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Average Price: $985

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Crafted with a nod to retro aesthetics and a flair for modern performance, the Danelectro 59M Spruce is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that bridges the gap between vintage allure and contemporary sound. Its iconic double-cutaway "Shorthorn" silhouette is not just for show; it facilitates effortless playability and access to higher frets, making it ideal for both seasoned musicians and adventurous beginners. The body, made from Masonite, delivers a unique tonal quality, combining brightness with the resonant warmth characteristic of semi-hollow guitars.

What truly sets the 59M Spruce apart are its NOS Lipstick pickups, which were discovered in a hidden stash from 1999, offering a rare sonic experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. These pickups provide a crisp, articulate sound that is perfect for genres ranging from surf rock to blues and beyond. The guitar's lightweight construction ensures that long jam sessions won't be a burden, while the sturdy neck promises durability and smooth playability.

Whether you're crafting intricate riffs or laying down a steady rhythm, the Danelectro 59M Spruce effortlessly adapts to your style. It's not just a guitar; it's a gateway to uncharted musical territories.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction with a classic double-cutaway "Shorthorn" design
  • Material: Masonite body for a unique, resonant tone
  • NOS Lipstick pickups from 1999 for a distinct, vintage sound
  • Lightweight and balanced for comfortable playing
  • Smooth, durable neck for easy fret access and playability
ilan yaniv

ilan yaniv

Danelectro 59M Spruce – Buttercup

Video thumbnail for Danelectro 59M Spruce – Buttercup by ilan yaniv

Danelectro 59M Spruce – Buttercup

ilan yaniv

ilan yaniv

Video thumbnail for Danelectro 59M Spruce - Clean tone Demo by SYOKEN(しょけん)

Danelectro 59M Spruce - Clean tone Demo

SYOKEN(しょけん)

SYOKEN(しょけん)

Reviews

PROS

  • Sounds AMAZING, especially with both pickups engaged

  • Fantastic neck profile; fast and smooth for effortless playability

  • Excellent fit and finish, beyond expectations for its price

  • Spruce body offers extra resonance

  • Lightweight design ideal for long gigs

  • Lipstick pickups provide classic Danelectro signature sound

  • Gig-ready straight out of the box with decent setup

CONS

  • Stack controls are awkward; turning volume affects tone

  • Pots have long trim, slow to react

  • Minimal tonal difference between neck and bridge pickups

  • Cheap, non-standard knobs detract from aesthetic quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro 59M Spruce.

Build quality

  • Danelectros often feature plastic volume and tone knobs, and sides wrapped in plastic trim tape, which some owners feel contributes to a cheaper feel.

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  • The body is thinner than most, requiring adjustment for some players used to traditional guitar thickness.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Schaller roller hardtail toploader bridge has been successfully installed by some owners to prevent bowing from downward pressure on original bridges.

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  • Gotoh locking tuners and CTS 250k pots with chrome knobs are popular upgrades among experienced users for improving tuning stability and control.

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  • Some users seek to replace the pickguard due to the "NOS+" printed on it, despite its unique top-mounted jack restricting interchangeability with other pickguards.

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Features and functionality

  • The lipstick pickups are known for delivering a vibrant, warm sound that stands out from typical Fender tones, especially when paired with a tube amp.

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  • The middle pickup position is wired in series, unlike the parallel configuration found in many other guitars.

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Comparisons

  • The '59M Doublecut Spruce is often compared to Squier for quality, indicating you typically get what you pay for, with midrange models offering more consistent quality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners noted that achieving low action might require a neck shim, as the bridge does not lower enough to eliminate high string action.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its resonance and volume when played unplugged, making it suitable for casual, informal playing sessions like "couch noodling."

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Critic Reviews

Danelectro ’59M Spruce & ’64 review

guitar.com

Danelectro's ’59M Spruce hits nostalgia with its classic looks and quirky tones. Sporting a spruce top with a bold f-hole design, it offers a rich, open sound that’s distinctively more resonant than traditional models. Its Lipstick pickups deliver a full, rounded tone with a charming clarity, though the tone controls could use more nuance. The neck is comfortable and well-crafted, but the aluminium nut may need maintenance to avoid tuning issues. While it dazzles with its retro aesthetic and tonal versatility, especially in clean settings, some might find its brightness a tad sharp. Overall, this model is a delightful throwback with modern flair.

positive

Danelectro '59M Spruce review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Danelectro 59M Spruce is a charming throwback, perfect for the indie musician or retro enthusiast. Its vintage Americana style is not just skin-deep; those '56 Lipstick pickups deliver a bright, trebly bite, making it ideal for jangly, spangled tones. The guitar sports a spruce top with modern updates like a wraparound bridge, offering a mix of old-school charm and contemporary reliability. However, its unique sound and aesthetic are an acquired taste, and its brightness might require some setup tweaks. While it carries a higher price tag, the Danelectro 59M Spruce is a bold choice for those seeking something distinctively characterful and vintage.

positive

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