Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,900

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the distinctive charm of the Danelectro U-1, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with modern performance. Known for its unique lipstick pickups, this guitar delivers a warm, jangly tone that has captivated musicians across genres since its original release in the late 1950s. The U-1's semi-hollowbody design offers a resonant sound with a touch of natural reverb, perfect for players seeking both clarity and depth in their music.

Crafted with a lightweight body, the Danelectro U-1 is comfortable to play during long sessions, whether you're on stage or in the studio. Its distinctive single cutaway design ensures easy access to higher frets, allowing for effortless solos and intricate chord work. The guitar's construction features a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth, responsive feel that enhances playability.

With its timeless appeal and versatile sound, the Danelectro U-1 is an excellent choice for musicians looking to add a unique voice to their collection. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, this instrument invites you to explore new sonic landscapes and express your musical creativity.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant tones
  • Unique lipstick pickups for a classic, jangly sound
  • Single cutaway body for easy high-fret access
  • Maple neck and rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Lightweight construction for comfort during long play sessions

Product specs

Brand Danelectro
Model U-1 Single Pickup
Finish Aqua, Black, Blue, Bronze, Coral, Fuchsia, Ivory, Jade Green
Year 1956 - 1958
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body, Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, White
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Danelectro U-1's single pickup?

The Danelectro U-1's single lipstick pickup delivers a bright, clear tone with a distinctive twang, making it ideal for surf rock, blues, and vintage pop sounds.

Is the Danelectro U-1 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Danelectro U-1 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight design, comfortable neck profile, and straightforward controls, making it easy to play and handle.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Danelectro U-1 affect its tone?

The semi-hollow body of the Danelectro U-1 provides a resonant, airy tone with more sustain and warmth compared to solid body guitars, enhancing its vintage sound appeal.

What is the neck profile like on the Danelectro U-1?

The Danelectro U-1 features a slim, comfortable neck profile with a bolt-on construction, making it easy to navigate for both chord playing and lead work.

Does the Danelectro U-1 come in different color options?

Yes, the Danelectro U-1 is available in a variety of colors, including Aqua, Black, Blue, Bronze, Coral, Fuchsia, Ivory, and Jade Green, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1957 Danelectro U1 and 1961 Fender Super Amp

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1957 Danelectro U1 and 1961 Fender Super Amp by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1957 Danelectro U1 and 1961 Fender Super Amp

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Danelectro U1 Electric Guitar Demo by Brad

Danelectro U1 Electric Guitar Demo

Brad

Brad

Video thumbnail for Danelectro U1 '59 Late 90s Reissue - Daddy-O Yellow by Strikkeling

Danelectro U1 '59 Late 90s Reissue - Daddy-O Yellow

Strikkeling

Strikkeling

Video thumbnail for 1965 Danelectro U-1 - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1965 Danelectro U-1 - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1957 Danelectro Model 1317 U1 by Lawman Guitars

Vintage 1957 Danelectro Model 1317 U1

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro U-1.

Features and functionality

  • The Danelectro U-1's single coil pickup delivers a raw, gritty blues sound, ideal for achieving a Hubert Sumlin vibe.

    Source
  • Danelectro Hodad models with Bigsby-style trems and dual single-coil lipstick pickups can be combined for a humbucker-like sound, offering versatility beyond a Telecaster.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners use the U-1 for specific tonal needs rather than versatility, comparing it to a "claw hammer" for its distinct sound.

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  • Despite its limited range, the U-1 excels in delivering unique timbres that surprise listeners with its distinct sound quality.

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  • The U-1 delivers exceptional slide tones; using a brass slide in open G or D tuning enhances its performance significantly.

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Build quality

  • The Korean-made Danelectro U-1 from the late 90s is noted for its cola bottle headstock and concentric knobs, which are favored by enthusiasts.

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  • Some users report plastic parts painted to resemble metal, which can be easily scratched, impacting appearance.

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User experience

  • Playing above the pickup, near the neck, produces a nastier sound, encouraging exploration of hand positions due to the guitar's simplicity.

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  • One owner of a cream U-1 with brown piping notes that it has remained nearly scratch-free after 20 years of regular use.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some early re-issues have bridge collapse issues causing intonation challenges; a Jeff Senn replacement bridge is recommended to rectify these problems.

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  • Several owners mention replacing pots, pickups, and tuners for optimal performance, with an additional setup cost around $200.

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Comparisons

  • Korean-made early re-issues are considered superior in build quality compared to the Chinese models introduced in the early 2000s.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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1 star
T

Great Sound, great feel

It feels great and plays great too! Very loud acoustically too.

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