Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $609

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Danelectro 56 U2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Danelectro 56 U2, a true legend in the world of electric guitars that artfully blends vintage charm with modern playability. This iconic instrument hails from a prestigious line of Danelectro hollowbodies, tracing its roots back to the original models from 1956 to 1958.

The Danelectro 56 U2 is crafted from a hardboard/plywood body, lending it an attractive lightweight profile and a distinct midrange tone that's the perfect blend of punchy and warm. The solid maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard contribute to a delightful playing experience, responding beautifully to every touch and nuance of your performance.

The heart of this guitar is its twin Lipstick pickups, a significant feature that separated the original '56 U2 from the pack. These single-coil passive pickups provide a unique, vintage tone that's rich in midrange punch and treble kick, creating a sound that's as compelling as it is timeless.

From surf rock to blues, this versatile instrument has attracted a myriad of rock legends including Ronnie Wood, Steve Perry, and Mark Knopfler. With master volume and tone controls, and a 3-way pickup selector, the Danelectro 56 U2 ensures you have all the control you need to dial in your personalized sound.

Key Features:

  • Original guitar design from a groundbreaking company
  • Hardboard/plywood body for lightweight feel and unique midrange tone
  • Solid maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard for great playability and response
  • Twin Lipstick single-coil passive pickups for a vintage tone
  • 3-way pickup selector, master volume and tone controls for versatile sound shaping
  • Adjustable bridge for precise intonation control

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape '56 U2
Body Material Plywood
Top Material Hardboard
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape C
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 14"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21
Scale Length 25"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Aluminum
Bridge/Tailpiece Adjustable
Tuners Die-cast
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 kind of music genres is the Danelectro 56 U2 suitable for?

The Danelectro 56 U2 is known for its distinctive vintage tone, making it well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and surf music. Its unique sound comes from the Lipstick single-coil pickups, which offer a bright and jangly tone.

What is the neck profile of the Danelectro 56 U2?

The Danelectro 56 U2 features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players. This profile is versatile, catering to both rhythm and lead playing styles.

Does the Danelectro 56 U2 have a solid or semi-hollow body?

The Danelectro 56 U2 features a semi-hollow body design, which contributes to its lightweight feel and resonant tone. This design is part of what gives the guitar its distinctive sound character.

Are the pickups on the Danelectro 56 U2 suitable for high-gain music styles?

The Lipstick single-coil pickups on the Danelectro 56 U2 are better suited for clean to moderately overdriven tones. They may not provide the output level typically required for high-gain music styles like metal.

What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro 56 U2's body?

The body of the Danelectro 56 U2 is constructed with plywood and topped with hardboard, finished in gloss polyester. This combination contributes to its unique tonal qualities and lightweight design.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: Danelectro Coke Bottle ’56 U2 Reissue for $399 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Video thumbnail for LEMMO DEMO: Danelectro Coke Bottle ’56 U2 Reissue for $399 | "My Affordable Favorites" by Normans Rare Guitars

LEMMO DEMO: Danelectro Coke Bottle ’56 U2 Reissue for $399 | "My Affordable Favorites"

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Danelectro '56 U2 Reissue Lipstick Pickups Review by The Guitar Manifesto

Danelectro '56 U2 Reissue Lipstick Pickups Review

The Guitar Manifesto

The Guitar Manifesto

Video thumbnail for How Does Plywood Sound? 1996 Danelectro 56 U2: Deep Dive Review and Demo by Boechler Guitars and Repair

How Does Plywood Sound? 1996 Danelectro 56 U2: Deep Dive Review and Demo

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Video thumbnail for Danelectro '56 U2 Reissue Guitar by Guitar Learner

Danelectro '56 U2 Reissue Guitar

Guitar Learner

Guitar Learner

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro 56 U2.

Features and functionality

  • The U2's fixed bridge with a rosewood saddle is a unique feature that offers a distinctive jingly tone, integral to its raw garage sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user replaced the original rosewood bridge with a Schaller flat-mount bridge for improved stability, highlighting customization potential for enhanced playability.

    Source
  • Some owners modified the original soft wooden bridge by cutting a slot and adding fret wire for added durability and sustain.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the '56 U2 for its lightweight design, contributing to a comfortable playing experience over extended periods.

    Source
  • Users describe the guitar as feeling "plasticky and cheap" yet acknowledging its unique sound and solid construction, offering a nuanced perspective on its tactile qualities.

    Source
  • The guitar's jangle and spank are often highlighted, delivering a satisfying sound when paired with slight distortion.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The '56 U2's sound is distinctively different from newer reissues, emphasizing the importance of the fixed bridge for authentic tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Danelectros are compared to toys by some, yet praised for their distinct old-school rock tone, unlike the more fluid playability of a Strat.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that the metal plate under the bridge on reissues can bend over time, affecting stability, indicating a need for sturdier replacements.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A buyer acquired a '98 model for $350, considering it the best value purchase, demonstrating the guitar's enduring appeal and affordability.

    Source
  • A mint condition 2005 '56 Pro model was purchased for $300, indicating a strong resale value for well-kept units.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners warn about "case latch bite," where the latch can damage the finish if the guitar is not fully secured in its case.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Danelectro 56-U2 Electric Guitar Review | Danelectro Guitars

gear-vault.com

The Danelectro 56-U2 reissue captures the vintage charm of its 1950s predecessor with remarkable accuracy, offering a budget-friendly option that sounds surprisingly great. Featuring its iconic "lipstick tube" pickups and a hollow body design, it delivers a bright and trebly tone with ample harmonic overtones. While it may not have a distinctive sound, its jangle and fatness are impressive, and the playability is excellent. This guitar celebrates its humble origins while providing a nostalgic and authentic feel, making it a hit for those seeking a classic vibe without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Followill uses Danelectro 56 U2

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 2004 T in the Park performance of "Genius," Matthew Followill plays a Danelectro 56 U2 guitar, as seen in the YouTube video by Novemberregen.

See how Ariana Grande uses Danelectro 56 U2

Ariana Grande

Singer

Victorious Cast

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sea Foam Green

Ariana Grande was photographed using the Danelectro 56 U2 electric guitar while collaborating with Kesha, as documented in a publicly available image.

See how Courtney Barnett uses Danelectro 56 U2

Courtney Barnett

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At about 3:02, you can see Courtney playing this guitar.

See how Dean DeLeo uses Danelectro 56 U2

Dean DeLeo

Guitarist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via Belowempty

Dean used this guitar in the music video for "Big Bang Baby" (1996).

See how Bruce Kulick uses Danelectro 56 U2

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified

In this video from facebook you can see Bruce Kulick with his new Danelectro 56 U2 Guitar

See how R.L. Burnside uses Danelectro 56 U2

R.L. Burnside

Guitarist

North Mississippi Allstars

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, R.L. Burnside is seen playing a Danelectro 56.

See how Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti uses Danelectro 56 U2

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo by Jason Nocito, Ariel can be seen holding the guitar. Source:http://jasonnocito.com/photograph/5-19

See how Jason Molina uses Danelectro 56 U2

Jason Molina

Singer, Guitarist

Songs: Ohia

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance of Farewell Transmission, Jason can be ssen playing a Danelectro 56 U2

See how Archer Prewitt uses Danelectro 56 U2

Archer Prewitt

Guitarist

The Sea and Cake

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:28 Archer is playing his 56 Danelectro U2 guitar at the sound fix with The Sea and Cake.

See how Max Tundra uses Danelectro 56 U2

Max Tundra

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Max is seen playing a Danelectro 56 in this documentary clip from 2008. The guitar also appears in the 'Will Get Fooled Again' video.

See how Ives Electric uses Danelectro 56 U2

Ives Electric

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

In a behind-the-scenes Facebook video, Ives Electric is seen using a Danelectro 56 U2 guitar.

See how Sergey Khavro uses Danelectro 56 U2

Sergey Khavro

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Burgundy

In the YouTube video "Звукоизоляция // Parks, Squares and Alleys" by ИМИ, at the 4:17 mark, Sergey Khavro is visibly playing a Danelectro '56 U-2 Reissue Left-Handed guitar.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Danelectro 56 U2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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