DANELECTRO ’56 BARITONE

Where it all began

Can those lipstick pickups cope with the extra low-end?

They can... to a point. Let’s be honest, this isn’t going to be the guitar your average death metal band crafts its riffs on, so the need for surgically tight, high-output pickups is not applicable. But don’t be fooled; the combination of the iconic lipstick pickups and the semi-acoustic body means it can certainly make a superb racket if you push it.

So where have the savings been made?

At this price point, you’re not expecting high-end components. Indeed, the bridge appears to rest against the body courtesy of two screws, and the overall finish is not what you’d call elite-level. But for some reason, none of this matters. We’re not after Prs-esque precision and engineering excellence. This Dano is meant to be quirky and fun.

Vintage by name, vintage by nature?

Exactly. In fact, it’s generally accepted that Danelectro produced the first of what we now know as baritone guitars, and here we have its modern-day homage. Fans of genres like surf rock, hillbilly and country will be in their element.