Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $519
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Danelectro U-2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Danelectro U-2 is a timeless classic that continues to captivate guitarists with its unique vintage tone and style. Originally crafted between 1956 and 1958, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar makes a striking comeback with its lightweight hardboard/plywood body, offering a signature midrange-rich sound that resonates with both seasoned and budding musicians. Its maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard promise smooth playability, perfect for those long jam sessions or studio recordings.
What truly sets the U-2 apart are its iconic Lipstick single-coil pickups. Wired in series, these pickups deliver that unmistakable jangly midrange punch and treble kick, reminiscent of the early days of rock 'n' roll. The presence of a 3-way pickup selector, along with master tone and volume controls, provides you with versatility in crafting your sound. Whether you're channeling the surf rock vibes or experimenting with your own tunes, the U-2 is your reliable partner in sonic exploration.
Adding to its appeal, the U-2 features an adjustable bridge, allowing you to customize your intonation to suit your playing style. This makes it not only a beautiful instrument to play but also a versatile tool for any guitarist looking to make their mark.
Key Features:
- Lightweight hardboard/plywood body with signature midrange tone
- Maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard for superb playability
- Lipstick single-coil pickups for vintage tone
- 3-way pickup selector with master volume and tone controls
- Adjustable bridge for customizable intonation
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Semi-hollowbody |
| Body Shape | '56 U2 |
| Body Material | Plywood |
| Top Material | Hardboard |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | 5-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 14" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Aluminum |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Adjustable |
| Tuners | Die-cast |
| Neck Pickup | Lipstick Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Lipstick Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Danelectro U-2's pickups?
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The Danelectro U-2 features Lipstick single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, jangly tone with a distinct vintage character, perfect for surf rock, blues, and classic rock genres.
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Is the Danelectro U-2 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Danelectro U-2 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight semi-hollowbody design and comfortable C-shaped neck, making it easy to play for extended periods.
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What is the neck profile of the Danelectro U-2 like?
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The Danelectro U-2 has a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that is well-suited for a variety of playing styles and skill levels.
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Does the Danelectro U-2 take pedals well?
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Yes, the Danelectro U-2's clean and bright tone pairs well with effects pedals, allowing for versatile sound shaping across different music genres.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Danelectro U-2?
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The Danelectro U-2 features a semi-hollowbody made of plywood with a hardboard top, a maple neck, and an aluminum nut, contributing to its lightweight feel and unique tonal qualities.
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How does the Danelectro U-2 handle feedback due to its semi-hollowbody design?
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The semi-hollowbody design of the Danelectro U-2 can lead to some feedback at high volumes, but it also enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain, making it ideal for dynamic playing styles.
Videos
Luke Cyrus Goetze
Big Sounds from the Danelectro U2
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro U-2.
Mods and upgrades
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Pickups were upgraded to hotter GFS units to achieve a different tonal character.
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Dual concentric pots were swapped for standard volume and tone controls, providing a more traditional control layout.
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One owner replaced the stock rosewood bridge with a Schaller flat-mount bridge for improved durability and satisfaction.
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Owners from the 50s and 60s often added fret wire to the top of the wooden bridge to prevent string grooves.
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User experience
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Despite being made of plywood, the guitar is noted for producing an unexpectedly rich and pleasing sound.
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Owners appreciate the guitar's resonant quality, noting it sounds good even unplugged due to its partially hollow body design.
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A long-term owner described the sound as having a "raw garage" quality, adding to its appeal for specific musical styles.
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Some find the Danelectro U-2 feels like a toy but acknowledge its solid build and unique sound.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Intonation issues can arise, but adjusting the saddle or replacing it with bone or brass can improve performance.
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Features and functionality
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The guitar's body is made of Masonite with an aluminum nut, providing a distinctive tonal quality and resonance.
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The rosewood saddle on the fixed bridge is a unique feature that contributes to the guitar's distinctive sound.
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The 56 dolphin headstock is a distinctive feature in some models, initially coming with a wooden bridge.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In Premier Guitar's "Rig Rundown - Rick Beato" YouTube video, Rick Beato discusses his Danelectro U-2 guitar, highlighting its features and his use of it in his setup.
In this video (and in many others), we can see Conor Oberst playing a red Danelectro U2.
In the user-uploaded photo, Francisco Durán is seen with a Danelectro U-2 guitar. This is the only instance where he is pictured with this particular instrument.
The only time Arson peformed with this guitar was for "Hate to say I told you so" music video.
John can be seen playing a black Danelectro U-2 while preforming "Tender Is The Mind"
In his YouTube video, Mark Agnesi mentions that he owns a Danelectro U-2, showcasing it as part of his personal guitar collection.
Album Usage
The Danelectro U-2 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 U-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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