Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$499.00 $400.00 $99.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.6 (6)
$494.74 $459.00 $35.74 · All time low
Gear4Music
£492.00

Average Price: $420

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "1959 Danelectro". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The 1959 Danelectro is a captivating blend of vintage allure and modern functionality, offering musicians a gateway to the iconic sounds of early rock 'n' roll. With its Shorthorn double-cutaway semi-hollowbody design, this electric guitar is crafted from lightweight hardboard and plywood, delivering the signature "Dano" jangle with enhanced sustain. The guitar’s maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard promise smooth playability, making it a joy for both novices and seasoned professionals.

At the heart of its distinctive tone are the two single-coil Lipstick pickups, known for their unique construction using Alnico VI magnets. Wrapped in tape, these pickups deliver a sound that's both jangly and punchy, with a pronounced midrange and treble kick. The 3-way pickup selector, alongside individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, provides a versatile tonal palette for musicians to explore.

The 1959 Danelectro is not just a nod to the past but a testament to enduring design and engineering. Its traditional bridge with a pau ferro swivel saddle, 25" scale length, and 21 frets combine to recreate the timeless "Dano" sound loved by countless guitarists. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or seeking a vintage vibe, this guitar is a standout choice for any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Classic Shorthorn double-cutaway semi-hollowbody with center block
  • Lightweight hardboard/plywood construction
  • Maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard, C profile
  • 2 passive single-coil Lipstick pickups with Alnico VI magnets
  • 3-way pickup selector, master volume, and tone controls
  • Traditional bridge with pau ferro swivel saddle
  • 25" scale length with 21 frets
  • Aluminum nut and die-cast tuners

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody, Chambered
Body Shape Stock '59
Body Material Spruce
Top Material Hardboard
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 14"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21
Scale Length 25"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Aluminum
Bridge/Tailpiece Traditional with Pau Ferro Saddle
Tuners Die-cast Chrome
Neck Pickup Lipstick Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Lipstick Single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1959 Danelectro guitar?

The 1959 Danelectro features a C-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable and suitable for a variety of playing styles, offering a balanced feel for both chord strumming and lead playing.

What kind of pickups does the 1959 Danelectro have, and what tones can they produce?

The 1959 Danelectro is equipped with Alnico lipstick single-coil pickups, known for their bright, jangly tones that are ideal for genres like surf rock, blues, and early rock 'n' roll.

Is the 1959 Danelectro guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the 1959 Danelectro is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight, semi-hollowbody design and comfortable C-shaped neck, making it easy to play for extended periods.

What materials are used in the construction of the 1959 Danelectro's body?

The body of the 1959 Danelectro is made from a combination of spruce and hardboard, offering a unique resonance and lightweight feel, characteristic of classic Danelectro guitars.

Does the 1959 Danelectro guitar come with a case or gig bag?

No, the 1959 Danelectro guitar is sold separately from its case or gig bag, so you may need to purchase one to protect your instrument during transport.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1959 Danelectro.

Build quality

  • The pickguard is made of pressboard with a vinyl top that can peel or crack over time.

    Source
  • The edge strip is delicate at seams but easy to repair as it's glued on.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some find the action too high, requiring neck shimming for lower action.

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Features and functionality

  • The middle pickup position is wired in series, unlike the more common parallel setup.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The NOS+ model's pickguard has 'NOS+' printed on it, which some owners dislike but find difficult to replace due to unique jack placement.

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Use cases and applications

  • Works well with open/drop tunings like DADGAD and open G, especially with drive or fuzz effects.

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Comparisons

  • Owners describe the tone as more mellow than a Telecaster, potentially less bright for ska chords.

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User experience

  • Owners report difficulty finding black models, often requiring searches beyond typical online retailers.

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Artist usage

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See how Robbie Robertson uses 1959 Danelectro

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Robbie-robertson

Robbie Robertson owns a 1959 Danelectro, as highlighted on Robbie-Robertson.com.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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