Danelectro Owners Club

[buldog5151bass]

This arrived today...
View attachment 3530921

I got it off of ebay, with the exception of the Badass II bridge and a shim installed to make the BA bridge work it is really good shape. Love the wear on the front.


Moonshine

That was my first bass and color (minus the bridge some 35 years ago. I wish they would make one in that copper color.

 

[Verne Andru]

Sure does. We take baritones.

124 - Verne Andru

Sweet. Thanks!

It's a baritone neck but strung with Jerry Jones Bass VI strings so it's now plays as a 30" Bass VI.

Danelectros are like tinker-toys in being able to move parts around. That's why I love 'em.

 

[Basspopper]

Big Dano fan. May I be in your club?

This is my old Silvertone 1444. It's been rode hard.

 

[portaflexer]

Please join me in welcoming member #125.

01 - portaflexer
02 - Rob Martinez
03 - rllefebv
04 - The EH Man
05 - Turock
06 - Abaroa
07 - mongo2
08 - deste
09 - JimmyM
10 - Mastermold
11 - williamk
12 - smcfarland1337
13 - jumbodbassman
14 - atomicdog
15 - rfslick
16 - Bullitt5135
17 - bamofo88
18 - sub006
19 - emblymouse
20 - msb
21 - GBassNorth
22 - guylorenz
23 - moonshinegtrs
24 - AphekGreg
25 - brokencode
26 - Farmerboymusic
27 - Wagz
28 - ddinpsl
29 - johninmemphis
30 - gus79seyffert
31 - sneha1965
32 - jasongil1
33 - 1stnamebassist
34 - iamthebassman
35 - rodl2005
36 - April
37 - JoeyDiLamma
38 - rapidfirerob
39 - Southway
40 - benlauziere
41 - FatherG
42 - JGintheHam
43 - mcgreivey
44 - King Kenton
45 - racecarguy
46 - CaptainGrog
47 - SherwoodGreen
48 - foxxiroxx
49 - johnnyangel69
50 - DENelectro
51 - RandyMolson
52 - pinebrookjohn
53 - GIBrat51
54 - suprblip
55 - 4-stringB
56 - tacman6749
57 - Thedeadking
58 - leftieray
59 - jsutton1988
60 - AaronVonRock
61 - scabpicker
62 - rogerbmille
63 - danosix
64 - RicMetsBruce
65 - Back To Bassics
66 - fjadams
67 - Fuzzbass666
68 - old mark
69 - HelpImaRock
70 - R&B
71 - Robin
72 - AlexanderB
73 - biglugpa
74 - sethmadsen
75 - mel0dic.bassist
76 - Eldo
77 - lowendfriend
78 - tomshepp
79 - TDZ
80 - CatSquare
81 - ack
82 - hodad
83 - Celtic59
84 - Michael King
85 - MVS
86 - secretsound5
87 - ScarfFace
88 - blankfield
89 - SamanthaCay
90 - TBPlayerOC
91 - danomite64
92 - Rikki_Sixx
93 - Real Soon
94 - radioripster
95 - Ductapeman
96 - Jouleo
97 - ba$$
98 - CharlyG
99 - EdO.
100 - Old Fart
101 - stringthrough
102 - pedwar
103 - FitzFitz
104 - Arturo+music
105 - Thwack
106 - donny brooks
107 - hulaguy
108 - Marcocolo
109 - Gringo Basso
110 - Rikster
111 - Skillet
112 - odysseios
113 - marmil
114 - Groove Doctor
115 - bassburner
116 - JEBassman
117 - Patrick Spencer
118 - bcbckr
119 - monami
120 - DB10
121 - XinaBrou
122 - alembic76407
123 - D Roger
124 - Verne Andrew
125 - Basspopper

 

[Skillet]

As we have some new members, I thought I'd post links to these two stories of the history of Danelectro, which is the story of Nathan Daniels. I find it fascinating reading. To say he was an innovator is an understatement.
The first link is to an article on Reverb, which his son Howard commented upon, which led to it's current "revised" status.
A Brief (Revised) History of Danelectro

Next is the much more in depth article by his son Howard
Tribute to Nathan I. Daniel, Founder of Danelectro

 

[SJLee]

Anyone here pick up this beauty that recently sold in the classifieds?

 

[portaflexer]

Fixing the spelling error I made earlier on #124

01 - portaflexer
02 - Rob Martinez
03 - rllefebv
04 - The EH Man
05 - Turock
06 - Abaroa
07 - mongo2
08 - deste
09 - JimmyM
10 - Mastermold
11 - williamk
12 - smcfarland1337
13 - jumbodbassman
14 - atomicdog
15 - rfslick
16 - Bullitt5135
17 - bamofo88
18 - sub006
19 - emblymouse
20 - msb
21 - GBassNorth
22 - guylorenz
23 - moonshinegtrs
24 - AphekGreg
25 - brokencode
26 - Farmerboymusic
27 - Wagz
28 - ddinpsl
29 - johninmemphis
30 - gus79seyffert
31 - sneha1965
32 - jasongil1
33 - 1stnamebassist
34 - iamthebassman
35 - rodl2005
36 - April
37 - JoeyDiLamma
38 - rapidfirerob
39 - Southway
40 - benlauziere
41 - FatherG
42 - JGintheHam
43 - mcgreivey
44 - King Kenton
45 - racecarguy
46 - CaptainGrog
47 - SherwoodGreen
48 - foxxiroxx
49 - johnnyangel69
50 - DENelectro
51 - RandyMolson
52 - pinebrookjohn
53 - GIBrat51
54 - suprblip
55 - 4-stringB
56 - tacman6749
57 - Thedeadking
58 - leftieray
59 - jsutton1988
60 - AaronVonRock
61 - scabpicker
62 - rogerbmille
63 - danosix
64 - RicMetsBruce
65 - Back To Bassics
66 - fjadams
67 - Fuzzbass666
68 - old mark
69 - HelpImaRock
70 - R&B
71 - Robin
72 - AlexanderB
73 - biglugpa
74 - sethmadsen
75 - mel0dic.bassist
76 - Eldo
77 - lowendfriend
78 - tomshepp
79 - TDZ
80 - CatSquare
81 - ack
82 - hodad
83 - Celtic59
84 - Michael King
85 - MVS
86 - secretsound5
87 - ScarfFace
88 - blankfield
89 - SamanthaCay
90 - TBPlayerOC
91 - danomite64
92 - Rikki_Sixx
93 - Real Soon
94 - radioripster
95 - Ductapeman
96 - Jouleo
97 - ba$$
98 - CharlyG
99 - EdO.
100 - Old Fart
101 - stringthrough
102 - pedwar
103 - FitzFitz
104 - Arturo+music
105 - Thwack
106 - donny brooks
107 - hulaguy
108 - Marcocolo
109 - Gringo Basso
110 - Rikster
111 - Skillet
112 - odysseios
113 - marmil
114 - Groove Doctor
115 - bassburner
116 - JEBassman
117 - Patrick Spencer
118 - bcbckr
119 - monami
120 - DB10
121 - XinaBrou
122 - alembic76407
123 - D Roger
124 - Verne Andru
125 - Basspopper

 

[JEBassman]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

I love my Dano Longhorn short scale. It's the lightest bass I've found, which is a necessity for me due to severe back & shoulder issues. Another spinal surgery may not be possible or advisable, so I'm working with strong limitations. Fortunately I really like the Longhorn.

It has the classic neck dive. I decided to try upgrading the tuners to ultralights. This weekend I met with my bass tech and discussed adding Hipshot Ultralights which have helped many players. He likes the tuners, but told me they're actually heavier and bigger than the stock tuners already on my Longhorn reissue. He also said the head stock is too small to accommodate the ultralight tuners anyway.

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

His one suggestion is to try connecting my strap to the headstock using a guitar strap tie. I'll give it a shot; some basssists like the results. I'm just disappointed that those upgrades won't work with my lightweight bass.

Any suggestions other other than buying a different bass?
Thanks, Joel

 

[Skillet]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

I love my Dano Longhorn short scale. It's the lightest bass I've found, which is a necessity for me due to severe back & shoulder issues. Another spinal surgery may not be possible or advisable, so I'm working with strong limitations. Fortunately I really like the Longhorn.

It has the classic neck dive. I decided to try upgrading the tuners to ultralights. This weekend I met with my bass tech and discussed adding Hipshot Ultralights which have helped many players. He likes the tuners, but told me they're actually heavier and bigger than the stock tuners already on my Longhorn reissue. He also said the head stock is too small to accommodate the ultralight tuners anyway.

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

His one suggestion is to try connecting my strap to the headstock using a guitar strap tie. I'll give it a shot; some basssists like the results. I'm just disappointed that those upgrades won't work with my lightweight bass.

Any suggestions other other than buying a different bass?
Thanks, Joel

One thing that's helped me combat shoulder pain is going with a GruvGear Duostrap. It distributes the weight across both shoulders. It's allowed me to gig with some of my heavier basses. It also helps tremendously with neck dive, as you have the added traction of two straps holding the bass in place.
It might be worth a shot.

The other trick I know of is to add a counterweight to the rear strap button using a longer screw and some variety of fishing weights.
Good Luck!

 

[Feral Feline]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

I love my Dano Longhorn short scale. It's the lightest bass I've found, which is a necessity for me due to severe back & shoulder issues. Another spinal surgery may not be possible or advisable, so I'm working with strong limitations. Fortunately I really like the Longhorn.

It has the classic neck dive. I decided to try upgrading the tuners to ultralights. This weekend I met with my bass tech and discussed adding Hipshot Ultralights which have helped many players. He likes the tuners, but told me they're actually heavier and bigger than the stock tuners already on my Longhorn reissue. He also said the head stock is too small to accommodate the ultralight tuners anyway.

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

His one suggestion is to try connecting my strap to the headstock using a guitar strap tie. I'll give it a shot; some basssists like the results. I'm just disappointed that those upgrades won't work with my lightweight bass.

Any suggestions other other than buying a different bass?
Thanks, Joel

No strap, if you can stand it...

 

[Verne Andru]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

Thanks, Joel

I'm not sure about this. Danelectros are built with a plywood core similar to a 335 so the bridge screws through the masonite into solid plywood. Unless you're Peter Townshend, I don't see much chance of anything breaking off. Same goes for the horns. On both my longhorn archtop bodies the horns are plywood inside.

As for neck dive, I use a Slider Straps Dual Shoulder Strap for my double-neck (which has the worst dive ever) and it not only really helps with the dive, but it evenly distributes the weight to make it feel much lighter than it is.

 

[mcgreivey]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

I love my Dano Longhorn short scale. It's the lightest bass I've found, which is a necessity for me due to severe back & shoulder issues. Another spinal surgery may not be possible or advisable, so I'm working with strong limitations. Fortunately I really like the Longhorn.

It has the classic neck dive. I decided to try upgrading the tuners to ultralights. This weekend I met with my bass tech and discussed adding Hipshot Ultralights which have helped many players. He likes the tuners, but told me they're actually heavier and bigger than the stock tuners already on my Longhorn reissue. He also said the head stock is too small to accommodate the ultralight tuners anyway.

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

His one suggestion is to try connecting my strap to the headstock using a guitar strap tie. I'll give it a shot; some basssists like the results. I'm just disappointed that those upgrades won't work with my lightweight bass.

Any suggestions other other than buying a different bass?
Thanks, Joel

It's actually not true that the body isn't strong enough to mount the strap button on the horn. It is strong enough. The body isn't plastic; it's a wood (probably heavy plywood, if it's a modern Dano) frame with masonite top and bottom. Many people have added a strap button to the upper horn, and it works fine. My Jerry Jones longhorn came with it mounted there, and it's never failed, and it balances perfectly with it there. As for replacing the bridge (though I never would do that), it's the same string tension, no matter what bridge you use. If you screw it into the existing bridge block, it will be fine. If it's some kind of bridge that will pull from the endpin area, you might want to add a reenforcement block inside between the bridge block and the tail area -- but many modern Danos actually already have this anyway. (Open up the control cover and look inside, and you can see the bridge block and what's between it and the tail.)

But if I were you (and--I know--I'm not you), I'd just add a strap button to the upper horn and be done. It will probably balance fine that way. If it's still not satisfactory, a leather strap with a rough back may add a little more additional friction to counteract the little bit of deck dive that remains (if any) after moving the button. And changing the bridge will make it sound different, and will probably make the whole bass at least a few ounces heavier. It's probably about 6-1/2 pounds now?

 

[Verne Andru]

...just add a strap button to the upper horn and be done. It will probably balance fine that way.

+1

 

[JimmyM]

Dano Longhorn too small for desired upgrade

I love my Dano Longhorn short scale. It's the lightest bass I've found, which is a necessity for me due to severe back & shoulder issues. Another spinal surgery may not be possible or advisable, so I'm working with strong limitations. Fortunately I really like the Longhorn.

It has the classic neck dive. I decided to try upgrading the tuners to ultralights. This weekend I met with my bass tech and discussed adding Hipshot Ultralights which have helped many players. He likes the tuners, but told me they're actually heavier and bigger than the stock tuners already on my Longhorn reissue. He also said the head stock is too small to accommodate the ultralight tuners anyway.

He also said upgrading to a heavier bridge, to counter neck dive, won't work within the instrument's limits either: his opinion is that the hollow body isn't strong enough to hold a heavier bridge. A new bridge would eventually break the bass and snap off the plastic body. So would attaching the upper strap button to the upper horn.

His one suggestion is to try connecting my strap to the headstock using a guitar strap tie. I'll give it a shot; some basssists like the results. I'm just disappointed that those upgrades won't work with my lightweight bass.

Any suggestions other other than buying a different bass?
Thanks, Joel

Your luthier is a hundred percent wrong about putting the strap button on the upper horn. My Dano Longhorn is from 09 and long considered the cheapest of the very cheapest Dano reissues. The very first thing I did to it when I bought it in 2010 was to add a strap button to the upper horn. I use that bass pretty regularly, including last night on a gig, and in 9 years, not only has that strap button not broken my bass, but it's not even come loose once. And it's a Dunlop strap lock button that I've never used without the strap lock assembly. There is plenty of wood in that horn to attach a strap button.

I suggest getting a second opinion on everything from a second luthier who's more familiar with Danos. I would, however, pass on putting a new bridge on it. And after you move the strap button to the horn, I think your neck dive problem will be solved.

 

[mcgreivey]

...

I suggest getting a second opinion on everything from a second luthier who's more familiar with Danos. ...

This ^^^^ might be the most important take-away.

But you can do the strap button yourself in a couple minutes, if you have a drill and the right size bit. You don't need no stinkin' luthier!

 

[JEBassman]

One thing that's helped me combat shoulder pain is going with a GruvGear Duostrap. It distributes the weight across both shoulders. It's allowed me to gig with some of my heavier basses. It also helps tremendously with neck dive........
Good Luck!

Hi @Skillet , Thanks for your suggestion. Do you find that your bass stays tightly in place with the Duo Strap, or is it possible to move it a little bit while you play?
~ Joel

 

[JEBassman]

I'm not sure about this. Danelectros are built with a plywood core similar to a 335 so the bridge screws through the masonite into solid plywood. Unless you're Peter Townshend, I don't see much chance of anything breaking off. Same goes for the horns. .....

As for neck dive, I use a Slider Straps Dual Shoulder Strap for my double-neck

Hi @Verne Andru ,
I appreciate your feedback. I was wondering about attaching a bridge. My thought was more to add counterweight to the neck, although it's true that I don't really want to make my bass heavier.

I tried a Slider Strap a few years ago, although I ordered the lighter guitar strap by mistake. Even so, I found that my bass was held tightly in place, and didn't leave me room to adjust position as I played.

I'll have to revisit these strap ideas and maybe try one now and see how it feels. At least a strap doesn't require modding my bass, and can be quickly removed if I don't like it. Thanks for your ideas.
~ Joel

 

[Skillet]

Hi @Skillet , Thanks for your suggestion. Do you find that your bass stays tightly in place with the Duo Strap, or is it possible to move it a little bit while you play?
~ Joel

Well,
It does restrict movement more than a single strap, but it's no straightjacket. I am able to move about and shift my basses as needed with it. It did require a bit of "getting used to" for me, but I was able to use my normal stage antics, which tend to be fairly active.

 

[mcgreivey]

Well,
It does restrict movement more than a single strap, but it's no straightjacket. I am able to move about and shift my basses as needed with it. It did require a bit of "getting used to" for me, but I was able to use my normal stage antics, which tend to be fairly active.

Marissa Paternoster, guitaist/singer with the band Screaming Females, uses the Slinger Hip Strap: Hip Strap guitar strap

You can see it in action here:


(I think I was standing beside the guy who shot this video)

 

[JEBassman]

Your luthier is a hundred percent wrong about putting the strap button on the upper horn. My Dano Longhorn is from 09 and long considered the cheapest of the very cheapest Dano reissues. The very first thing I did to it when I bought it in 2010 was to add a strap button to the upper horn.....
I suggest getting a second opinion on everything from a second luthier who's more familiar with Danos. I would, however, pass on putting a new bridge on it. And after you move the strap button to the horn, I think your neck dive problem will be solved.

Thanks Jimmy. Would you be willing to post a pic of your strap button, so I could see the spot that has worked so well for you?

I appreciate your advice also. It's always wise to explore options, and maybe a different luthier has other ideas, just as you suggest.

Thank you,
Joel