TEST: Danelectro Spring King

 When it comes to spatial effects, as a practicing artist you only have a very rudimentary range of options to choose from. Ultimately, you only have reverb and delay available, although strictly speaking the reverb is just an addition of a lot of echoes.

Nevertheless, there are conceptual differences that allow a sound to drift into completely different areas in terms of sound and, above all, image.

On the one hand, we have the digital reverb, which is sometimes peppered with highly complex logarithms and the corresponding CPU load and is intended to emulate the natural end of a previously entered room. Here you will also find the premier class of room simulators, where individual products easily exceed the five-digit euro purchase price.

A second representative of the reverb was the plate reverb, which was particularly popular in the sixties, in which special metal plates, which could sometimes take up a few square meters, were stimulated to vibrate in order to create a spatial reverberation. Not particularly high resolution, but very characteristic. Due to the huge effort involved in storage and design, their parameters can now only be found as logarithms in the aforementioned high-quality reverb devices.

The forefather of all reverbs was a fairly straightforward representative in terms of size, which was installed in many combos almost 50 years ago, the spring reverb. Depending on the manufacturer and product, two or more spiral springs were attached to a corresponding housing at the bottom of the combo, set to vibrate if necessary and mixed into the original guitar signal using a pickup.

Nothing in the world is as closely associated with the classic fifties/sixties guitar sound as a sometimes inflationary spring reverb. The Strat / Twin Reverb combination was considered the ultimate reference and can be heard on countless hits of this decade.

In order to reproduce this classic, Danelectro, who are already considered specialists of this decade, have packed the spring reverb into a stompbox pedal with the Spring King. Let's twäng.....


construction

You can see that not only sounds but also colors manifest an era when you unpack the device. The pastel yellow/ochre-colored housing, combined with a medium brown base, brings back memories of grandpa's VW Variant or grandma's living room curtains. Yes, it's hard to believe, motor vehicles actually used to be painted in such colors.

In contrast to most multi-effect stompboxes in the lower price ranges, which often lead you to believe that they have a mostly crudely emulated spring reverb, the Spring King does not generate its effect from a CPU, but rather from three approximately 20 cm long spiral springs, which are exactly the same is generated using the same principle of the combo spring reverb.

In addition to the input and output, there is also a 9V power supply connection on the front side, whereby the standard 300 mA version is sufficient for charging. Alternatively, the device can also be operated with a 9V battery, which can be changed on the bottom.

In addition to the ON/OFF switch, which tends to be a bit misunderstood if you accidentally hit it halfway with the edge of your shoe, there are the self-explanatory volume, tone and reverb controls on the control panel, as well as a kick pad that seems unusual at first glance.

Kick? Why on earth should I press my pedal? Well, let's turn the clock back a few decades and see how little Axel would like to move his first amplifier with a reverb spiral a little bit after he had already switched it on.

Then an infernal clanking and crashing sounded from the speakers, so that little Axel thought he had just worshiped his amplifier. Something so crashing can only be accompanied by the destruction of the most important components...

Wrong thought! Rather, the usually loosely suspended spiral springs came into contact with the housing walls due to the vibration and created this infernal noise.

The wild boys from the sixties discovered this and at a time when you could still provoke the middle class with distorted guitars and a rattling reverb spiral, the amplifiers flew over the stage like a flock of migratory birds at concerts by “The Who” and the like to create the popular “sound” that enhances the image.

In order to create the “wild” effect today in a more gentle way on the amplifier and tubes, the Kick Pad was created. If you want something a little more “realistic”, you can of course throw the entire pedal at a poorly prepared fellow musician or the drunk idiot in the front row who keeps trying to pull the cable out of your wah-wah during the show. ....;-)


Practice

What you immediately hear about the Spring King is its analogue structure, which, in contrast to many digital emulations, involves all kinds of interaction with the instrument and sometimes strange artifacts in the end.

Due to the mechanics, the product takes on a life of its own, which creates its own sound character with all sorts of non-linearities.

The best sound results are achieved when, in the old tradition, you simply switch the pedal in front of a clean amp. As expected, distorted sounds don't harmonize well with spring reverb, although of course it also depends on personal taste.

The sound of the reverb springs is very unique due to their length. The sound is significantly higher-pitched than other products in this genre. If this treble component is too pronounced for you, you can easily turn it back using the tone control.

The desired reverb effect is generated very well, although due to the design you cannot achieve the fullness of the great model, the Accutronics reverb. The springs are a bit too short for this depth, but otherwise do their job very well.

What disappointed me a bit, however, was the kick pad. Despite the massive kicking and stomping, the effect achieved was only very moderate and in no way comparable to the heavy clanking of a shaking amp.

Only with the help of real physical influences, such as kicking the pedal to the side, did we get the desired effect. However, the same effect cannot be achieved on a tightly screwed pedalboard, for example. (so throw the pedal at the fellow musician...;-)


Conclusion

The Spring King from retro specialist Danelectro manages to generate a real, mechanical spring reverb for relatively little money, which with its typical sound structures effortlessly turns the clock back by several decades.

The typical fifties/sixties sound in terms of reverb is generated very nicely, although you shouldn't expect the depth of a much longer and more expensive Accutronics reverb spring.

Danelectro once again comes up with an independent sound that pleases and fulfills its purpose. Then, Grandpa's Shadows vinyl records got out, Hank Marvin glasses put on and “Apache” practiced, you retro disciples!

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Additional Informations:

Danelectro Guitars is a legendary name in the world of musical instruments, renowned for its unique designs, affordability, and unmistakable tone. Since its inception in the late 1940s, Danelectro has carved out a niche for itself, offering instruments that blend vintage charm with modern functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the rich history and diverse product lineup of Danelectro Guitars, exploring their iconic models, innovative features, and enduring appeal.

**A Brief History**

The story of Danelectro Guitars begins in the post-war era of the late 1940s when Nathan Daniel founded the company in New Jersey, USA. Initially, Danelectro focused on producing amplifiers and other electronics, but it wasn't long before they ventured into the realm of guitars.

One of Danelectro's early innovations was the "lipstick tube" pickup, named for its cylindrical shape resembling a lipstick container. This unique pickup design became a hallmark of Danelectro guitars, contributing to their distinctive sound.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Danelectro gained popularity among amateur musicians and professionals alike, thanks to their affordable yet high-quality instruments. Their guitars found favor in various genres, from rockabilly to surf rock, with notable artists like Jimmy Page and Syd Barrett using Danelectro guitars on iconic recordings.

Despite changing ownership and production locations over the years, Danelectro has remained true to its roots, continuing to produce instruments that capture the spirit of the original designs while incorporating modern enhancements.

**Product Lineup**

Danelectro offers a diverse range of guitars and basses, each with its own distinct character and appeal. Let's explore some of the standout models in their current lineup:

1. **Danelectro '59 Series**: The '59 series pays homage to the classic Danelectro guitars of the 1950s. These instruments feature the distinctive double-cutaway body shape, lipstick tube pickups, and retro aesthetic. Available in various finishes and configurations, the '59 series offers vintage tone and style at an affordable price point.

2. **Danelectro DC Series**: The DC series is characterized by its sleek offset body shape and dual lipstick pickups. These guitars deliver a balanced tone with plenty of clarity and definition, making them suitable for a wide range of playing styles. With their lightweight construction and comfortable playability, the DC series guitars are ideal for gigging musicians and studio professionals alike.

3. **Danelectro U Series**: The U series basses combine classic design with modern features to create versatile instruments suitable for any musical genre. Featuring a single-cutaway body shape and powerful humbucking pickups, these basses deliver rich, punchy tones with plenty of low-end depth. Whether you're laying down grooves in a funk band or holding down the rhythm in a rock ensemble, the U series basses provide the performance and playability you need.

4. **Danelectro 12-String Guitars**: For those seeking the shimmering, jangly sound of a 12-string guitar, Danelectro offers a range of affordable options. These guitars feature double courses of strings, providing a lush, ethereal tone that's perfect for adding texture and dimension to your music. Whether you're strumming chords or picking melodies, the Danelectro 12-string guitars offer a unique sonic signature that's sure to stand out.

5. **Danelectro Convertible**: The Convertible is a true icon of the Danelectro lineup, known for its convertible design that allows it to be played as either a standard electric guitar or a lap steel. With its distinctive "Coke bottle" headstock and lipstick tube pickup, the Convertible offers versatility and tonal options that few other guitars can match. Whether you're looking for classic twang or smooth, soaring leads, the Convertible delivers in spades.

**Innovative Features**

While Danelectro guitars pay homage to vintage designs, they also incorporate modern features and innovations to enhance playability and performance. Some of these include:

1. **Modern Hardware**: Danelectro guitars are equipped with high-quality hardware components, including tuners, bridges, and pickups, ensuring reliable performance and excellent tone.

2. **Upgraded Electronics**: Many Danelectro models feature upgraded electronics, such as improved wiring and capacitor choices, resulting in enhanced clarity, responsiveness, and tonal versatility.

3. **Lightweight Construction**: Thanks to their lightweight construction and ergonomic designs, Danelectro guitars are comfortable to play for extended periods, making them ideal for live performance and studio recording sessions.

4. **Unique Finishes**: Danelectro offers a range of eye-catching finishes and color options, allowing players to express their individual style and personality.

**Conclusion**

Danelectro Guitars has earned a reputation for crafting distinctive instruments that offer exceptional tone, playability, and value. From their iconic lipstick tube pickups to their innovative designs and affordable price points, Danelectro guitars continue to inspire musicians around the world.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner just starting your musical journey, there's a Danelectro guitar or bass that's perfect for you. With their blend of vintage charm and modern performance, Danelectro instruments are sure to provide years of musical enjoyment and inspiration.