Danelectro 59 XT Black

Overview: Danelectro 59 XT Black

The Danelectro 59 XT Black stands out in the crowded electric guitar market with its distinct character and clear nod to vintage style. Priced at $711, this guitar relies on a semi-hollow body made from medium-density fiberboard (Masonite) mounted on a poplar frame and center block, with a maple neck and a pau ferro fingerboard. With a double cutaway design, Wilkinson tremolo hardware, and a unique pickup configuration, the 59 XT Black is built for players seeking versatility and unmistakable looks.

Construction and Materials

The body blends a top and bottom made of Masonite with a poplar center block and frame, creating the brand's signature lightweight feel. The construction, which may seem basic at first glance, is central to the guitar's resonance and unmistakable sound. Holding it, you immediately notice its manageable weight and the tactile difference from a solid wood instrument. The neck is crafted from maple, and the fingerboard uses pau ferro, a sustainable alternative to rosewood that offers a similar tactile finish and comfort. The fingerboard radius is approximately 14 inches, resulting in a flatter-than-average contour which accommodates fast playing and expressive bending.

• Neck shape: Moderately thin "C" profile, comfortable and smooth for various hand sizes.
• Nut width: About 1.65 inches (similar to numerous standard electrics), allowing for an easy transition for players accustomed to familiar feels.
• Frets: 21 low-profile frets, which facilitate clean fretting and fast action, but may require adaptation if you're used to jumbo fretwork.
• Double action truss rod: Allows for precise neck relief adjustments.

Hardware and Playability

The instrument sports Wilkinson tremolo hardware, recognized for reliable performance and smooth motion. Out of the box, the tremolo arrives set with a floating setup but can easily be adjusted to a stationary position if preferred. The tuning machines are an unexpected highlight: solid, accurate, and reliable through sessions of hard playing and active tremolo use.

• Tremolo: Wilkinson bridge offers subtle to dramatic vibrato effects and retains tuning stability with moderate use.
• Tuners: Exceed expectations for this price range, contributing greatly to tuning reliability, even with heavy tremolo use.
• Nut: Standard material, but regular lubrication is recommended for optimal performance. Upgrading to a graphite nut is an inexpensive option for enhanced tuning stability.

Electronics and Tone Versatility

The 59 XT Black is equipped with a P90 single coil in the neck and a splitable "lipstick" dual humbucker in the bridge position. The tone control functions as a push/pull switch for coil splitting, dramatically increasing tonal flexibility. The output balance between the two pickups is surprisingly even, avoiding the common issue of mismatched volumes when switching positions. A simple but effective three-way selector gives easy access to classic neck, bridge, and blended tones.

• P90 neck pickup: Delivers a dark, fat tone, ideal for garage and raw blues/rock styles, reminiscent of bands like The Sonics or The White Stripes.
• Dual lipstick bridge pickup: Brighter, chimey, western-flavored when in humbucking mode. Split to single coil, it cuts some low end and brings out snappier, more Fender-like textures.
• Middle position: Combines both pickups for a harmonically rich, balanced output, perfect for rhythm work or everyday use.
• Tone pot (coil split): Turning and pulling this knob morphs the soundscape, from thick, full chord work to crisp, articulate leads.

Acoustic Response and Amplified Sound

Unplugged, the Danelectro 59 XT Black resonates clearly, a testament to its semi-hollow construction and unique material combination. Plugged in, the character remains: lively attack, excellent sustain, and a tonal profile sitting between the classic American single coil and the warmth of semi-hollow humbucker designs. It handles effects pedals well and suits genres ranging from indie pop to roots, slide playing, and hard-driven rock. High gain does risk feedback typical for partially hollow instruments with hot pickups; some basic shielding inside the electronics cavity can mitigate this if needed.

Another strong suit is sustain. Even at this competitive price, the guitar rings out chords and notes longer than many solid bodies in its class, making it well-suited for expressive lead work and ambient textures.

Fit and Finish

Despite the unconventional materials, the overall build quality is impressive for the price. Fretwork is clean and low-profile, allowing for buzz-free action with minimal effort. The black finish is evenly applied, and detailing around hardware is tidy. While the construction method may initially seem less refined than fully carved guitars, it contributes to the personality and unmistakable tone of this model.

Considerations and Recommendations

• Players who often use aggressive whammy bar techniques may benefit from adding a heavier spring in the tremolo system for added stability.
• Basic electronic shielding with aluminum tape can further reduce background noise in high-gain settings.
• The nut upgrade to graphite remains the most cost-effective tweak for long-term tuning accuracy.

Conclusion

The Danelectro 59 XT Black is more than just a tribute to mid-century designs; it's a thoroughly modern, versatile instrument capable of covering a wide sonic territory. Its lightweight build, distinctive pickup set, reliable Wilkinson hardware, and unconventional construction result in a guitar with individual voice and reliability for studio, rehearsal, or stage. Minor tweaks can take it even further, but as-is, the 59 XT Black stands as a unique and rewarding option for players seeking something that does not simply echo the usual suspects.