Danelectro 56 Baritone Black Metal Flake

Danelectro 56 Baritone Black Metal Flake review

The Danelectro 56 Baritone Black Metal Flake is built for guitarists who want a lower register without moving to bass. Its 756 mm scale is the defining feature: longer than a standard guitar scale, it supports baritone tuning and gives the strings room to maintain tension at lower pitches. Players describe the instrument as especially useful for rock and roll, Americana, and recordings that need a part between bass and rhythm guitar.

At a listed price of $645, it offers a distinctive baritone format with a lightweight body and familiar, straightforward controls. That combination makes it worth considering for players who want a dedicated low-tuned guitar rather than a standard guitar they need to retune. The instrument has been available since December 2022, and its item number is 533953.

Construction and feel

The body frame and center block are poplar, with a Masonite top and back. A maple neck is paired with a pau ferro fingerboard and 24 frets. Tape binding and a transparent pickguard contribute to the look, while the black metal flake finish gives this version a conspicuous, reflective appearance. Owners have praised the finish and reported that the guitar feels light and versatile to handle.

The 756 mm scale may take some adjustment if you are used to a regular-length guitar. The longer string length is central to the baritone's role, but it also affects reach and hand position. One owner praised the neck and found the guitar playable straight out of the box. Another reported that a setup was needed, including attention to fret ends. Those experiences suggest that the initial setup and fret finishing may vary between individual instruments.

Danelectro specifies a fully adjustable bridge and Kluson-style tuning machines. The model has no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included. Check your budget for a suitable bag or case, and allow time to inspect the setup when the guitar arrives.

Pickups and controls

Two high-output lipstick single-coil pickups provide the main voice. The control layout is uncomplicated, with one volume control and one tone control. Players describe the pickups as warm and inspiring on clean settings, with a sound suited to atmospheric parts and western-leaning tones. With distortion, owners report a forceful low-register sound that can add weight to a rock arrangement.

These impressions are useful context, not a promise that the guitar will suit every rig. Amplifier, strings, tuning, and effects all shape the result. Still, the combination of two lipstick pickups and the extended scale gives the 56 Baritone a clear purpose: producing a distinct, lower guitar voice rather than simply duplicating a conventional electric guitar.

What owners report

Positive comments focus on the sound, appearance, and playability. Several players value the Danelectro baritone voice for rock and roll and Americana, while one describes it as a strong way to fill the space between bass and rhythm guitar in a recording. Owners also praise the light weight, attractive finish, and warm pickup response. One player found the neck especially comfortable and said the guitar played well straight from the box.

There are also practical qualifications. One report mentions rough fret ends, a ground connection that was not linked to the bridge, and the need for setup work. Another owner replaced the supplied strings immediately, although that is a personal preference rather than a specification or a universal requirement. These reports make an arrival inspection sensible, particularly around fret edges, tuning, and the bridge's grounding.

Verdict

The Danelectro 56 Baritone Black Metal Flake is a focused choice for players who need a long-scale electric guitar with a recognizable baritone character. Its poplar frame and center block, Masonite body panels, maple neck, pau ferro fingerboard, and pair of high-output lipstick single coils give it a straightforward specification built around that role. The clean tones and heavier distorted sounds described by owners make it suitable for parts that need more depth than a standard guitar can provide.

Its main cautions are straightforward too: no case or gig bag is supplied, and owner reports point to possible setup or fret-finishing work. Buyers should check the individual instrument rather than assume every example will arrive in identical condition. If the extended scale and baritone sound fit your music, the model offers a distinctive, lightweight option at its listed $645 price.