Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $609
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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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
Product Name: Danelectro 56 U2 (Black) Category: Musical Instruments > Guitars > Electric Guitars > Solid Body Electric Guitars
The Danelectro '56 U2 is a remarkable continuation of the Danelectro legacy, offering a unique blend of vintage tone and modern versatility. Its roots can be traced back to the original hollowbody models from the late 1950s, and it continues to carry the torch with its distinctive tone and exceptional playability.
Constructed from a lightweight hardboard/plywood body, this electric guitar delivers a signature midrange tone that resonates with character. The maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard contribute to a responsive and comfortable playing experience, which is further enhanced by the adjustable bridge. This feature allows you to customize your intonation according to your personal preference, offering a level of flexibility that is highly appreciated among musicians.
The true heart of the '56 U2 lies in its unique Lipstick single-coil passive pickups. These pickups, wired in series rather than parallel, are responsible for the guitar's unique sound - a jangly, midrange punch with a treble kick. This makes the '56 U2 a sought-after instrument among rock legends as well as surf rock enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner looking to explore new sonic landscapes, the Danelectro '56 U2 offers a diverse range of tone-shaping options, thanks to its 3-way pickup selector and master volume and tone controls.
Key Features:
- Legendary guitar from a groundbreaking company
- Lightweight hardboard/plywood body delivers a signature midrange tone
- Comfortable maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard
- Unique Lipstick single-coil passive pickups offer vintage midrange punch and treble kick
- 3-way pickup selector and master volume and tone controls for versatile tone shaping
- Adjustable bridge for customizable intonation
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
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What is the neck profile of the Danelectro 56 U2?
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The Danelectro 56 U2 features a C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for most guitarists, making it suitable for various playing styles.
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What kind of pickups does the Danelectro 56 U2 have?
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The Danelectro 56 U2 is equipped with two Lipstick single-coil pickups, which are known for their bright, jangly tone, making them ideal for rock, surf, and alternative music.
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Is the Danelectro 56 U2 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Danelectro 56 U2 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight body and easy playability, making it a great choice for those new to electric guitars.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro 56 U2's body?
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The Danelectro 56 U2 features a semi-hollowbody design with a plywood body and hardboard top, contributing to its distinctive tone and lightweight feel.
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Does the Danelectro 56 U2 come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Danelectro 56 U2 does not come with a case or gig bag; these items are sold separately.
Videos
Guitar Center
Product Spotlight - Danelectro '56 Baritone Electric Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Unique Dano sound that stands out from other guitars
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Super lightweight, making it easy to handle for long sessions
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Surprisingly easy to play with minimal hand fatigue
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Big and full sound with both pickups engaged
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Fun and versatile, lends itself to creative play
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Excellent performance with tube amps
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Highly durable, lasting over two decades with minimal wear
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Offers a distinct aesthetic that fans of the brand appreciate
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Ideal for achieving warm and clean tones
CONS
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Significant price increase over the years
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Can produce feedback at high gain levels
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Some may find the current hardware less authentic to the original vibe
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Does not replicate other guitar sounds accurately
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro 56 U2.
Build quality
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Original wooden bridges can develop grooves over time; some owners replace them with fret wire for durability.
Source
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Some owners describe the guitar as feeling "plasticky" and toy-like, but note its solid construction and unique sound.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Owners have found that low action can cause buzzing, requiring a setup adjustment to resolve this issue and optimize playability.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
578
Made for me!
I'd been playing acoustic guitar for around 12 years before eventually deciding to venture into the world of electric guitar. After ditching a new Epiphone ES-339 to return to my roots, I fell in love with this second hand Danelectro, who I named "Dahlia". Really ideal for the warm and clean sound I strive for.
Update: I sold this guitar after the band slowly dissolved - and later found a love for Telecasters. I'm sure I'd enjoy it if I still had it, now that I know better what I'm doing!
Artist usage
Add artist
In the music video for “End Of The Line”, Jeff can be seen using what looks to be a Danelectro 56-U2
Amy used cream* Danelectro 56 in the studio when she recorded her landmark album Back To Black. This picture of Amy Winehouse playing Danelectro 56 was first published by Salaam Remi on Twitter after Amy's death
In this concert picture, Bo is seen using his Baritone Danelectro. [http://www.mewx.info/photo-gallery-smukfest-2013/]
Album Usage
The Danelectro 56 U2 has been featured on the following albums:
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.
Community setups
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