Danelectro 59 Resonator BK

Danelectro 59 Resonator BK review

The Danelectro 59 Resonator BK pairs a Shorthorn-style hollowbody outline with a cone-mounted piezo pickup and a neck-position lipstick single-coil pickup. Its specifications point to a guitar designed around blending two distinct pickup sources, while its Masonite top and back give the instrument a recognizable Danelectro construction approach. At $799, the central question is whether the combination of resonator character and familiar electric-guitar controls makes sense for your playing and budget.

The available player feedback is mixed. One report describes the lipstick pickup's sound as decent, with a high action but a sleek fingerboard that was easy to move across. The same player reported weak build quality and rapid tuning loss, then returned the guitar. Another brief comment says it works well live and looks at home in a studio. Those accounts do not establish that every example will behave the same way, but the difference between them makes a hands-on setup and tuning check especially important before purchase.

Construction and specifications

The body has a poplar frame and center block, with Masonite on the top and back. The top is also identified as Masonite in the specifications. A diamond-plate cover adds a visual detail to the resonator-style design. The neck is maple, and the fingerboard is Pau Ferro, with 21 frets. The 635 mm scale is a shorter scale length than many standard electric guitars, though the supplied specifications do not describe how this particular instrument feels under the fingers.

One player specifically found the fingerboard sleek and easy to navigate, despite noting that the action was high. That distinction matters: a smooth-feeling fingerboard can make position changes comfortable, but it does not correct string height that is set too high for your preference. Ask a seller whether the guitar has been set up, and try it across the full fingerboard if possible. Check for comfortable fretting, clean notes, and consistent playability before deciding whether further adjustment is needed.

Pickup blend and controls

The neck pickup is a '56 Lipstick single coil. The second source is a piezo pickup mounted in the cone. The control layout consists of one master volume, one master tone, and one blend control. That blend control is the key to exploring the guitar's two pickup voices, letting the player adjust their relative contribution rather than relying on a single pickup selection switch.

The feedback supplied here gives the lipstick pickup a modest endorsement, describing its sound as decent. There is no detailed report on the piezo's tone, how the pickups interact across the blend range, or how the guitar responds to different amplifiers. For that reason, it would be unwise to promise a particular resonator sound or a specific balance between acoustic-like and electric character. Test the blend at several settings, at both clean and louder playing levels, and listen for the range that suits your intended parts.

The guitar has no tremolo. That leaves fewer moving parts in the bridge setup, but it does not guarantee tuning stability. One owner reported that their instrument went out of tune quickly. Check tuning after playing, after bending strings, and after moving between pickup settings. If buying remotely, ask about the return policy and whether the instrument can be inspected or adjusted by a technician.

Live and studio use

The comment that the guitar works well live and looks good in a studio offers a useful counterpoint to the negative report. Its distinctive body design and diamond-plate cover give it a strong visual identity, while the two-pickup arrangement may be useful for players who want to shape their sound from the instrument. Still, the supplied feedback does not specify the player's setup, amplifier, musical style, or how long the guitar was used. Treat these impressions as individual experiences, not a guarantee of performance.

The Danelectro 59 Resonator BK has been available since November 2023. It is sold as one instrument, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included. Factor in suitable storage or transport protection when comparing the $799 price with other options. The product information gives no included accessories beyond the guitar itself.

Verdict

The Danelectro 59 Resonator BK has an unusual pickup combination, a straightforward volume, tone, and blend layout, and a construction specification that combines a poplar frame and center block with Masonite top and back. Player reports suggest that the lipstick pickup can deliver a usable sound and that the guitar can suit live or studio use. However, reported high action, poor build quality, and fast tuning loss are meaningful concerns at this price.

Try one before committing if you can, and assess the setup and tuning stability on the specific instrument you would buy. If the action feels right and the blend control gives you sounds you will use, the design may be appealing. If those checks fail, the feedback indicates that there are reasons to consider alternatives rather than assuming a setup will resolve every concern.