TEST: Danelectro LH4 BB

 Anyone who knows me knows that I have made one or two enemies for myself by telling the truth more often than is good for me. The truth is that the visual attitude of the Danelectro company captivated me when I saw their instruments for the first time on a TV show about 35 years ago, but by no means made me a fan of their extravagant shapes .

The body shape, which is sometimes reminiscent of Emperor Nero's lyre (“Burn, Rome, Burn!”), polarizes right up to the stand-up collar and at first glance only allows for the two thumb positions from the Colosseum.

But the truth is that with every year that passed, my taste slowly changed and I currently find the curves of the “cardboard colleagues”, which sometimes take getting used to, very distinctive. It's strange how everything changes in an artist's life.

By the way, the LH4 BB bass I have is a truly “old” friend. I discovered the design in question in the above-mentioned TV show with the group “The Who”, where bassist John Entwistle played a Danelectro bass.

Legend has it that Danelectro was the only company at the time to equip its basses available in Europe with unpolished strings. Entwistle was so excited about this sound that he wore out the strings to the point where he couldn't do it anymore. However, when they started to break, he bought more Danelectro basses, but only to get the unpolished strings due to a lack of distribution channels.

That's what I call consistency, coupled with a good portion of luxury ;-)


Construction:

Masonite. The building material, which almost exclusively and equally anachronistically represents Danelectro, originally comes from boat building and is a type of fiberboard, which is attached to a plywood frame and creates the body of the instrument. That means the instrument is hollow.

The instrument has a maple neck that is comfortable to grip and has a rosewood fingerboard with 24 medium jumbo frets. The body is attached using 4 medium-sized screws. The fingerboard markings are white plastic dots.

In keeping with the style of its heyday, the “Swinging Sixties”, the LH4BB only has a medium scale length of 76 cm, which takes away some of the low and high end of the instrument, but in return makes it extremely easy to play.

In addition to fiberboard and “Bodies From Outer Space”, the third trademark of the company founded by Nathan Daniel in 1947 should not be missing: the Lipstick pickups. Born more out of necessity at the time by buying up an overproduction of lipstick tubes, the pickups are still at the forefront in terms of aesthetics, even if the construction tends to be very microphonic due to their large air pockets.

Two representatives of this category, controlled by a master volume control, a master height control and a three-way switch, do their job on this instrument. A small, transparent striking plate protects the surface against excessive punctures due to excessive use of the pick. By the way, the instrument is manufactured in Korea.

A simple but effective bridge construction, which rests on just three screws, allows individual adjustment of the individual riders.

4 tuning mechanisms, whose diameter would be more likely to be assigned to the guitar bearing, perform an unexpectedly smooth operation on the black lacquered headstock. In general, the current models have made up a lot of ground compared to their forefathers when it comes to hardware, as detailed solutions made of wood were often used in those days, whereas today solid steel ensures more strength and better sound.

P.S. I still have to get used to the painted trash can on the back of the headstock, which according to the waste law now has to be attached to every instrument. Another example of stupid legislation in the great incompetence round...


Practice:

A hint of blue metallic sunburst hits the eyeball as the instrument is stripped of its foliage. Tastefully and cleanly executed, I like it. The neck and headstock, however, are painted opaque black.

In terms of playing technology, the Longhorn knows how to convince within seconds, as the medium-scale bass offers more of the handling of a baritone guitar than the physicality of the top dog Longscale, which is sometimes associated with hard work.

It is extremely easy to handle, even complex runs in the lowest positions. Especially the third guitarist, who was forcibly recruited by the ego-ridden lead guitarist (“You're learning bass!”), will be happy to find a scale length that proves to be significantly more homely than the 84 cm plus giants in the conversion process to the low-frequency range.

In terms of sound, the LH4BB can, as expected, due to its vintage orientation, be used both in the “fingerstyle-neck-pickup-we-muffle-our-way-through-the-sixties” and in the “plektron-Bert-Kämpfert-Knackbass-I-am-almost-so-loud”. “Like-the-singing” sound is completely convincing.

Of course he has to admit defeat to many other representatives of his craft when it comes to pressure, punch and attack, but anyone who grew up in a beat era has other priorities than the ultimate low tone beyond the 150 Hertz mark.

Played while sitting, the bass exudes an unusual lightness, as all the notes are significantly closer to the human torso than usual. This helps you play in a relaxed manner; you are inclined to call a travel bass your own.

However, when the belt is used, the clouds darken a little on the horizon. Due to the neck strap pin being located far back, the Danelectro tends to be quite top-heavy, but you get used to it quite quickly.


Conclusion:

Once again, Danelectro never tires of polarizing. Actually, it is tedious to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the construction; experience has shown that even this test report will reach fewer bass players than the instrument deserves, the bias towards the optics is too great.

But if you manage to overcome your bias or if you are even one of the fans of the “boat building guild”, you will find an instrument that does exactly what it is supposed to do for little money. The spirit of a highly creative but long-ago decade is included for free.

Anyone who likes vintage in general, plays in a real oldies band or has promised their valuable free time to the 12-stroke engine will find an ideal fulfillment assistant in one of the great classics of the beat era.

And I also like the color...

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Additional Informations:


In the annals of musical history, certain instruments stand out not just for their sound but for the stories behind their creation. Among these, the bassline of Danelectro Guitars holds a special place. Born out of innovation and necessity, its journey reflects the ingenuity and creativity inherent in the world of musical instrument design. This article delves into the rich tapestry of events and influences that led to the development of Danelectro's iconic bassline.

1. The Genesis of Danelectro:
To understand the birth of Danelectro's bassline, we must first explore the origins of the company itself. Founded in the late 1940s by Nathan Daniel, Danelectro Guitars emerged during a transformative period in American music. Daniel, a skilled craftsman and innovator, sought to provide high-quality instruments at an affordable price point, catering to aspiring musicians who couldn't afford the premium offerings of established brands.

2. The Context of Post-War America:
The post-World War II era was marked by a burgeoning interest in popular music, fueled by the rise of rock and roll and the advent of television. As musical tastes evolved, so did the demand for instruments that could produce the distinctive sounds of the era. Danelectro seized this opportunity, leveraging innovative designs and cost-effective manufacturing processes to carve out a niche in the competitive musical instrument market.

3. The Birth of the Danelectro Bassline:
Central to Danelectro's success was its commitment to pushing the boundaries of instrument design. In the early 1950s, the company introduced its first electric bass guitar, which would lay the foundation for the iconic bassline that would follow. Drawing inspiration from traditional bass designs while incorporating unique features, Danelectro's bass guitars quickly gained popularity among musicians seeking a distinct and versatile sound.

4. Innovative Design Features:
What set Danelectro's bassline apart were its innovative design features, which combined functionality with aesthetic appeal. The use of lightweight materials such as masonite and poplar wood allowed for a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing tone quality. Additionally, Danelectro pioneered the use of lipstick pickups, which imparted a unique sonic character to their instruments, characterized by warmth and clarity.

5. Cultural Impact and Legacy:
As Danelectro bass guitars found their way into the hands of musicians around the world, they left an indelible mark on popular music. From the throbbing basslines of rock and roll classics to the funky grooves of soul and R&B, Danelectro's instruments became synonymous with the sound of an era. Moreover, their affordability and accessibility democratized music-making, empowering countless aspiring musicians to realize their creative potential.

6. Evolution and Adaptation:
Over the years, Danelectro has continued to innovate and evolve, adapting its bassline to meet the changing needs and tastes of musicians. From reissues of classic models to the development of new designs incorporating modern technology, the company remains committed to honoring its heritage while embracing the future. Today, Danelectro bass guitars continue to inspire musicians of all genres, carrying forward a legacy of innovation and excellence.

7. Influence on Musical Styles:
The impact of Danelectro's bassline extends beyond its technical specifications; it has profoundly influenced various musical styles and genres. In the realm of rock music, Danelectro bass guitars have been favored by legendary bassists such as Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane and John Entwistle of The Who. Their distinctive sound, characterized by punchy lows and clear highs, helped shape the sonic landscape of rock music in the 1960s and beyond.

8. The Sound of Motown:
In addition to rock, Danelectro bass guitars found a home in the vibrant world of Motown and soul music. Musicians like James Jamerson, the iconic bassist for Motown Records, relied on Danelectro instruments to lay down the infectious grooves that defined the Motown sound. The combination of the Danelectro bass's unique tonal characteristics and Jamerson's virtuosic playing style contributed to countless hit records and cemented its place in music history.

9. DIY Culture and Customization:
One of the hallmarks of Danelectro's bassline is its appeal to DIY enthusiasts and tinkerers. The simple yet robust design of Danelectro bass guitars makes them ideal candidates for customization and modification. From swapping out pickups to refinishing the body, musicians have long enjoyed the opportunity to put their personal stamp on their instruments. This DIY ethos has fostered a vibrant community of Danelectro enthusiasts who share tips, tricks, and mods online, further enhancing the legacy of the brand.

10. Enduring Popularity and Collector's Appeal:
Despite the passage of time, Danelectro bass guitars continue to enjoy widespread popularity among musicians and collectors alike. Vintage models fetch premium prices on the collector's market, driven by their historical significance and timeless appeal. Moreover, Danelectro's commitment to quality and affordability ensures that its instruments remain accessible to musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds, ensuring that the legacy of the bassline will endure for generations to come.

11. Collaborations and Special Editions:
In recent years, Danelectro has collaborated with artists and designers to create limited-edition bass guitars that pay homage to its rich heritage. These special editions often feature unique finishes, custom hardware, and signature pickups, offering collectors and fans a chance to own a piece of musical history. Furthermore, these collaborations serve as a testament to Danelectro's ongoing relevance and its ability to adapt to changing trends while remaining true to its roots.

12. Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Innovation
As we reflect on the enthralling journey of Danelectro's bassline, one thing becomes abundantly clear: its story is far from over. From its humble beginnings in post-war America to its enduring legacy in today's music scene, the Danelectro bassline continues to captivate and inspire musicians around the world. Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the hands of collectors, Danelectro bass guitars stand as a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and passion in the world of musical instrument design. As we look to the future, one can only imagine the new chapters that await in the ever-evolving saga of Danelectro Guitars and its iconic bassline.