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Pricing and availability

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Description

Step into the world of vintage flair with the Danelectro Bass 6, where classic design meets modern precision. This quirky instrument harks back to its iconic 1956 predecessor, boasting a unique 6-string configuration that sets it apart from standard bass guitars. Perfect for musicians who love to experiment, its strings are tuned like a guitar (E.A.D.G.B.E.) but an octave lower, making it a versatile choice for both traditional bass lines and melodic solos.

With a short-scale 30" maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, the Bass 6 offers comfort and ease of play, whether you're laying down bass grooves or exploring altered tunings. Its hollow plywood body, paired with a solid center core, delivers a lightweight yet resonant sound that’s sure to captivate. The duo of Danelectro lipstick pickups ensures a broad tonal palette, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting, controlled via two independent volume knobs and a master tone control.

Designed with a nod to the past yet engineered for today's demands, the Bass 6 features a fully adjustable double-acting truss rod, "Kluson" style tuners, and a clear plastic pickguard. Its distinctive aesthetics and tonal versatility make it a standout choice for bassists and guitarists alike, eager to explore new musical landscapes.

Key Features:

  • 6-string configuration tuned an octave down (E.A.D.G.B.E.)
  • 30" short-scale maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Lightweight hollow plywood body with solid center core
  • Two Danelectro lipstick pickups
  • Independent volume controls and master tone
  • Adjustable double-acting truss rod
  • "Kluson" style tuners and clear plastic pickguard

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Danelectro Bass 6 suitable for?

The Danelectro Bass 6 is versatile and can be used for rock, pop, surf, and even jazz. Its dual lipstick pickups provide a unique tone that works well for both rhythm and lead bass lines.

How does the 30" short-scale neck of the Danelectro Bass 6 affect playability?

The 30" short-scale neck makes the Danelectro Bass 6 easier to play for guitarists transitioning to bass, offering a comfortable reach and reduced tension, which is ideal for fast playing and bending notes.

What are the tonal characteristics of the dual lipstick pickups on the Danelectro Bass 6?

The dual lipstick pickups on the Danelectro Bass 6 provide a bright, jangly tone with a smooth low end, making it suitable for both melodic and rhythmic bass lines.

Is the Danelectro Bass 6 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Danelectro Bass 6 is suitable for beginners due to its short-scale neck, which is easier to handle, and its straightforward controls that allow new players to easily dial in their desired sound.

Does the Danelectro Bass 6 require any special setup or maintenance?

Like any stringed instrument, the Danelectro Bass 6 may require occasional truss rod adjustments and string changes to maintain optimal playability and intonation. Its adjustable bridge allows for easy action and intonation adjustments.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro Bass 6.

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider using D'Addario EXL156 or Ernie Ball 2837 strings for optimal fit and performance.

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  • Experimentation with thicker strings like La Bella .95 or Fender .100 roundwound is suggested for improved performance on a Bass VI conversion.

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  • A Jeff Senn bridge provides more sustain and utility than the original wooden bridge, but may limit individual saddle adjustments due to grouped setups.

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  • Installing a noise gate is recommended due to notable hum from the single-coil pickups.

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User experience

  • Owners note that despite the low-cost components, the unique combination of materials contributes to the distinctive "Dano Tone."

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  • Owners recommend heavy, pointy picks for varied tonal options, influenced by playing angle and position.

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  • Some users find the instrument's build to be "pleasantly cheap but functional," holding up well to modifications despite its aesthetic simplicity.

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Comparisons

  • A Jeff Senn bridge offers improved sustain over the stock wooden bridge, but lacks individual saddle adjustments found in modern Danelectro or Tele bridges.

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Setup and maintenance

  • String tension can be calculated to assess pressure changes on the neck and bridge, crucial for preventing "Danelectro bendy bridge syndrome."

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  • The truss rod adjustment on older Danelectro re-issues is located at the heel, requiring neck removal for adjustments.

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  • A Danelectro Longhorn baritone converted to Bass VI needed adjustments to both bridge height and saddle intonation, requiring a back-and-forth to balance them properly.

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  • Floating the tremolo system involves adjusting the tremolo springs and using a tongue depressor as a spacer during setup.

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  • The low E and A string nut slots may need widening for thicker strings when converting to Bass VI.

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Use cases and applications

  • Palm muting or foam under strings can mimic flat wound thump, useful for Motown-style tones.

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  • Playing with a felt pick or using palm muting can expand the tonal range, from piano brightness to a Motown thump.

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Features and functionality

  • Round wound strings maintain midrange and high frequencies, essential for clear chords and harmonies.

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  • The G string may return flat after dives; a slight pull-up on the tremolo can correct this.

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  • The two pickups in series on a converted Danelectro baritone provide a sound well-suited for the Bass VI vibe, offering a distinct twang.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lisa Umbarger uses Danelectro Bass 6

Lisa Umbarger

Bassist

Toadies

...
Verified via YouTube

The clip is taken from footage Umbarger took during the recording of the Toadies' debut album, Rubberneck. She can be shown using a black and white variant of this bass to track the song Velvet.

Album Usage

The Danelectro Bass 6 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.

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