Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM

Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM review

The Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM is an electric 12-string for players who want the layered shimmer of doubled strings without spending a premium for an occasional-use instrument. At $645, it combines a distinctive red metallic finish with a straightforward control layout and a sound that leans toward rounded twang rather than sharp, cutting chime. Owner feedback describes it as light, enjoyable to play, and surprisingly dependable over years of use.

That character gives the guitar a clear role. It can supply the ringing, vintage-leaning texture associated with 1960s and 1970s recordings, and owners report that it remains useful beyond clean rhythm parts. One long-term player says a fuzz pedal produced an unexpectedly workable result. The guitar does need to be plugged in to show what it can do; its appeal lies in its amplified tone, not in an unplugged demonstration.

Construction and hardware

The body has a double-cutaway shape, a poplar frame and center block, and a Masonite top and back. Danelectro fits a bolt-on maple neck with a Pau Ferro fingerboard and 21 frets. The 635 mm scale is relatively short, a practical detail on a 12-string, where the doubled courses can otherwise make fretting feel demanding. Owners describe the instrument as comfortable to play, though one reviewer found the neck less comfortable than hoped. Neck feel is personal, so trying one in person is worthwhile if that is a deciding factor.

The red metallic finish drew particularly strong praise in the supplied owner feedback. One buyer also reported that the guitar arrived well set up and needed no adjustment. Another described the finish as less convincing in its sense of solidity, but noted that the instrument had remained reliable after more than six years of ownership. Those accounts point to good real-world durability for that player, not a guarantee that every example will arrive in identical condition.

The guitar uses two 56 Vintage lipstick single-coil pickups, with one master volume control, one master tone control, and a three-way toggle switch. Owner comments emphasize the pickups' brightness and the guitar's distinctive twang. One player reports that the middle switch position is wired in series and gives a stronger output. That is a useful observation when exploring the controls, though it comes from an owner report rather than the supplied specification list.

A fully adjustable bridge and Kluson-style tuning machines complete the hardware. One owner praised tuning stability and the consistency of the tuning machines, while another said that some retuning was still needed during the first few days. That is not unusual feedback for a 12-string, which has more strings to bring into tune than a standard six-string. The bridge allows adjustment, and the headstock uses a bottle-shaped 3+3 layout.

Sound and playing feel

Players expecting the crisp, sharply defined jangle associated with a Rickenbacker-style 12-string may find this Danelectro rounder and less piercing. The owner descriptions instead point to a warmer tone with extra twang, a combination that suits vintage-inspired parts and psychedelic textures. One reviewer compared its feel to "Shelter Song" by The Temples, a reference that conveys the guitar's bright, retro flavor without suggesting it is a close copy of another instrument.

The doubled strings bring the familiar wide, shimmering quality, while the relatively compact scale helps keep the instrument manageable. Owners describe it as comfortable for a 12-string and enjoyable in regular playing. The tonal range also seems broader than a single clean setting: the reported series-wired middle position adds output, and fuzz can take the guitar into thicker territory. The sound remains distinctly vintage in character, which is part of its appeal, but may be limiting for players seeking a more modern or neutral 12-string voice.

Value and buying considerations

At the listed $645 price, the 59 Vintage 12 String RM makes a persuasive case for players who want an electric 12-string for specific songs, studio layers, or vintage-style arrangements. Several owners praised its value, and one compared it favorably with a much more expensive, harder-to-tune 12-string they had previously owned. Individual experiences vary, but the recurring points are a compelling tone, appealing finish, and a generally easy playing experience.

There are practical details to consider before ordering. Neither a case nor a gig bag is included. A suitable case is listed separately under item number 177636. The instrument's feel and finish may not satisfy every player, and its unmistakable vintage voice will not suit every style. Still, the owner accounts describe a guitar that can remain dependable through years of use and earn a place beyond occasional novelty.

Verdict

The Danelectro 59 Vintage 12 String RM offers a distinctive, rounded take on electric 12-string tone at a moderate price. Its poplar and Masonite body, lipstick single-coil pickups, adjustable bridge, and manageable scale make it a practical choice for players after bright, retro textures. Expect to tune carefully, and budget for a separate case. If its warmer twang suits the music you play, the reported combination of character, playability, and value is hard to dismiss.