Danelectro 59 Dano 12 Lefthand BK

Danelectro 59 Dano 12 Lefthand BK review

The Danelectro 59 Dano 12 Lefthand BK is a left-handed electric 12-string with a distinctive retro look and a semi-hollow construction. Its Masonite top and back sit on a poplar frame, and the black finish keeps the appearance simple. At a listed price of $645, it offers a relatively accessible route into 12-string electric playing, particularly for left-handed guitarists who have fewer options to choose from.

Player reports describe an instrument that is light, comfortable to play, and capable of a full, bright 12-string sound. Those impressions come with a few practical qualifications. The neck can dip when the guitar hangs from a strap, the bridge pickup may sound sharp on its own, and the tone control has drawn complaints about its narrow, abrupt adjustment range. These are worth considering alongside the generally positive reports on playability, tuning stability, and value.

Construction and feel

The guitar has a double-cutaway body, a maple neck, a Pau Ferro fingerboard, 21 frets, and a 635 mm scale length. Its 44.6 mm nut width gives the paired strings room while keeping the neck within a width one player specifically wanted to stay below 45 mm. A double-action truss rod allows neck adjustment. The instrument has no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

Players report a comfortable neck and low action, with no fret buzz on the instrument they received. Several also describe it as light enough to wear for extended sessions. That low weight is part of the appeal, but it contributes to a balance issue: with the metal tuning machines adding weight at the headstock, the neck can drop when the player lets go. One owner found that a wide, 8 cm strap helped slow the movement. Strap choice may help, but buyers who move around onstage should factor in the reported neck dive.

Overall workmanship receives favorable comments for the price, including reports of a clean black finish and a well-set-up instrument. One owner did note that the pickguard cutout looked less refined than the rest of the guitar. That is a cosmetic detail rather than a reported obstacle to playing, but it reinforces the distinction between an affordable working instrument and a high-end finish.

Pickups and sound

Two lipstick single-coil pickups feed a simple control layout: one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way pickup selector. The strings are D'Addario EXL150, gauged.010 to.046. Players describe the basic sound as full and warm through some amplifiers, with a more pronounced, cutting quality through others. The paired strings supply their own natural chorus-like shimmer, which can be enough for clean chord work without an effect.

For clean playing, reports favor the neck pickup or a combination of both pickups. One player found the bridge pickup too thin and sharp by itself. That owner also reported that the two pickups are wired in series, making the combined setting noticeably louder than either pickup alone. The volume jump can be useful, but it may catch a player off guard during rehearsal or a live set. It is sensible to check the selector positions at performance volume before relying on them for a quick change.

A modest chorus effect can add more movement, though the 12-string sound already provides plenty of shimmer. Players also report good results with light overdrive and distortion, especially for thicker rhythm parts and power chords. The guitar may not be the first choice for every delicate, jangly lead sound, but it can cover fuller rhythm textures and more heavily driven parts. The exact balance will depend on the amplifier and effects in use.

Controls and setup considerations

The tone control is the most consistent concern in the feedback. Some owners say its response feels abrupt, with much of the change happening near one end of the knob's travel. One describes it as almost an on-off control, while another reports a sudden, very dark sound once it passes a threshold. Experiences may vary between instruments, but buyers who make frequent, precise tone adjustments should test this control in person when possible. A player who is comfortable having a technician check or replace a potentiometer may see this as a manageable issue, rather than a reason to rule out the guitar.

Reports on tuning are generally reassuring. One player said the guitar stayed in tune well, and another found that it held tuning reasonably well for the price. The listed specifications identify a left-handed model, but do not include a case or gig bag. A matching case is listed separately as item 177636, so it should be budgeted for separately if needed.

Verdict

The Danelectro 59 Dano 12 Lefthand BK makes a compelling case for players seeking an affordable left-handed electric 12-string. Its comfortable neck, low action, light body, and broad, layered sound earn strong feedback. The main tradeoffs are the potential neck dive, the bridge pickup's sharp solo character, and a tone control that some players find difficult to use smoothly. If those points fit your needs, this Danelectro offers a distinctive instrument for clean chord work, substantial rhythm tones, and moderate distortion.