Danelectro 59X Black

Danelectro 59X Black review

The Danelectro 59X Black is built around a combination that gives it a distinct place among familiar electric-guitar designs: a P90-style neck pickup and a lipstick-style bridge humbucker that can be split. Its double-cutaway body has a poplar frame and center block, with Masonite top and back. A maple neck, Pau Ferro fingerboard, and fixed bridge complete a straightforward specification that puts its pickup options at the center of the appeal.

At $599, the 59X suits players looking for a different voice and feel from the standard single-coil or humbucker choices found on many common guitar designs. It has no tremolo, which may appeal to players who prefer a fixed bridge and want to work on bends without a vibrato arm. The guitar has been available since July 2018. A suitable case is sold separately, and no case or gig bag is included.

Pickup layout and controls

The neck position uses one P90 single-coil pickup. The bridge position uses a dual lipstick humbucker with a coil-split function. A three-way switch selects the pickup combinations, while the single volume control and push-pull tone control keep the layout simple. Pulling the tone control splits the bridge humbucker.

That arrangement gives the 59X a wider range than its modest control panel might suggest. Player feedback describes the neck sound as warm and full, while the bridge pickup brings a brighter, twangier character. Splitting the bridge humbucker adds another option without requiring a separate switch. These descriptions come from owner impressions rather than measured pickup output, so the exact balance will depend on the amplifier, settings, and playing style.

One owner reported an occasional problem with the pickup selector, possibly connected to the coil-split control. The fault was intermittent and could be cleared by moving the control, but it is worth checking both the selector and push-pull function when trying a used example. One report does not establish a widespread defect, though buyers should confirm that every switching position works reliably.

Construction and playability

The body combines a poplar frame and center block with Masonite top and back. That construction is part of the instrument's distinctive identity, rather than an attempt to imitate a conventional solid-wood guitar. The body has a double cutaway, and the maple neck is paired with a Pau Ferro fingerboard. There are 21 frets and a 635 mm (25-inch) scale length.

A double-action truss rod allows neck adjustment in either direction. The fixed bridge has individually adjustable saddles, giving the player a way to set each string's intonation. There is no tremolo system. That simplifies the hardware and suits players who are content with a stable, fixed bridge instead of a vibrato mechanism. An owner also praised the guitar's tuning stability, although string condition, setup, and playing habits all affect how well any instrument stays in tune.

What the 59X is like to own

The strongest case for the 59X is its specific mix of sounds and its departure from more predictable guitar profiles. One owner chose it precisely because it was not a Stratocaster, Telecaster, or Les Paul, and described the pickup combination as versatile. That is a useful way to understand the model: it offers contrasting pickup characters and a split bridge option, rather than trying to cover every sound through a complicated control system.

Its connection to Danelectro's established design language will matter to players who enjoy the brand's unusual construction and recognizable lipstick pickups. Jimmy Page's association with Danelectro guitars helped bring attention to the company's instruments, but the 59X should be judged on its own features and how its sound fits a player's needs. The reported appeal is clear: a warm neck pickup, a brighter bridge voice, and a different character from the most common electric-guitar formats.

Verdict

The Danelectro 59X Black is a considered choice for players seeking a distinctive pickup combination, a fixed bridge, and a compact control layout. Its P90 neck pickup and split lipstick humbucker offer useful tonal contrast, while the 25-inch scale, 21 frets, and adjustable bridge provide familiar setup options. At $599, it is most compelling for someone who values its particular sound and construction over conventional styling. Budget for a case separately, and test the switching carefully before buying.