Danelectro guitars are unlike any other instruments on the market. Known for their quirky construction, jangly tones, and iconic lipstick pickups, they’ve carved out a niche that’s part vintage charm, part sonic individuality. From garage rock to indie pop, from Jimmy Page to Phoebe Bridgers, Danelectros have left a distinct sonic fingerprint on the world of music.
Origins and Early Days
Danelectro was founded in 1947 by Nathan “Nat” Daniel in Red Bank, New Jersey. The company began by manufacturing amplifiers, including models for big department store brands like Sears, which sold them under the Silvertone label. It wasn’t until the mid-1950s that Danelectro ventured into guitar production—driven by the same philosophy that had shaped its amps: make something affordable, functional, and just a little unconventional.
Early guitars featured solid poplar bodies and a unique neck reinforcement method using an aluminium tube rather than a traditional truss rod. But the most radical departure from tradition came with the later U-series and Shorthorn models, which embraced hollow bodies made from Masonite (a type of hardboard) with internal poplar frames. Lightweight, visually distinct, and surprisingly resonant, these guitars defied the norms of the time.
Iconic Models
The U1, U2, and U3 models were among Danelectro’s most recognisable early offerings. Their names simply referred to how many pickups they had—one, two, or three respectively. These guitars featured hollow Masonite bodies, stacked concentric knobs for tone and volume, and the now-famous lipstick pickups, which originally used surplus lipstick tubes for the casings. The tone was bright, jangly, and full of character.
Perhaps the most iconic design, however, was the Shorthorn—often referred to today as the “59” due to its release year. With its double-cutaway, lightweight build, and distinctive tone, the Shorthorn became a favourite among players who wanted something unique both in appearance and sound. Reissued multiple times over the decades, it remains one of Danelectro’s most enduring designs.
The Dano Pro, released in the early 1960s and revived several times since, added a more compact, short-scale twist to the Danelectro formula. And in the years that followed, the company also branched out into electric sitars, baritone guitars, and six-string basses—solidifying its reputation as a maker of unusual, niche-friendly gear.
What Makes the Danelectro Sound?
At the heart of Danelectro’s tone is the lipstick pickup—a low-output single coil that produces a bright, sparkling tone with lots of upper harmonic content. These pickups are generally less aggressive than Strat or Tele single-coils and far less mid-heavy than humbuckers. Clean tones shimmer with clarity, while overdriven tones have a raw, almost lo-fi edge that’s perfect for garage rock, surf, or psychedelic music.
The construction materials also play a big role. The use of hollow Masonite bodies gives these guitars a resonant, open character. They’re extremely lightweight, which adds to their airy feel but reduces sustain compared to solid-body guitars. This makes them ideal for rhythm work, jangly chord progressions, and quirky lead lines that cut through a mix.
Additionally, many Danelectros featured unique wiring configurations—like series or parallel pickup switching—and stacked tone/volume controls that gave players more nuanced control over their tone. However, hardware and bridges on vintage models could be basic, which sometimes led to issues with tuning stability and intonation. Thankfully, many modern reissues have improved these elements without losing the charm.
Famous Players and Their Danelectros
While Danelectros were originally budget guitars, they’ve been embraced by some of the most iconic and adventurous players in music history. Jimmy Page famously used a Danelectro Shorthorn live with Led Zeppelin, especially for songs like “Kashmir” and “In My Time of Dying,” where he needed an alternate tuning and a raw, open tone. Eric Clapton also used a psychedelic-finished Shorthorn during his time in Blind Faith.
Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd was another early adopter, using his Danelectro for its distinct sound and visual flair. In more recent years, artists like Phoebe Bridgers, HAIM, and Elvis Costello have embraced Danelectros for their retro looks and sharp, chiming tone. The brand’s visual aesthetic and tone have become especially popular among indie and alternative musicians who value character over polish.
Tone in the Real World
Plug in a Danelectro and you’ll quickly understand why they’ve stood the test of time. Clean tones are vibrant and lively, full of sparkle and articulation. They excel in genres like surf, jangle pop, country, and indie rock—anywhere you want clean chords to shimmer or lead lines to snap. Add a touch of overdrive, and the lipstick pickups deliver a raw, lo-fi crunch that evokes everything from 60s garage bands to modern punk revivalists.
Slide players also love Danelectros, especially the baritone and six-string bass variants. These models offer loose, rattly low-end textures that blend beautifully with reverb, delay, and dirt pedals. If you’re after sustain, thick distortion, or a smooth jazz tone, a Danelectro might not be your first choice—but for vibe and sonic personality, they’re hard to beat.
The Revival
After shutting down in 1969, Danelectro lay dormant for decades until the Evets Corporation revived the brand in the late 1990s. They introduced faithful reissues of classic models and also created a wide range of quirky effects pedals that quickly developed a cult following. Today, Danelectro continues to release updated versions of the U2, Shorthorn, and Dano Pro models, often blending vintage cosmetics with improved modern hardware.
From garage rock grit to indie sparkle, Danelectros have secured their place in the guitar world—not by imitating Gibson or Fender, but by offering something entirely different. Lightweight, eye-catching, and undeniably unique, these guitars offer a sound and style that’s all their own.
