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Average Price: $579

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Danelectro '63 Dano electric bass guitar transports players back to the era of retro cool with its vintage charm and distinctive sound. Perfect for both stage and studio, this bass offers a blend of old-school aesthetics and modern playability, making it a must-have for musicians who appreciate a classic vibe. Its semi-hollow body design not only contributes to its lightweight feel but also enhances its resonance, delivering warm, rich tones that are ideal for a wide range of music styles.

Equipped with a pair of single-coil lipstick pickups, the '63 Dano captures the authentic jangle and twang that Danelectro is renowned for. The short-scale neck makes it comfortable to play, especially for those who prefer a quicker response and easier reach across the fretboard. With its unique sound profile and stylish design, this bass is perfect for players seeking a distinctive voice in their musical arsenal.

Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or rocking out on stage, the Danelectro '63 Dano offers a nostalgic yet punchy performance that stands out in any setting.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body for enhanced resonance and lightweight feel
  • Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
  • Pair of single-coil lipstick pickups for authentic vintage tones
  • Unique retro design reminiscent of the original 1960s models
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical genres, from rock to blues and beyond

Product specs

Brand Danelectro
Model The '63 Dano
Finish Black Sparkle, Blue Sparkle, Gold Sparkle, Red Sparkle, Red Sparkle Burst, Teal Sparkle
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Teal
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Danelectro '63 Dano bass?

The Danelectro '63 Dano bass is known for its distinctive vintage tone, offering a bright, punchy sound with a strong midrange presence. Its lipstick pickups contribute to a clear, jangly character that works well in a variety of musical styles.

Is the Danelectro '63 Dano suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Danelectro '63 Dano is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight construction and comfortable playability. Its bolt-on neck and simple controls make it an accessible choice for those new to playing bass.

What is the body material of the Danelectro '63 Dano?

The Danelectro '63 Dano features a solid body construction, typically using a masonite top over a plywood core. This combination provides a unique resonance and contributes to the bass's characteristic sound.

How many frets does the Danelectro '63 Dano have?

The Danelectro '63 Dano comes with 19 frets, offering a comfortable range for playing various musical styles.

What is the pickup configuration on the Danelectro '63 Dano?

The Danelectro '63 Dano features a single-coil pickup configuration, known as SS, which provides a bright and articulate sound well-suited for a wide range of genres.

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Demo Danelectro DANO 63 (HD)

Video thumbnail for Demo Danelectro DANO 63 (HD) by Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Demo Danelectro DANO 63 (HD)

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Dano 63 - di Alex Massari by ChitarreMagazine

Danelectro Dano 63 - di Alex Massari

ChitarreMagazine

ChitarreMagazine

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Dano '63 Red Sparkle Burst | Review by The Guitar Manifesto

Danelectro Dano '63 Red Sparkle Burst | Review

The Guitar Manifesto

The Guitar Manifesto

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Dano 63 by juhtupp

Danelectro Dano 63

juhtupp

juhtupp

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a unique retro sound reminiscent of classic 'amp in case' Silvertone guitars

  • Versatile tone ranges from warm and round to dirty

  • Smooth, fast neck enhances playability even out of the box

  • Compact size ideal for players with smaller hands

  • Lightweight chambered hollow body is comfortable and resonant

  • Lipstick pickups deliver distinctive and wonderful tones

  • Holds tune exceptionally well, reducing need for frequent adjustments

  • Attractive and collectible with cool finishes like sparkly teal

  • Simple controls with one volume and one tone make it user-friendly

  • Rare and no longer manufactured, increasing its collectible value

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro '63 Dano.

Features and functionality

  • The switch is a three-position toggle switch, typically used to control the two pickups in configurations like on/off, on/on, and off/on.

    Source
  • The short scale combined with a wide neck gives it an acoustic-like feel, enhancing playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners have strung the bass with GHS precision flats to achieve a classic bass tone unattainable with other basses.

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  • It's noted for being extremely lightweight, making it ideal for international gigs where carrying instruments is necessary.

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  • While the lipstick pickups are a highlight, they offer limited tonal variety, making the bass more suitable for specific styles rather than versatile use.

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Comparisons

  • A user mentioned that despite not being a Dano, the Jerry Jones Longhorn 6 is versatile and frequently requested for use, hinting at potential shared qualities.

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  • The bass tone is described as "tick tacky," yet with roundwound strings, it can mimic the sound of a P Bass.

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  • Despite being a budget guitar, it stays in tune better than many high-end models, according to multiple owners.

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User experience

  • Some owners enjoy the bass at basement shows due to its light weight and unique sound, despite its unconventional shape.

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  • The bass is prone to neck-dive, prompting some users to relocate the strap nut to improve balance.

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  • The guitar offers a unique feel, akin to playing both an acoustic and an electric due to its hollow, chambered plywood body.

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Build quality

  • Some owners feel the bass has a flimsy build, especially noticeable during gigs.

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  • The bridge adjustment screws are basic wood screws directly into the body, indicating a non-standard assembly approach.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge is known as a "Pain In The Ass" bridge, but once set up with consistent string sizes, adjustments are rarely needed.

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  • Owners report needing to shield the electronics due to frequent failures and learn soldering to maintain the guitar.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners consider ordering a custom 24" scale neck to improve playability and address fret buzz issues.

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Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at $200, the resale value has increased to $400-500, reflecting its perceived worth.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Quick Hit: Danelectro '63 Dano Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Danelectro '63 Dano is a delightful homage to the brand’s vintage appeal, delivering impressive playability and retro style. Its '50s and '60s charm is unmistakable, and the '56 Lipstick pickups provide commendable clarity, especially when paired with a Deluxe Reverb. The guitar excels in producing warm, jazzy tones and offers a unique quack in the mid position for a lo-fi funk vibe. However, it struggles with intonation and the volume and tone controls could be more responsive. Despite these issues, its nostalgic allure and affordability make it a worthwhile addition for those seeking a playable retro experience.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Danelectro '63 Dano

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

Josh is seen using this guitar at a rehearsal with Them Crooked Vultures at various points in this video.

See how Martin L. Gore uses Danelectro '63 Dano

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

His is sunburst. Can be seen 1:01 into this video. Probably only used in the studio.

See how Fito Páez uses Danelectro '63 Dano

Fito Páez

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Comunidadpaezperu

In 2010, Fito Páez was seen using the Danelectro '63 Dano during his performance in Peru, as documented by Comunidadpaezperu.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Danelectro '63 Dano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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National Newport 82 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
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1

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