Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th

Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th review

The Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th is an anniversary guitar with a sound and appearance that stand apart from familiar solid-body designs. Its Mosrite-inspired outline has a double cutaway and short horns, while the Blue Metalflake finish gives the guitar a vivid, glittering look. One owner described the finish as a blue night sky scattered with stars when light hits it directly. The effect is a major part of this model's appeal, not a subtle detail.

Under the finish, the frame and center block are poplar, with Masonite top and back. The maple neck has a Pau Ferro fingerboard and 21 frets. Scale length is 635 mm, and a double-action truss rod is fitted for neck adjustment. The guitar has no tremolo and comes without a case or gig bag, so buyers should factor in a separate carrying solution.

Playing feel and construction

Player impressions describe the guitar as lightweight and easy to play. One reviewer found the neck flat and somewhat thin, with a comfortable feel that suited large open jazz chords. That profile may not work for everyone. Another player, accustomed to Ibanez RG guitars, found the neck too narrow and expected an adjustment period. Those experiences point to a personal fit issue rather than a universal drawback: try the neck if you prefer a wider feel.

Setup also matters. A long-term owner said the guitar played very well after adjusting the action, and reported that it stayed in tune reliably. The body shape can make access to the upper frets more difficult, according to one review. Players who spend a lot of time high on the neck should consider that limitation. Changing strings was also described as a bit awkward, though not unusually troublesome.

Lipstick pickup sound

The pickup system consists of two NOS+ lipstick pickups, selected with a three-way toggle switch. The sound is a defining feature. Reviews describe it as bright and cutting, with extra grit and low end compared with the familiar character of a Strat-style guitar. The tone can also become smoother and creamier with different settings, with one player comparing that side of its response to P-90 pickups.

The middle switch position drew particular praise. One owner heard a Telecaster-like neck-pickup quality, with added high end, and noted a small increase in volume. The neck and bridge positions offer their own distinct flavors, so the guitar rewards trying each setting rather than relying on one default sound. Two stacked volume and tone controls provide adjustment for shaping the output.

This character is distinctive, but taste matters. A buyer who wants a conventional, even response across all three switch positions may prefer to try the guitar before committing. Players drawn to lively treble, a strong edge, and a less familiar tonal palette are more likely to appreciate what the lipstick pickups do here. Owners who already enjoy Danelectro's sound report that this model delivers the character they expect.

Finish, value, and caveats

At a listed price of 593, the 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th offers a specific combination of anniversary styling and lipstick pickup tone. One reviewer considered it good value for a well-made Korean-built guitar, while another praised its setup and construction. These are individual reports, not a guarantee that every example arrives in identical condition. One buyer received a guitar with poorly attached white stripes and returned it. That experience was handled without issue, but it is a reminder to inspect the finish and trim on arrival.

The controls are arranged as two stacked volume and tone knobs, keeping the layout compact. The wraparound bridge gives the guitar a straightforward fixed-bridge setup, with no tremolo system to manage. Together, those details suit players who want a direct, stable instrument rather than a guitar built around extensive hardware adjustments.

Who should consider it?

The Danelectro 59M NOS+ Blue Metalflake 60th makes sense for players who value a strong visual identity and want lipstick pickup tones with more than one usable color. Its light weight, comfortable feel for some hands, and ability to handle big chords and fast playing earned positive comments. The finish is a clear highlight, and multiple owners described the instrument as enjoyable to play.

Its narrow-feeling neck may not suit every player, upper-fret access is less convenient than on some body shapes, and string changes take a little patience. There is no included case or gig bag. For the right player, those tradeoffs are secondary to the lively sound and striking Blue Metalflake finish. If you are considering one, check the neck dimensions and inspect the finish, then spend time with all three pickup positions. The guitar's appeal rests on its own feel and voice, rather than on fitting a familiar template.