Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$629.00 $539.98 $89.02 · All time low
Amazon
4.4 (2)
$551.36 $539.98 $11.38 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$381.68 3 available Used

Average Price: $508

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Danelectro DC-59". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Danelectro DC-59: A Timeless Classic with a Twist

The Danelectro DC-59 is an homage to the rich heritage of rock 'n' roll, delivering a vintage vibe with an authentic twist. This iconic shorthorn hollow body electric guitar beautifully encapsulates the early days of rock with its nostalgic aesthetic and sound.

As a 60th Anniversary celebration model, the DC '59 NOS+ is crafted from a lightweight spruce body coupled with a hardboard top and back, giving it a signature midrange tone. The maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard further contribute to its playability and response, offering a comfortable and resonant experience for players of all styles and skill levels.

But what truly sets this guitar apart is its unique sound, brought to life by two lipstick single-coil passive pickups. These iconic pickups, first introduced in '59, deliver a tone that is truly one-of-a-kind, offering a bright, jangly, midrange punch with a kick of treble that will transport you back to rock's golden era. A 3-way pickup selector and volume and tone controls offer ample flexibility to tailor your sound to perfection.

Key Features:

  • 60th Anniversary model of a legendary electric guitar
  • Lightweight spruce body with hardboard top and back for signature midrange tone
  • Comfortable maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard
  • Unique lipstick single-coil passive pickups for vintage midrange punch and treble kick
  • 3-way pickup selector, volume and tone controls for ample sound customization
  • Wraparound adjustable bridge for personalized intonation setting

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody, Chambered
Body Shape 60th Anniversary '59M NOS+
Body Material Spruce
Top Material Hardboard
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 Adjustable Wraparound
Tuners Die-cast Chrome
Neck Pickup NOS+ Lipstick Single-coil
Bridge Pickup NOS+ Lipstick Single-coil
Controls 2 x stacked volume, 2 x stacked tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Danelectro DC-59 pickups?

The Danelectro DC-59 features NOS+ Lipstick single-coil pickups, known for their bright, jangly tone with a distinct chime, making them ideal for surf, rock, and alternative music styles.

Is the Danelectro DC-59 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Danelectro DC-59 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design, comfortable C-shaped neck, and versatile tone, making it easy to play across various music genres.

What is the neck profile of the Danelectro DC-59 like?

The Danelectro DC-59 has a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that's well-suited for both chord strumming and lead playing.

Does the Danelectro DC-59 have a semi-hollow body?

Yes, the Danelectro DC-59 features a semi-hollow, chambered body design, contributing to its resonant tone and lighter weight.

What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro DC-59?

The Danelectro DC-59 is constructed with a spruce body, hardboard top, and a maple neck, offering a unique blend of resonance and durability.

How many frets does the Danelectro DC-59 have?

The Danelectro DC-59 has 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability across its 25-inch scale length.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Danelectro Guitars - For The Player Who’s Got Everything Else! - Andertons Music Co.

Video thumbnail for Danelectro Guitars - For The Player Who’s Got Everything Else! - Andertons Music Co. by Andertons Music Co

Danelectro Guitars - For The Player Who’s Got Everything Else! - Andertons Music Co.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for The Danelectro 59M NOS. Press-board Never Sounded So Good by Phillip McKnight

The Danelectro 59M NOS. Press-board Never Sounded So Good

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

Video thumbnail for Danelectro "Stock '59" guitar - demo by RJ Ronquillo by R.J. Ronquillo

Danelectro "Stock '59" guitar - demo by RJ Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Danelectro 60th Anniversary 59 DC NOS+ electric guitar demo by RJ Ronquillo by R.J. Ronquillo

Danelectro 60th Anniversary 59 DC NOS+ electric guitar demo by RJ Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Danelectro DC 59 by Trey Hensley

Danelectro DC 59

Trey Hensley

Trey Hensley

Video thumbnail for Danelectro DC 59M NOS+ Electric Guitar Review by intheblues

Danelectro DC 59M NOS+ Electric Guitar Review

intheblues

intheblues

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful metal flake finish unmatched by competitors

  • High-quality craftsmanship for a budget-friendly guitar

  • Unique tone from lipstick tube pickups

  • Excellent neck feel for smooth playability

  • Vintage-inspired design with original style tailpiece/bridge

  • Solid construction, feels well-built and durable

  • Rosewood fretboard offers superior appearance to some high-end models

  • Ideal for fans of iconic musicians like Jimmy Page and Beck

CONS

  • May require additional setup for optimal playability

  • Tuner knobs can age and change appearance over time

  • Some models lack 3-on-a-side tuner strips like originals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro DC-59.

Build quality

  • Owners report issues with vinyl tape separating at the horns and pressboard pickguards with glued-on vinyl that may peel or crack over time.

    Source
  • Lightweight due to Masonite construction; plastic volume and tone knobs; side trim is a glued plastic strip, adding to a cheaper feel.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users struggle to achieve low action without a neck shim, noting high action even with the bridge fully lowered.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The middle pickup position is wired in series, offering a unique tonal option compared to the more common parallel wiring.

    Source
  • Lipstick pickups offer a bright, crisp pop with a clean tone; bridge pickup delivers a twangy sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar excels in open/drop tunings, like DADGAD and open G, especially when paired with drive/fuzz effects.

    Source
  • Best played with a tube amp to highlight the natural sweetness of the lipstick pickups, which differ from typical Fender gain.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its tonal limitations, the guitar resonates well unplugged, making it ideal for casual playing or "couch noodling."

    Source

Comparisons

  • Korean-made models from the 90s and early 00s are highly praised, often preferred over newer versions for build and sound quality.

    Source
  • Offers a unique jangle not found in Telecasters, with a cleaner pop than a standard Fender Strat.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest replacing the pickguard to remove unwanted "NOS+" branding, though the unique jack placement complicates finding compatible replacements.

    Source
  • Recommended to avoid fixed bridges with screws and plastic tuners for better quality; Schaller roller hardtail bridge and Gotoh locking tuners are suggested upgrades.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
brendan_bentley

My main guitar

This has been my main electric for almost 10 years and I've had nothing but great performance from it. Though these are 'cheap' guitars you get every single penny back in value of craftsmanship on these Dano's. I picked up the guitar in a local music shop and fell instantly in love with the tone of the lipstick pickups, not to mention quite a few musicians I love like Beck and Jimmy Page use these extensively. Love this guitar to death.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elena Tonra uses Danelectro DC-59

Elena Tonra

Singer, Guitarist

Daughter

...
Verified via YouTube

Elena Tonra, the vocalist and guitarist of the band Daughter, uses a Danelectro DC-59 electric guitar. This model, known for its unique Lipstick pickups also favored by Jimmy Page, features a silver sparkle finish. Elena played this guitar during Daughter's live performance at CMJ Union on October 17, 2012, and again in a Buzzsession recording on December 19, 2012. Her preference for this guitar is evident in its sound and visual appeal. You can see Elena using the Danelectro DC-59 in the KEXP live session from the 5:18 mark.

See how Corin Tucker uses Danelectro DC-59

Corin Tucker

Singer, Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:04 in the music video for "You're No Rock And Roll Fun", Corin is seen playing her Danelectro 59 in Silver Glitter finish.

N

Neil Smith

Singer, Guitarist

Passion Pit

...
Verified via Photo

Neil Smith is almost always seen with his Danelectro Shorthorn DC-59. His seems to be a made in China reissue from 2007 - 2009 based on the slightly asymmetrical headstock shape and single knobs. His also has an upgraded bridge with adjustable saddles.

J

Julien Peultier

Guitarist

Last Train

...
Verified

According to the article titled "LAST TRAIN - La vie du rail" on Guitar Part, Julien Peultier is confirmed to use a Danelectro DC-59.

See how Neil Smith uses Danelectro DC-59

Neil Smith

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black

Neil Smith is almost always seen with his Danelectro Shorthorn DC-59. His seems to be a made in China reissue from 2007 - 2009 based on the slightly asymmetrical headstock shape and single knobs. His also has an upgraded bridge with adjustable saddles.

Reposted from incorrect profile: https://equipboard.com/submissions/447265

Album Usage

The Danelectro DC-59 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Danelectro DC-59, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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