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Average Price: $1,900
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Description
Step back in time with the Danelectro U1, a classic revival of the original 1950s model that captures the essence of early rock and roll. Known for its distinctive sound and vintage charm, this solid body electric guitar is a favorite among musicians seeking a retro vibe without sacrificing modern playability. Its unique construction features a masonite top and back, which contribute to its lightweight nature and resonant tone. The lipstick pickup, a hallmark of Danelectro guitars, provides a bright, jangly sound that’s perfect for surf rock, blues, and everything in between.
The U1's single-cutaway design offers easy access to higher frets, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing. The simplistic control layout, with just a single volume and tone knob, allows for straightforward manipulation of your sound on the fly. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, the Danelectro U1 offers a distinctive and authentic experience with its vintage aesthetics and unmistakable sound.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with a classic 1950s design
- Lightweight masonite construction for enhanced resonance
- Single lipstick pickup for a bright and jangly tone
- Single-cutaway body shape for easy high fret access
- Simple control layout with one volume and one tone knob
- Ideal for a range of genres, from surf rock to blues
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
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What is the neck profile of the Danelectro U1 like?
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The Danelectro U1 features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it accessible for players who enjoy a smooth and easy-to-play neck, ideal for both beginners and experienced guitarists.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the single pickup on the Danelectro U1?
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The single lipstick pickup on the Danelectro U1 delivers a bright, jangly tone with a distinctive vintage character, perfect for surf rock, blues, and early rock 'n' roll styles.
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Is the Danelectro U1 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Danelectro U1 is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight body, easy playability, and straightforward single pickup configuration, making it a great choice for those just starting out.
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What is the body construction of the Danelectro U1?
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The Danelectro U1 features a semi-hollow body construction with a single cutaway design, providing a unique combination of resonance and comfort.
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How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the Danelectro U1's sound?
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The bolt-on neck construction of the Danelectro U1 contributes to a snappy attack and bright tone, enhancing its clarity and sustain, which is characteristic of many classic electric guitars.
Videos
Emerald City Guitars
"Pick of the Day" - 1957 Danelectro U1 and 1961 Fender Super Amp
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Danelectro U1.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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Artist usage
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In an interview with Rolling Stone, Beck discusses using the Danelectro U1 guitar.
Seen on the wall at 0:27. You can see its a U1 based on the single pickup, probably a vintage model.
Cat Power is seen using a Danelectro U1 guitar, as documented on the "Chan's Guitars" page at odetochan.forumgratuit.org.
This is the guitar she primarily plays shows and does promotional photos with. Proof can be seen at 0:30 in the video, or a quick search on google. The Danelectro U1 was the single pickup version of the popular Danelectro U2, which was originally made from the years 1956 to 1958 but was re-issued in the late 90s, in 2006 in a slightly modified form as the '56 Pro, and again in 2010 as the '56 Single Cutaway.
In the early days of Spirit, Randy California favored a Danelectro single cutaway with the "dolphin headstock." While clear shots of the guitar are hard to find, this Youtube video https://youtu.be/Lu-t5O6So4Y?si=mWUCCHTZe9_epmWl suggests that it's most likely a single pickup U-1.
From the artist's IG:
He re-fretted Coppertone, my late-50's Silvertone/Danelectro U1, and installed a DRB2 replacement bridge - made by @jeffsennguitars - while doing some general TLC on the structural side, belaying various small parts that had gone loose and rattling in years on the road. The difference in action and intonation is just plain crazy.>
Album Usage
The Danelectro U1 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Danelectro U1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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