Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $729
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Danelectro Convertible". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Danelectro Convertible, a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. This unique musical instrument is a part of the illustrious "shorthorn" line and stands as a testament to Danelectro's commitment to crafting guitars that exude nostalgia while meeting contemporary standards.
The Convertible, one of the earliest hollowbody electric-acoustics in history, first appeared in 1959. Today, it comes fully wired and ready to perform, thus living up to its name. Built from Danelectro's signature hardboard/plywood, this guitar is lightweight and resonant, whether you're playing unplugged or amplified. The bolt-on maple neck, cut to a "C" profile, offers a responsive and enjoyable playing experience.
This guitar is equipped with a classic Piezo bridge pickup and a '56 soundhole single-coil lipstick pickup, offering a diverse range of tonal possibilities. From a purely acoustic sound to a more electric tone, you have the freedom to explore and create.
Legends from Mark Knopfler to Jimmy Page have favored Danelectro guitars for their unique tones. With the Convertible, you're not just purchasing a guitar; you're becoming part of a rich musical legacy.
Key Features:
- Vintage-inspired hollowbody electric-acoustic from a legendary brand
- Can be played as either an acoustic or electric guitar
- Constructed from lightweight, resonant hardboard/plywood
- Bolt-on maple neck cut to a "C" profile for responsive playability
- Equipped with a classic Piezo bridge pickup and '56 soundhole single-coil lipstick pickup
- Pau ferro floating bridge with metal saddle for excellent tone support and aesthetics
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Hollowbody Acoustic-electric |
| Body Shape | Convertible |
| Body Material | Hardboard/Plywood |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 14" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Aluminum |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Pau Ferro floating with Metal Saddle |
| Tuners | Die-cast Chrome |
| Neck Pickup | '56 Soundhole Lipstick Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Piezo Pickup |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 1 x pickup blend |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Danelectro Convertible feature?
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The Danelectro Convertible is equipped with a '56 Soundhole Lipstick single-coil neck pickup and a piezo bridge pickup, allowing for a versatile range of acoustic-electric tones.
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Is the Danelectro Convertible suitable for both acoustic and electric playing styles?
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Yes, the Danelectro Convertible's hollowbody design and dual pickup system make it ideal for both acoustic and electric playing, offering flexibility for various musical styles.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro Convertible?
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The body of the Danelectro Convertible is made from a combination of hardboard and plywood with a gloss polyester finish, while the neck is crafted from maple with a bolt-on joint.
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Does the Danelectro Convertible come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Danelectro Convertible does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the guitar during transport.
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How does the pickup blend control work on the Danelectro Convertible?
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The pickup blend control on the Danelectro Convertible allows you to mix the output from the '56 Soundhole Lipstick single-coil pickup and the piezo bridge pickup, providing a customizable sound palette.
Videos
Musician's Friend
Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Unique tone that stands out in acoustic and electric settings
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Lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended play
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Highly resonant, adding to its acoustic-electric versatility
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Eye-catching design that turns heads on stage
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Great for niche genres like funk, offering distinct sound palette
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Comfortable neck profile, making it easy to play
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Can effectively replace a main guitar due to its unique sound
CONS
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Bridge setup can be challenging and may affect the body over time
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Initial playability issues might require professional setup
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Tone may be too unique for those seeking a traditional sound
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro Convertible.
Setup and maintenance
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Electric guitar strings are recommended for optimal performance with the magnetic pickup.
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The bridge is prone to instability, with users suggesting shimming it with business cards for better placement without significantly affecting action.
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Users recommend using files from StewMac for slotting the plastic bridge, ensuring string stability without excessive depth.
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Tuners can be replaced with any that fit existing holes, avoiding the need to ream or plug them, which can be cumbersome.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Despite using electric strings, the guitar maintains an acoustic-like sound when amplified.
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Features and functionality
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The magnetic pickup may not work effectively with bronze strings due to their low magnetic properties.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners have successfully used the Grover GB-3380 bridge on similar guitars, but caution is advised due to potential height issues.
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Installing a tune-o-matic bridge with a custom flat wood base is a proposed solution, though it requires cutting the posts short for compatibility.
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Replacing the plastic saddle with a bone one is advised for improved tone, requiring minimal slotting to prevent string movement.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings
223
Niché, but to my liking
Traded this guitar expecting it to be a backup for my main. With hopes that this could also be useful in acoustic setups. This ended up replacing my main guitar because of how unique the tone is. Played very bad when I got it but a setup at my local guitar tech quickly fixed any issues regarding playability. Definitely a guitar you need to try before deciding to buy, IMO. Niché, but to my liking. Surprisingly really good for funk related stuff.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Volume all the way up, roll off tone knob very slightly, add a TS style drive as an always on tone enhancer. Helps to compensate with the mid-scoop commonly associated with lipstick pickups. ANY fuzz works great with this guitar (at least any of the fuzzes I own - Octavio clone, Hudson Broadcast, Hudson Broadcast AP, EHX Triangle Big Muff reissue).
130
Black Danelectro Convertible (with mods)
Aftermarket modifications replacing stock pickups: LR Baggs I-Beam Piezo/Acoustic pickup Custom Curtis Novak Esquire lipstick pickup
1963
Danelectro Convertible
One of my dream guitars. Åsa from Akaba used it on a bunch of gigs.
Artist usage
Add artist
On the cover of the No One Knows Single, Josh Homme can be seen holding a Danelectro Convertible.
Jeff Tweedy owns a '98 Danelectro Convertible Reissue, as listed on Reverb's Wilco Loft Shop. This short-scale acoustic-electric guitar, known for its clean sound and distinctive pickup, was notably used by Alan Sparhawk of Low during the recording of "The Invisible Way" at the Loft.
In a photo posted on Instagram, Harry Styles is seen with a Danelectro Convertible guitar, suggesting its use during a casual moment.
In this photo, some of Dean Ween's musical equipment is showcased. In the center of the picture, you can see a Danelectro Convertible, evidently cosmetically modified to include many guitar picks and bright colors. This photo was seen in this article: https://stompboxbook.com/visiting-dean-ween-the-making-of-stompbox-book/
In this source, Tom Waits is pictured holding and playing a Danelectro 5005 Convertible guitar with a pickup in it in white finish.
Costello is holding Danelectro Convertible model in this photo. Not much is known about this Danelectro, possibly using only for photoshoot purposes.
Alain can be seen using this guitar in the video for the Queens Of The Stone Age song Little Sister.
In the official music video for "Fanky," Charly García is seen playing a Danelectro Convertible guitar.
"In 2002 I started playing a Danelectro Convertible because it’s light and has acoustic properties. It’s one of the newer ones made in Korea. I like the sound of it; keeping it in tune is a little rough. I had a Martin custom-made in 1991, a 000-45 with my name on it. That’s most of the acoustic guitar you hear, but all the electric leads are the Casio. On “The Problem” I play a gut-string solo on a Ramirez with a piezo. The Convertible is on one cut, “These Blues.” I don’t play guitars without modifying them. I put a piezo in it, and stereo it out. If I’m playing solo, the Danelectro is fine. But if I’m playing with a band, doing hot licks, I use the Casio." http://www.vintageguitar.com/2953/j-j-cale/
In this rendition of song "Nightingale", Sparhawk used Danelectro 5005 Convertible which had a different headstock than other Convertibles do.
Album Usage
The Danelectro Convertible has been featured on the following albums:
Mientras Duermes
Lanza Internacional (2022)
Sin Condiciones
Lanza Internacional & Cancamusa (2021)
In Session (Live)
J.J. Cale (2016)
Future Blues
Johnny Nicholas (2011)
C'mon
Low (2011)
Sou
Marcelo Camelo (2008)
Rewind - The Unreleased Recordings
J.J. Cale (2007)
No One Knows/Burn The Witch (Live)
Queens of the Stone Age (2005)
Como Conseguir Chicas
Charly García (1989)
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 Convertible, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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