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Average Price: $1,900

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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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

What is the neck profile of the Danelectro U1 like?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the single pickup on the Danelectro U1?

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.

Is the Danelectro U1 suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the body construction of the Danelectro U1?

The Danelectro U1 features a semi-hollow body construction with a single cutaway design, providing a unique combination of resonance and comfort.

How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the Danelectro U1's sound?

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.

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 Danelectro U1 by Claudio Crotti

Danelectro U1

Claudio Crotti

Claudio Crotti

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

  • Playing nearer the neck above the pickup yields a nastier sound compared to playing closer to the bridge.

    Source
  • The Hodad model offers versatile tones with two pairs of single-coil lipstick pickups that combine for humbucker sounds, complementing a Telecaster well.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Danelectro U1 excels at producing a gritty bluesy tone, ideal for raw and simple musical expressions.

    Source
  • It's suggested to consider a matching color U-2 model with dual pickups as a companion to the U-1, maintaining the thematic lineage of the guitar.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The U1 is likened to a claw hammer for specific tasks, whereas a Strat or Telecaster offers more tonal diversity and flexibility.

    Source
  • The U-1 reissue mimics the original 1950s models, which were branded as both Danelectro and Silvertone, known for their unique middle pickup-only sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The late 90s Korean model features a cola bottle headstock and concentric knobs, which are preferred by some owners.

    Source
  • Some models feature plastic coverings painted to resemble brushed aluminum, which can be easily scratched off.

    Source

User experience

  • A past owner recalls purchasing the Retro Purple model around 1995 for approximately $350, indicating its collectible nature.

    Source
  • A U1 reissue owner notes no tuning issues and appreciates its durability, with minimal wear after 20 years of regular use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend budgeting an additional $200 for setup, including replacing pots, pickups, and tuners to optimize performance.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Beck uses Danelectro U1

Beck

Singer, Guitarist

Loser

...
Verified via Rollingstone

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Beck discusses using the Danelectro U1 guitar.

See how Mark Foster uses Danelectro U1

Mark Foster

Singer, Guitarist

Foster the People

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen on the wall at 0:27. You can see its a U1 based on the single pickup, probably a vintage model.

See how Cat Power uses Danelectro U1

Cat Power

Guitarist

...
Verified via odetochan.forumgratuit.org

Cat Power is seen using a Danelectro U1 guitar, as documented on the "Chan's Guitars" page at odetochan.forumgratuit.org.

See how Frankie Cosmos uses Danelectro U1

Frankie Cosmos

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Randy California uses Danelectro U1

Randy California

Guitarist

Jimmy James and the Blue Flames

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Jeffrey Foucault uses Danelectro U1

Jeffrey Foucault

Singer, Guitarist

Blood on the Tracks

...
Verified via Photo

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.>

See how Hal Ketchum uses Danelectro U1

Hal Ketchum

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

In this gig poster, Hal Ketchum is seen with a Danelectro U1.

Album Usage

The Danelectro U1 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 U1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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