Danelectro 57 Limo Black

Danelectro 57 Limo Black review

The Danelectro 57 Limo Black has a look that stands apart from familiar solid-body guitars. Its black finish, distinctive body shape, and lipstick-style pickups give it a strong retro character before the first note is played. At $639, it also makes a specific promise: a recognizable design with a voice that does not simply imitate a standard single-coil guitar.

The instrument has a spruce body with a solid frame and a Masonite top, a maple neck, and a Pau Ferro fingerboard. Its 635 mm scale is about 25 inches, and the fingerboard carries 21 frets. A double-action truss rod provides neck adjustment. Danelectro fits two vintage-style 1950s lipstick single-coil pickups, two stacked tone and volume controls, a three-way pickup selector, and Gotoh vintage-style tuning machines. There is no tremolo, case, or gig bag included.

Build and setup

Owners frequently praise the guitar's appearance and finish, and one reviewer found the fingerboard darker and more subtly grained than expected from product photos. The guitar was described as light in the hands, with a smooth-feeling fingerboard. One buyer did report that the fingerboard initially left color on the hand, so that is worth checking when the instrument arrives.

Setup feedback is less uniform. One owner received a guitar that needed adjustment to suit their preferences. The tone and volume knobs caught against each other, and the tone control's useful range felt unusually short, with little practical change before the sound became nearly muted. Another player also noted a short tone-control sweep. These comments describe individual experiences, not a guaranteed fault, but they make a careful inspection sensible. Check that the controls turn freely and independently, and assess the setup before deciding whether the guitar is ready to play straight out of the box.

The string spacing may feel wider than what some players are used to. That is a matter of preference, but it can affect comfort for players accustomed to a narrower layout. The 635 mm scale is relatively compact compared with a traditional 25.5-inch guitar scale, which may also shape the feel under the fingers.

Pickup character and controls

The central attraction is the pair of lipstick pickups. Players describe their sound as distinct from the other guitars they own, with a clear, unusual character. The middle selector position drew particular attention for its full, pronounced sound. One owner reported that the combined setting came across louder than either pickup used alone. That is a useful reminder to compare the three switch positions at performance volume, especially if you plan to move between them during a song.

These are single-coil pickups, and a reviewer noted that they picked up noise, particularly with an overdriven amplifier. Keeping some distance from noisy electrical sources and managing gain can help in that situation. The guitar's tonal range was broader than one owner initially expected. Alongside country and funk, they found it suited jazz and rockabilly, with an articulate sound that stayed interesting through different playing styles.

The controls deserve attention during a hands-on test. Listen to how the tone changes across its full sweep rather than judging it from a quick turn. Also check the stacked controls for clearance and make sure the selector positions are easy to distinguish. Owners' reports suggest that small setup or control adjustments can make a meaningful difference to the playing experience.

Who should consider it?

The 57 Limo Black is a strong fit for players who want a visually distinctive guitar and are drawn to the particular response of lipstick pickups. Its sound can cover more than a narrow retro niche, according to owners, but it remains a character instrument. Players seeking a familiar, neutral single-coil voice may want to compare it directly with other guitars before buying.

At $639, the appeal rests on its design, lightweight feel, and individual pickup sound. The trade-offs reported by owners are practical: setup may need attention, the tone controls may have a limited sweep, and single-coil noise can appear with added gain. There is no case or gig bag in the package, so factor in separate protection if you need to transport it.

Verdict: The Danelectro 57 Limo Black offers a recognizable retro look and a notably individual voice. Try all three pickup positions, check the controls, and inspect the setup before committing. For players who enjoy its distinctive sound and are comfortable making basic adjustments, it has plenty of personality to justify a closer look.