Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Dark Aqua

Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Dark Aqua review

The Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Dark Aqua is a long-scale electric guitar with a light, chambered feel and a distinctive vintage-style sound. At $618, its appeal rests on the combination of a 30-inch scale, two high-output lipstick single-coil pickups, and a body built from poplar and Masonite. Owner feedback describes a surprisingly resonant unplugged sound and a clear, twangy voice when amplified, though setup and hardware details may need attention.

The instrument has been available since August 2018. Its body frame and center block are poplar, while the top and back are Masonite. The maple neck is bolt-on, with a Pau Ferro fingerboard and 24 frets. The listed 756 mm scale length is about 29.8 inches, which gives the guitar its baritone reach and requires getting used to if you usually play a standard-scale instrument.

Feel, balance, and construction

Despite its long neck, owners consistently describe the guitar as very light and comfortable both seated and standing. One reviewer says its weight is close to that of a regular-scale guitar. The neck feels pleasant to play, and access to the higher frets is reported to be straightforward. The longer scale and heavier strings can initially feel more like a bass than a conventional guitar, but players report that the adjustment brings a clear, low-register sound with a little twang.

Construction uses straightforward materials and hardware, with a finish and feel that some owners associate with Danelectro's inexpensive, lightweight designs. The metal three-way toggle is described as firm, while the plastic control knobs feel less substantial. One owner also found that the rear electronics cover moved slightly even when its screws were tightened. These are practical fit-and-finish observations, rather than evidence that every example will have the same issues.

There is a specific variation worth checking: one buyer received an instrument with a Small Bell headstock rather than the Dolphin 3+3 headstock listed for this model. The reason was unclear to that owner. Since the headstock may differ from product photos or descriptions, confirm the details with the seller if matching that particular design matters to you.

Sound and controls

The pickup system consists of two high-output lipstick single coils, selected by a three-way toggle. Master volume and master tone controls provide the basic adjustments. Unplugged, owners report a clear, full low-register sound with enough acoustic volume to hear the instrument easily. Plugged in, the pickups deliver a clean, bright voice with the characteristic edge players describe as twang. Reports also praise the sound with mild overdrive, and one player found it capable of handling heavier styles.

The two pickups are not reverse-wound, according to one owner. As a result, the middle toggle position does not cancel 60-cycle hum, and that reviewer found the hum increased in that setting. Another player reported that the volume and tone controls did not respond smoothly across their range, making fine adjustments difficult. Potentiometer behavior may vary between individual guitars, so it is worth checking the controls in person when possible.

The chambered construction is close to fully hollow, according to an owner who noted that the cavity on the side with the F-hole connects to the electronics cavity. That construction helps explain the low weight and audible unplugged tone. It also means players should not assume the center block separates the body into isolated chambers.

Setup and day-to-day use

The bridge is fully adjustable, but one reviewer found the action higher than preferred and needed to work harder in some positions with the heavier strings. A setup and experimentation with string gauges may help tailor the feel. Another buyer reported faulty grounding at the bridge and strings, which they were able to correct. These reports do not establish that every guitar needs electrical or setup work, but they make a careful inspection sensible.

Once tuned, one owner said the guitar held its tuning reliably. The bridge, Kluson-style tuning machines, and adjustable setup offer a practical foundation, although one player wished for a different bridge design and hum-canceling lipstick pickups. Those are preferences, not included features: this model has single-coil pickups and no tremolo.

Verdict

The Danelectro 56 Vintage Baritone Dark Aqua suits players looking for an accessible baritone with a notably light body, comfortable balance, and clear, low-register tone. Its 30-inch scale takes some adjustment, and individual examples may call for a setup or a closer look at the controls, grounding, and rear cover. The Dark Aqua finish was described by one owner as brighter and more attractive in person than in catalog photos. No case or gig bag is included, so buyers should plan for separate protection.