TEST: Danelectro 59

 Yes, who would have expected that. When Danelectro reappeared on the scene in the early 1990s, I wouldn't have thought it possible that "The Godfather Of Surf" would come out of the starting blocks so strongly again. Up to now I hadn't paid too much attention to the "cardboard guitars", but due to the clever and regular product maintenance, the name was reinitiated from year to year in order to finally confront even the last ignorant person with its existence.

In addition, the company has at least two trademarks that can be described as unique worldwide, a point that would make even the protagonists of the “overseas high-price faction” lick their fingers. The green lady is screwed, glued and “glued” as is almost always the case in this price segment in China.

The company, founded in 1947, has an eventful history behind it. Initially established as an amplifier manufacturer for Sears and Mongomery Ward, the company began building its own instruments in 1954. Despite the heyday of electric guitar manufacturing at the time, the company was unable to stay on the market and was closed again in 1969. In 1990 the label was rediscovered and reactivated.



Construction:

Dar Watzmann is coming! I'm sorry, what? Well, you can hardly imagine the shock I got when I peeled the instrument out of its packaging (cardboard box with foam sheet). Somehow a chemical reaction seemed to have affected several plastic parts during transport. An uneven discoloration of the pickguard and a streaky "contamination" of the side panels made me suspect something bad and, horrified, I contacted sales, only to be told the reassuring words: "Lean back and relax, that's what you want." Danelectro calls this “vintage” of the sales manager.

Wanted? Vintage? Guys, with all my love, if it's vintage, then also in a way that you can recognize it as vintage and not with the rudimentary look of a diffused Pattex remnant. It's all a matter of taste, but in my opinion rather counterproductive, especially since the rest of the instrument impresses with the usual Danelectro features.

As always with Danelectro, this body is hollow and is made up of a poplar wood frame laminated with Masonite. Masonite is a type of plastic that was also used to make boats at the time. This construction has the advantage that the weight of the instruments is very limited; no instrument exceeds the 3 kilogram limit. Of course, on the other hand, this design significantly limits the sustain of the instrument; if you expect singing and standing tones, you are completely at the wrong place with this design. However, if you are looking for crisp lines and percussive chords with a high level of assertiveness, you will find a good partner in this construction.

The neck of the instrument, which is attached to the body with 4 screws and equipped with a double-action truss rod, is made of maple and has a “male” “D” profile, the fingerboard is made of rosewood and has medium thickness Jumbo frets provided. The saddle is screwed from the headstock and made of aluminum. Six encapsulated and chrome-plated tuners do an impeccable job, although the previous “vintage orientation” is quite attractive here with a matt surface. The bridge construction allows for individual height adjustment of the individual riders and is attached to the body with a total of three screws.

In addition to the unusual body construction, Danelectro has of course also mounted its characteristic "Lipstick" pickups on the 59'Dano, which was actually created at the time by purchasing an overproduction of lipstick tubes due to the minimization of production costs. All you can see is the elegant chrome-decorated brass casing, no magnets or coils can be seen, which gives the concept a very dignified appearance. The pickups are fixed in height from the back with 2 screws each.

The instrument's circuitry is quite spartan; a three-way switch, a master volume and a master tone panel must be sufficient to carry out all switching operations.


Practice:

Anyone who puts a Danelectro in their recording studio or rehearsal room has to deal with one or two verbal statements, especially when it comes to a pastel-colored greenie like the 59' Dano. The palette ranges from an edgy (quote) “Yuck” to “what have you got there?” to “that’s crazy”.

Even without being amplified, the guitar has a fairly high basic volume due to its hollow body. Various factors already indicate the final amplifier sound. The hollow, percussive sound will most likely be reflected later in the electrified sound. And right, after the Danelectro is connected to the amplifier, the full sound spectrum is revealed.

Crisp in the mids, thinned out in the bass and a strong over-presence in the highs, just as you would expect. The bridge pickup in particular “bites” really hard. Its thin basic sound, coupled with low output power and a very close placement to the bridge, make a suitable equalizer setting a real challenge. The neck pickup, which is set quite far back, is much more appealing to me and can now handle the high frequencies tastefully. The use of both pickups is also very successful in terms of sound technology, which is why the bridge pickup also collects points in the B grade.

Stylistically, the 59'Dano scores particularly well in the clean and distorted areas. Their assertiveness within an average frequency fiasco within a band rehearsal or gig is very high and ensures easy location of the guitar playing. A pronounced “twang” paired with a rudimentary “pop” causes the instrument to repeatedly emerge from the tonal mass.


Conclusion:

To be honest, I could never imagine a Danelectro in a massive flight case. Like his brothers and sisters, the 59' Dano exudes a carefree attitude that is rarely found. Somehow you have the feeling that you have found the electrified counterpart to the acoustic touring guitar. Put it in a reasonably sturdy bag, strap it to your back, a small travel amp, battery-operated of course, and off you go on vacation. You might think I'm crazy, but this is always a Danelectro association, which I also associate with the 59'. Long-haired lout joins Beach Boys ;-)

The guitar has something, whatever it may be. Away from the high-end mania, you'll find a spontaneous rock-pop-surf comrade in the 59', which is about as casual as a holiday flirt. The instrument also knows how to please as a second guitar with its high degree of independence.

One thing is definitely certain, you can hardly stand out more than with a Danelectro in this price category. As an entertaining eye-catcher, boat builder's favorite has once again left everything behind, so you can even forgive him for his “vintage attempt” ;-)

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Additional Informations:

Danelectro Guitars holds a unique place in the annals of musical instrument history. From its humble beginnings in the mid-20th century to its enduring influence on guitar design and popular music, the company's journey is one of innovation, resilience, and artistic expression. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the fascinating origin story of Danelectro Guitars, tracing its evolution, pivotal moments, and lasting impact on the world of music.

The Birth of Danelectro:
The story of Danelectro Guitars begins in the late 1940s when Nathan Daniel, a visionary entrepreneur and inventor, founded the company in New Jersey, USA. Drawing on his background in electrical engineering and a passion for music, Daniel set out to create affordable yet high-quality instruments that would inspire aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals alike. Thus, Danelectro was born, with a mission to democratize access to musical expression through innovative guitar design.

Innovative Design Philosophy:
One of Danelectro's defining features was its unconventional approach to guitar construction. In an era dominated by traditional solid-body guitars, Nathan Daniel sought to challenge the status quo with bold and innovative designs. The company's early instruments, such as the U1 and U2 models introduced in the 1950s, featured lightweight masonite bodies, lipstick tube pickups, and distinctive aesthetics that set them apart from the competition. These guitars offered a unique blend of affordability, playability, and tonal versatility, making them popular choices among musicians of all genres.

Iconic Models and Signature Sounds:
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Danelectro continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing iconic models like the DC-59, the Longhorn bass, and the 12-string electric guitar. These instruments not only showcased Danelectro's commitment to innovative design but also contributed to the sonic landscape of popular music. From surf rock to country, blues, and beyond, Danelectro guitars left an indelible mark on countless recordings and performances, thanks to their distinctive tone and character.

The Silvertone Connection:
In addition to producing guitars under its own name, Danelectro forged partnerships with other companies to manufacture instruments under different brand names. One of the most notable collaborations was with Sears, Roebuck and Co., which marketed Danelectro-built guitars under the Silvertone brand. These guitars, sold through Sears' mail-order catalog, helped expand Danelectro's reach to a broader audience and solidify its reputation for quality and affordability.

Enduring Influence and Legacy:
Although Danelectro experienced various ownership changes and business challenges over the years, its legacy endured, fueled by a passionate community of musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts. In the late 1990s, the brand experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to a renewed interest in vintage instruments and a growing appreciation for its retro aesthetic and unique tonal character. Today, Danelectro guitars continue to be sought after for their distinctive sound, playability, and affordability, inspiring a new generation of players and keeping the spirit of innovation alive.

Innovations in Guitar Technology:
Beyond its iconic designs, Danelectro made significant contributions to guitar technology, particularly in the realm of effects pedals. In the 1960s, the company introduced the Danelectro Reel Echo, a tape echo unit that became a staple of studios and stages around the world. This innovative pedal offered musicians a compact and affordable alternative to traditional tape echo machines, revolutionizing the way they approached live performance and recording.

Revival and Rebirth:
In recent years, Danelectro has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to its commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing modern advancements in guitar design and manufacturing. The company has reissued classic models, introduced new designs, and expanded its product line to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of today's musicians. With a focus on quality, affordability, and innovation, Danelectro remains a beloved and iconic brand in the world of electric guitars.

Exploring Danelectro's Impact on Music Culture:
Danelectro Guitars not only shaped the sonic landscape of popular music but also became cultural icons in their own right. Musicians from various genres gravitated towards Danelectro instruments for their distinctive sound, unique aesthetics, and affordability. In the world of rock and roll, artists like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd famously wielded Danelectro guitars, infusing their music with the instruments' characteristic twang and grit.

In the surf rock genre, Danelectro guitars played a central role in defining the genre's signature sound. Bands like The Ventures and Dick Dale utilized Danelectro models to create the reverb-drenched tones and energetic melodies that became synonymous with surf rock's sun-soaked aesthetic. The shimmering, percussive qualities of Danelectro's lipstick tube pickups became a hallmark of surf rock recordings, inspiring countless musicians to chase after that quintessential surf sound.

Danelectro's influence extended beyond rock and surf to encompass a wide range of musical styles. In country music, artists such as Duane Eddy and Willie Nelson embraced Danelectro guitars for their twangy, twirling tones that perfectly complemented the genre's rootsy sensibilities. Blues players, too, found inspiration in Danelectro instruments, harnessing their gritty, expressive sound to convey the raw emotion and soulful expression of the blues.

The affordability and accessibility of Danelectro guitars also played a crucial role in democratizing music-making, allowing aspiring musicians from all walks of life to access high-quality instruments without breaking the bank. This democratization of music equipment helped fuel the proliferation of garage bands and home recording studios, empowering countless individuals to explore their creativity and share their music with the world.

Danelectro's Enduring Appeal:
Despite the passage of time and changing trends in the music industry, Danelectro Guitars have maintained a devoted following among musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts. The brand's vintage instruments have become sought after collectibles, prized for their historical significance, unique design features, and iconic status in popular culture. Guitarists continue to seek out Danelectro guitars for their distinctive sound, playability, and retro charm, ensuring that the brand's legacy remains alive and well in the 21st century.

In recent years, Danelectro has embraced its heritage while embracing modern advancements in guitar design and manufacturing. The company has introduced reissues of classic models, such as the '59M NOS+ and the '64, faithfully recreating the vintage aesthetics and tonal characteristics that made the originals so beloved. Additionally, Danelectro has expanded its lineup to include new designs and innovative features, appealing to a new generation of players while honoring the brand's rich legacy.

Conclusion:
The story of Danelectro Guitars is a testament to the enduring power of innovation, creativity, and cultural influence. From its humble beginnings in the post-war era to its status as a beloved and iconic brand in the world of electric guitars, Danelectro has left an indelible mark on music culture. Through its innovative designs, signature sounds, and commitment to accessibility, Danelectro has inspired generations of musicians to explore their creativity, push the boundaries of musical expression, and forge their own musical identities. As the company continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Danelectro Guitars will continue to resonate with musicians and music lovers for generations to come.