What Are We Reviewing?
Despite closing its doors in 1969, Danelectro made a remarkable comeback three decades later, leading to a plethora of reissues and innovative designs.
While prices have gradually increased, Danelectro guitars remain budget-amiable, offering a nostalgic aesthetic that transports players back in time. A visit to their website reveals an extraordinary array of models, including this year’s exciting new additions.
The 2026 models exemplify a blend of styles, showcasing features that span from the mid-1950s to the brand’s revival in the mid-1990s and beyond.
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All three new models feature the double-cut Short Horn design, boasting a 635mm (25-inch) scale length and a reproduction of the original, albeit short-lived, Full Bell headstock.Notably, these models also sport a new logo: they are branded as ‘Dano’.
Each of the three Dan O models presents a unique theme.The Golden 50’s showcases a striking body and headstock graphic inspired by authentic 1950s kitchen table designs, paired with a duo of hot Lipstick pickups.
Without a scratchplate, the “kitchen table” aesthetic shines through in four solid colors: Cream, Black, Maroon, and Green. Next up is the Dan O Cool, our first review model, wich mirrors the previous guitar but features the rare U3-style pickguard (originally from 1955) in Black, Maroon, Blue, and Green.Additionally, a 12-string variant is available in Aqua Blue, along with a baritone model in Green only.
lastly, the Dan O Mano replaces the overwound Lipstick single coils with two soapbar single coils, maintaining a scratchplate-free design and offering three color options: Maroon, Black, and Silver.
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“With their atomic Age aesthetics,heavily influenced by danelectro’s iconic 1950s designs,the Dano series may represent the brand’s most authentic guitars to date,” states Danelectro. However, the exact reasoning behind this claim remains somewhat ambiguous, as the brand has consistently drawn inspiration from its 1950s heritage since its resurgence in the late 1990s.
On the flip side, Danelectro has arguably produced some of its most practical electric guitars in its extensive history. As an exmaple, the classic ‘Short Horn’ shape, although not explicitly mentioned in promotional materials, was first introduced in 1958.
This model has never featured the original, short-lived headstock, and with the Dano logo, it presents a modern look, quite distinct from the 1950s style. Additionally, the molded ‘D’ logo plastic truss rod cover aligns with the pickguard design, as does the electronics cavity cover on the back.
Details about the construction are notably absent from Danelectro’s press materials and website. Alex Davis from the brand’s distributor, Strings & things, mentions, “The publicly available information is somewhat lacking, but the official build specifications have remained largely unchanged for decades, featuring a hard Canadian maple neck and a rosewood fretboard.”
According to Alex, “the body frame is solid spruce, while the top and bottom panels are hardboard,” though they appear more akin to what we would classify as MDF. Another classic Danelectro feature is the vinyl tape applied to the sides, which here closely matches the body color, unlike the contrasting colors typically seen in the 1950s.
The long heel design, which is quite pronounced and square-edged, places the strap button at its tip, offering minimal assistance for upper-fret access or comfort.
The hardware pays homage to the past, featuring the original-style ‘four-way adjustable bridge’ with a one-piece rosewood saddle, favored by many for its tonal qualities, though it may lack precise intonation. Uniquely, Danelectro includes a later model six-saddle metal bridge in the package, allowing for easy swapping-a thoughtful addition, especially since sourcing Danelectro parts can be challenging.
Another notable feature is the ‘skate Key’ tuners. While we lack direct comparisons to 1950s models, these tuners have basic Kluson-style backs with pressed metal buttons that feel somewhat thin and small, yet are entirely functional.
the nut,consistent with the originals,is aluminum,affixed to the end of the rosewood fingerboard. Even though details like the fingerboard radius are not specified, Danelectro has historically quoted it at 356mm (14 inches), which aligns with our measurements.
Internally, the construction appears tidy, with the rear cavity opening cut after the guitar is finished.The internal structure seems to feature a narrow center block,narrower than the pickups,with a significant block surrounding the bridge. The sides, which form part of this ‘frame,’ are relatively thick, and the lower body is significantly more hollow than the nearly solid horns.
Specifications
Dan O Cool
- PRICE: $599 | £689 | €669
- ORIGIN: Korea
- TYPE: Double-cutaway semi-hollow electric
- BODY: Composite top and back over solid wood frame
- NECK: Maple, C profile bolt-on
- SCALE LENGTH: 635mm (25″)
- NUT MATERIAL/WIDTH: Aluminum / 41.8mm
- FINGERBOARD: Rosewood with small white dot inlays, 356mm (14″) radius
- FRETS: 21 medium-sized
- HARDWARE: Hardtail rosewood saddle bridge, Kluson-style ‘Skate’ tuners - chrome/nickel finish
- BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 55.5mm
- ELECTRONICS: 2x single-coil Lipstick pickups, 2-way lever pickup selector, master volume and tone controls
- WEIGHT: 2.81 kg / 6.24 lbs
- OPTIONS: None available
- MODEL VARIANTS: Dan O Cool 12-string (£759) in Aqua Blue with different pickups, plus a Baritone (£759) in Green
- LEFT-HANDED MODELS: Not available for this model, but lefty versions of the ’59M NOS+ (the ‘Page’ model), Vintage 12-string, and Baritone are offered
- FINISHES: Green (as reviewed), Black, Maroon, Blue – all with a glossy finish and vinyl-tape sides
- PRICE: $599 | £689 | €669
- ORIGIN: Korea
- TYPE: Double-cutaway semi-hollow electric
- BODY: Composite top and back over solid wood frame
- NECK: Maple, C profile bolt-on
- SCALE LENGTH: 635 mm (25″)
- NUT MATERIAL/WIDTH: aluminum / 41.7mm
- FINGERBOARD: Rosewood with small white dot inlays, 356mm (14″) radius
- FRETS: 21 medium-sized
- HARDWARE: Hardtail rosewood saddle bridge, Kluson-style ‘Skate’ tuners – chrome/nickel finish
- BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 55.5mm
- ELECTRONICS: 2x soapbar single-coil pickups, 3-way lever pickup selector, master volume and tone controls
- WEIGHT: 2.83 kg / 6.23 lbs
- LEFT-HANDED MODELS: Refer to Dan O Cool
- FINISHES: Maroon (as reviewed), Black, Silver – all with a glossy finish and vinyl-tape sides
- CONTACT: Danelectro
- Body Style: Double-cutaway Short Horn design
- Scale Length: 635mm (25 inches)
- Pickups: Dual Lipstick single-coil pickups
- Bridge: Hardtail rosewood saddle bridge
- Weight: Approximately 2.81 kg (6.24 lbs)
- Finish Options: Available in Cream, Black, Maroon, and Green
- Body Style: Similar double-cutaway Short Horn design
- Scale Length: 635mm (25 inches)
- Pickups: dual soapbar single-coil pickups
- Bridge: Hardtail rosewood saddle bridge
- Weight: Approximately 2.83 kg (6.23 lbs)
- finish Options: Available in Maroon, Black, and Silver
- Affordability: Both models are priced competitively, making them accessible to a wide range of players.
- Unique Aesthetic: The retro design stands out on stage and in the studio, appealing to musicians who value style.
- Versatility: Suitable for various genres,from rock to jazz,these guitars can adapt to different playing styles.
- Lightweight design: Easy to handle and play for extended periods, reducing fatigue during performances.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your guitar clean and well-maintained to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Experiment with Settings: Explore different amp settings and effects pedals to find your unique sound.
- Join a Community: Engage with other Danelectro enthusiasts online to share tips, tricks, and experiences.
dan O Mano
Build Quality, Playability, and Sound
The setup is functional but not finely tuned. The nut slots are slightly wide but not overly deep, allowing for a good back angle to the tuners.
The string angle from the nut to the tuner post is relatively straight, with only a slight splay. The radius at the rosewood saddle bridge is closer to 305mm (12 inches), resulting in the inner strings being a bit higher than typical setups with individual saddles.
Intonation is surprisingly accurate,considering the one-piece saddle design. While the saddle can be tilted (thanks to a small screw beneath the bridge), it is already quite close to perfect as it comes.
The fretwork is commendable, featuring a medium gauge of approximately 2.68mm wide by 1mm high. while the setup may not be the most refined you’d expect from a contemporary guitar, it’s certainly adequate, especially for those leaning towards blues styles.
The neck feels slightly wider than its actual dimensions, likely due to the flatter radius.It has a classic shallow ‘C’ shape: 20.5mm deep at the 1st fret and 22.8mm at the 12th fret, providing a comfortable playing experience.
Despite claims of overwound pickups, the Lipsticks maintain a relatively low output, which can be easily compensated with a clean boost or other effects. The clarity of the tonal quality is notably impressive.
With added reverb, the bridge pickup produces a twangy sound, while the neck pickup offers a fuller, softer tone-almost akin to a middle position. The middle position, surprisingly, yields more output and a richer sound than expected.
A quick multimeter check reveals that the pickups are wired in series, which is typical for Danelectro models. This configuration retains some of the character of the combined pickups, resulting in a louder output with slightly rounded highs.
Verdict: ★★★★
The narrative surrounding these guitars is somewhat repetitive,as most modern Danelectros as the late 1990s draw inspiration from the 1950s. This is not a new concept.
It’s refreshing to see the return of the rosewood bridge, complemented by a modern six-saddle unit as a backup. While it may not be flawless, it perfectly aligns with the lo-fi aesthetic.
In retail settings, these guitars will typically be priced below £600, with the exception of the baritone and 12-string models. While not the cheapest options available, they certainly maintain a unique charm even after all these years.
Guitar World Verdict: The finishes provide a contemporary and somewhat moody appearance, but the sound is anything but dull. The low-output soapbar single coils are well-suited to the lightweight, resonant body; the Lipstick single coils, while not overly powerful, deliver a delightful clarity and definition that is quintessentially Danelectro.
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The history behind these guitars is somewhat repetitive, as most modern Danelectros since the late 1990s have drawn inspiration from the 1950s. this is not a novel concept.
It’s refreshing to see the return of the rosewood bridge,complemented by a modern six-saddle unit as a backup. While it may not be flawless, it perfectly aligns with the lo-fi aesthetic.
In retail settings, these guitars will typically be priced below £600, with the exception of the baritone and 12-string models. While not the cheapest options available, they certainly maintain a unique charm even after all these years.
Guitar World Verdict: The finishes provide a contemporary and somewhat moody appearance, but the sound is anything but dull. The low-output soapbar single coils are well-suited to the lightweight, resonant body; the Lipstick single coils, while not overly powerful, deliver a delightful clarity and definition that is quintessentially Danelectro.
Hands-On Videos
R.J. Ronquillo
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Timelessly Unique: A Deep Dive into the Danelectro Dan O Cool and Dan O Mano!
Overview of danelectro Guitars
Danelectro has carved a niche in the music industry with its distinctive designs and sounds. The Dan O Cool and Dan O Mano models are prime examples of the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. these guitars not only pay homage to the classic styles of the 1950s but also incorporate modern features that appeal to today’s musicians.
Key features of the Danelectro dan O Cool
key Features of the Danelectro Dan O Mano
Comparative Analysis: Dan O Cool vs. Dan O Mano
| Feature | Dan O Cool | Dan O Mano |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Double-cutaway Short Horn | Double-cutaway Short Horn |
| Pickups | 2x Lipstick single-coil | 2x Soapbar single-coil |
| Weight | 2.81 kg (6.24 lbs) | 2.83 kg (6.23 lbs) |
| Finish Options | Cream, Black, Maroon, Green | Maroon, Black, Silver |
Sound Quality and Performance
Both the Dan O Cool and Dan O Mano deliver extraordinary sound quality, making them suitable for various musical styles. The Dan O Cool features low-output Lipstick pickups that provide a radiant, clear tone, perfect for clean sounds and light overdrive. In contrast, the Dan O Mano is equipped with soapbar pickups, offering a warmer, fuller sound that excels in blues and rock genres.
First-Hand Experience
Musicians who have played both models often note the unique tonal characteristics that each guitar brings to the table. The Dan O Cool is praised for its articulate highs and punchy mids, while the Dan O Mano is favored for its rich, creamy tones that can easily handle distortion.
Benefits of Choosing Danelectro Guitars
practical Tips for New Owners
When you acquire a Danelectro guitar, consider the following tips to enhance your playing experience:
Case Studies: Artists Who Love danelectro
many renowned musicians have embraced Danelectro guitars over the years. as an example, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin famously used a Danelectro guitar during the band’s early years, contributing to their iconic sound. Similarly, Jack White of The White Stripes has been seen playing a Danelectro, showcasing its versatility in modern rock.
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