Danelectro Innuendo 12-String

This is from the late 90's I believe. Totally cool guitar. Three single coil pickups controlled by a five way slider. One volume, one tone, two parameter knobs that work for the echo effect and the tremelo effect. Who knows what this guitar is made of, but it's really heavy, esp for a Dano. This gives it a nice sustain and tone. Gotoh tuners work just fine. Neck is not quite wide enough for my fat fingers to do some chords w/o muting other strings, but I get around that by using other chording positions. Mine came with a nondescript black gigbag.

It rings real nice, not quite as nice as my other Dano 12-string, which is a hollow body. I run through a Behringer 50 w. amp that has effects. I use light chorus and a little reverb. Sounds real nice and really fills out a song nicely.

The coolest thing is running the "dry" sound to one track and the effects sound to another channel when using this guitar in the studio. You can play one part and have two totally in sync guitar parts, then adjust the mix when you mix down to master. I've gotten some great sounds out of a chorus/tremolo and dry input combo. This rocks my friends!

Really set low and easy to play. No adjustment necessary, but it was used and had probably beenset up already.

Haven't used it live yet, but it's a solid guitar. I don't anticipate any problems.

I've been playing about 15 years. I own 16 guitars, all for ME, not for sale. I would gladly get another one of these even though I have another dano 12. I love the effects onboard, even though the distortion is totally unusable and the echo is marginal. The tremelo and chorus sound good. I love being able to route 2 amps on separate jacks or run the guitar to 2 diff tracks when recording.

They dont make these anymore - but if you can get your hands on one it will be worth it - and I agree - I like it better than the RICK too. I have played 40+ years and this is one of my favorite guitars - and essential for the added flavors in a home studio ... I got mine for $195 at Guitar Center about 4 or 5 years ago - I like the Mosrite styling too

wide range of sounds - use it through a Fender BXR100 for fullness

a little SG-ish (I agree) but great in the studio

I like the large buttons - safety first

GREAT GUITAR!!!!

As mentioned before this is a double cutaway Mosrite body shape inspired 12 string. This particular guitar has a 3-tone sunburst over some mystery wood. I'm guessing that it is poplar with some kind of veneer on it. This is one heavy Dano. Most Dano's are semi hollow, but this one is solid and is rather heavy. This guitar is a bit neck heavy. The large headstock adorned with 12 grover tuners weighs the neck down. The electronics include three generic single coil pickups mounted to a pearloid pickguard. It has active electronics that include 4 push button controlled effects (chorus, tremolo, echo, and fuzz).

For the money you can not beat the sound of this guitar. It is highly resonant, so much so that if you ring out a big open chord you can feel the back of the guitar vibrate against your waist. The single coils provide all the standard strat sounds, and are not that bad for the price, there is no reason to replace them. The effects sound pretty good, though there is a static noise when turning them on and off. I can definetely see myself using these effects extensively for some variation.

The real one fit problem is the neck heaviness but otherwise this is a very well made guitar. The frets are rather tiny, but thats a good thing on a 12 string. Everything is tight and well assembled on the guitar, and it feels very solid

As I said earlier this is a well put together guitar. I don't see myself having a problem with it

I bought the guitar used and Danelectro doesn't make guitars anymore so I'm not sure if they would do anything for me. It doesn't make a difference to me, I take care of my guitars

This guitar is now discountined so I was happy to find one on ebay. I am very happy with my purchase

2002 Danelectro Innuendo, made in the lovely Republic of Korea where most of our guitars are made these days (whether the manufacturer tells you that or not is another story; Dano is truthful). Solid body made of Mystery Wood, probably a plywood. Three single-coils with a five-way switch a'la' Strat. Unlike other reviewers, I don't find the switch to be in the way of my right hand at all. Also unlike other reviewers, I find the pickups to be really nice, with a good bit of output and some nice high end. We have are one volume, one tone and two effect control knobs, as well as four buttons that control four onboard effects, which are "distortion," chorus, tremolo, and echo. (More about those later.) Two outs, one dry and one for the effects. You can run two cords to two amps simultaneously for a fake stereo effect.

The tone control is very nifty. This is one of the most useful tone control knobs I've run into, and if you use it wisely in combination with the 5-way switch you can get a lot of good tones. The neck appears to be maple with a rosewood fretboard. The body style is more or less a copy of a Mosrite Ventures model. The blueburst finish is very effective; gives a very retro "teisco-del-rey" vibe to the guitar.

The tuners are massive and appear to be good copies of Grover Mini-Rotomatics. They are also part of what makes the guitar neck-heavy, but they're good tuners; the trade-off is fine by me. The bridge is beautifully practical, and all 12 strings can be intonated. The normal strings are thru-body and the octave strings are anchored at the tailpiece, which I think is an ingeniously practical move. It also adds to the sustain, which this little guitar has plenty of.

The neck is wide but not too wide, with medium-jumbo frets. It doesn't take a lot of effort to play this guitar. In fact, if you fret too hard you may have tuning problems. A light touch will go far with the Innuendo 12-string.

The guitar is neck heavy, and due to the fact that the cutaways are so deep, it suffers from "SG-itis," a disease that afflicts Gibson SG's and other deep double cutaway guitars. This means that if you're playing and you turn around real fast or move in a certain way, you'll inadvertently find your tuning wavering just a hair. However, if you're not a wild man who runs all over the place and flails at the guitar, this should not be a problem.

This "SG-itis," and the fact that the guitar is, as I said, neck-heavy, are the only reasons I knocked the rating in this category down to a 7. Otherwise, the features are shockingly good for the money. There are many more expensive guitars that don't have features as nice as this little Innuendo.

The Innuendo 12-string will get you those Byrds tones, but it would be a mistake to stop there. The 5-way switch gets you a lot of strat-like tones, all of which sound unique when used with the 12-string, and in combination with the tone control, there are a ton of useful and unique (in a good way) sounds available. Unlike other reviewers I found all the positions useful and cool-sounding.

I also did not agree with other reviewers about the onboard effects. The thing to remember is that the "distortion" isn't actually a distortion. It's a raging fuzztone, no question about it. They should have labeled it that way in the advertising, because in no way is it a distortion. It's a cranked up, vicious fuzz. Furthermore, it's hooked up to the 3rd knob on the guitar, which provides a wah-like filtering effect to the fuzz. I like the fuzztone and the filtering effect. Experiment with the knobs and you can get some tones that are beyond wicked and nasty, especially when you have the overtones from the octave strings zinging around. Severe mind-rupturing potential.

The second effect is a fixed-rate chorus, which is kind of nice, but also a bit redundant with a 12-string. The third effect is the tremolo, which is terrific. The rate of the tremolo is controlled by the fourth knob; the depth of the tremolo is fixed at a very reasonable level. This is a very useful and cool-sounding effect, and if you use the chorus and the tremolo at the same time you can get a lovely chiming, eddying and flowing sound. The fourth effect is a slapback echo, which is not going to replace the reverb on your amp, but it provides a nice tone color option if used sparingly.

In spite of the fact that the Innuendo has three single-coils, I don't find it to be particularly noisy. I think it's actually much quieter than my Mexi-Tele, and the pickups are certainly louder and more detailed.

In short, I can find no fault with the basic sound of this guitar, and the added onboard effects are a kick. That fuzztone is LOUD, though, so when you turn it on, be ready to turn the volume down. Or not, depending on how adventurous you are; a 12-string electric feeding back is an awesome sound in the right context.

The guitar came from Musician's Friend with no setup whatsoever, and that's a pain, because the truss rod adjuster is at the neck heel, meaning you have to take the neck off. Ugh. That being said, once the neck was adjusted properly the action was quite nice. The fretwork appears even with no buzzing. I have to admit here that I tune down a whole step on all my 12-string guitars, meaning my E is D, etc., because I like the lower sound and the lower string tension. This means that my guitar plays a bit faster than one tuned up to standard pitch. Even so, I did tune it up to standard and I liked the action fine, once I adjusted the neck. The bridge needed no adjustment at all.

For a guitar in this price range, I was amazed that I couldn't really find any flaws. The finish was nice, the hardware is tough and good quality, the pickups were at the right height, and the controls were smooth and noiseless. I can't say that about every guitar I've bought in the past few years that I paid much more for than this little Innuendo 12-string.

This seems like a great little guitar. It is solidly put together, with good parts. I wouldn't want to abuse it, simply because I don't abuse my guitars. I think with a reasonable amount of care the Innuendo should last quite some time, and so far it's been quite dependable. If I played 12-string all night long, I might play it without a backup, but then again, who besides Roger McGuinn plays 12-string all night long? I bought this for tone colors, and because I didn't want to pay $1000 for a guitar I would use for only a few songs in each set. The hardware, finish, and yes, even the strap buttons are way above average for this price range. It's reliable.

I have had no dealings with Danelectro except that they sent me a copy of their print catalog when I asked for it.

I've been playing since the mid-1970s. I own a good bit of gear, and I'm glad to add the Innuendo 12-string to it. I bought it because it was on sale at a ridiculous price, and because I wanted an electric 12-string without paying an exotic price for one. It's perfect for what I want it to be, meaning a way to add color to a song. My favorite feature is its incredibly nice sound; my least favorite feature is the fact that it's neck-heavy. I also dig on the onboard effects.

If it was stolen, well, at this price, I'd probably buy another one! I like it a good deal and I think this 12-string is probably the best bargain in an electric 12-string for the money. Dano does it again!

As listed below.

It sounds awesome. I think all the pickups sound nice. Lots of usefull combinations. the tremelo effect is very good. I agree the distortion not too hot but so what... For a bit over $200. unbelievable!! Dude below me... replace the strings, make sure the pups are adjusted properly, then comment on the pups! Two output jacks for the most intense stereo sound... jaw dropping with two amps!

Also very good. The guitar is heavy, and a bit neck heavy. the neck is a two piece maple neck but seems well made. The rosewood is real tight grain, dark, the frets are a decent size and are wearing well. The heavier gauge strings run thru the body, bridge is really well designed. The finish is OK. I have the blue burst. Curious what kind of wood its made of.

HAd it nearly a year. no problems.

This is a bargain, no two ways about it. I would never have been able to experience an electric 12 string were it not for this guitar. I would replace if stolen, although I have not seen any at GC lately?
I am not a 10's for everything guy but for the $$$/value this guitar deserves a 10.

Features are identical to all other reviews listed. I picked the red sunburst color scheme.

My first electric 12 string. Because of the through body stringing, the guitar has an amazing amount of sustain. Bridge pickup is very bright, other pickup settings dull the chimey sound. In other words, even though you have a strat stle layout of pups, the bridge is the only one that does credit to the richness of it's sound. Guitar has 4 built in effects. The distortion effect is garbage. Tremolo is interesting though and I have been playing with it quite a bit. The chorus and echo effects are interesting in their own right and I will try them out in the future. All in all, if Danelectro would have not put the distortion effect into the guitar I would say the built in effects are great, but that distortion effect is horrible. Dual jack outputs are also a part of the setup but I haven't really played with it.

Guitar was intonated perfectly from the factory. My only beef about how it was setup at the factory is that whoever wound this puppy must have been stoned. I have 2 strings with barely two winds on the peg and the rest seem to have the whole darn string wound on the peg. Note to Danelectro, get somebody to string these guitars correctly. I would have given this category a 10 rating if it had not been for the way it was strung so sloppily. I got a pound of string wound up on my pegs! The bridge is a real piece of work. VERY nicely done piece of engineering here. Pickups are iffy though. I'm not overjoyed with them and I think Danelectro should definitely improve with higher quality pups. Finish is superb. Masonite grain shows through very well and is very attractive. Not as nice as Ric Fire-Glo but then again... Action is very smooth and quick. I tuned the guitar twice over the last month; once when it arrived at my place and again about a week later. It holds it's tuning perfectly. Very satisfied that it maintains it's tuning.

It seems like an extremely sturdy and durable guitar. Two things to keep in mind for anyone who may gig with this guitar. The tuning keys are all inline, not 6 to the side and six to the back like a Ric. They are also very close together and the top two keys are so close to the top edge of the headstock that you will need to be very aware of who is beside you and how near you are to objects that may bang the keys. I have a feeling that it wouldn't take much for them to be knocked out of tune. Also, the guitar is heavy, especially in the headstock. Make sure you have a very wide strap or else you are going to turn into a hunchback when you lug it around.

No customer support needed.

Overall, I really like this guitar a lot and it's an amazing bargain for the price. If you want a good quality 12 string without paying $1200 for a Ric, then get this model. I am rating my overall satisfaction as a 4, but I would have happily given it a 10 if:

1) That stupid distortion effect hadn't been put into the guitar. It really detracts from the overall feel of the guitar. It seems cheap in a really bad way.
2) The tuners were positioned a bit better.
3) There wasn't a pound of string wound up on my pegs. I honestly can't believe someone did that and that QC let it pass. It's embarrasing.
4) The only pickup that sounds good is the bridge. The middle and neck pups are junk.

See previous on features- all accurate , and I'm not that knowledgeable. Everything already said seems right. Mine is Blueburst (?). I wanted black only- but it's not offered. Once I've had it for awhile, I think I'm glad I got the blue-to-black. Looks great! Only gave ita 9 because I hate the effects.

I play mostly 60's stuff- Beatles especially. I don't really like effects (so why did I buy a guitar with built-in effects??). The reason is because everything ELSE is so great about this guitar. O.k. about the effects- in my opinion they are next to useless-the distortion is TERRIBLE, the others poor (maybe the echo is o.k.- maybe. But- either in bypass mode or the ACTIVE channel- the sound is awsome!!! Neck pick-up sounds very full and acoustic the third position- nice middle sound (great for Beatles) and position 5 - very Byrds-Rickenbacker. The sustain is forever(even not plugged in). I just love the sound-I wish they made this guitar without the effects and saved the weight(a little heavy) and made the price a little lower- Dano are you listening? Only gave it a 9 because I feel the effects are worthless ( at least for my needs).

O.k. the negative first. The top (volume) control and the 5 position switch could have been better positioned- they can get in the way while strumming(which is really all I do-I'm not a lead player). Other than that- the pickguard (which is very nice looking- pearlized) is loose from the body on the top near the neck. Other than those 2 things- everything else is EXCELLENT!! The neck is increadible- the action perfect right out of the box!! The quality amazes me (especially for the price). I love this thing- I even love to play it unplugged- loud enough for me to enjoy late at night without disturbing others- again the sustain is great!! It's hard to believe that for 200 bucks I got 12-strings, great sound, great action, a terrific neck, and great quality - including a tilt-back headpiece, a graphite nut, good tuners(stays in tune), and string thru body(on main strings).

The quality seems very good. The strap buttons seem very large, which should keep the strap from coming off. Yes- I would be comfortable using it at a gig without a back-up- although maybe that's never wise).

Bought it from Guitar Center.- they seemed helpful and reaponsive- but won't know unless I have to, I guess.

I have been tinkering for decades, but don't play well- really just for my own (usually) enjoyment. I have a very nice Mitchell acoustic that I bought used (made in the 80's ), and a decent Hofner Beatle- bass copy. If it were stolen or lost would I replace it- YES - in a heartbeat. Since the 60's I've wanted a Rickenbacker 12 string. After I bought and played this Dano, I went back to the store(for something else), and tried the Rickenbacker- believe it or not I prefer the Dano!! I love this guitar and wouldn't trade it straight across for the Rick-even though I live the Rick's looks better. This thing is the deal of the decade!Oh yeah, I did try a few Strats (cheap and expensive and I liked this better (for my purposes at least). Great for full-sounding rythum guitar.

New 2001made in Korea. 21 medium jombo frets that are finished as good as any high end manufacturer.
This a solid body from a slab of wood. There is a 3 single coil arrangement ala strat layout with a 5 way switch.
This switch is placed below the neck and middle pup.Bad spot for this. This features 4 onboard effects and 2
plug output jacks ala Rickenbacker. The effects are very low end and cheesy. One is distortion that is a complete waste. And while I have been critical of this aspect of this guitar, do not misunderstand me. This guitar is amazing.
The body is a reverse strat style and has a real nice weight it. The tuners are sealed and while they work really well,
but when you gang up 12 of them this causes this axe to drop on the neck end when your standing and playing and this guitar is neck heavy. The bridge is like a work of art ,very fine.

Now the good news. This was purchased new for $199. What an amazing value. I started playing in 1964 with the British invasion. This is the coolest guitar I own now. If you bypass all the cheesy internal effects and leave that to the
outboard stuff, you will love this guitar.The sound is pure and the jangle factor is mighty. The single coils are set up exactly like a Fender with 1,3,5 positions with some hum, and 2 &4 quiet. This guitar has amazing cut in the bridge position. The sound comes out like glass, all shimmery and bright. The sound is great . In the neck position It is rich and well ballanced.

Factory set up and intonation is perfect. The fit and finish speak volumes of what CNC tools and the age of manufacturing we now live in. The finish is flawless and the neck pocket is tight. It would rank it with instruments that sell for much more. Some grain shows through the finish and it is definatly not a select slab of wood. This is a the price you don't pay.

Iam very carefull with all my instruments. So as far as durability I can't see it not lasting a long,long time with some care. The high gloss finish looks about 5mm thick. All the chrome plating is smooth and perfect. It could be distroyed
if you neglected it, but that is true of anything.

I email Danelectro, and they got right back to me.

This is the nicest 12 string you can buy. Its not perfect, but so much fun to play the sound is amazing. All jangle, pure
Danelectro, great value!

12 string guitar with 3 single coil pickups and a 5 way selector (ala strat). It also has 4 built in effects: distortion, chorus, tremolo, and echo. The distortion has a control for its center frequency and you can adjust the tremolos rate. The chorus and echo are preset. There are also knobs for volume and tone that work with the dry and effect signals. The best thing about this amp is that the effects output and dry output have separate jacks so you can run it in stereo. The body is a nice blue burst (blue faded out to black) and it has a cool mod shape, alot like the old mosrite guitars.

It's a 12 string so the sound is very full and the single coils give a nice chimey effect. Most of the effects are good (although they tend to get noisy) but the distortion is complete crap. It might have been an okay effect if the knob adjusted the gain, but it sort of acts like a wah pedal cutting certain frequencies. As it is set, the distortion effect is set on "kill" and with the already full sound of the 12 strings, it just turns to complete mud. It's also the noisiest of the effects. The other three effects were all set to very usable settings, for no adjustments the chorus and echo both add a nice dreamy sound. If they would have left the distortion off I would have rated this higher, but it's so bad I have to take some points off.

For $200 this thing can't be beat. The frets are finished very nicely and the neck is bolted on very tightly. The only real flaw was that the rosewood on the fingerboard wasn't a solid color, there are some light streaks in it, but again for $200 you can't complain. Rating is based on price, it ain't no Gibson but it definately stands out among squire's and cheaper epiphones.

Tuners and bridge seem solid. so does the neck. Just keep it away from Pete Townshend and it should be fine.

Let's hope I don't have to find out

been playing for about 10 years now. I had been wanting a 12 string electric for some time now and when I saw the price on this, I just had to. Even at the regular Guitar CEnter price of $230 this is a great guitar for the money. Now to save up for that Rickenbacker...