baritones: Eastwood vs. Danelectro opinions wanted

zipflint · #1 10-28-2009, 02:53 PM

I guess the title says it all. I'm really wanting a baritone guitar lately but won't be able to try anything out before I order. No baritones in either of the music shops around here, ever. I've narrowed it down to these two based solely on price, about $400. I'm not expecting flawlessness, but solid sound and construction I hope are givens.

I'm not against buying used from the talkbass classifieds either, if anyone has any suggestions. I'd rather avoid ebay unless the seller is someone on here.

Here's the Eastwood Sidejack baritone (I slightly prefer the looks of this one)

And here's a link to the Danelectro
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=580357

goyin108 · #2 10-28-2009, 03:14 PM

I have the Eastwood Sidejack in the exact color as your pic. Mine came setup quite well, the hardware functions adequately and the pickups are serviceable. It is not the end all be all of baritones but for the price I was not disappointed but rather surprised at the quality. I have not played the Danelectro but I have owned several. All of them are now gone except for the 12 string. The build quality does not seem to have the ability to take day in and day out punishment as much as a solid body instrument IMHO. The Danolectro is plywood while the Eastwood is solid Basswood.

RickenBoogie · #3 10-28-2009, 03:18 PM

Also, consider the Gretch baritone. Pricing is similar, quality is better.

chuck3 · #4 10-28-2009, 03:21 PM

while we are on the subject of baritones, I am wondering if anyone has ever played a Music Man Silhouette, which according to EBMM is 29-5/8 scale designed to be tuned A-to-A if you use their baritone strings:

I have long GAS-ed for one of these.

zipflint · #5 10-28-2009, 11:55 PM

Thanks for the input gang. I had not considered the plywood vs. basswood angle. That steers me towards the Eastwood.
I like the Gretsch and would definitely consider it, but the going rate seems to be about $524 on musiciansfriend. That's really just out of my price range. Maybe I can find one used? I'd like a finish other than than the standard black sparkle though. That's not a deal-breaker by any means.....