Danelectro 59 DC Long Scale Copper 98-01 Reissue

[gcarter]

I unexpectedly just picked up a really cool Danelectro bass. I was originally looking for a Jazz body but saw this for a great deal and couldn’t pass it up.

I’ve had 3 Danelectro DC basses now, black sparkle, commie red and now this one in their cool copper finish. All my Danelectros have been the original reissues made in Korea. These are excellent instruments. Great fretwork, lightweight and a strong pronounced midrange. I like the tone in my two (loud) guitar band. What sealed the deal was the already upgraded tuners and fully adjustable bridge. I previously reamed the headstock to support actual bass tuners (originally these basses came with guitar tuners) so I was happy to avoid that and the ability to adjust individual saddles for intonation is a great improvement. I know many like the popsicle style bridge but I prefer the adjustability. When I got it the binding was coming off in places which I’ve repaired in addition to doweling and upgrading the strap pins.

Ready for the next show, thanks for checking it out!

 

[GretschWretch]

Good score. I've had an on-and-off flirtation with Danos for years. For all the reasons you list plus the Americana vibe.

 

[gcarter]

Good score. I've had an on-and-off flirtation with Danos for years. For all the reasons you list plus the Americana vibe.

I love Fender but sometimes you need to scratch that Danelectro itch! Thank you.

 

[GretschWretch]

I love Fender but sometimes you need to scratch that Danelectro itch! Thank you.

I can see this. That's a really interesting looking Danelectro you have in your avatar.

 

[gcarter]

I can see this. That's a really interesting looking Danelectro you have in your avatar.

Avatar bass is actually a MJT precision, their take on the Fender Antigua finish. I love that bass and actually wrote about it too. My attempt at recreating a 1978 Fender I regret selling. If you want to read about that one it’s here: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/new-bass-build-antigua-precision.1665981/

 

[mcgreivey]

Cool

Join the Danelectro Owners Club, if you haven't already.

I have one in copperburst, of about the same vintage. I have no problem with the small-key tuners, or the popsicle stick bridge.

 

[2saddleslab]

Snagged a black version years ago. Lightweight, inexpensive, and sounded damn good. What's not to like?

Congrats, OP!

 

[buldog5151bass]

My first bass was a nest up copper Dano I borrowed from my uncle almost 50 years ago. I wish I had one.

 

[gcarter]

Cool

Join the Danelectro Owners Club, if you haven't already.

I have one in copperburst, of about the same vintage. I have no problem with the small-key tuners, or the popsicle stick bridge.

My stock tuners were slipping and alternate tunings wasn’t helping. Thanks for your comment and the Dano love.

 

[gcarter]

My first bass was a nest up copper Dano I borrowed from my uncle almost 50 years ago. I wish I had one.

My dad had a Danelectro as well. Some nostalgia to go along with killer instruments!

 

[JIO]

Snagged a black version years ago. Lightweight, inexpensive, and sounded damn good. What's not to like?

Congrats, OP!

I agree - and can't beat the "Dano-sound"

 

[JIO]

Cool

Join the Danelectro Owners Club, if you haven't already.

I have one in copperburst, of about the same vintage. I have no problem with the small-key tuners, or the popsicle stick bridge.

Me also...

 

[gcarter]

Me also...

View attachment 7487556 View attachment 7487557

Looking good my man!

 

[JIO]

Looking good my man!

My '68 Coral Deluxe Bass (second from the right) hooked me on Dano's. They have a very specific sound like no other bass has. Nasally but in a good way and unlike the way a Jazz bass is nasally. It's the lipstick pu's, electronic's harness and pu location.

 

[gcarter]

My '68 Coral Deluxe Bass (second from the right) hooked me on Dano's. They have a very specific sound like no other bass has. Nasally but in a good way and unlike the way a Jazz bass is nasally. It's the lipstick pu's, electronic's harness and pu location.

View attachment 7487559

Totally agree with the nasal quality that I really like as well. Feels like a mid bump where a jazz has mid scoop.

 

[JIO]

Totally agree with the nasal quality that I really like as well. Feels like a mid bump where a jazz has mid scoop.

And as much as I posted that the electronic's harness is part of the sonic mix - all the Dano made basses I posted (3 from '68 and the Longhorn from 2000) have different electronics and yet all have that sound. So it's primarily those pu's and where they are located. (more north-south as many '60s basses were)

 

[msb]

My stock tuners were slipping and alternate tunings wasn’t helping. Thanks for your comment and the Dano love.

If you clean and lubricate the tuners they may be fine.

 

[gcarter]

If you clean and lubricate the tuners they may be fine.

I did consider that as the gears are easily accessible. However, I’m more confident in a more robust tuner. Slipped out of tune at practice and justified The upgrade. Another thing I appreciate about Danelectro is they are inexpensive so I don’t hesitate modifications.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If anyone has one they want to trade/sell, let me know

 

[mcgreivey]

I did consider that as the gears are easily accessible. However, I’m more confident in a more robust tuner. Slipped out of tune at practice and justified The upgrade. Another thing I appreciate about Danelectro is they are inexpensive so I don’t hesitate modifications.

Those D-tuners are easy to take apart and clean and re-lube. The original lube gets gummy over time. I think they're 13:1, which isn't high-ratio, but mine work and stay in tune just fine (especially after cleaning).