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Average Price: $515

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Description

The 1998 Danelectro DC-59/DC-2 First Reissue is a nostalgic nod to the classic guitar designs that defined an era, capturing the essence of the original 1959 model. Crafted during the Korean reissue period, this solid body electric guitar combines retro aesthetics with dependable modern craftsmanship, making it a favorite among both collectors and performing musicians. The distinctive 'lipstick' pickups deliver that unmistakable jangly tone, perfect for surf rock, blues, and everything in between.

Its semi-hollow body construction provides a resonant, warm tone without sacrificing clarity or sustain, ensuring your sound cuts through the mix. The dual cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, offering versatility and comfort for both rhythm and lead guitarists. The DC-59/DC-2 features a bolt-on neck and a rosewood fretboard, known for its smooth playability and durability. With its vintage-style bridge and the iconic ‘coke bottle’ headstock, this reissue stays true to its roots while providing a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.

Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your musical journey, the 1998 Danelectro DC-59/DC-2 offers a unique blend of history and functionality, making it a standout choice in the world of electric guitars.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive 'lipstick' pickups for classic jangly tones
  • Semi-hollow body for enhanced resonance and warmth
  • Bolt-on neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Dual cutaway design for easy high-fret access
  • Vintage-style bridge and iconic ‘coke bottle’ headstock

Product specs

Brand Danelectro
Model 59 DC Reissue
Finish Beatnik Burgundy, Beatnik Burgundy Burst, Commie Red, Cool Copper, Daddy O Yellow, Limo Black, Peachy Keen, Retro Purple
Year 1998 - 1999
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway, Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Brown, Green, Purple, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25"
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 first reissue?

The 1998 Danelectro DC-59 features a comfortable, slim neck profile that makes it easy to play, especially for those who prefer fast necks. Its bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fretboard provide smooth playability.

What type of pickups are used in the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 first reissue?

The 1998 Danelectro DC-59 is equipped with two single-coil lipstick pickups, known for their bright and jangly tone, which is ideal for surf rock and other vintage-inspired genres.

Is the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 first reissue suitable for beginners?

Yes, the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design and easy playability. Its unique sound also makes it a great addition to any guitarist's collection.

How does the semi-hollow body of the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body of the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 provides a resonant, airy tone with a bit of natural reverb, making it ideal for genres like blues and indie rock.

What are the available finish options for the 1998 Danelectro DC-59 first reissue?

The 1998 Danelectro DC-59 first reissue comes in a variety of finishes, including Beatnik Burgundy, Commie Red, Limo Black, and Retro Purple, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal taste.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1998 Danelectro DC-59/DC-2 First Reissue (Korean Reissue).

Build quality

  • Korean reissues from the late '90s are noted for decent quality compared to the current Chinese models, featuring vintage tones and playable setups out of the box.

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  • The binding is a plastic tape that can peel, and the pickguard's vinyl top may start peeling after extended use.

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  • The original bridge tends to warp under string tension; replacing it with a flat-mount adjustable hardtail bridge is recommended for durability.

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Features and functionality

  • Korean DC-59 reissues produce a loose, jangly clean sound and pair well with fuzz pedals for a trashy tone, distinct from deeper, more resonant guitars.

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  • The middle position on the pickup selector provides the fullest and loudest sound compared to other positions, which some owners find weak.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping out the stock tuners with Grover tuners can significantly improve tuning stability, addressing a common issue with factory setups.

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  • Owners have replaced stock pickups with GFS hotter variants for a more powerful output, as original pickups are extremely low-output.

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  • Installing locking tuners significantly improves tuning stability, addressing frequent issues with stock tuners breaking or seizing.

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User experience

  • The unique sound of Danelectro guitars is appreciated despite their build issues, with some users keeping them specifically for slide work due to limited adjustability.

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  • The guitar is very light but suffers from neck dive, which can be mitigated with a wide strap for better balance.

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  • Despite low-quality materials like masonite bodies, these guitars remain beloved due to their unique tonal characteristics and charm.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners often regard these guitars as budget-friendly options for accessing unique vintage tones, with prices around $175-$200 making them attractive as novelty items.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Changing strings requires removing the bridge, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially during gigs.

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  • Adjusting the truss rod requires removing the neck, which can be cumbersome for frequent adjustments.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight its suitability for early Beatles songs, noting its bright, jangly tones and excellent performance with compressed tracks like the "Nowhere Man" solo.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jake Kiszka uses 1998 Danelectro DC-59/DC-2 First Reissue (Korean Reissue)

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Photo

Jake Kiszka is seen with a 1998 Danelectro DC-59/DC-2 First Reissue in a photo he posted on Instagram. This Korean-made reissue is identifiable by its black gloss neck and distinctive white and black volume and tone knobs. While it's unclear if the guitar was used in a studio setting, the Instagram post clearly shows Jake owning this specific model.

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