Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $609

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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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

What is the neck profile of the Danelectro 56 U2?

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.

What kind of pickups does the Danelectro 56 U2 have?

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.

Is the Danelectro 56 U2 suitable for beginners?

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.

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

The Danelectro 56 U2 features a semi-hollowbody design with a plywood body and hardboard top, contributing to its distinctive tone and lightweight feel.

Does the Danelectro 56 U2 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Danelectro 56 U2 does not come with a case or gig bag; these items are sold separately.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Danelectro '56 Baritone Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Danelectro '56 Baritone Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Danelectro '56 Baritone Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Danelectro 56 U2 by David Niles

Danelectro 56 U2

David Niles

David Niles

Video thumbnail for Danelectro 56 U2 by Евгений Филькин

Danelectro 56 U2

Евгений Филькин

Евгений Филькин

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique Dano sound that stands out from other guitars

  • Super lightweight, making it easy to handle for long sessions

  • Surprisingly easy to play with minimal hand fatigue

  • Big and full sound with both pickups engaged

  • Fun and versatile, lends itself to creative play

  • Excellent performance with tube amps

  • Highly durable, lasting over two decades with minimal wear

  • Offers a distinct aesthetic that fans of the brand appreciate

  • Ideal for achieving warm and clean tones

CONS

  • Significant price increase over the years

  • Can produce feedback at high gain levels

  • Some may find the current hardware less authentic to the original vibe

  • 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

  • Original wooden bridges can develop grooves over time; some owners replace them with fret wire for durability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The metal bridge replacement is preferred over the rosewood for both aesthetics and sound improvements.

    Source
  • The metal plate under the bridge can bend; heavier duty replacements are available to prevent this issue.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners describe the guitar as feeling "plasticky" and toy-like, but note its solid construction and unique sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is favored for its distinct tone, especially when used with lots of reverb for an old-school rock sound.

    Source
  • Some owners use the black lefty U2 model specifically for slide guitar, praising its killer sound in this application.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have found that low action can cause buzzing, requiring a setup adjustment to resolve this issue and optimize playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is considered a valuable asset for its price, with humor noting it's worth more than the $6.43 some paid for it.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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iangronow

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!

From Gear Setup
danlaurens

Danelectro 56-U2

mine is blue, i love this guitar cause I love EELS ;)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bruce Springsteen uses Danelectro 56 U2

Bruce Springsteen

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Bruce Springsteen can be seen playing a Danelectro 56-U2 in this photo.

See how Jeff Lynne uses Danelectro 56 U2

Jeff Lynne

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for “End Of The Line”, Jeff can be seen using what looks to be a Danelectro 56-U2

See how James "Munky" Shaffer uses Danelectro 56 U2

James "Munky" Shaffer

Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

at 2:23, he is seen playing this guitar

See how Amy Winehouse uses Danelectro 56 U2

Amy Winehouse

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Trey Spruance uses Danelectro 56 U2

Trey Spruance

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Photo

He's playing this guitar in the image

See how Corin Tucker uses Danelectro 56 U2

Corin Tucker

Singer, Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Corin can be seen using this guitar.

See how Bo Madsen uses Danelectro 56 U2

Bo Madsen

Guitarist

Mew

...
Verified via Photo

In this concert picture, Bo is seen using his Baritone Danelectro. [http://www.mewx.info/photo-gallery-smukfest-2013/]

See how Clementine Creevy uses Danelectro 56 U2

Clementine Creevy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Flickr

Clem is seen in this picture using her baby blue Dano 56 U2

See how Rob Buck uses Danelectro 56 U2

Rob Buck

Guitarist

10,000 Maniacs

...
Verified via Google

In this image, Rob Buck is seen playing a black Danelectro 56 U2. This guitar was likely used for the song "These Are Days," which features open E flat tuning, explaining why Buck is strumming all the strings open.

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.

Mayones Regius 7 Electric Guitar
Mayones Regius 7 Electric Guitar Extended Range Guitars
1

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iangronow

iangronow

Gear IQ 578

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