Finding Your Perfect Danelectro Guitar
Danelectro guitars have long held a unique place in the world of electric guitars, celebrated for their distinctive tone, retro aesthetics, and affordability. As we step into 2026, these iconic instruments continue to capture the imagination of players across genres, from indie and surf rock to blues and experimental music.
Choosing the right Danelectro guitar, however, can feel overwhelming given the variety of models, body shapes, and pickup configurations available today. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable entry point, a seasoned player seeking a quirky addition to your collection, or a touring musician in search of reliable performance, understanding the details of each Danelectro guitar is essential.
This guide breaks down the key considerations, from tone and playability to design and price, so you can make an informed choice. By the end, you’ll have the clarity needed to select a Danelectro guitar that perfectly suits your style, needs, and musical goals.
Best Danelectro Guitars in 2026
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Guitar |
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$899 |
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$899 |
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$799 |
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$599 |
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$569 |
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$549 |
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$529 |
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$699 |
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$599 |
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$549 |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Danelectro Guitar
Design and Build Quality
One of the defining traits of Danelectro guitars is their retro-inspired design. Models like the Shorthorn and Longhorn stand out with their distinctive body shapes, lightweight construction, and bold finishes.
Unlike traditional solid-body guitars, many Danelectro models feature Masonite tops and semi-hollow builds, giving them a resonant and airy quality. These design choices influence tone and comfort, making them an appealing option for players who value style and playability in equal measure.
Types of Danelectro Guitars
Danelectro offers several unique variations to suit different musical needs:
- 6-String Models: The standard option, offering versatility across rock, blues, pop, and indie styles.
- 12-String Models: Known for their jangly, shimmering tone, perfect for creating rich layers and classic ‘60s textures.
- Baritone Guitars: Tuned lower than a standard guitar, delivering deep, cinematic tones favored in surf, rock, and experimental music.
Tone and Sound
One of Danelectro guitar’s outstanding features is its signature lipstick pickup. Originally made from surplus lipstick tubes in the 1950s, these pickups produce a bright, chimey sound with plenty of character. They excel in clean tones, delivering warmth and sparkle, but can also create gritty, lo-fi textures when pushed with overdrive or fuzz.
Danelectro guitars are especially popular in genres that thrive on unique tones: indie, surf, blues, country, and alternative rock all find a natural voice in these instruments.
Price and Value
One of Danelectro’s biggest strengths is affordability. Many of their guitars are accessible to beginners while still offering quality and style that appeal to professionals. From budget-friendly reissues to limited collector’s editions, there’s a wide range of options depending on your budget.
Danelectro Guitars for 2026 - In-Depth Review
Danelectro '66
Main Features
- Retro double cutaway shape with offset horns for classic Danelectro style
- Semi-hollow body construction for warm, rich tones
- Dual humbucking Lipstick bridge pickup and large single-coil neck pickup
- Coil-split option for versatile sound options
- Comfortable neck for smooth, extended playability
- Stylish carved top with vintage-inspired F-hole
Inspired by the original model from the mid-1960s, the Danelectro ‘66 captures everything players love about vintage Danelectro design while slipping in some clever modern upgrades. The reversed double cutaway body with offset horns gives it a stylish edge, while the semi-hollow construction adds warmth and resonance that you’ll notice the moment you plug in.
What makes the ’66 stand out is its unique pickup combination. The dual humbucking Lipstick bridge pickup and large single-coil in the neck offer a wide tonal palette. Need something bright and jangly for a rhythm part? It delivers. Want a thicker, growling tone for leads? No problem. Add in the coil-split feature, and you can shift from humbucker punch to single-coil sparkle with just a push-pull knob.
Playability is another highlight. The 24.5-inch scale length and comfortable neck make it easy to navigate chords or fast lead runs, while the semi-hollow build keeps the guitar light enough for long sessions. The ’66 is a fantastic choice for players who want vintage charm without sacrificing versatility.
Danelectro Doubleneck
Main Features
- 6-string/12-string doubleneck with semi-hollow spruce/hardboard body for lightweight, resonant tone
- Four vintage-spec Lipstick pickups for bright jangle, punchy mids, and versatile tones
- Bolt-on C-profile maple necks with 25-inch scale lengths and rosewood fingerboards
- Aluminum nuts and fully adjustable bridges for tuning stability and sustain
- Stacked volume/tone knobs with 3-way pickup selector and 2-way neck switch for quick tonal changes
- Modified Shorthorn body shape provides excellent upper-fret access
The Danelectro Doubleneck is a bold, playful instrument that delivers twice the necks without doubling the weight. Its lightweight semi-hollow spruce and hardboard body provides a lively, assertive warmth, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions while producing the classic Danelectro jangle and midrange punch.
The four Lipstick pickups offer a wide tonal palette from sparkling 12-string rhythms to thick, grittier 6-string leads, with series-wired middle positions adding extra beef and character.
For a doubleneck, this guitar is surprisingly smooth to play, thanks to the C-profile maple necks and 25-inch scale lengths. The modified Shorthorn body cutaways give excellent access to higher frets.
Danelectro Triple Divine
Main Features
- Shorthorn double-cutaway semi-hollowbody with spruce/hardboard construction
- Three Vintage ’50s Lipstick pickups with 5-way selector for versatile tones
- Center walnut block reduces feedback and enhances resonance
- Bolt-on maple neck with comfortable “C” profile and 25-inch scale length
- Premium bone nut, Gotoh tuners, and U3 intonatable bridge for reliable performance
- Lightweight, semi-hollow design for long sessions without fatigue
- Cream body binding and retro styling for classic Danelectro aesthetics
The Danelectro ’64 Triple Divine is an all-in-one vintage powerhouse that delivers the iconic ’50s/’60s Danelectro sound with remarkable flexibility. With three Lipstick pickups and a 5-way selector, this guitar covers a wide sonic palette: cutting bridge treble, mellow middle balance, beefy neck power, or blended combinations for a unique, layered tone.
Its semi-hollow spruce and hardboard body, paired with a walnut center block, keeps feedback in check while providing lively resonance that’s equally suited for jangly indie, vintage rockabilly, or gritty overdrive tones.
Playability is effortless thanks to the comfortable “C” profile maple neck and 25-inch scale, making solos, chord runs, and intricate picking feel natural. Small but thoughtful details, like a bone nut, Gotoh tuners, and intonatable bridge saddles, ensure tuning stability and pitch-perfect tone, while the lightweight construction lets you perform for hours without strain.
Danelectro Fifty Niner
Main Features
- Semi-hollow double-cut Shorthorn body with center block for feedback suppression
- Dual Lipstick single-coil pickups with series-wired middle position for extra punch
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and 25-inch scale for smooth playability
- Adjustable wraparound bridge for precise intonation and sustain
- Lightweight, all-night comfortable design ideal for stage and studio
The Danelectro Fifty Niner is a love letter to the late ’50s, combining unmistakable vintage charm with modern playability. Its lightweight semi-hollowbody design delivers a lively, resonant tone that sits somewhere between a solidbody and a traditional hollowbody, making it remarkably versatile for rockabilly, indie, blues, or even more modern sounds.
The dual Lipstick pickups provide that classic Danelectro jangle, with the bridge pickup delivering sparkling trebles and focused mids, while the neck pickup adds gristle and warmth that really fills out chords. The series-wired middle position adds a beefy, roaring tone you won’t find on most guitars, giving you a surprisingly wide tonal palette for a single instrument.
Additionally, the 25-inch scale and “C”-profile maple neck make playing smooth and stress-free. This guitar is a perfect choice for players seeking vintage tone with modern versatility.
Danelectro Longhorn Baritone
Main Features
- Semi-hollow plywood body with hardwood top for airy, resonant tone
- High-output Lipstick single-coil pickups for punchy lows and bright chime
- Hybrid 29.72-inch scale length, bridging standard baritone and short-scale bass
- Comfortable “C”-profile maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Fully adjustable 6-saddle bridge for precise intonation
- Iconic Longhorn body design offering excellent upper-fret access
The Danelectro Longhorn Baritone is a bold statement guitar that delivers tonal depth unlike most instruments in its class. Its semi-hollow plywood body and high-output Lipstick pickups produce a sound that’s deep, growly, and full of character, with just enough chime to cut through a mix.
The hybrid 29.72-inch scale length hits a sweet spot between a standard baritone and a short-scale bass, making it surprisingly easy for guitarists to transition while still getting that low-end punch.
Playability is smooth and intuitive thanks to the “C”-profile maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, while the adjustable 6-saddle bridge ensures precise intonation across all strings. Historically used in country as a “tic-tac” bass, the Longhorn Baritone today shines in everything from ambient soundscapes and spaghetti western-style leads to modern rock.
Danelectro '59 12-String
Main Features
- Retro double-cutaway body with lightweight design for comfortable playing
- Dual Lipstick pickups delivering sparkling, harmonic-rich tones
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and 25-inch scale length for smooth playability
- Fully adjustable fixed bridge for reliable intonation across all twelve strings
- Vintage-style pickguard and binding for classic 1960s aesthetics
- Available in Black, Red, Aqua, and Vintage White finishes
The Danelectro ’59 12-String is a nod to the golden era of ’60s rock and folk, offering that unmistakable jangle that made bands like The Byrds famous. Its lightweight build and retro double-cutaway shape make it both visually striking and comfortable to play, even during long studio sessions or live performances.
The dual Lipstick pickups, which is one of Danelectro’s flagship features, bring a bright, clear tone with harmonic richness, letting each note shine whether you’re strumming chords or picking arpeggios.
Playability is effortless thanks to the 25-inch scale length. The fully adjustable fixed bridge and sealed tuners keep all twelve strings perfectly in tune, so you can focus on your performance rather than constant tweaks. The ’59 12-String is perfect for anyone looking to add classic jangle and vintage charm to their sound.
Danelectro Pro
Main Features
- Semi-hollow body design with center block for feedback suppression
- Single neck Lipstick pickup for vintage midrange punch and clarity
- Short 25-inch scale length for smooth, percussive playability
- Lightweight spruce body with hardboard top and hardwood back for signature Danelectro tone
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and comfortable C-profile
- Dual-action truss rod and aluminum nut for precise setup and strong sustain
The Danelectro Pro is a compact powerhouse that perfectly captures the spirit of the original 1950s model while adding subtle modern improvements. Its matchbox-like design and semi-hollow spruce body produce that classic Danelectro tone: lively, warm, and slightly percussive, sitting somewhere between a solid body and a traditional semi-hollow.
The single neck Lipstick pickup delivers a focused, vintage midrange sound that comes alive whether played clean or with a bit of grit, making it ideal for rockabilly, blues, indie, or retro-inspired projects.
Playability is superb, and the dual-action truss rod ensures the neck stays straight, while the aluminum nut adds resonance and sustain. Lightweight and highly responsive, the Pro feels just as at home in the studio as it does on stage.
Danelectro '59 Resonator
Main Features
- Double-cut resonator body with diamond plate cover for enhanced tone
- Lipstick single-coil pickup and high-output cone-mounted piezo for versatile amplified textures
- Pickup blend control to balance plinky attack with brassy resonance
- Maple neck with pau ferro cap in a comfortable C-shape for smooth playability
- Aluminum nut for sustain and expressive note-bending
- Eye-catching satin finish with classic Danelectro styling
The Danelectro ’59 Resonator is a guitar that immediately speaks to blues enthusiasts and anyone chasing vintage acoustic-electric tones. Its combination of a Lipstick single-coil pickup and cone-mounted piezo produces an incredibly dynamic range: you can go from sparkling, bell-like chime to rich, brassy resonance with just a flick of the pickup blend control.
Playability is a major highlight. The slim double-cut body is easy to hold, and the maple neck capped with pau ferro feels smooth under your fingers, making slides, fingerpicking, and chord runs effortless. The aluminum nut adds both sustain and expressive vibrato, enhancing the instrument’s responsiveness.
Beyond its sound, the ’59 Resonator has a personality all its own. For players who want the classic resophonic tone of the ’50s with modern reliability, the Danelectro ’59 Resonator is an instrument that delivers both character and performance in equal measure.
Danelectro '67
Main Features
- Vintage-inspired offset 6-string solidbody with lightweight alder construction
- Twin Lipstick single-coil pickups for jangly midrange tone and crisp treble
- Maple neck with pau ferro fingerboard for smooth playability
- 3-way pickup selector with master volume and tone controls for tonal versatility
- Adjustable saddle bridge for precise intonation
- Retro offset design with classic late ’60s vibe
The Danelectro ’67 captures the essence of late ’60s rock with a playful, jangly character that immediately inspires creativity. Its lightweight alder body delivers bright, articulate midrange tones that are perfect for surf, garage rock, or any style needing a spark of vintage energy.
The twin Lipstick pickups bring clarity and warmth in equal measure, offering a punchy, treble-forward voice that stands out in both clean and slightly overdriven settings.
Playability is great and the fingerboard feels very smooth. Chords ring clearly, leads feel effortless, and the adjustable saddle bridge ensures precise tuning and intonation.
With a 3-way pickup selector and master tone and volume controls, you can sculpt your sound to suit a wide range of styles. Lightweight, versatile, and full of retro charm, the ’67 Dano is a distinctive choice for anyone looking to add character and vintage personality to their collection.
Danelectro '56 Baritone
Main Features
- Extended 29.75"-scale baritone neck for low B–B tuning and deep resonance
- Chambered spruce body with hardboard top and back for sustain and clarity
- High-output Lipstick single-coil pickups deliver throaty, punchy tones
- Pau ferro fingerboard with bolt-on maple neck for smooth playability
- 3-way pickup selector with master volume and tone controls for tonal flexibility
- Iconic Art Deco single-cut body style and Dolphin headstock for classic Dano aesthetics
The Danelectro ’56 Baritone brings deep, powerful tones to the forefront, offering a unique voice that sits between guitar and bass. Tuned a perfect fourth below standard E-to-E, this instrument is perfect for downtuned country, surfy rock, or modern rock explorations. Its chambered spruce body and hardboard construction provide a resonant yet focused sound, while the high-output Lipstick pickups punch through with clarity and warmth.
Playability is effortless thanks to the 29.75"-scale maple neck with a smooth pau ferro fingerboard. The adjustable saddle bridge ensures perfect intonation across the extended scale, making complex chord voicings and single-note lines feel natural.
With its retro Art Deco body and Dolphin headstock, the ’56 Baritone isn’t just versatile—it’s a statement piece. Players get a combination of vintage charm, modern reliability, and deep, expressive tones that stand out in any ensemble or recording session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Danelectro Guitars Suitable for Modern Genres?
Absolutely. While Danelectro guitars are rooted in vintage tone, their semi-hollow bodies, versatile pickup configurations, and responsive necks make them suitable for indie, alternative, blues, and even light metal genres. Many players use them with pedals and amps to create contemporary textures while retaining that classic Dano character.
Do Danelectro Guitars Retain Vintage Value?
Many models, especially those inspired by classic ’50s and ’60s designs, hold their value well. Limited editions, baritone models, and 12-string or doubleneck guitars often become collectible, appealing to both musicians and vintage enthusiasts.
Which Danelectro Model Is Best for Experimental Tones?
If you love exploring tonal possibilities, the ’64 Triple Divine, Doubleneck, or baritone models are excellent choices. With multiple pickups, semi-hollow construction, and extended-range tunings, these guitars encourage creativity and allow players to craft unique tones for any style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Danelectro guitar in 2026 comes down to your personal style, tonal needs, and creative goals. Whether you’re drawn to the jangly charm of a 6-string, the lush textures of a 12-string, the deep growl of a baritone, or the unique character of a resonator or doubleneck, there’s a Danelectro model designed to inspire.
With their vintage flair, distinctive Lipstick pickups, and accessible price points, these guitars continue to be a favorite for players seeking something different from the usual options. As you explore the lineup, keep in mind the features that matter most to you, from playability and tone to looks and versatility.
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