Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Black

Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Black review

The Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Black is built around a 756 mm scale, giving it the extended string length expected of a baritone guitar. Its listed price is 611, and it has been available since September 2018. The construction combines a poplar body frame and center block with Masonite top and back, a bolt-on maple neck, and a Pau Ferro fingerboard with 24 frets. The black finish keeps the look restrained, while the distinctive headstock adds a clear Danelectro touch.

Two high-output lipstick single-coil pickups are controlled by one master volume knob, one master tone knob, and a three-way toggle switch. There is no tremolo. A fully adjustable bridge and Kluson-style tuning machines round out the hardware. A matching case is available separately, but a case and gig bag are not included. These details matter when comparing the guitar's price with the cost of a complete setup.

Sound and playing feel

Owners repeatedly point to the sound as the strongest reason to consider this model. Reports describe a distinctive, sweet, somewhat dark voice that delivers the familiar Danelectro character. Players have used it for rock, pop, and heavier styles, while others praise its usefulness in studio recordings. Clean tones and distorted sounds both receive positive feedback. The pickups also seem to work well with effects, giving the instrument room to take on different roles in a mix.

That broad appeal has limits. One player found it less convincing for modern rock, while another was unsure whether lipstick pickups were the right choice for a baritone. Those are useful cautions rather than a universal verdict: pickup preference depends on the sound you want and how the guitar sits alongside the rest of your equipment. The reports suggest a characterful instrument, not a neutral substitute for every guitar in a studio.

The long scale can feel comfortable once the guitar is set up, and owners describe it as lightweight and easy to play for a baritone. That lighter feel is part of the appeal, but it also contributes to the impression that the body is less substantial than some players expect. The instrument's unusual design may spark writing ideas, particularly for players looking to move beyond standard guitar parts.

Setup and construction

Setup quality is the most consistent practical concern in the feedback. Several owners found the strings too high on arrival, and one needed a luthier's adjustment and a string change before the guitar played and sounded as desired. Another player improved the feel considerably by correcting the string height. A separate report mentions difficulty eliminating fret buzz. These experiences do not establish that every example needs work, but buyers should allow time and possible setup costs rather than assume it will arrive ready to play.

Build impressions are mixed. The neck and tuning machines earned favorable comments, while the knobs, pickguard, and finish details drew criticism for feeling inexpensive. One owner found the cutout around the body opening rough and described the pickguard as thin, clear plastic. Another noticed a loose rear electronics cover that only needed its retaining screw tightened. A piece inside the semi-hollow body was also heard moving, though that owner said it did not affect the sound. These are specific owner reports, not confirmed faults on every instrument.

The Masonite top is part of the design, but players expecting traditional solid-wood construction may be disappointed by its feel and appearance up close. Some describe the overall build as lightweight or inexpensive, even while praising its performance. The gap between the sound and the tactile impression is worth considering if finish quality and premium materials are central to your buying decision.

Verdict

The Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Black makes its case through its baritone voice, low weight, and creative potential. Its two lipstick pickups offer a recognizable, effect-friendly sound that owners have enjoyed in recording and across several styles. Setup may require attention, and the plastic components and construction details do not satisfy every buyer. At a listed price of 611, weigh those compromises against the instrument's distinctive tone and the possibility of additional setup work. For players curious about baritone guitar or seeking a particular studio color, it is a compelling option, provided its materials and arrival condition match your expectations.