on selling it. For it's flaws it's still a keeper. I've used this day to day and apart from busting strings and being a bit noisy it's great. Live I only use it for alternate tunings on a few numbers but it works well and the weight is a nice relief from my other electrics.

Not a clue, no information came with it and there's nothing on their website bar a product list. It's a piece of wood (well masonite) with some metal on it! What can go wrong?

The tuning stability isn't great so I'm thinking of buying another one so I can use 2 or 3 tunings without it pulling back to the other tuning. For this price that doesn't even bother me. It's not the worlds best made guitar but has bags of character and for this price you can't go wrong.

This is the 2007 reissue of the 59 Danelectro DC. Improvements to the older reissues apparently include the adjustable bridge (instead of rosewood), better tuning machines, and improved "warmer" lipstick pickups. I had been avoiding the older ('90s) reissues because of tuning issues and reports that the pickups sounded bad with distortion, but this new version has fixed all of those problems.

First thing you notice is how light the guitar is. The classic hollow cavity combined with the Masonite front and back makes this thing a dream to play on stage.

I got the burgundy matte finish, which is really closer to brown. There is aging applied to the side tape and pickguard to make them appear vintage. The tuners are a matte silver (Gotoh tuners if I'm not mistaken). The classic seal pickguard adds character (someone at a recent show said my guitar looked like a yin-yang symbol). Overall, it's a very pretty guitar, but not overly flashy.

This is not the Pro version, so there are only two knobs, volume and tone. These control both of the single coil pickups- one setting for both. I am probably going to buy the concentric pots and knobs to give each pickup its own volume and tone controls.

The 3-way pickup selector switch is slightly in the way of the strumming hand if you're rocking out, but I'm getting used to it. Since the pickups are wired in series, the center position (both pickups) is louder than either of the two by themselves.

I play a wide range of music, including blues, funk, rock, "alternative" , metal, and even some jazz. This guitar is able to pull off every sound I throw at it. Clean tones ring and chime, with pretty decent sustain. The guitar responds well to reverb and delay effects. Distorted, it sounds just as good and retains clarity even in the low register without getting muddy.

My signal chain is: 59 Danelectro > Ernie Ball Volume (secondary out to Planetwaves tuner) > Fulltone Fatboost (always on at medium settings for all knobs) > Sovtek Big Muff Pi > RMC Picture Wah > Rocktron Short Timer Delay > EH Holy Grail Reverb > Startouch A/B/Y pedal > modified '73 Fender Bassman 100 (left channel is Marshall JTM 45 values, right channel is Blackface Fender Bassman values) into custom 2x12 cab with EH speakers.

My other guitars include a Les Paul clone by Vantage, an Ibanez Artcore hollowbody, and an old Washburn. None of these have sounded as good in all settings as my new Dano. It really is a chameleon. Go from Steeley Dan to AC/DC to Metallica to Nirvana to Smashing Pumpkins, back to Eric Clapton, Hendrix, and Zeppelin, do a little Blue Bossa... I can get all the tones I want.

The tone controls are responsive, I tend to roll back the treble a bit as my Fulltone Fatboost is adjusted to not cut treble and tends to be bright. The volume is also easily used to clean up tube overdrive, just roll it back for clean, crank it for some bark.

The only downside of this single-coil guitar is the noise. If I'm standing near my amp, or near my computer, or any other source of electricity, there is an audible hum. Luckily, on stage the noise is nonexistent.

In fact, live playing is where the guitar shines. It has replaced my other guitars and holds up to a long show with little tuning needed (except maybe after a very bendy solo on the high strings).

The action from the factory was set fairly low, where I like it, while not so low that it makes slide guitar hard to pull off.

The intonation, which I thought was off when I played in the store, turned out to be perfect. I just had to put a fresh set of 10's on and the guitar intonated beautifully.

The neck is basic, nothing fancy, but is smooth and very playable.

There was not a single flaw on this guitar's finish, and it looks like it will take a beating.

The pickup selector nut seems to loosen easily- I don't know if I need to add a washer or something, but for now I just tighten it manually every once in awhile. The volume and tone knobs don't have this problem.

This guitar, even as light as it is, seems very durable. Maybe it's the no-frills approach, but I am not too worried about this thing. The matte finish helps, as does the tape on the side and the giant seal pickguard.

The nut is made of metal! It's not going anywhere. The adjustable bridge will probably outlive the classic rosewood saddle of older Danos.

I feel like I can depend on this guitar, and for such a low price and sound quality, it's already become my main gigging guitar. I play it without a backup.

I have not had to deal with the company's customer support.

I've been playing for about 17 years in various bands, and also do home recording and songwriting (playing guitar, bass, vocals, and some keyboard). I'm always looking for things to inspire me, whether it's new toys or new ideas.

Sometimes, the toys make you have new ideas. I brought this guitar home and immediately started coming up with interesting new songs, breaking out of the rut I was in. That's the best endorsement any guitar needs, in my opinion. The '59 Dano begged me to play it and try out different combinations of effects- and since they all sounded good, I kept coming up with more!

I would definitely buy another Dano, whether or not this one is stolen or lost. I could save up for a single Les Paul or a Martin acoustic, or I could buy an army of cheap Danos and keep getting cool sounds. It seems obvious to me. While it's not a tuxedo guitar like the ones I just mentioned, it's an every day player and extremely versatile.

Remember, it's not how much you spend on a guitar, it's what you do with it. If you can't squeeze the rock out of a Dano, you might consider picking up flute instead.

This is one of the brand new 2007 reissues of the 59 DC. They are nearly the same as the last set of reissues with a few important changes. It is still a Chambered, masonite body with a symetrical double cutaway, a 13" lower bout and an 8" waist. The neck is a bolt-on and joins the body at the 14th fret. Very comfortable body shape to play.

The neck is 21 medium-jumbo frets and is made of mystery wood (I have been unable to find out what it is; doesn't feel heavy enough to be maple, so my guiss would be mahogany or something cheeper, but what do I know). The fretboard is a very nice looking piece of rosewood with super-cheap dot inlays. It also has the classic metal nut (1 and 5/8"), which looks pretty well cut. Cheapish feeling tuners, but they hold tune nicely. The back shape on the neck is fairly thin, reminicent of a Gibson 60's slim taper neck. It feels wonderful. The headstock is almost the same as the classic "coke-bottle" shape, with a little asymmetry at the top. Actually looks pretty cool.

The pickups are two danelectro single-coil lipstick pickups, and are probably your reason for buying this guitar. There is a simple three-way switch and two knob (volume and tone) setup for the electronics, which i like very much. The knobs on my dano turn clockwise in order to raise the volume or tone, instead of counter-clockwise like every other guitar I can remember playing. I didn't even know you could get pots that did this. Took a little getting used to, but I don't even notice it now. The bridge is indeed fully adjustable and all-metal.

The finish on my guitar is Burgundy. It looks very nice. It is quite dark, and looks very classic. A good choice for someone who wants a classic looking finish without getting the all-too-common black. No matter how much I read about it, I wasn't quite prepaired for how weird the vinyl tape on the sides of this guitar is. It and the pickguard are an aged white colour that looks great. Exactly what someone buying a retro guitar like this is probably looking for, and a very smart call by Dano.

All in all, for $250, this guitar has some pretty wonderful features.

I play jazz almost exclusively now, but that sometimes includes a necessity to produce more traditional rock, funk, blues and country tones. I play an Eastman T160 (highly recommended) for the straight ahead jazz stuff, and got this guitar to fill in the gaps. I needed something solid bodied or preferably chambered to get the more modern Bill Frisell/John Scofield/ Marc Ribot/ Nels Cline sounds. This guitar is exactly what I was looking for. I have not been as happy with a guitar's sound since I got the Eastman. I'm beginning to sell off all my other guitars.

The pickups, as advertised, are wound warmer than previously by Dano, and while I have never played an original Dano, and therefore could not speak to how they compare with those lipsticks, these are certainly warmer than the last set of reissues. I found the last set extremely thin, and while they did do a very nice jangly, rhythm sound, the pickups were pretty much a one-trick and didn't seem very practical to me. These new pickups are significantly fuller and richer, and are therefore much more versitile. In fact, this has become my most versitile guitar. Still quite bright, but now its in a good way instead of an annoying way.

My favorite thing about these pickups is how touch sensitive they are. Without changing any of the settings on the guitar or the amp, a wide range of tones, volumes and distortion levels can be controlled just with how you touch the strings. This is very important to me in my playing, and I was thrilled to find just how subtle and versitile the famous lipstick pickups really are.

The jazz sound clean is very full with lots of bite. It does a great Rockabilly tone with the pickups mixed, as well as the same classic rhythm sound I mentioned before. Its a fantastic slide guitar, clean or distorted. Even does a nice tele impression in the bridge pickup for country stuff.

The pickups are pretty noisy, but anyone who plays single-coils will be used to this by now. I play this guitar through a '65 blackface fender bassman and a 1x15" cab. This gives the the guitar some added girth, and i feel the pickups may not respond as well to a brighter amp.

All in all, I love the sound of this guitar. It does everything, but doesn't really sound like anything else. It really is its own animal.

This guitar is certainly considered a budget instrument, but came setup well and looking great. The finish is flawless on the neck and the body. Frets were clean and look/feel great. Nut was pretty well cut and the action was surprisingly low, with little to no buzzing. The bridge looks pretty solid, and its a good thing they introduced the saddles, because I put a set of .012 guage flatwound strings on it, which through the intonation off. Fixing the problem was a breeze, and I don't know what I would have done if it had had the old bridge.

Some of the screws and the nut on the input jack needed tightening.

The bridge pickup was set much weaker than the neck pickup, so I had to lower the neck a bit and raise up the bridge, but after that the pickups were very even sounding.

All in all, a well made and comfortable guitar with a few sloppy little things that were fixed within 5 minutes each.

The guitar itself feels very solid. It has that feeling of road-ready toughness reminicent of a tele or strat. I don't know how much I trust the pots, switches and jacks and I feel like I may need to replace them eventually.

Finish looks pretty hard to damage. If you're looking for a guitar thats going to age quickly, you may have to take some hand tools to this guitar to speed up the process, since I don't think it'll happen naturally for another 20 years or so.

I feel thoroughly comfortable taking this guitar to a gig without a backup as long as i've got extra strings. Very solid strap buttons and a simple, trustworthy setup.

Never dealt with Dano, but judging by the quixotic nature of their company's existence, I wouldn't plan on having constant support from them. Maybe I'm wrong and they'll make a great comeback. These guitars are certainly good enough to do that for them, and they seem to be getting a lot of attention.

Luckily I really can't anticipate any problems with this guitar that I would need to contact dano to get fixed.

I'm a student in the Jazz guitar program at a music conservatory in the mid-west and have been playing for about 7 years now. I've owned a couple of Ibanez hollow and semi-hollow bodies, a telecaster, a Hagstrom Swede, a junky acoustic guitar and the Eastman T160 archtop I mentioned earlier. Since getting this guitar I have sold both of the Ibanez guitars and the telecaster as I no longer have any need for them. The Hagstrom I am keeping for sentimental reasons, or I would have sold it too. Between this guitar and the Eastman I have all my bases covered.

I ordered this guitar on the internet without having played one before, but remembering what I liked and didn't like about the last set of Danelectro reissues. They seemed to have addressed all of the problems I had with the last ones, so I gave it a shot. I was extremely satisfied with my purchase. For $250 I don't think you can get a better sounding, more unique guitar (except perhaps the odd-ball Dano Pro that was reissued along with this guitar).

I love the sound, the look and the feel of this guitar. Just the neck is worth the price, it feels incredible! I would replace it immediately if lost or stolen. I wasn't expecting to like this guitar nearly as much as I did. It really was something I bought on a whim and thought might be cool to have around. I certainly didn't expect it to replace all my other solid and semi-hollow guitars.

The additions of the vintage colouring, the warmer pickups and more reliable hardware have made these guitars a delight to play. They've already gone up in cost from when I bought mine a few months ago, so snap them up while you can!

I gave this guitar a 10 overall because while it certainly not a "10" guitar when compared to all other instruments, for the money it easily earns a top rating. Congratulations Danelectro on a job well done. I think your company can look forward to a successful future.

I bought this new a few weeks ago. This is aug. 2007, if you buy one new youll get on like the one i have (if i understood right they change a lot, quality wise, year to year). Keep in mind, ive never played any other danelectro guitar.

Everything is a sleek satin finish. The paint, the neck, the hardware, even the pickups. The pickguard is a weird aged bubbled thing (youd have too see it to understand, kinda looks like clear coat that is yellowed and bubbled, in a good way, lol). 1 volume, 1 tone. 3 way switching. 2 Lipstick pickups, of course. semi-hollow, i think. Cool double cut away (hence the name, dc). Im not sure about the woods used. If its the same as the old ones, you dont wanna know. Made in korea. O- and it has a metal nut, very odd.

I play a little of everything, thats kind of the reason i got this guitar, it has a one of a kind sound. I was hoping for a bluesy slide sound out of it, but i didnt know what to expect. I bought this on-line without every hearing one played, i figured if its good enough for jimmy...

Well the sound... lets see. Take a single coil, turn up the treble, and use a metal slide (to simulate the metal nut), and thats pretty close. These pickups are BRIGHT sounding. Like punch you in the face bright, thank god for the tone knob. If the tone knob was numbered, i keep it at about a 3 (out of ten). At this setting, it sounds very good, but still very different. If this section was only on variety, this would get a 1 out of 10, however youd never get this sound out of any other pickup, so its ok. It dosent respond well to distortion, you really have to crank the gain to get it to respond, but once it does, very cool sound. O- and very quiet for a single coil. Idk im a little torn, i love the sound, but very unpratical. Works well for off the wall stuff. Well as a final thought for this, play one before you buy it.

This guitar plays very well! 97% setup from the factory. The only problem was the bridge pickup is a little to low. very easy fix. Flawless finish. The retarded tape- whatever on the sides really cheapens the whole thing, but its replacable, so its ok. No real complaints, exept the tape. I was about to give it a 10 to, lol.

Oh, id suggest getting black. Mines Keen Green, and its looks cool in pics, the neck is satin black/rosewood. It almost clashes with the rest of the guitar (well the keen part anyway, lol, sorry for the corny joke). Black would look fantastic though. Just a word of advice.

It seems pretty solid. Stays in tune well, but im not a string masher (normally ^^). The only thing i dont trust is the pickup selector switch. Very loose feeling. Its not the outside part, its the inside, and its a sealed selector switch. Makes me nervous. Hasnt failed yet, but its still very new ('bout 2 weeks old). For that reason alone i wouldnt gig alone with it stock, but id probably just change the switch. fyi- dont try to take off the back cover youll get nowhere. Everything is under the pickguard, trust me.

I havent delt with danelectro, although if there web site is anything like there Customer Support, im scared. Im giving the place i bought it from the 10. That guy rocks. Very personal, and very quick to respond.

I have been playing about 9 years. I own a lp copy (very nice lp copy^^), a strat, and a few acoustics. My only regret buying this guitar is not having played it first. Im sure i still would have bought it, but i dont like those kind so suprises.

If it was lost i dont think id buy it again, id just get a lipstick pickup and put it in the center of my strat.

I wish it had at least one different pickup, the neck and bridge sound almost identical, the bridge is a little brighter... its hard to believe thats possible. also independent volume/tone controls.

All in all, its an awsome looking guitar. Prefect show piece, and good to play, if you can find something to play on it.

After owning and playing this guitar for about two years, I'd say that most of what you get with this guitar is what you pay for. There's nothing really horrible about it, but nothing really incredible, excepting maybe the lipstick pickups. Made in Korea in 99 if I'm reading the SN right. Bought it NOS for about $250. Mine's got the Commie Red finish, which really looks slick. I like that its not a goopy polyurethane like the one that used to be on my Epi Les Paul. The bridge is pretty mediocre, but it works well for what it is (flat piece of metal with a rosewood strip held on with string tension). Tuners are also pretty cheesy, look around for some good Gotoh replacements and you should be set. As far as electronics go, two single-coil lipstick PUs, with concentric tone/volume knobs for each and a pretty solid-feeling 3 way switch. Built with a masonite top and back, plywood braces, and weird vinyl tape around the sides. I believe the neck is maple, and the fretboard is rosewood. There are no fret markers above the 12th fret, so I took some paint-on whiteout and made my own; they work just fine and only I can see em. Overall, it'll never be up to par with a Gibson or Fender, but as a cheap (not getting to be anymore) guitar it's better than most guitars you'll get for the price.

This guitar suits my style (blues, blues-rock, rock) just fine. It's a great guitar to set up for slide, and its very easy to get a good Hound-Dog Taylor slide tone out of it. I generally run mine through a Fender 25W Frontman amp, with mids pretty high up, lows down and highs about midway. This guitar is kinda noisy in general, the pickups aren't reversed so there is a buzz. I've noticed that the buzz is a lot worse when I'm not touching a metal piece, like the strings, tuners or bridge. Maybe a grounding problem, but I dunno. The one thing about this guitar that make it worth buying are the pickups. They're pretty open and jangly, and respond to light and moderate distortion pretty well. Guitar can go from a light jazzy tone to a Rolling Stones/early Who sound pretty easily, definitely a versatile guitar if you know how to use it and your amp. Only thing I dont really like is the drop in volume when only one pickup is on. Volume is fine with both, but there is a slight drop when just the rhythm PU is on, and a noticeable drop when the treble PU is on. It's really not a huge deal, but more something I would see as something to incorporate into your playing style. The construction of the guitar also makes for a very resonant sound, as there are hollow chambers inside the guitar. This makes for a very loud unplugged sound for an electric guitar. Overall, very good sound.

Guitar came from the supplier pretty well set up. Not much tinkering had to be done to get it playing well, this guitar just plays well in general. Pickups were adjusted fine, there isnt much you can do with a lipstick pickup since it's made with just one big bar magnet. Guitar came pretty well finished and set up, no real flaws or bugs to work out.

Despite what I would call pretty light construction, this guitar will (and has) stood up to live gigs and jams. Pretty much all of the hardware is just fine if you're just using the guitar as a backup or one to just set on a stand in the living room. However, if it's a main axe I'd probably replace the bridge with an all metal one with adjustable saddles) and tuners with something a little less cheap. Gotoh tuners seem to be the thing to put on this, they're nothing like Grovers, but they're priced about right for this guitar. Only thing I'd worry about would be the knobs (seem kinda cheap to me) and the strap buttons (definitely pretty cheap). The finish on this guitar seems pretty solid, and has resisted banging into tables, chairs and door jambs pretty well. Based on prior experience, this guitar is pretty dependable and doesn't eat strings like my Les Paul. I'd play a gig without a backup with this guitar, but I would definitely feel more comfortable with a better bridge and upgraded tuners.

I've been playing for about 5 years now, and currently own an Epi LP Standard, the Dano, and a Seagull S-6. I played all except the Dano extensively in the store before buying, this was the only one I ever have or probably will buy without playing it first. I have not been let down and wouldn't do anything different a second time. I really love this guitar, but honestly, if something were to happen to it, I think I'd go for something a little easier to find without going all over the place to find parts and accessories for. I love the sound, the playability, and the light weight of this guitar, and only really dislike some of the cheesy or mediocre parts for it. I didn't really compare this with other guitars, it was the only one I wanted at the time and was happy with the result. I really like this guitar, its not the 59 Pro, but I love it and doubt that a Pro would be a much better buy than this one.

This guitar was given to me in 98 or 99 new... I think it listed for around 200...its a cool retro look with the lipstick pickups and the funky colors..(mine is cool copper)... the bridge is mahogany on metal... non intonating...so tuning up the neck is sometimes an issue.. but i found an intonating bridge online for about 40 bucks.. it would probably be worth the upgrade...Its a Dano.. so the features are plastic knobs...plastic pegs... plastic everything...well there is wood...plywood... but the amazing thing is that a company can make such a reliable instrument out of cheap materials and keep the price low...

It has a good jingly jangly sound when i play it through my Dano Dirty Thirty amp... Distortion is OK but its not a Les Paul..My guitar has issues with the selection swith..there seems to be some sound bleeding from one pickup to another..but the bottom pickup has a good mellow sound... and the top has a tight top end sound..when combined it is really a cool sound..sounds almost like its player through a shifter..

I have never had this guitar set up so it is set at factory settings now... and its ok.. I am sure that if i had it set up it would be even better..everything on this guitar seems to be pretty tight.. i will mention that the side tape is buckling a little around the neck..(I've heard that this is common) and the bottom strap peg came out... I just glued it back in... the pickup selector is a little noisy...it seems to be cheap.. but that's the creedo of Dano...

This guitar is light...don't beat on it or it will go out of tune..lots of plastic.. if you drop it something will break... but it just looks great hanging around the waist...I would not use it as a primary instrument... so have a telecaster hanging in the wings..

N/A

This is a great beginner guitar that will go to the stage...and since Danelectro is no longer making it.. it is becoming collectable.. I have seen them sold on eBay for up to 400..and Jimmy Page plays one that is similar.. so you have the cool factor..
get this guitar if you want the funky vibe that dano offers.. I enjoy finding matching items ie.. pedals, amps, gig bags etc.. on eBay and having a complete Dano setup... they make cool looking stuff and if you shop around they can be had cheap
These guitars will never be as good as Fender, Gibsons and the like but for a first electric guitar one could do a lot worse than picking up a Danelectro..

This is actually a 59 DC Pro. I have no idea when or where it was made, literally the only markings on it are "Danelectro". There are two volume and two tone controls with a three-way selector switch to two lipstick pickups. I'm pretty sure the neck is maple but I can't tell with the body. The finish is Black/Gold Pearl. Double cutaway body. Calssic Danelectro bridge. Gotoh locking tuners. Fat acoustic-style neck, but unbelievably perfect action. The strings are practically touching the frets and there is no buzz at all. I bought it off of ebay and the only thing it came with was a gig-bag....I hate gig bags, they don't really do anything for the guitar. I'm on the road a lot so, I don't take anything with if it isn't in a hardshell case. If anybody knows where to find one, nathanjdubois@gmail.com, please. Thanks.

The only reason that I bought this guitar was because I watched the new Led Zeppelin DVD and saw Page playing one. I thought, "This guy has all of those other guitars but he picks this one for the stage on 'Black Mountain Side'." I assumed it must be pretty special, but didn't think too much of it really until I plugged her in. Man, was I in for a shock. I play classic rock style originals and a lot of blues, and for some reason this guitar fits me like a glove. I play it throug:

Vox V847 Wah
Old old old Maestro Fuzz(not the fuzzface)
Dunlop Crybaby Wah (yea, two wahs can be pretty fun)
Boss Chorus Ensemble
Sometimes I add: The Ibanez TS-9 tubescreamer, a Danelectro Tuna Melt, or the Big Muff Distortion (russain).

to

Two Fender amps, a Deluxe Reverb Reissue and a Blues Junior.

The guitar isn't at all noisy. I also have an American Strat, a Gretsch Duo Jet, and an old unnamed from the 60s, and this Danelectro beats them all. The sound is much more full and a lot brighter than any other guitar I've played yet. The guitar is pretty effective when using feedback(although a tremolo would've been pretty cool).

There isn't anything I don't like about this guitar.

I have no idea how the guitar was set up at the factory, as I bought it used. Whoever had it before me, or the factory, set it up perfectyl. I had to do some fine tuning on the pickups, they're never just right though, no matter what you buy. The finish is amazing, I love it. From one angle it looks green, another brown, another gold, and then when the light hits it just right it's the blackest guitar you've ever seen. I was surprised at the lack of finish flaws on it since it was used. Whoever had it before took very very good care of it. I love the nut on this guitar, What is it? Is it brass? I don't know, all I know is that the sustain on this baby is beautiful. Nothing on this thing is noisy at all until I kick on that fuzz pedal.

I'm pretty sure that this will be my main guitar for live shows, it feels pretty solid. The hardware is tough. The finish feels thick. The strap buttons....errr....I'm always nervous about strap buttons and you can blame that on Gretsch(hopefully you know what I mean). I would, but won't, play this guitar at a gig without a backup. I wouldn't need it. I usually use .011-.046 strings, but this one has .009s .... I haven't broken a single string yet, I always break .009s. But, with some many guitars (three strats a gretsch and this one) I would never want to not take them all to a gig. The only thing is the body binding Tape. But if it ever came off it would only mean a weekend of tearing the rest of and cleaning it up.

I haven't dealt with Danelectro. They stopped making these (but they do still make guitars).

This guitar suits me, and like I say, fits me like a glove. It doesn't feel like any other guitar, and why should it? It doesn't sound like any other guitar, and why should it? It has it's flaws, but nobody's perfect. This guitar is my favorite, I love it. I want to play it just sitting here writing about it. Beautiful guitar, wonderful guitar. Good job Danelectro. Stay classy.

'99 in Korea, copper finish, 2 lipstick-tube pickups, rosewood bridge--you know the rest. Very light weight, so it's my main travel guitar.

It's almost purely a rhythm guitar. I find myself drawn to blues, rockabilly, and '50s R&B licks on it. Clean, it sounds almost acoustic, but you can play punk with a good bit of overdrive.
I think it sounds best with a mildly dirty tone. I always use the two pickups together because they're too weak by themselves.
It doesn't have the thickness of humbuckers or the bite of a Fender. It's almost useless for playing lead, which probably bothers me less than it bothers most people. The low E can give a nice big bassy twang.

It plays fine, reasonable action. At first I got splinters in my hand from muting strings on the bridge. It's been out in lots of weather, in overhead compartments on planes, still going. Cheap, but solid.

I've used it live, no problem, though I break strings pretty often.
(Because of that, I almost never play guitar live without a backup--the times I didn't bring one, I've regretted it!) One of the strap pegs popped out, so I glued them both in--haven't had a problem since.

N/A

It's not my main guitar; I have an SG, a Melody Maker, and a Tele. Sometimes I think about selling it, but it serves its purpose well as a live backup, 3 a.m. bedroom axe (it's got a pretty good & relatively loud unplugged tone, and I live in an NYC apartment), and instrument that's light enough to travel with, sounds good, and is less fragile and cheaper than my SG.
Not a dream axe, but very playable, and an excellent value.

the one i pickup up was an original 1960 dano, i fell in love. this guitar sings. this is an all usa made dano with a singe lpstick pickup, has volume and tone control and the frets are in good nick. i use it for playing slide in weird and wonderful tunings, the guitar looks stunning in black and the look on peoples faces when you use it live is amazing. i give it a 9 because it is perfect if you like this but not so good in tonal versatility but it does do what it was intended, second to none.

i play in a hard rocking bluesy band with psychadelia going on. its great in this context and i use it through a coloursound tone bender, a vox wah a pahse 90 an old wem copicat echo machine into a marshall superlead stack from the 70's. its sounds perfect, twangy chimey and oozes brilliance. switch is a bit silly with a single pickup...

dont know how this came out of the factory, i wasnt even born then, it was set up ok, i twiddled a bit and its fine, feels perfect for slide though, its a bit nakered but i wouldnt trade it for anything.

i use it live every time and it always holds tuning (maybe the rusted tuners) the finish has lasted 44 years, strap buttons are pants but i cant complain because they work... i use this as a backup or as a slide at certain gigs, would trust it always.

dano dont make guitars anymore but, since i dont have a problem i dont know, to be honest dont think i will ever have to find out!

i use a les paul live and this as my second guitar, and if this was stolen i would cry inlove this guitar and i think you know if its for you when you pick it up and strum but one chord. love it.....

A 1999 korean made limo black Danelectro DC 59 reissue. It's an incredibly light weight guitar, probably due to the use of laminated wood in her hollowbody. Has two concentric vol/tone knobs, one for each of her single coil lipstick pickups. Neck is relatively fat, close to an SG neck (great for slide), with an aluminium nut. The bridge is unique and rare, has only one piece of rosewood that acts as a saddle, so adjusting it is not possible (you can move it a little, but that's all). The tuners are really a piece of junk. Both tuners and bridge are upgraded on the pro version.

Sound is something between a Tele and a Rickenbaker. Really a sweet tone. But as usual on Danelectro, the bridge pickup has to little output comparing with the neck one (wich is awesome). I've tryed to raise the bridge pickup (using the screws on the back of the body) but if it's too high it moves because the screws does not attach it firmly. Anyway, even if raised, the bridge pickup does not have enough power. I use mainly the middle position of the pickups to play and the sound resulting is amazing, if the bridge would be better it would sound close to a Tele but by now it sound with a very particular unidentified tone.

I use it mainly to play late sixties psychedelly (early Pink Floyd and this kind of stuff), blues (it's a real good blues guitar) or sixties pop music. Really, for surf or psychedellyc a Tele is better.

Well, I've got to say that mine was second hand and was in a pure ruin condition when I received it, so the next may not be guilt of the guitar but the previous owner.

The electronics are Ok but the back side of the pickups are unreachable.

The action is real high, and if you low it it begans to make fret noises in certain strings. As years are passing by I'm discovering that I can low the action a little more each year, I think the neck may be damaged because when I received there was a 0'11 oxidated string set that was there from years, and I use 0'09 strings.

It has a very light weight wich makes me think it won't last long with Pete Townshend, but I care for all my guitars and this (once I restored it from the previous owner brutality) is mint and looks like is gonna still be perfect for the next forty years at least.

The hardware is chromed and cheap, but it's doing it's job perfectly.

You may thing the bridge could be better, but I like this wooden one, it's warm in touch and creates a nice tone. Yes replacing strings is difficult until you find the method (use your right hand to fit the ball end at the bridge while high tightening the string with the thumb, then attack the tuners).

The strap buttons are a cream plastic thing, placed in a unappropiated place (well, try a Danelectro U2 if you're curious about real unappropiated places to place strap buttons). Some people says they use to fall, but mines are still there and in good shape.

The finish is real good. Mine is limo black (as Syd Barrett and Jimmy Page's ones) and it has a extraordinary good looking, the neck's back is also black, and the rosewood used is high quality wood (if you use some dark wood care product on it will look astounding.

Danelectro has stopped to manufacture Danelectro guitars. If they used to have any customer support, i's lost. The once upon a time lovely Danelectro web site is now a dead end street, they only offer pedals and even for pedals the web page sucks.

By what you've read before you may think this guitar is nothing extraordinary (or probably, extraordinarily bad). Well, you're wrong. I've tryed to be as critical as possible on this review.

I first took interest on this guitar while looking at a Pink Floyd 1967 video on which Syd Barrett was playing one. I started to search for one and finally I found it. This guitar has some strange magnetism that makes me want to play it, even if a presumed better guitar is available. It may be due to the gorgeous good vintage looking of her, the lovely neck with it's warm rosewood, the sweet sound of both pickups played at the same time, I don't know exactly why but this guitar has some special feeling. Now that I know this, I would gladly have pay three times what I payd for it.

Danelectro 59 DC, manufactured in the luthier kingdom of Korea. Probably made in the late 90's, though I understand Dan is no longer reissuing these guitars? My DC is "communist red", as it has been referred to by other Dan enthusiasts. White "seal" pickguard, matching red headstock, which eally sets this guitar apart from other Dans.Standard Dan tuners, lipstick pick ups, etc. I bought this on eBay at a good price. Bridge is sort of rustic looking, but I admire the attention to detail that was put into this guitar. Is in excellent shape.

I am also a HUGE Jimmy Page fan, which was the catalyst for me wanting to own a Dan! Thank you Jimmy for stearing me into the right path! The lipstick pick ups sound distinctive, as does the feel of this guitar. It is not a Strat, or any other familiar guitar. It is its own invention.I have played it through my Marshall JCM 2000 full stack. It has great tone, like a semi hollow body. I want to own a whole bunch of these- all in different colors. I love every thing about this guitar! It is in my permanent collection. Not a heavy metal guitar, but it suits any style of play. I have it strung with D'Addario 10s.

Action is a tad higher than I like it, but very playable. The only problem I had with this guitar was when I received it, the strap button on the back of the neck was missing. Dan's website is ridiculous! I took a strap button from an acoustic guitar and super glued it in the slot.It has never even budged since. Otherwise, soliud as hell!

This guitar will last. I have played it a few times through my stack, and it truly is a different tone. When I purchased it, my former boss, who had worked in a guitar shop for twenty years, gave me a hard time for owning what he called a "plastic toy". He felt that these guitars are junk because of their construction, etc. He is wrong!! How can anyone argue with the Dan's contribution to rock? I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion.

The Dan website is a joke!! If you ever need anything, visit AllParts.com

Ten years of playing. I have a guitar arsenal that includes 4 amps!
Mostly a Fender/ Gibson player, I am into the vintage guitars/ equipment. I am looking for another 59 DC, in Yellow possibly

Two lipstick pickups, two double pots.... very easy to use... same as all the other reviews... not very many features, YOU DONT NEED THEM! easy, simple, just plain great. Nice thin, fast neck. The reason I didnt give it a VERY high score for features, is because it doesn't have a ton to be honest with you, but Im very glad it doesnt. The one thing thats really cool about the guitar is that it has a really cool finish on it. Its called Burgandy. In the light it shows a really dark purple, or brown(depends on the light) and when theres no light, its black, very cool

Great souns, I love it. Very clear, great on the clean setting, great with some overdrive.It gets kinda noisy sometimes, but hey, genuine lipstick pickups, that are great sounding

Great fast, slim neck. I play mostly slide on it. I also play without slide, but its the best Slide guitar you can buy i think. Can't go wrong with it. For $180, it should be $500. Its got a great feel. Some of the frets buzz a little, not noticable with the amp on though.

Very light guitar, but it seems to be built like a tank, not flimsy or anything, i feel like i can whip it around and not worry about it and thats what i do. The only thing im not extremely happy with is the strap buttons, but they are fine, just not as good as my teles or LPs. This isnt my #1 guitar. Its my slide and alternate tuning guitar. on some songs i use it, but it gets all my slide work.

I have been playing about 2 years. I have an Epiphone Elite Les Paul Standard Plus(with upgrades), Fender '52 Reissue Telecaster, Fender '57 Reissue Stratocaster(MIJ, with upgrades), and this Danelectro. I play all these guitars through a 1975 Fender Deluxe Reverb. I use a Fulltone Fulldrive, Fulltone Clyde Wah, Electro Harmonix Wiggler, and Electro Harmonix Big Muff. This guitar works great with everything i have. Couldnt ask for anything else, great guitar. Im a HUGE HUGE HUGE Jimmy Page, so obviously the reason i wanted one of these. I have been looking for one for about a year and finally found one. Definatly worth every penny. If your looking into getting one, dont look back, youll love it and never regret the purchase.

Same as all the rest of these reviews. A standard DC. FUN FUN guitar!

The sound is very very cool. Think "Kashmir." Wide open and crude. Almost sounds like a bizarre acoustic folk instrument, which is why Page used it live for "White Summer." (See New Zep DVD) Sounds AWESOME for the $55 I paid for it. Also great for slide work.

Mine came in Cat-Puke Coral (I think). The more hidious it is, the more I'm digging it. Front pickup is nice and strong, the back one is weak. Yes the top is properly bookmatched(jk).
The intonation was hidious. I just figured out 5 min ago that I can slide the rosewood on the bridge and get it in tune. Sounds pretty good now. Will sound better with new strings too.

Seems Fine. I don't see anything wrong at all. I'd use this on a gig with trust. (NEVER GIG without a backup...EVER!)

Haven't had to contact them. Thier website looks bad though.

COOL COOL guitar. ESPECIALLY FOR $55!!!! I'd like to see more pickup balence. But, it's a "Dan." They are what they are. And seing how Clapton, Page, Hendrix, Costello, Gibbons, Townsend...need I say more?

Specifications (frets, pickups, etc.) already detailed in other reviews. Made in the happy and trouble-free land of Korea.
The 59 DC is a hollow, plastic guitar, causing it to be heavier at the neck end which is less than great if you move around much.
Plastic paint tends to scratch and bump off easily. I look after my guitars, but an accidental knock scatched a little paint off, exposing wood at the head.
Handle this guitar with a little care and she'll hold up well.

I play from soft rock to folk-type music electrified. With both pickups enabled the 59 DC has a resonant, almost semi-acoustic sound due to the hollow body.
It's rare to find such a quality sound for under the AUS$400 I paid.
Considering the price, I think the great sound is an accident rather than a feature.

Not so hot in this section.
The 59 DC comes with a fixed rosewood bridge. Mine came with free sub-standard tuning. I threw the crappy bridge away and ordered the adjustable steel bridge from the 59 DC Pro model for AUS$50. The difference is huge and the two bridges are interchangable.
The frets are a little too narrow.
The ease with which the action can be adjusted from the bridge is greatly appreciated. The attitude of each pickup to the strings can be easily modified via two screws (per pickup) accessible from the back of the guitar. This a well thought-out guitar for those of us who incessantly modify the action and the attitude of the single-coil pickups.
The standard-issue tuners are awful. They're plastic - enough said. I own an epiphone acoustic of the same price and that has infinitely better tuners.
I'd give this section an 8 if it weren't for that despicable rosewood bridge. I highly recommend the 59 DC Pro, as the tuners and bridge couldn't get any worse, while the pickup and action adjustment methods couldn't get much better.

This guitar came with one fault: the neck-side strap button kept falling out. Many others have had the same problem and the solution is simple: glue the damn thing in place.
My guitar gets a lot of live exercise. I would happily play this guitar anywhere without a backup, though for any professional or semi-professional players this IS your backup.

Took three to four weeks for the 59 DC Pro bridge I ordered to arrive - that's mediocre. Dano used to have an attractive, informative website. Now it has less information and looks cheaper than an happy meal (as at 03.02.04). I'm rating this section 1 due to the sheer crapiness of their new website.

Been playing nine years and haven't invested in much serious gear. I'm trying to find an outlet with Danelectro guitars in Australia (so I can buy another) and it's not easy. Their pedals are everywhere over here.
This guitar is unlike much else on the market. That's why I want another.
If my 59 DC got stolen, I'd buy another Dano.
Features and ease of adjustment? You don't get much better for under AUS$400.

limo black 59 dc
2 lipstick pickups
always wanted one
because of the..

unique awesome sound
i play telecasters mostly
i also have an sg
this is even more jangly than a tele and can bite more than an sg
it even stays in tune on stage
not as reliable as my tele though
that's why i mostly use it for recording

excellent finish
perfect set up
never had to change anything
the plastic strap buttons are a scandal
but on the other hand - they work...

it seems so fragile
and i bet it is.
so i don't slam it around on stage like my teles
but i use it on stage
it stays in tune better than my sg

dunno
never used it

my second favourite guitar ever!
considering the price - a MUST!
if you like a sharp jangly bell - like single coil sound
it's the best you can get

Features as per every other Dano 59 DC.
This is a followup after 4 years of use. How has it stood up?
No point rating the features. It has what it needs and no more.

Bought it because I loved the sound. Still do. Other guitars have come and gone in the meantime, yet the Dano remains. It outshone Squier Teles and Strats when I bought it, and it still does. It is one hell of a versatile guitar!. Tuned to an open chord, I prefer G or E, but an open C is also nice, you can play slide on this beast like it was made for it.

Can be bright and jangly with treble so clear and bell like it cuts clean over the top of everything else, or it can be muddy, muted and moody. It can 12 bar till the cows come home, riff until your fingers bleed, and is the best funk rythmn guitar ever. Played clean on the bridge pup it sounds like an amplified acoustic. Overdriven on the neck pup with the treble rolled off and its either smoky jazz or moody blues. Yup, thats versatile.

It -cannot- cut heavy metal, and anything over an overdrive sounds really piss poor. No heavier than Cream or Led Zep then. To counter this, I bought an SG :), my sonic arsenal is complete.

It does hum a little and it picks up all manner of extraneous noise from my monitor.

I -personally- love the sound, so I'm giving it 10. Your mileage will probably vary, so try it before you buy it.

It was flawless when I got it. Action fine then, no loose controls then. I was impressed then, and I still am.

You bet your sweet ass it stands live playing!. Most of the hardware has stood up to my brutality quite well too. Not all of it has though.

First, the frets have worn quite badly. I play a heck of a lot of open chords and noodle around chord shapes. This means the lower five frets are now heavily worn. The bottom three really need replacing.

Further up the neck it improves until the tenth fret. Seems it can cope with barre chords OK. At the tenth and up, well, here is soloing space :). Again grooved on the G,B+E but the EAD areas of the frets have parallel lines cut in where the wound strings have been blatted whilst playing chords or riffing at the bottom end.

The tuners still hold it in tune for extended periods. The metal nut is still fine. The wooden bridge piece needs replacing again as the strings have chavved their way into it. The neck is beginning to bow slightly, and a small but perceptible twist has appeared in recent months. To its credit though, I have been using heavy gauge strings and open tunings a lot.

Electrically, all is not well in Dano land.

The pups and output jack are fine, but... The switch is now noisy, the pots may as well be for decoration now as they are either on, off or exactly half way in between. They also now crackle. I have cleaned them, but to no avail. The scratchplate has warped slightly. This may have been exacerbated by my habit of storing half a dozen picks just under the edge of the scratchplate. Well, I don't have a mic stand and Im forever lobbing picks :)

The fingerboard is as good as new. The finish has stood up -really- well. No oxidation on the chrome, the binding is intact and I have never had a problem with the strap buttons. Tip. Cut the strap to suit the front strap button and it never fails.

4 years?, with the hammer I've given it?. Solid

Contacted JHS for a new bridge piece when the guitar was in warranty, they sent it.
Not contacted them since. Not needed to.

Been playing for a good few years now. Punk, Rock, Metal, Bluesy stuff. Currently playing through a Dano cool cat and Zoom GFX707 into either a Marshall MG15DFX ( not a well built piece of kit, but sounds lovely ) or a Marshall MG100DFX ( again, construction not really an issue, but those pots are shyte ).
I am planning to buy another. I have considered a 59 DC Pro or a Hodad. I loved its sound when I bought it, and I still do. It can do anything but really heavy rock or metal. It is a lovely guitar for practicing on as it is loud and clear enough to play without an amp for strumming about.
What would I change about it?. Well, for a start I'd like a harder wire used for the frets, better pots, some shielding and an angled lead outlet. Other than that, and the outlet is just being picky, I wouldn't change a thing. My SG gives me humbucker overdrive, this gives me all the single coil I need.

Value for money?, you betcha!

1999 model made in Korea. 21-frets, made out of graphite plastic I believe. So it aint a solid body, but this gives it that unique dano tone. 2-lipstick dano pickups(single coil).
3-way switch.
volume/tone knobs for both pickups.
Grover tuners which were added.
Black w/matching headstock and neck.

If you like the dano tone it's killer. The model I have is a good one. The neck feels solid and someone put grover tuners in it which are a big help. Dano's are not known for sustain but mine has sustain comparable to a strat or tele. Has a nice ratty twangy bridge pickup tone, and the neck tone is real fat and warm. You can get alot of sounds from this and yet it retains that unique dano tone. Syd Barrett and Jimmy Page are some known guitarists who used a dc-59. I think the "Whole lotta Love" riff is the dano. These guitars sound good through most american and british type amps. I'm playing through a 73' Fender silverface twin reverb, and they compliment eachother well.

Plays nice, the pickups may be too close to the strings but it's ok, other than that this guitar is fine. I bought it used so I don't know what changes it went through.

It's a solid, gigworthy, reliable guitar. It's not the kind of guitar you beat on because it's not made of wood, but its solid. It's only flaws are its bridge. The bridge is a pain in the ass to restring, and the strap knob is located in an awkward spot under the neck and it pops out alot, other than that I could be a main guitar with no problem. It stays in tune through a couple of songs at least! That's a biggy!!

Never had any problems yet, so I don't know. However, they did tell me when and where the guitar was made from a manufacturing code I E-mailed them. I'm still waiting to hear from them if my model had N.O.S. pickups. I think they're pretty good with customer support.

If your into Dano's its an awesome guitar to have. It gives you cool retro looks, unique vintage tone, and a very low price tag. These reissue dc-59's are no longer made, now they have modern versions like the dc-3 and 59 pro. I don't think those guitars are as good. The dano has a sort of tele sound combined with a p-90 type tone, yet it still maintains it's unique dano sounds. It's a guitar that could be used for basically any style of music. But somehow I think it's most happy when used for retro rock or new wave.

Reissue 59-DC... comes with two lipstick pick-ups (Danelectro's "original", in case you were considering replacing them)... volume for each pick-up, three-way toggle switch. Body made out of masonite, weird-ass seal shaped pick-guard. Aluminum nut, fixed bridge, bolt-on neck. nothing too, too special, but hey, that's how i like em.

How can I say this: it sounds like a bloody Dano! Jangyly, twangy, perfect for a number of genres. Surprisingly versatile, yet maintains its own personality. Not a one-trick pony, but certainly recognizable. Personally, I love the sound you can get out this thing. I'd take my 59 over the biggest, baddest tele any day!

See, the thing I love about Dano's is there ain't no action to deal with. None of that adjustable bridge crap, don't have to worry about the nut breaking, nothing. I've abused mine for years, and I haven't even had to readjust the neck! The finish is a little fragile though,... bruises REALLY easy (well... by easy I mean you can't slam against the floor without making a mark). As for pick-ups, they're a little noisy at high volumes. Problem is the thing is semi-hollow and high volumes cause it the resonate a little. Can be made to make for some interesting feedback sounds in the right hand.
I definetly agree with earlier posts that where you play has a huge impact on your sound. Its a subtle art, but I can make mine go from p-90 to strat in 2.9 seconds flat. Not to brag.

VERY durable. All you boys and gals worried about babying this thing... forget it. I've thrown mine across the room into a brick wall and it just bounced. Given, it's a little uglier... but hey, you don't by a dano to impress the ladies.
Just wanna say that the straps on thing SUCK. I highly advice installing strap-locks. I put mine on the left-horn of the body (a'la a strat). Takes away from the dano look... but it doesn't fall off me every five seconds now.

Never had to call 'em.... probably never will. And what's more supportive than making a product that doesn't need support?

Christ... something that rivals a strat or a tele in utility at a third of the cost..... duh.....

Nothing too special: two lipstick tube pickups, stacked volume/tone controls (tone atop volume), 3-way pickup selector switch. I believe it has an aluminum nut and a non adjustable bridge.

I enjoy playing mostly 60's and 70's classic rock (Beatles, Doors, Zeppelin) as well as blues and hard rock. The pickups produce a jangly tone that is perfect for rythym, a very bright sound. Not very full sounding, but these are lipstick single coils. There are many sounds this guitar is capable of making, but my favorite would be bridge pickup with tone almost totally rolled off for a heavier sound through a clean amp. Pickups are a little noisy especially when both pickups are engaged. Feedback at higher volumes also prevents this from being a "10."

This guitar was reasonably set up, but there is really not much you can do to fix the action; some fret buzz is present, heavier gauge strings help somewhat. The finish is decent (sparkly dark maroon), but the side binding seems to be coming loose on one side of the instrument. Other than that, pretty smooth playing.

Since this is not a very costly guitar, I would gig with it (with a backup of course), but I would worry about dropping it, which would severely damage it. I have had the guitar for almost 4 years now, and nothing has gone wrong. It seems to be pretty delicate, though, not like a telecaster tank.

Have not dealt with them.

If I had to describe this guitar in one word, it would be "fun." I have been playing for about 7 years now and have tried out many guitars including fenders, gibson's, ric's, and a million others. I bought this guitar after waiting almost a year to find the perfect Dano 56-U2. I have been very pleased with it, but I firmly believe that this is a rare occurrence where a player is basically paying for pickups that just so happen to come with a guitar-but there is nothing wrong with that. My main guitar is a Fender Stratocaster, and I mainly use this one for alternate tunings and clean rythym playing. I would not buy one of these as my main axe, but if it were lost or stolen I would by another for sure.

It's made out of crap. Has the utmost basic features but it works. You know it....
But it has killer looks in limoblack..

Well the sound is recognizable as: Gee this is that sound? With a TS-5 tubescreamer it's hard for me not to sound like Carlos Santana. The best option to play is both PU's on. You get a kind of humbucked trebly sound. You don't need anything else. I play a whole gig with just that sound. The place you strum the strings with a pick is important for the sound.
It cuts through every mix....

It all was fine, just adjust the height of the PU's..

I do perform at least twice a week with this guitar for just a year. Except for the scratches it's like NEW. The finish is OK. The plastic strapbuttons are troublemakers. I did use some paper and it's OK since then. I can fully depend on it. I don't even have to tune it out of the gigbag. It stays in tune forever...
I love the high glossy paintwork, feels like satin....

Not necessary to deal with the company...

I play quite a lifetime, own a ton of gear. I did buy already two identical backups. I love the sound, the killerlooks and the ultra lightweight.
It is a vintagetype guitar with special characteristics.
I play a lot of blues, reggae, ska, african, rock, twanging country and slide. It does the job...

The retail price is insane, but it is really worth it.

No need to be redundant. Read below.

This one will be right up there in your front line--especially if you play roots rock. Gutsy tones! And only $150. Wow!

I was amazed how well this played out of the box. I've done nothing to it in a year. Binding wrap is papery-cheap and wants to peel, so I have to be careful. Love the soft peach color and the matching body and headstock. And for $150. Wow!

The '59 is so ridiculously light, I at first thought it to be fragile. But surprizingly sturdy.

NA

Playing for more than thirty years in nearly a dozen bands, playing rock, blues, surf, country, and pop. This guitar sounds fine for all these styles and despite the narrow neck is easy to play. If you don't have one, what have you been waiting for. This thing is a delight in every way. Considering the price, it's got to be nothing less than a 10!

it has a fat neck, a body with a peculiar constructions, simple tuning heads, a bridge with a rosewood inlay, two single coil pickups with individual controls for volume and tone, a robust toggle switch.
that's all.
It is a very light weight guitar which - in my opinion - is very comfortable

It has a very unique sound due to the special construction of body and bridge. It sounds something like a tele with silkier trebles. Definately old school. If you like high-tech guitars you will hate this. If your looking for something peculiar, try one.
I would not trade my tele for it, anyway.
Try to play it with a slide. That's really amazing.

It came properly adjusted. the quality of the controls is poor, the tone controls are more like switches...you can use it as a musical effect, though. It goes easy out of tune if you bend the strings due to the metal-nut. I think I will change that.

Properly bookmatched top?
Nope, no curly maple, just cardboard....
Properly routed bridge?
You're kidding

Will this guitar withstand live playing?
I think it prooved for sometime.
Does the hardware seem like it will last?
Only god knows.
Is the finish good enough to last, or does it seem thin and easy to wear off with lots of playing?
who cares?
Are the strap buttons solid?
you're kidding!
Can you depend on it? Would you use it on a gig without a backup?
Well, I would not throw it down the stairs...

I don't know for danelectro but for the shop I am very content. I traded a danelectro 12 string for it which had some minor scratches. Hardy gave me a new dc59 without asking for extra money.

This is a special thing. I wouldn't dare to compare it with a guitar.
This is really something else. I would not play it all the time, but dave tronzo does it with his silvertone, which sounds very much like this. Excellent for slide-playing.
And definately it is fun!

My Dano 59DC.
It's a beauty. I wouldn't settle for anything else. Mine was made in about 99 or so and it was made in Korea. My Dano was I guess a mistake, the color is peach (great color) but the next wasn't painted. The whole color scheme of my Dano is the perfect mix. The peach body and white pic guard are awesome. The components are pretty cheap but if you don't know any better than it doesn't matter. The neck has 21 frets and is maple with a rosewood fretboard, it will TAKE a beating, my brothers have banged it against my desk and there is very little damage. The pickups are singlecoil alnico lipsticks, there nice for clean tones but when you get distorted the kinda crack up. The bridge is pretty weak. It sucks changing strings but it's suppose to be vintage.

I play just about anything and it sounds good. The trick is to know how to get the desired sound. Playing through a Dano 15-watt amp I can get nice clean sounds or raging metal by just manipulating the volume and tone controls. You should be able to flip back and forth from pickup to pickup. That will get you the sounds you want. The pickups may need adjusting like mine did but when you have them just right there is very little static and the Dano sounds great.

I bought mine from a guy who has been playing for years. He owns a shop and he made all adjustments before he puts them on display. With mine he adjusted the bridge but other than that the neck was great, action was so easy to dance across the fret board and is terrific.

This guitar will take a beating no matter how hard you push it. The pickups are good just as long as you don't pick directly above them, you get some nasty sounds if you hit them. The finish has pick scratches but are not noticable. I jump around when I play and to this day I have not had any with the strap buttons. Hell they are a cream color to match the tuner heads.

The warranty I beleive is just two years but I haven't had any problems and don't forsee any except for breaking it intentionally.

This guitar has been called cheap and ugly. I'll tell you that I love it. When I saw it I fell in love. Will you buy this from just reading this? I hope not, I hope it affirms your wants to get one but the final decession is when you hold the guitar and play the first chord. You should be able to tell if it's right for you.

2 lipstick-tube single coil pickups. Old style tuners. Metal nut. Wooden one piece bridge. Plastic body with a formica pickguard. Stacked volume and tone controls for each pickup. Rosewood fretboard. Very cool commie red finish on the body and headstock.

To quote Paul Simon, this guitar is pretty much a one trick pony. But it turns that trick with pride. It's a sound you can't get with any other guitar. The only real usable sound is in the middle (both pickups) position(IMHO). But that sound is a very unique tone. You quickly realize how Jimmy Page and even Billy Gibbons among others were drawn to this sound. I suppose if I had to compare it with any other guitar, I guess it would be closest to the Tele. VERY TWANGY. I run it through a Line 6 POD with a Danelectro fish and chips EQ. I use it quite a bit in recording. Love the tone

When I first got this guitar the neck was very warped. The action was about a half inch off the fretboard. I had to take the neck completely off the guitar to adjust the tension rod(which is kind of a pain in ass). I had to repeat this 3 or 4 times until I finally got it just right. I never had to adjust the pickups at all after that. The bridge is just a piece of wood, maybe rosewood or mahogany. I don't really know my woods that well. I haven't had any problems with intonation or any thing like that. It looks like the bridge is glued onto the metal saddle. Hopefully this will never come loose. The frets seemed to be very well dressed and seated real nice.

I have'nt taken this guitar onstage yet. I play in a cover band and there's a few songs I think it would sound really good on. Other than the plastic tone and volume controls, I think it would be sturdy enough.

I called Danelectro and left a message. And low and behold I actually got a call back that same day. I just needed to know if my warranty would be screwed up by taking the neck off the guitar. Very nice fella, very personable.

Ive been playing for about 25 years. I've owned and played alot of electric guitars. This guitar is a lot of fun. Very easy to play. It would be a good first electric guitar for beginners. For the price you can't go wrong. If it were lost or stolen, I would definately buy another.

This was one of the first reissue series cause it has the dano tuners, so im saying it is a 98-99. 21 frets with a solid plywood top and a mustard yellow finish. It has the standard dano stacked volume and tone controls with 2 lipstick pickups. The bridge is kinda weak. it makes string changing a pain.

I use this with a 50 watt sovtek Mig 50, a dano fab tone, and boss DS-1. The pickups are pretty quiet for single coils. They sound amazing. Very bring and very dark depending wich PU you use. pretty versitile, i love it!

It is set up pretty good. The only complaint i have is the bridge and tail piece design.

I glued the strap buttons in, which did not stay in at all. dano could do some work with those. Also i fell like i am going to break it. doesnt feel too solid. If you take good care of this, it will treat you wll.

never dealt with em.

Pretty great sounding guitar, it just feels like a toy, but doesnt sound like one! Great deal for the money.

Everybody knows the features...

What should I say? Play this lovely guitar and open your ears...

Well adusted, well finished...

For the next five hundred years this axe will sing, if you treat it well...

Ok and nice homepage...email them, they will answer. Call Gibson and you just have to wait (for Godot)...

I'm playing for 38 years; I'ver played a lot of guitars although I have some favourites (Tele, Strat, Firebird, Les-Paul Goldtop and my DC 59 on first row!)

I bought this new in 2000. It's fantastic. The finish is this beautiful creamy-green-yellow.

This sounds great with a mellow reverb if you're going for the sound it was intended. I, the other hand, play in a streetpunk band. This lightweight creates one of the best sounds i've heard through a RAT distortion pedal. Kinda makes me wonder if the ramones were using danos or not.

This was set up great...lower action than i'd expect. The finish is gorgeous.

It's a rare occasion to break strings on this guitar. One thing i'm a bit wary about is the strap pin on the bottom of the guitar. I'm a big fan of jumping on stage and if i'm not careful the pin pops out leaving me struggling to keep it up and looking like an ass.

never needed them.

I've been playing for about 5 years now... touring in a punk rock band recently and this has held up. I also use an Ibanez IC300 Iceman just to mix things up. I play them both through a Crate 1200H solid state head and a 212 cab with 70 watt celestions. everything sounds great. If some bastard stole this i'd definitely buy another one... and kick some ass.

-double cutaway black
-vintage dano tuners
-two single coil passive lipstick pickups
-two vol and tone knobs
-wood bridge

-play all types country, rock, rockabilly, heavy metal,surf
-play with a rocktron amp
-it is as quiet as any other single coil guitar
-tons of variety
-whats not to like

-bought it used well adjusted

-it seems to last the person before me must have played it alot

been playing for 21 years an excellent guitar wish it had the metal
bridge and better tuners but i LOVE the sound and the painted neck
and headstock plus it is one of the BEST LOOKING guitars out

I bought this guitar from my next door neighbor's kid...he was convinced that this guitar is useless, and it is if you're playing metal.
Since I don't use distortion, I have nothing to complain about.

Pretty bare-bones, which is fine by me.
The trussrod works fine, the wooden bridge saddle DOES intonate (close enough), and that's what counts.

This is the selling point, as far as I'm concerned.
I have a reissue Bassman amp and a Roland Space Echo. With that setup, the Danelectro sounds EXACTLY like My Gretsch DuoJet, a guitar that cost 10 times more!

This is a cheaply built guitar.
Everything works ok on it, but the tuning pegs are pretty flimsy and the "binding" isn't glued on all that well.
I still love this guitar!

I bought this guitar as a backup to my DuoJet. It goes to band practice instead of the Gretsch, and has probably been played more than the Gretsch in over the last six months.
I have yet to experience any problems with it.

I've been playing a little over 20 years.
My other guitars are a '66 Telecaster (my first guitar) and a '93 Gretsch DuoJet.
I bought the Danelectro as a cheap practice/backup guitar, but I find myself using it more and more.
It sounds so close to the DuoJet that it's not even funny! In a blindfold test, you'd never hear the difference! It doesn't feel as nice as the Gretsch (the necks are very different) but it sounds just as good.

i dont know yhe yar pretty new 99 ?

i love this guitar. it sounds good to me i have
gone through a exas lonestar strat a gibson les
paul etc. and i have found these cheap guitars are
actually the sound i like. i never thought i would
settle for single coil because i despise strat
sounds. but hten i realized some of these other
companies make cheap guitars with single coils
that give me that exact sound i desire. this
guitar is what i was looking for. i can't describe
the sound really i guess you could call it a
"cheap' sound. call it what ever you want i'll
never pay over $200 for a guitar again

i think the pro would be better set up. that wood
bridge is okay but i would be happier with a metal
one with saddles. i started to buy a different
bridge and realized i can't make new screw holes
because the guitar is plastic.
but all in all good enough for me

plastic, plywood... i wouldn't build a house out
of it, but the guitar is good if you are one who
has respect for their property and treats things
with proper care. i don't see this guitar getting
broke very easy.

i don't know

i've been playing 5 years and when i first started
i played a friends cheapo electric guitar and have
been after that sound ever since. i have played
higher quality guitars and never have got the
satisfaction i get from a cheap guitar. this thing
is wonderful i guess the daneletro 59 dc pros are
perfection.

Made in 1999 in Korea. You know the features from the reviews below. Mine is black with matching painted neck. (AKA Jimmy Page Model) The newer models have natural maple necks w/RW fretboards.(Bummer.) The tuners have the Dano logo on the backs and they have cream colored plastic knobs. GORGEOUS!

This is the Dano equivalent of the Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty! LOL!!

It's not a Paul or strat, it's a Danelectro! So, it has it's own unique sound. It's a nice change from my 3 strats and it's tone really stands out.

It sounds ho-hum thrugh my Fender Delux Reverb & Pro Junior but it sounds great thru my solid state Fender M80 combo.

The setup is DC59 -> Ibanez TS5 -> Boss DS1 (Made in Japan) -> Fender amp. This thing is FANTASTIC for slide guitar with either/both distortion pedals engaged.

The front and middle pickup switch positions are the ones to use. The bridge pickup alone is thin & weak. The guitar does not have a lot of sustain but, this can be compensated for by clamping a heavy metal capo to the headstock. The added masss improves sustain.

Depending on where you pick, you can get a lot of different tones.

I pulled out one pickup, slid off the cover, and rotated the coil/magnet assembly 180 degrees. This made the guitar humbucking with the PU selector in the middle position. Great for overdriven & high gain lead solo's.

Fingerpicking the axe renders a beautiful tone which compliments the rosewood bridge piece. You can't get this tone with a Fender or Gibson electric.

The factory fret job and neck shape are fantastic! The action needed to be lowered and the intonation adjusted to my taste. The nut needed a little lube to keep the strings from binding.

Use nickle round wound strings. My gage is 10-46.

To adjust the rosewood bridge saddle, use a 1/4 diameter wooden dowel and a tiny hammer and LIGHTLY tap it in the direction it needs to go. I have no intonation problems with this guitar.

I have used this guitar live, without a backup.

After reading reports here at Harmony Central, I pulled the strap buttons with a pair of pliers (no easy task) and applied a drop of contact cement & reinstalled them. They are in forever.

The finish is thin and I have one tiny paint chip on the corner of the upper bout edge.

Never dealt with Dano. I voided the warranty when I changed some wiring.

I have been playing guitar 36 years and own 7 other guitars, strats, acoustics, tele, Artstar AS80. This guitar is fun too play and is my main slide guitar.

If it were stolen, I'd forgive the thief & buy an identical guitar.

I wish it came with springs on the pickups instead of foam rubber pads to set PU height. THis is easy to correct yourself.

I replaced the shielded wire to the output jack with a twisted pair, solid conductor, 22 gage wire. This improves tone and did not introduce any hum.

Follow up reveiw. How has it stood up?.
Others, and myself have posted ad infinitum about the features on this guitar.
To recap, 2*'lipstick' single coils, 3pos switch, 22 frets, easy access to 12-15, then the ruddy great neck/body joint makes it tricky.

V.light. Made from ply/masonite ( posh hardboard )
V.tough finish, almost scratchproof.
Hardboard scratchplate.
Noname tuners, but they work.
Rosewood neck.
Fat neck, medium frets, metal nut.
Odd bridge. A flat bit of metal with six cutouts for the strings, and a piece of rosewood!.

I am heavy handed, and have snapped a few strings. This stringing system looks shyte, but the strings -are- positively located. I just wish Dano would release the later bridge as a retrofit.
My intonation has drifted from perfect when I got the guitar, to acceptable. Adjusting it is a nightmare.
The body style is double cutaway, hence the name DC. Stacked Vol+Tone pots. The tone controls are odd. Mine go from full treble to muddy bass over a very narrow range. I leave mine set to full treble on the neck, and full bass on the bridge. Works for me.

The bridge pickup is weak and reedy sounding, the neck full and muddy. Lovely.
It has all the features it needs -except- a spliff roller.

Bright and trebly most of the time. V.Twangy. Good for chords. Bright, open and ringing.

It cannot ape a Les Paul. It does most of the things I want, but not all. I want a hodad with the pickups running as Humbuckers for more meat.

It can be restrictive with its narrow range of sounds, and effects pedals sound shit if you try and make it sound like what its not.

A better bet is a humbucker equipped guitar with a coil tap. More flexible. I like the Dano sound overall. That was why I bought it

When new, it was perfect.
Now, the frets on E A and D have horizontal cut lines in them from the strings, while G B and E have indents on the lower frets. The intonation is a twat to set up. It can only really be approximated. The finish was, and still is, superb. Scratch proof ( nearly ), and I have had no problems with the binding or the strap mounts.

Its reliable. I am a heavy handed S.O.B with it, and it survives. I have dropped it, played it on a strap with the back catching on a large belt buckle, and still the finish is there. Very impressive.

I chipped the rosewood bridge piece, wrote to JHS in the UK, they sent me another by return of post, and they have not spammed me!.

It is now out of warranty. I don't really care. If it packed up, and what is there to go wrong?, I'd just bodge it back together.

I have had this guitar for 15 months at the time of writing, and have probably played it for an average of an hour a day. It is tough, pleasant to play both acoustically and amplified. I use a smidgen of compression and a dano cool cat chorus.
I wouldn't buy another 59 DC, but would consider a 59 DC Pro, or a Hodad.
I love its bright sound, I love its neck for chord work. I loce its lack of weight. I wish it would have more natural sustain.
Fantastic value, well made, long lived.
Overall, a nice, niche guitar.

The one I got was made in 1998. It had 22 frets. It was made out of plywood and this other wood I'd never heard of (never buy a guitar made of something you've never heard of). It had 2 volume and 2 tones combined into to pots, neat idea and gets rid of clutered pickguard. It also had a three way selector switch. It had 2 lipstick tube pick-ups. They were the standard danelectro pick-ups. The electronics were passive. The neck was made of maple with a rosewood fretboard I think. It was in that beatnik burgundy finish, I wouldn't have chosen it if I had the choice, but it was ok. And it had this stupid tape stuff around the sides that was supposed to look like binding, it sucked. It ripped and looked really bad. I liked the double-cutaway thing though. I hated the bridge, it made it impossible to change strings quickly. It would always fall off. I got the danelectro gig bag with it, that part was fine.

When i bought it it kind of fit the musical style I was into. If you want a vintage sound out of a new guitar, this is the one for you. But I got into different styles of music and this thing was horrible for that. I used it with this little fender thing and a 50-watt marshall, couldn't make it sound good on either amp (for heavier stuff). It had a richj bright sound, which just didn't work for me. There's almost no variety in the style of music it can play, vintage stuff only. That just didn't cut it for me.

The action was a little high, but not out of control. The pick-ups were fine. That stupid "binding" tape stuff made me mad. I wanted to pull it off but it would have left glue behind. Also, the pickguard didn't sit flat. I lost a pick or two into the gap between the pickguard and the hole where the electronics were. I had to shake it like an acoustic to get the pick out. The wood quality was horrible! Plywood in a guitar? Of course I only found out what it was made of after I bought it. I did like the metal nut, I couldn't dig the strings into it like I've done with other guitars I've owned.

This guitar could take alot, I'll give it that. The harware seems good, except that bridge, that's something I would get changed if i were to get another one. The finish looked like it would last. No problems there. I didn't like where one of the strap buttons was placed. I was behind the neck, but on top of that little notch of the body that the neck connects onto. I had to bend my strap funny at the end so it would hook on, bad idea. It was a little too easy for my strap to come off while i was playing. Other than that it seemed very reliable.

Didn't have it long enough to have to deal with it.

I've been playing for a little over two years and know quite a lot about guitars. I own a fender strat and an ibanez ax. Both fairly cheap guitars but work well. I also own a 50-watt marshall. That thing rules. I wich i would have known what it was made of before I bought it. I would definitely buy something else if it was stolen. I didn't really like much about it except that the neck was kind of nice. I hated basically the rest. It was a little neck heavy, and that bugs me. I'd just like to point out that I said everything in the past tense because I sold this piece of junk on ebay after about 4 months of owning it. I would have sold it sooner, but my parents said I should hold onto it for a while before I sold it. I never changed my mind. And I'm glad I sold it.

It's not super fancy but what'd you expect from a classic? 22 frets 2 SERIES wired lipsticks and the cool t.v nobs, it's hollow and very reflective, which gives it a huge sound. It's got duel cutaway and that awesome pick gaurd this thing looks COOL. the one problem though is the brige it's just got a piece of wood for intonation which can be a problem when tunning especially the g but besides that good.

this thing has a very unique sound and if you want to be differn't get it. big sound especially when using both pickups. really good at making a lot of weird sounds, i'm very experimental but i can get about 5 diff guitar sounds but like 20 other types of sounds, hard to explain but if you like to do things besides play guitar on your guitar it' very good. it's not going to sound good for every style and probaly dosn't fit in with most styles but if you play lot's of originals and want YOUR sound not someone elses get this axe.

The action good with a flat neck but i prefer round fender type necks but if you like flat necks you'll love it. it does though have rather poor acsess to the upper frets 15+ .i like a more trebely sound from my guitar so adjusted my pickups to how i like them. but I really think this guitar was made to be adjusted. intonation was good and for a cheap guiatr it's extremely well made.

One thing the strap buttons suck!! and it was hard to replace as they were moulded platic. finish is good and i really beat it while strumming ans it's still good. It's simple and i don't think it would break down, I just use it while gigging no backup.

this thing is a cheap guitar and worth every single buck. it's just so unlike any other guitar ever you'll either love it or hate it and i love it. it has it's problem [bridge, upper neck] and if you play mostley covers you'll probally hate it as it dosn't sound like any other guitar but i love it. if your poor and guiatr obsessed by this guiar.

Double cutaway, 2 lipstick tube pickups, bolton neck, stacked controls-you know the whole deal by now. Mine is Commie Red. Neck is finished slick which I actually like better than the satin Convertible which was a contender along with the HoDad. A tweed gig bag was gifted to me with it and it fits perfectly. The features in sum, are basic and should be a known quantity at this point. No unpleasant surprises.

Sound is ideal for Flume's modern-pop sound. By far the neck and dual pickup settings work best. Many have remarked about the bridge one being a bit on the mosquito side--I raised mine closer to the strings for a little more moxy...it helped. It is remarkably silent and cuts through the wash of modulation I put it through. Switching to both pickups midsong gives me an instant boost and is now part of the repetoire in the live set. Lots of ring and bell-like chiming can be had....plenty of Let's Active style jangle for a guitar more closely linked to Jimmy Page!

Set up was ok---strings will have to come down a bit but I am forcing myself to work with it for strength. Again the pickups being raised gave me more simple output. But consider for the fraction of the cost, its setup blows the doors off most of the new work from Gibson and Fender. Pretty hysterical to see this inconspicuous item run circles around Les Pauls in terms of tone and playability.

I waited until I gigged with this to write the review..Flume did a show in MD and I used it for half the set..yes, it worked nicely. Naturally you have to check tuning on this more frequently than others--it goes out quick for me but a setup should resolve that. My bassist got the Dano longhorn and had the strap buttons pop out but mine are solid and I've not done anything to it--but then we're not doing gymnastics onstage either. I got positive feedback from the audience about the Dano--but I did have to raise the volume on my amps considerably to get it at the right stage level--and then pull them down when I switched to my Hamer 12 string Eclipse. I will gig with it again and its light weight makes it a joy to bring--have been rehearsing with it for a month now and do not miss my Les Paul Custom one tiny bit!

I believe the warranty is one year--the Dano website is clever in making you want more models--and at these prices why resist? Have not had to contact them directly yet. The Guitar Center where it came from was utterly laughable in their uselessness when I came by asking about setups and a shot of graphite for the nut to help with tuning. You'd have thought I had leprosy. They are atrocious but that shouldnt reflect on Dano too much.

Playing for 20 years. When Flume gigs I bring this and aforementioned Hamer and a PRS Custom 22 with secret chambers...sometimes the ES-295 sneaks out. Where was cool gear like this Dano when I was a younger man? I could have had great tone right out of the gate! But its fun now to put such an unassuming piece into live use. I love the weight and instantly musical tones--I knew immediately what songs to use which pickup combinations with and it actually sounded better to me than the DC3 or the Hodad...acoustically it does have lots of resonance which I am obsessed with. And yes, the color is deadly cool.

You know the features. A basic, simple designed instrument.

What a tone! I love these cheap Danos. My only complaint is the weak sound I get from the bridge pickup. Middle position and neck are great. It's surprising how versatile these guitars are. I have a Les Paul, Tele, Strat, Ibanez, but I keep going back to the Dano because it's so cool! I think you could plug it into any amp and it will shine. It sounds heavenly through my Boogie/Rocktron rig. I'm just a little disappointed with the bridge pickup.

Action and finish were almost perfect. Built very well for what you pay.

I'm not quite sure how well these hold up. I take pretty good care of my instruments, so it should be okay. Hopefully I'll never drop it. Unlike what others have said, I've had no problems with the strap buttons or anything else for that matter. No need for a backup, but I do have three of them, because I couldn't settle on one color!

I love these guitars. If one of them were stolen, I'd definitely get bent, but I'd rush out and pick up another one. I think they're pretty consistent in the sound department.

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.

-98, Korea -22 Frets -Laminate top/body, neck? -2 pair Concentric tone/volume controls -3 way pup switch -S/S Dano lipstick tube pups -Opaque black w "seal" pickguard -Body style more or less a doublecut Les Paul shape (hollow) -Metal bridge with simple one piece rosewood string saddle -Dano brand closed back tuners -25" neck scale, medium frets -Dano tweed gig bag (real sturdy)

-into a wide range of styles but mostly pop/rock/blues/country (soft to heavy) so suits me fine for the soft to medium range (gainiacs hold on to your solidbody humbucking equipped flamethrowers) -Budda twinmaster Ten combo, VHT pitbull CL w/212 VHT Fatbottom cab -Noisy on all settings, that's the single coil lipsticks -Rich full sounds possible w/neck pup alone or neck & bridge at about equal output settings, bright and biting bridge pup only (a little too thin here sometimes, but can be easily remedied by putting pup switch in mid position and dialing in just a bit of output from the neck pickup with bridge volume most or all the way up), Traditional Dano sound, kinda bright/hollow/spongey, tone controls (yes, I actually use mine) work well but not until you have them turned most of the way down (this can help taking some of that high end clip especially from the bridge pup when at higher volumes) -To achieve my optimal tone settings usually I back the Dano's tone all the way down w/strings completely muted then turn it back up until I can hear just a bit of high-end hiss coming thru with my amp on w/its typical settings -To my ears this is the closest you can come to cross between a stock Tele and a stock hollow body single coil equipped Rick which tone-wise are my favorites for single coil rhythm sounds -Like it's tones mainly, dislike the noise (but you can't get this kind of sound without some noise so I don't mind the trade-off), dislike lack of sustain but then my feeling this is designed more as a rhythm axe like a Rick

-near Excellent factory setup, Low E/A buzz but in a friendly way, excellent off-the-rack playability, excellent fretwork, fretwire polished smooth as mirrors, no tangs sticking out at edge of fingerboard -come to think of it I might try to raise the bridge pup and lower neck pup as it is very dominant volume-wise compared to bridge w/both volume controls full up -bridge placement/function fine considering bridge/saddle unit is not really designed for optimal setup/intonation as with most other electrics -no major flaws this category, pickguard removal is a bitch on this design (you have to remove to get the serial to registar it for warranty)

-Definitely a gig-worthy guit -Hardware is not exactley the most durable looking stuff -Finish appears to be very durable, probably a polyurethane -not too crazy about the plastic glued-in strap buttons but I've owned a couple dozen guits in a similar number of years and have broken a total of two strap buttons in all that time (on "higher quality" instruments) -Overall dependability seems good enough -I'd be confident enough to gig w/this guitar without a backup

-never dealt w/them -no problems thus far -Typically worded one year warranty

-See my Gibson Les Paul Jr Lite review for other gear/playing history -If it were lost or stolen I'd probably get a DC-3 (which I could actually "trade up" for with the store I bought it at but that's limited to stock only and they don't have any yet) -Mainly I love it for it's unique tone, don't particularly "hate" anything about it, favorite feature would have to be "Seal" shaped pickguard -I compared it w/all the other Dano reissues available at the time (bought 11/98) but this one had the best setup and fretwork -wish it had the features of the DC-3, maybe with a decent tremelo thrown in but what do you expect for under $300?!? -wish the tone controls were more interactive like a Les Paul's (2 each completely separate volume/tone controls), then I wouldn't be thinking about a DC-3 -I believe that off-the-rack quality is of optimal importantance (with guitars and tube amps) and while all the other Danos were good this particular one was the best among them (maybe things slowed down at the factory that day and the fretwork guy got bored and put in some extra time on my Dano), the FACTORY FRETWORK/SETUP is what led me to make what was basically an IMPULSE buy (guitars makers are you listening?), "...a new one in the box" is for effects and other electronics -overall I am very satisfied with this purchase

This new (1999) "reissue" of a `59 design was made in Korea. It is a double cut-away guitar with two pickups. Danelectros (old or reissue) or unique instruments both in construction and sound.
I bought the "Copper" finish sight unseen. It is less 'metallic' then I remember the old ones being, but lovely, none-the-less.
The guitar is what it is. "Features" in regard to a Dano is almost a misnomer. That is no loss. Gimmicky it ain't. What it does is make music.

The body is a 3 layer (masonite -wood- masonite) semi-solid. The masonite over an open chamber, along with the old Alnico magnet "Lipstick Tube" pickups allow for a wonderful sound that is at the same time mid-range "bongy" and top-range "Boingy."
I play eclectic, somewhat "primitive" original rock and electric blues. The Dano is a wonderful additional voice to compliment my customized ES-Artist and Vintage Reisssue Tele; my other main axes.
I find it equally unique and exciting whether over-driven thru my Marshall 900 or clean thru my old silverface Tremolux.

The Dano was delivered by UPS in a styrofoam packed box. It was still pretty much in tune from the factory set-up. Amazing! Intonation is supurb. Neck good.
The finish (paint) is the BEST I have ever seen. No kidding!
The off-white vinyl "tape" that covers the wood sides looks great but is not 100% secure. I expect that it'll start to peel and tear where it pulls away, Gonna be a bummer if it does.
Tuners are closed back; non-adjustable. Good now, but.... ???
If this was a $1,200 Fender or a $2,800 Gibson I'd be only "somewhat pleased." For a $225 guitar this is a solif "10." (Maybe a 12!)

Old Danos kept on Rockin.' I bet the new ones will too!
Gig with it? Without a doubt! (Though I haven't giged in over 30 years!) ;-)

Quick responding web site. 1 Yr warranty. No parts available. No owners manual.

I've been playing since 1958. Played in several semi-successful groups in the `mid to late `60s. (Any old "Abstracts" or "Crystal Circus" fans out there?) ;-)
My eqipment: Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson ES-Artist (custom wired), Fender Vintage re-issue Telecaster, Fender Vintage reissue Stratocaster, Epiphone Sheraton II, Marshall 900 Duel Master Volume, Fender Silverface Tremolux, Etc.
Frankly, as a young teen, I used to go into the Sears store with my buddies and laugh at the (Danelectro) Silvertones. Then -- some years later -- I heard Danny Kalb wailing on one in the Blues Project. Oh my, were we spoiled and snobby suburban kids wrong! Of course by then I was playing an 'abortion' Telecaster in down and dirty blues clubs and, at least generally, new better.
The only change I would like to see on the guitar is screwed in metal strap buttons. My plastic ones seem fins (so far), but I'm not sure I really trust 'em.
Would I buy another one? Absolutely! I'd replace it before my beloved Tele!

But with this axe, who needs 'em? Two stacked knobs, two lipstick pickups. Standard stuff for this model. The body shape fits me nicely, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Got to ditch the plastic strap pins, tho. Groovy little art-deco tuners with a Danelectro "D" embossed on the back.

Gods, but this thing screams! I'm only a novice (three chords, thanks!)but this little Limo Black monster is the most fun I've had on a guitar ever. I've borrowed friends' Fender Strats, Les Pauls, owned a couple of cheap-shit Japanese no-namers and an Alvarez Tele copy, and this is by far the raunchiest, most rock-and-roll guitar I've laid my hands on. I'm just using a Dan Electro Honeytone, but it's peeling the paint off my walls!

Action is good compared to my previous Alvarez Tele copy, and excellent compared to the Series 10 Rickenbacker copy my best friend has been lending me. No noticable flaws yet, but I've only had it an hour! Strike that, there is a small spot on the fingerboard where some stain may have dripped or otherwise collected, but you won't see it from a foot away. The antique white accent tape around the body is crap and I'll have to be careful of it, but I'm not removing it until the warranty is up, then I'll have someone paint a similar stripe on it as I like the two-tone effect.

Strap buttons may be a problem, and the accent tape will certainly peel off soon if I'm not carefull. As for the rest, only time will tell.

I sent an email asking them about tremelos and removing the accent tape and they responded immediately. Unfortunately, no plans for trems, and removing the accent tape voids the warranty.

Despite fooling around with guitars off and on over the last 15 years, I haven't really played all that much, just noodled around in my spare time. But this baby is so much fun, as soon as I post this I'm getting out my chord charts and practicing! If lost or stolen, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I love the light weight, the crisp sound that can go from clean to raunchy with ease, the cool styling and the slick action. I do wish it had a tremelo, maybe a Bigsby? Have to think about that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not ready for one as a player, tho.

Just picked up a new Danelectro '59 DC reissue. The user comments on this guitar is pretty much consistent from other players sharing their revues. But, how can you pass up something so cool, daddy-o? 'Specially at the $219 out-the-door price tag. Mine is burgundy-sparkle, I -love- the color, and all the other colors that are available. Standard Dano reissue fair. Masonite top/bottom, plywood 'core' with a white vinyl binding around the perimeter of the body covering the innards of the bodys' finish. Rosewood fingerboard and way-cool 'coke bottle' headstock. They're so cheap, I think I'll collect 'em all! Let me start by saying this is NOT a primary player guitar. It's a unique little piece and I'm not sorry for a second I picked one up. I got it home and immediately went to a lighter gauge string (9-46 as opposed to the 10-?52?) that it came with. I struggled a bit with the solid bridge/tailpiece. The ball-end of the strings seem to teeter on the brink of flying off the slots on the bridge where they mount. Everything appears to be okay so far though. The machine heads are cheap & sticky, but adequate. Surprisingly, the truss didn't seem to need adjustment after going to the lighter gauge, but only time'll tell there too. The guitar actually came very well set-up and perfectly intoned for such an inexpensive price tag. The finished neck feels great. Nice and 'chunky', apparently very true to the original and again, pleased and surprised at the fretting of the Dano. The combo volume/tone pots take a little getting used to and are a bit out of the way, but it only adds to this guitars appeal. Really. The tone circuit is very responsive. A nice sweep from biting treble to warm tones only rivaled by a wah-pedal.

Ah, here's where this nasty little guitar shines. The lipstick alnico pickups roar. Coupled with the semi-hollow body, I was getting harmonic feedback that I never experienced with my solid bodies. Crunchy, shimmering tones in the bridge position. Unique 'nasally' tone in the mid position and warm, thick, loud tones in the neck pos. I play thru a Marshall JCM900 dual reverb and a 2x12 cabinet w/Celestion 30w Silverbacks 'vintage'. Not a huge gain freak, but like to turn it up to nasty up the sound. This bitch shimmers. The middle position is a blast. Listen to the intro on Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions CD on "Black Dog". This is pure Danelectro talking. This is more of a picking/strumming guitar it seems. Sounds wicked-crunchy playing open chords. Besides, the neck 'hump' where the neck meets the body makes it virtually impossible to play beyond the 12th fret. But that's okay. I have my Strat's N Tele's to do that!

As I said before, it came well set up right outta the box. It was better intoned than even my '92 American Standard Tele when I bought it new. The poly finish was excellent for the price. No obvious flaws and the finish actually feels 'lighter' than most high-priced guitars. My biggest complaint on even guitars costing $1000 and up is that that abysmal polyester finish. The Danelectro's is actually very tolerable. The only thing that's gonna take a little getting used to is that the guitar feels 'fragile' and I tend to baby it. Guess it 'cause I'm used to playing Strats and Teles and putting them thru hell. Again, for the price the finish is super. Hence the high rating.

Reliablity? Durability? Probably not, but who knows? I wouldn't trust it to be your 'main player'. I don't think thats what was in mind when they were reissued. This is a fun guitar. Great for beginners and a blast for experienced players just 'cause they're so damn cool. Cool looking, cool sounding, etc. Plop down the $200 and get one. It's worth it just to feel like Jimmy Page! I don't think a reliabilty rating should even pertain here. I really don't know how it'll hold up. It does feel 'fragile' but that only adds to it's coolness.

Never dealt with Dano.

Overall rating is-> buy one if you want daddy-o cool. Don't buy one if you're expecting a PRS or Custom Shop Fender. Hell, buy one of each color! Buy one just 'cause Jimmy Page played one! As far as out and out groovyness (and great sound), this is a fantastic value.

1998, Korea. 21 frets. Solid masonite top. 3-way selector switch (N, N+B series, B) plus dual concentric volume/tone controls. Two repro Danelectro "lipstick" single coil pickups, not RW/RP (see below). Passive electronics. Maple? neck, rosewood fingerboard, masonite body over plywood frame. Beatnik Burgundy (deep metallic purple that appears black from a distance); would have preferred Cool Copper, but it looks more like a Band-Aid than the original copper finish. Repro of classic Dano bridge. Generic die-cast tuners with Danelectro logo and plastic buttons. No accessories.

Using it with Danelectro's own Nifty-Fifty amp (a must-have), brown Tolex Fender Super (not Super-Reverb), no effects. It is noisy, but you can flip the coil in one pickup upside-down to RW/RP them when combined at equal volumes (an ancient Dano trick - e-mail me, rogers@hi.com, for instructions). Unlike the original, it is not shielded; my repro Longhorn bass benefitted tremendously from a couple coats of shielding paint just in the output jack socket, but no such luck here. It has essentially one sound - the classic Danelectro sound - which it does wonderfully. If that isn't what you want, there are plenty of other choices in that price range - but for me, this is *it*.

The guitar was impeccably set up at the factory, although the one I bought was admittedly the best of four or five I tried. (Others who tried mine complimented me on how well I had set it up - I didn't have the heart to correct them.) The pickups are not well balanced - the neck is considerably louder than the bridge - but I only use the middle setting anyway. No obvious quality control flaws on mine, nor on any of the others I tried. The tape on the side did start to pull away in a couple places, but a quick blast from a hair dryer fixed that.

I no longer perform publicly, but in my mid-70s bar band I used to use a Bellzouki for 12-string parts and a Silvertone/Dano for slide; if they held up live, so should the reissues. The strap buttons - particularly the neck button - are one weak spot; I've already filled in the hole with a dowel, redrilled it, and retrofit a leftover 60s Dano one-piece strap pin/screw. You could probably attach a metal strap button to one of the neck screws instead.
Others have remarked that Danelectro does not recommend use of string gauges heavier than .010. I saw no mention of this myself, but bear in mind that .012-013 was probably the norm back when the originals were made.

I mailed Evets a letter with some suggestions; too early to expect a response. No repairs or adjustments needed yet, and in any case I could probably do most of them myself. Warranty is 12 months.

33 years. Have owned over 100 guitars over the years, including 7 original Danelectros (none of which I currently own). Would definitely buy another - maybe one in each color.
What other guitars did I compare it to? What other guitars *could* I have compared it to?
If you had a separate category for "coolness", I'd rate it an 11.

This is an update of an earlier post of mine. I'd been playing my new DC at home for a couple weeks, and played an actual gig with it last night.

Clean sounds, when coupled with my Fender Hot Rod Deville (4x10) and Voodoo Labs Analog Chorus, were absolutely beautiful, as I've said earlier. Just bubbly and bright, but not overly bright. Low notes are punchy. Fun to strum or to palm-mute and chunk-a chunk-a, you know. My one complaint is that high notes, especially higher on the neck, seemed to get a bit lost, but that could have just been the noise levels.
Overdriven is okay, although single note leads sound weaker than they do on my Strat. As I said in an earlier review, I left the pickup selector in the middle position and just adjusted the volume controls depending on if I was clean or overdriven. I read somewhere recently that the pickups on Danos sound weak by themselves because they're wired in series, not parallel. I guess that's why the middle position is so dreamy, loud and full.

Set up great, stock from factory. Strings are 009's I think, and I usually use 010's, so I may change them.
Again, my big complaint is the strap buttons. I meant to glue them in before this gig, but didn't, and sure enough they pulled out three or four times, sometimes when I wasn't even moving much. I'm going to move the neck button to either perpindicular to the back of the neck (instead of facing up toward the headstock on the neck heel) and glue in the body-side button. Minor, but annoying design.

Should be fine if you take care of it. Nice and light!

I might add that I picked up a Dano "tweed" (it's really plastic or some other synthetic, I think) gig bag for $40. It's not super-padded, but it's perfectly fine for this guitar. $90 seemed too much to pay for a real tweed hardshell case for a guitar that cost less than $300 itself. Plus it's got pockets, and cool rubber logo, and twin carry-straps. Like everything this company is making, even the gig bag says "huge value".

O.K. those of you reading this already know what you are looking at..you just want to know if you should really add another guitar to your collection (or maybe your first!?) Check out the gig bag..cost a bunch..made well..just too coool looking. warning this can get expensive.

Now before I put my fingers on this keyboard, they were on another. That being the guitar in question. Which did lend it's self to my being disconnected from ........I'm using everything Danelectro has to offer including the Nifty 50 amp..Now, it is solid state, but the feel and texture is worth the money. And their floor units speak for themselves (however I do have an idea for the Dan-Echo..you guys listening out there? It won't cost you that much in the overall scheme of things and we can both be happy) Yes, it is noisy when you sit in front of your computer screen with the FAB TONE,CoolCat@DanEchogoing... No HuMBs here. Who cares, move it around with the sound.LIKES:it so light you don't even know it's there. Quick rosewood Neck..creates sounds(with proper stretching) liken unto a scalloped fretboard style without the deep indentations in your fingertips(i do have a scalloped neck Strat..also heavy in the lap as you sit in front of a screen!)

Whew..action..well I never took up cameras that way. I bought black..Slick finish. all you can do is hope you never lay your nails into it in a fit of frenzy..Don't expect a $1000 guitar for under $300{{{but i can't tell a whole lot of difference in them}}}(not counting the effects and amps, i told you earlier this wasn't cheap and if you are going to buy one buy the whole "PACKAGE' No I don't work for these guys but i probably should buy stock in them.

I don't gig,,been there,done that..but if i did i would use this without a backup..ok,ok I would have others on stage but this would be the one i wouuld 'fiddle' with more than others. Final Note--if your local dealer has several Dan's in stock..1st check them out without plugging them in. I found a variation in tone. and those pickups are microphones

I havn't dealt with the company yet, but they really need to talk to me afbout the Dan-Echo idea ;-)

Length of playing:Since before Elvis..other gear:YES!!!! ?'s before buying? Are they cheaper by the dozen Get Even Love/Hate..takes too much energy.. Of oourse,Strat,pre samick Valley Arts, Washburn..I like them all..this one just weighs less and sound as great with the proper tools. Why do you think Johnny Winter doesn't lug that Thunderbird around anymore? Buy it!

This is the double-cutaway version of these new Danelectros. I actually owned one of the 56-U2's, and got rid of it, traded for something else. But I like this one, shape-wise and vibe-wise, much better. Mine is black, white seal pickguard, twin lipsticks, etc. Stacked volume and tone knobs. Bridge is not adustable, but Mass Street Music in Lawrence Kansas can make you a better-intoned custom bridge for like $40.
Giving high rating for cool vibe/low price ratio.

Unbelievably unique sound for a cheapo guitar. My only complaint, and it was like this on my first single-cutaway reissue, is that the bridge pickup seems very weak in comparison to the neck, and especially the middle position. The middle position rules the clean tone world, I'm not kidding. It's blossomy, billowy, bright, fluffy, poppy, huge, cool. The neck position, which you might expect to be even more so, is not.
I play in a surf-rock band, and we do overdriven stuff as well as clean. What I'm doing is leaving the position switch in the middle and simply rolling off the volume from the neck pickup, and this keeps the overdriven sound from getting too weak. You have to roll some off from the neck, though, or else it will be too muddy, less focused. Does this make sense?
I'm using it with a Fender Hot Rod Deville, and the sound is just dreamy, as I've tried to describe.

Fine, fine, fine. Do a custom bridge to intonate it correctly. May need some graphite in the nut slots, as the strings stick on bends. Maybe file out the nut slots some, too.
Also, the ridiculous way the strap buttons are put on...the one for the neck side is absolutely useless. I drilled a new hole on the back of the body and put in a steel button. Plus they're not glued in, so you better do that. No problem though, just puzzling what they were thinking.

Take good care of it and it will be fine.

Great guitar and vibe for the price. Very high value marks.