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Pricing and availability

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The 1457 model has a 25" scale with 21 frets, differing from the shorter scale of the 1448 model.

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  • The 1449 and 1457 models have a 25" scale length and 21 frets, differing from the 23.5" scale of the 1448.

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  • Danelectro Hodads feature two pairs of single-coil lipstick pickups that can be configured into a humbucker setup for a beefier sound.

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  • The Danelectro Hornet reissue has a plastic volume/tone knob cavity cover painted to resemble brushed aluminum.

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User experience

  • Despite tuning challenges, the unique tonal qualities of vintage models offer a distinctive sound appreciated in indie and garage rock contexts.

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  • The 1457 model provides exceptional playability and sound through pedals and amps, impressing even those considering selling due to its unique tonal qualities.

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  • Original Lipstick pickups are challenging to wind, requiring delicate handling due to their design, making them distinct from modern equivalents.

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  • A user with a 20-year-old Danelectro reports the guitar still looks nearly new, with minimal scratches or fading despite regular use.

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Use cases and applications

  • The metal nut contributes to a chime-like tone that cuts through mixes, ideal for rock overdubs.

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  • The Danelectro U-2 from the 90s reissue is favored for its comfortable neck, light weight, and unique sound, making it a popular choice for frequent play.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the original plastic nut with a bone nut and adding string trees improves tuning stability and break angle.

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  • Poplar necks are praised, but some suggest replacing the neck for better headstock design to improve tuning stability.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report tuning instability linked to weather changes, with guitars going sharp in summer and flat in winter.

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  • Owners emphasize the need for a full setup, including potential replacement of pots, pickups, and tuners, even on new Danelectro guitars.

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  • Owners recommend replacing the aluminum nut and tuners for better playability, noting the original tuners function backward and are sensitive.

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Build quality

  • The 1448 model features Brazilian Rosewood fretboards, noted for their exceptional smoothness and ease of play.

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  • Original 1457 models are mostly hollow with a pine frame and masonite top/back, giving a unique lightweight feel compared to reissues.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Jimi Hendrix uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Jimi Hendrix

Guitarist

The Isley Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

In the book Jimi Hendrix Gear by Harry Shapiro, Michael Heatley, Roger Mayer, they mentioned that Jimi owned a one-pickup 1956 model of the Silvertone Danelectro. It was one of the guitars that he had the longest, it stayed with him several years. He called the guitar "Betty Jean" after his girlfriend, and left the guitar with her mother when he went off to the Army in 1960.

See how Nuno Bettencourt uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Nuno Bettencourt

Singer, Guitarist

Supergroup A

...
Verified via YouTube

"...The item can be seen 6:40 into this video..."

See how James Murphy uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

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Verified via EMusician

In the EMusician article "Straight Shooter," James Murphy is noted for using the Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar.

See how Robbie McIntosh uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Robbie McIntosh

Guitarist

Wings

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Verified via Photo

"My little black Harmony Silvertone guitar was sold through the Sears Roebuck catalogue in the USA during the ’60s. This is another guitar which works really well for slide – a lot of players like the gold and silver foil pickups. It’s also on the new album, along with my Danelectro Silvertone “amp in case” guitar. I have a pair of these; one was given to me by Brad Whitford from Aerosmith. They’re both from the early to mid-’60s," says Robbie McIntosh, in this article.

See how Rusty Anderson uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Rusty Anderson

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

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Verified via Twitter

@rustyanderson1 hey Rusty, you played this guitar a lot in Amsterdam. Is it a Danelectro?

Answer:

@bramopdencamp it's a '61 Silvertone, made by Danelectro.

See how Colin James uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Colin James

Guitarist

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Verified via Photo

Colin James uses a Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar, specifically the Shorthorn Double pickup model #1448, for slide guitar. This is evidenced by a photo from Daddario.

See how Mike Kennerty uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Mike Kennerty

Guitarist, Music Producer

The All-American Rejects

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Verified via Photo

he can be seen recording with one

See how Kevin Whitley uses Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar

Kevin Whitley

Singer, Guitarist

Cherubs

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Verified via YouTube

Mentions it as his backup guitar around 16:21

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 Silvertone Danelectro Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apogee AD-8000
Apogee AD-8000 A-D & D-A Converters
1
Apple Mac G5
Apple Mac G5 Computers & Peripherals
1
Sovtek MIG-50
Sovtek MIG-50 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Catalinbread Echorec
Catalinbread Echorec Delay Effects Pedals
1
Yamaha CS-50
Yamaha CS-50 Synthesizers
1
dbx 165A
dbx 165A Effects Processors
1

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