Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $729

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

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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

What type of pickups does the Danelectro Convertible feature?

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.

Is the Danelectro Convertible suitable for both acoustic and electric playing styles?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro Convertible?

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.

Does the Danelectro Convertible come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Danelectro Convertible does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the guitar during transport.

How does the pickup blend control work on the Danelectro Convertible?

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.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for 1960s Danelectro Convertible Baritone played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1960s Danelectro Convertible Baritone played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1960's Danelectro Convertible Acoustic/Electric Guitar (Fishin' Blues-Taj Mahal) by C.Baron Guitars

Vintage 1960's Danelectro Convertible Acoustic/Electric Guitar (Fishin' Blues-Taj Mahal)

C.Baron Guitars

C.Baron Guitars

Video thumbnail for DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE Acoustic/Electric Guitar Revisited | Play Guitar by Rock Hard Riffs

DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE Acoustic/Electric Guitar Revisited | Play Guitar

Rock Hard Riffs

Rock Hard Riffs

Video thumbnail for DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE PIEZO & LIPSTICK HYBRID by Brett Kingman

DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE PIEZO & LIPSTICK HYBRID

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Early 60's Danelectro Convertible Demo by Capsule Music

Early 60's Danelectro Convertible Demo

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Video thumbnail for Una Skott's Danelectro Convertible - Trailer #soundmade by Soundmade

Una Skott's Danelectro Convertible - Trailer #soundmade

Soundmade

Soundmade

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Gob Instruments

Danelectro Convertible Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Gob Instruments

Gob Instruments

Video thumbnail for 1963 DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE - Acoustic/Electric Guitar Sneak Peek by Rock Hard Riffs

1963 DANELECTRO CONVERTIBLE - Acoustic/Electric Guitar Sneak Peek

Rock Hard Riffs

Rock Hard Riffs

Video thumbnail for 2010s Danelectro Convertible acoustic/electric guitar (acoustic clip) by Jake Wildwood & Co

2010s Danelectro Convertible acoustic/electric guitar (acoustic clip)

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique tone that stands out in acoustic and electric settings

  • Lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended play

  • Highly resonant, adding to its acoustic-electric versatility

  • Eye-catching design that turns heads on stage

  • Great for niche genres like funk, offering distinct sound palette

  • Comfortable neck profile, making it easy to play

  • Can effectively replace a main guitar due to its unique sound

CONS

  • Bridge setup can be challenging and may affect the body over time

  • Initial playability issues might require professional setup

  • 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

  • Electric guitar strings are recommended for optimal performance with the magnetic pickup.

    Source
  • The bridge is prone to instability, with users suggesting shimming it with business cards for better placement without significantly affecting action.

    Source
  • Users recommend using files from StewMac for slotting the plastic bridge, ensuring string stability without excessive depth.

    Source
  • 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

  • Despite using electric strings, the guitar maintains an acoustic-like sound when amplified.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The magnetic pickup may not work effectively with bronze strings due to their low magnetic properties.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is described as feeling more like an electric, aligning with its advertised acoustic-electric nature.

    Source
  • The bridge design includes three small screws acting as pins, which can be challenging during setup and adjustments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have successfully used the Grover GB-3380 bridge on similar guitars, but caution is advised due to potential height issues.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Replacing the plastic saddle with a bone one is advised for improved tone, requiring minimal slotting to prevent string movement.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Danelectro DCV56CR Convertible review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Danelectro Convertible offers a vintage allure with its hollow Shorthorn body and a mix of lipstick and piezo pickups. While the lipstick pickup delivers a warm, vintage sound, the piezo falls short in acoustic authenticity. Priced at £599, it seems steep for a niche sound and suffers from some build quality issues. It's a decent choice for strumming and casual playing, but doesn't quite meet the value expectations set by Dano's legacy.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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kalam_mahardhika

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).

jaybirsongs

Black Danelectro Convertible (with mods)

Aftermarket modifications replacing stock pickups: LR Baggs I-Beam Piezo/Acoustic pickup Custom Curtis Novak Esquire lipstick pickup

rothhandlestudios

Danelectro Convertible

One of my dream guitars. Åsa from Akaba used it on a bunch of gigs.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Danelectro Convertible

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

On the cover of the No One Knows Single, Josh Homme can be seen holding a Danelectro Convertible.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Danelectro Convertible

Jeff Tweedy

Guitarist, Singer

Wilco

...
Verified via reverb.com

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.

See how Harry Styles uses Danelectro Convertible

Harry Styles

Singer, Guitarist

One Direction

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo posted on Instagram, Harry Styles is seen with a Danelectro Convertible guitar, suggesting its use during a casual moment.

See how Dean Ween uses Danelectro Convertible

Dean Ween

Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via Photo

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/

See how Tom Waits uses Danelectro Convertible

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Photo

In this source, Tom Waits is pictured holding and playing a Danelectro 5005 Convertible guitar with a pickup in it in white finish.

See how Elvis Costello uses Danelectro Convertible

Elvis Costello

Singer, Guitarist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via Photo

Costello is holding Danelectro Convertible model in this photo. Not much is known about this Danelectro, possibly using only for photoshoot purposes.

See how Alain Johannes uses Danelectro Convertible

Alain Johannes

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

Alain can be seen using this guitar in the video for the Queens Of The Stone Age song Little Sister.

See how Charly García uses Danelectro Convertible

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Fanky," Charly García is seen playing a Danelectro Convertible guitar.

See how J.J. Cale uses Danelectro Convertible

J.J. Cale

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"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/

See how Alan Sparhawk uses Danelectro Convertible

Alan Sparhawk

Singer, Guitarist

Low

...
Verified via YouTube

In this rendition of song "Nightingale", Sparhawk used Danelectro 5005 Convertible which had a different headstock than other Convertibles do.

See how Francisco Durán uses Danelectro Convertible

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán used the Danelectro Convertible guitar in the music video for his single "Bus" from the album "Lunar." This guitar is one of Francisco's personal instruments.

See how Jacob Rubeck uses Danelectro Convertible

Jacob Rubeck

Guitarist

Surf Curse

...
Verified via Photo

Jacob Rubeck is seen using a Danelectro '57, not a Danelectro Convertible, during his performance at the Geffen Contemporary at Little Tokyo.

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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mkn_upa

mkn_upa

Gear IQ 1171

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