Danelectro 59 Dano 12 BK

I've always wanted a 12-str Rickenbacker and have tried quite a few in the shops. They're unparallel to anything I personally consider for the epitomy of sound and craftsmanship. So, being on a budget, I thought I'd give the ol' Danelectro a try. Definitely the money's worth, sound is good and the build quality for the price excellent. While waiting a chance to get my hands on a Rick, this will do just find.

The Danelectro DC59-12 BK, also known as the 12SDC in the USA, is a 12 string guitar based on the original 6 string 1958-1969 period Danelectro Model 3021 (later known as the DC59) double cut-away “shorthorn” style guitar as used by Jimmy Page.

This guitar came with a high gloss black finish and chrome hardware. One reason that I bought this guitar from Thomann was because at the time of purchase they were the only place that I could find in Europe selling this guitar with the gloss finish. Everywhere else was selling it with a vintage look matte black finish, matte pickups and hardware. Personally I think this “piano” black glossy finish looks much nicer.

The guitar comes in completely plain packaging. The box includes two hex keys for intonation and truss rod adjustment. Hanging from the neck is a Danelectro label that merely describes the model. Other than that there are no instructions for truss rod adjustment or specifications for string gauges, height settings etc. Apparently you have to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod and the standard strings are 10 gauge. Fortunately all this information and more can be found in FAQ format on the Internet.

While retaining the retro look and appeal of the original guitars, I believe this Korean made re-issue is manufactured to a much higher standard. I find it difficult to believe that the body is still made using Masonite fibre board. The finish is so smooth and flawless, in particular the rounded edges of the top and back, that it looks more like precision injection moulded plastic, in a good way.

The elongated headstock accommodates 12 sealed Gotoh style tuners. The bridge is a very clever design that provides height and intonation adjustment for each string. A separate tone and volume knob replaces the two dual volume and tone stacked knobs of the DC59 which means that you cannot independently set tone/volume levels for each pickup when you have both pickups selected, but this does not diminish the guitar. The volume and tone pots operate smoothly and have a nice progressive response throughout the range of adjustment.

The setup of the guitar was fine straight out of the box. All I had to do was tune it. I used a whole tone down from standard tuning; as preferred by many 12 string guitar players. It stays in tune very well.

The guitar has a light but reassuringly solid feel. The quality of the neck is very good with well finished fret ends and no sharp edges. The comfortably low action and neck profile make it easy to play. The fact that I am fretting two string at a time is barely noticeable.

I believe the awkward position of the neck strap button on this guitar increases the possibility of a strap falling off. I fit strap locks to all of my guitars. With this guitar I think it is essential and it may also be necessary to trim down the width of the end of a typical guitar strap to fit it comfortably into the restricted space. Another option would be to relocate the button to a different position.

Apparently the white edge binding tape on the body was a cheap solution to covering the joints in the original guitars, but these days its function is purely decorative. I am not sure how durable it is but if problems do develop there are instructions for repair and also replacement tape available on the internet.

How does it sound? Well just brilliant, especially through a clean channel tube amp! Exactly the bright jingly jangly sound I would expect from a 12 string, but at almost one tenth the cost of a Rickenbacker 360/12.

Highly recommended.

I've wanted a 12 string electric guitar for many years but couldn't quite justify spending thousands on a 360 Rickenbacker at the moment, so I bought this little gem. At a fraction of the price. Personally it doesn't have the classy looks of a 360 but does have plenty of the gangly sound!!! Set up quite well, stays in tune, the action is light for a 12 and it's easy to play. Addictive!!