Danelectro '63 reissue - mini-review

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Will
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Danelectro '63 reissue - mini-review

Post by Will »

Just checked out one of these:
Image

Through a Fender Super Six (attn. Robroe). It was very nice - a bit better then last year's models. It was all satin (which I like) with brushed chrome hardware. The only crap thing about the aesthetics was the "aged" trim tape and pickguard, which was clearly a friday afternoon job done with some wood stain and a paintbrush - the brush strokes were pretty apparent. The neck PUP sounded perfect - very full and twangy and snappy and all those other buzz words. The bridge PUP was extremely bright and hollow, almost like the out-of-phase sound on a Mustang, not particularly useful for anything other then 60s spy riffs. Combined, the signal was quite a bit louder and seemed to favor the neck PUP a bit. Chords sounded muddy in this setting, but it was very nice for solos and jazz fills. It would probably be a good sound through fuzz. The controls weren't very responsive - tone was OK, but still a little bunched in the last 1/4 of rotation; volume didn't have much of an effect until the last 1/3. I'm guessing they used linear taper as they did on the late 90's reissues. The switch felt a little loose and wanky - nothing like the stiff and heavy switch on the originals. To the positive, the neck was wonderfully finished, very comfortable, and had excellent fret work. The rosewood board was also a very rich and dark color with nice yellow variations. Tuners were also nice, but tuning was hurt by a less-then-perfect nut.

All-in-all, very nice for $250 and a bit better build (if not finish) quality then last year's models.
benecol

Post by benecol »

I'm so hoping that the baritone versions of these are in stock in Europe in September - that'll be my birthday present.
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theshadowofseattle
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Post by theshadowofseattle »

DO WANNNNNNT
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Will
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Post by Will »

UPDATE: Apparently the problem I noticed with the side tape has led to the vast majority of these guitars being rejected by dealers (also other problems). They're saying it'll be several more months before "acceptable" units are in stock. Don't buy from a place that doesn't select inventory (MF, AMS, etc.).
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Post by soma89 »

I have an Original 1963 Silvertone 1457 and it's hard to believe that there could be a better Dano then that, its just tops.
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timhulio
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Post by timhulio »

Checked out the 'aged' doublecut danos in Denmark Street a few days ago, I was surprised how lame the brushed metalwork looks.