Danelectro 58 Longhorn Baritone CB

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Baritone CB review

The Danelectro 58 Longhorn Baritone CB takes the familiar guitar format into baritone territory with a 756 mm (29.75-inch) scale. Its longer string length gives the instrument a different feel under the fingers, and its copper burst finish and distinctive bottle-shaped 3+3 headstock make it visually unusual. At a listed price of 572, it offers a focused option for players looking to add lower-register guitar sounds without moving to a larger instrument.

The body uses a poplar frame and middle block with a Masonite top and back. A bolt-on maple neck carries a Pau Ferro fingerboard with 24 frets and a D profile. The bridge is fully adjustable, and the guitar has a pickguard and Kluson-style tuning machines. There is no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

Setup and feel

One owner who had previously bought an earlier version reported that their newer instrument felt better finished and was ready to play straight out of the box. On that guitar, the string height and intonation were set correctly, although the fret ends felt slightly sharp. This is a useful reminder that setup and fret finishing can vary between individual instruments. Another player needed to raise the neck or string height to reduce fret buzz, so a quick setup check is sensible before judging the guitar's feel.

The long scale is the main adjustment for players coming from a standard guitar. Frets sit farther apart, and larger bends take more effort, according to the user feedback. The instrument is described as surprisingly light and easy to handle, and one owner said it fit in a regular guitar gig bag despite its extended scale. That is an individual report, not a supplied case specification, and the guitar does not come with a gig bag.

Pickups and controls

Two high-output lipstick single-coil pickups provide the sound. Players describe the result as airy, floating, and versatile, with a character that works especially well for sustained textures and layered parts. That description fits the instrument's strengths: the baritone register can add depth and atmosphere without simply imitating a bass. One reviewer found it less convincing as a forceful lead voice, where the pickups seemed restrained rather than assertive. The tone will suit some arrangements better than others.

The control layout is a notable compromise. Two stacked volume and tone pots combine functions on concentric knobs. Owners found them awkward to understand and fiddly to adjust, and one reported that the controls felt a little loose. The pots are described as linear, which can make small changes to volume or tone less gradual. There is no pickup selector listed in the specifications. One reviewer would have preferred a three-way switch, while another recalled that an older version had a switch. The supplied information does not establish that every version shares the same control layout, so check the exact instrument if switching options matter to your setup.

What it does well

• Distinctive baritone voice: The long scale and lipstick pickups offer a lower, spacious sound suited to texture and layered guitar parts.
• Light, manageable feel: Owners praise its low weight and report that its overall size remains practical.
• Eye-catching finish: Copper Burst gives the instrument a strong visual identity.
• Useful adjustment range: The fully adjustable bridge lets players set intonation to suit their preferred strings and tuning.

Limitations to consider

The stacked controls are the clearest ergonomic drawback, particularly for players who want quick, intuitive changes while performing. The long fret spacing also makes wide bends more demanding, and the sound may be too gentle for players seeking a hard-hitting solo tone. As with any baritone, choosing an appropriate string set and checking the setup can make a substantial difference. One owner also reported using an Ernie Ball 20, 90 set to play it as a six-string bass, but that is a user experiment rather than a manufacturer-specified use.

Verdict

The Danelectro 58 Longhorn Baritone CB is an individual-sounding instrument for players who want lower guitar parts with an airy, spacious character. Its lightweight build, striking finish, and distinctive pickups earn strong praise from owners, while the unusual controls and long reach call for some adjustment. At the listed price of 572, it is worth considering if its particular voice fits your music. Try one in person if possible, especially to assess the fret spacing and stacked knobs before buying.