Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,400

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Danelectro DC-3 is a cherished model among solid body electric guitars, renowned for its vintage charm and unique tonal capabilities. This guitar is a nod to the classic designs of the 1950s and 60s, offering a distinctive blend of retro aesthetics and modern playability. Its versatile triple lipstick pickup configuration provides a wide range of tonal options, allowing musicians to switch from warm, mellow sounds to bright, cutting tones with ease. The DC-3's lightweight body and smooth neck make it a comfortable choice for extended playing sessions, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Crafted with care and attention to detail, this guitar features a semi-hollow body construction that not only contributes to its lightweight feel but also enhances its resonance and sustain. The DC-3 is equipped with a fully adjustable bridge and a three-way pickup selector, giving you precision control over your sound. Its vintage-inspired headstock and chrome hardware add a touch of visual flair, making it a standout piece in any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid body with semi-hollow construction for enhanced resonance
  • Triple lipstick pickup configuration for versatile tonal options
  • Fully adjustable bridge for precise intonation
  • Three-way pickup selector for custom sound blending
  • Vintage-inspired design with chrome hardware and unique headstock design
  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playability

Product specs

Brand Danelectro
Model 6036 DC-3 Deluxe Triple Pickup Shorthorn, 6037 DC-3 Deluxe Triple Pickup Shorthorn, 6038 DC-3 Deluxe Triple Pickup Shorthorn
Finish Dark Walnut, Honey Walnut, White
Year 1958 - 1969
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Brown, Natural, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Danelectro DC-3?

The Danelectro DC-3 features a comfortable, slim neck profile that is easy to play, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced guitarists who prefer fast and smooth fretboard access.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Danelectro DC-3's pickups?

The DC-3 is equipped with three single-coil pickups, offering a bright and jangly tone that is ideal for genres like surf rock, blues, and classic rock. The unique pickup configuration allows for versatile sound options.

Is the Danelectro DC-3 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Danelectro DC-3's lightweight semi-hollow body and distinctive tone make it an excellent choice for live performances, providing both comfort and a unique sound that stands out on stage.

What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro DC-3?

The DC-3 features a semi-hollowbody design with a Masonite top and back over a plywood core, offering a lightweight feel and resonant sound that is characteristic of classic Danelectro guitars.

Does the Danelectro DC-3 have a bolt-on neck?

Yes, the Danelectro DC-3 has a bolt-on neck construction, which provides easy neck adjustments and contributes to its bright and punchy tone.

clamgrower1

clamgrower1

Danelectro DC3 guitar

Video thumbnail for Danelectro DC3 guitar by clamgrower1

Danelectro DC3 guitar

clamgrower1

clamgrower1

Video thumbnail for Danelectro DC-3 Electric Guitar Demo & Review by Matt The Guitar Guy

Danelectro DC-3 Electric Guitar Demo & Review

Matt The Guitar Guy

Matt The Guitar Guy

Video thumbnail for Danelectro DC-3 Aqua Sparkle Guitar 1st Reissue Korea Select-O-Matic by johnnyangel69

Danelectro DC-3 Aqua Sparkle Guitar 1st Reissue Korea Select-O-Matic

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Video thumbnail for 60’s Danelectro DC-3 Demo by Capsule Music

60’s Danelectro DC-3 Demo

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro DC-3.

Features and functionality

  • The DC-3 includes a unique "select-o-matic" knob for pickup combinations, allowing all three pickups to be activated with a switch.

    Source
  • The middle position on Danelectros, wired in series, is louder and provides a humbucking effect, frequently favored by players for its unique sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners are considering Chandler lipstick tubes as potential upgrades for the DC-3 to enhance its unique tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users found the DC-3 to have an unexpectedly unique tone and playability, even when acquired in less-than-perfect condition.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner expressed surprise at seeing DC-3s priced as high as $500, noting its exceptional value at lower prices.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The DC-3 is favored for its funky, unique tones, which may not appeal to everyone but offer diverse sound possibilities.

    Source
  • The DC-3 handles various pedal types well, including delay, fuzz, wah, and chorus, but high gain pedals like the Metal Zone may not be ideal.

    Source
  • The DC-3's clean tone is highly praised, making it suitable for classic rock and blues, as demonstrated by Jimmy Page on tracks like "Kashmir."

    Source
  • The DC-3’s lipstick pickups work well for both modern sounds and edge of breakup tones, suitable for genres from punk to country blues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Lipstick pickups offer a bell-like chime and a trashy edge, excelling at classic '60s tones distinct from Les Paul humbuckers or Strat single coils.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Danelectro DC-3

Frank Iero

Guitarist, Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Frank Iero sold his Danelectro DC-3 on his official Reverb.com shop. He stated that he bought the guitar after borrowing a similar model from Rob Cavallo, and used it to add a “shimmery” tone to some songs on The Black Parade. He also used it on his solo album Stomachaches.

See how Andrew VanWyngarden uses Danelectro DC-3

Andrew VanWyngarden

Guitarist, Singer

MGMT

...
Verified via YouTube

This Guitar can be seen throughout the whole Memphis 2017 concert video. Good View of the guitar at 49:53 The version Andrew is using is a black top and back wth a white body. His one also has a black painted headstock

(The guitar is actually a Jerry Jones 3-pickup Shorthorn, early '90s. I know, because I am the person who sold him the guitar. -BG)

See how Harrison Koisser uses Danelectro DC-3

Harrison Koisser

Singer, Guitarist

Peace

...
Verified via Tumblr

Harry is seen using a Danelectro DC-3, by the number of lipstick® pickups, and color of frets, being different from the 59-MJ or DC-59.

See how Peter Stroud uses Danelectro DC-3

Peter Stroud

Guitarist

Pete Droge & The Sinners

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Stroud's Danelectro U3 is visible.

See how Julia Steiner uses Danelectro DC-3

Julia Steiner

Singer, Guitarist

Ratboys

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Red

In the video linked as well as any other performance around that period Julia can be seen playing a danelectro dc-3, it can be identified by its three pickups and select-o-matic switch.

See how Aharon Emery uses Danelectro DC-3

Aharon Emery

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video, Aharon can be seen using his Danelectro DC-3

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 DC-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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