Danelectro 59X12 vintage cream

Danelectro 59X12 Vintage Cream: Hands-on Technical Test

Body and Build Quality

The Danelectro 59X12 Vintage Cream brings distinct character from both its construction and design. The double cutaway body consists of a framework and center block made from poplar, topped and backed with hardboard (Masonite). The sides and center block offer enough solidness to keep the instrument light but stable, while the hardboard's resonance gives this twelve-string model its own take on electric jangle. The cream finish looks well applied, subtle, retro, but cleanly executed. For players sensitive to weight, it sits noticeably lighter than most solid wood bodies in this price band.

Hardware is 'pro' grade: fixed bridge with individually adjustable saddles, solid tuning machines, and a sturdy output jack. The absence of a tremolo helps keep tuning stable, vital for a twelve-string. Danelectro equips the 59X12 with 21 frets on a pau ferro fingerboard over a hard maple neck, with a double-action truss rod for neck adjustments.

Neck and Playability

A solid maple neck on this twelve-string provides rigidity, and the pau ferro fingerboard has a comfortable feel under the fingers. String spacing and fretwork are precise; the neck isn't oversized, which helps make complex chords and single-note lines manageable even with the doubled string setup. The 635 mm (25-inch) scale is familiar for electric players, so stretches are within reason for most hands.

Out of the box, some units may arrive with an action (string height) that benefits from setup tweaking. Reports suggest the bridge saddles sometimes ship set higher than optimum, especially on the inner string pairs; this is easily addressed via the individually adjustable saddles. Once dialed in to a low action (around.050" at the low E pair, as mentioned in user feedback), playability rivals high-end six-string electrics. Fine-tuning the nut, grafite or pencil lead in the grooves, ensures stable tuning and smooth string movement.

Balance is another strong point. Though the headstock is larger to accommodate twelve tuners, smart strap button placement keeps the guitar from feeling neck-heavy, a common flaw in this category.

Electronics and Control Layout

The pickup configuration is where the 59X12 sets itself apart. At the neck, a single-coil P90 provides warmth and midrange heft. At the bridge sits Danelectro's lipstick humbucker; it's splittable via the tone control's push/pull mechanism, offering humbucker fullness or classic single-coil bite. The three-way toggle switch combines these voices for a spectrum from chimey twang to darker warmth.

For those seeking maximum tonal variation, think Beatles shimmer, Byrds jangle, or Tom Petty grit, the middle toggle position, with the bridge pickup coil-split, draws praise. The volume and tone knobs are serviceable, though several users note a plasticky feel. Their function, however, holds up: coil splitting works as intended, and the guitar's wiring keeps the signal clear.

Tuning Stability and Tension

Strings hold pitch well, aided by quality tuners and a nut made of aluminum. Unlike many vintage-styled twelve-strings, the 59X12 tends not to drift out of tune after initial settling. The use of hardboard and poplar keeps the body less reactive to temperature and humidity, which translates to less time wrestling the headstock and more time actually playing. String changes, while a chore on any twelve-string, are made easier by the accessible bridge and clear tuner layout.

Sound Character

Unplugged, the 59X12 is surprisingly resonant; the hollowed hardboard and poplar help project acoustic volume, making it a decent practice companion without amplification. Plugged in, the range is impressive for this niche: the neck P90 delivers full-bodied chords and melodic lines, while the lipstick bridge pickup, especially when coil-tapped, creates the bright, crisp signature sound associated with classic electric twelve-strings. The sound stays articulate and airy, preventing muddiness even with complex chord voicings.

A clear advantage here is versatility. This isn't a one-trick pony: tonal combinations cover rhythm cleans, textured jangle, and even overdriven layers. With attentive setup, intonation is reliable across all strings, a common pain point in lesser twelve-strings.

Usability and Value

• No gig bag or case included, transport protection is optional and costs extra.
• Aesthetics rate high. The vintage cream colorway is understated and fits both stage and studio.
• Hardware feels sturdy. Curious players may eventually want to swap stock knobs, but nothing crucial holds the guitar back.
• Action and comfort stand out when set up, the playability makes longer sessions feasible, even for players transitioning from six to twelve strings.

Final Verdict

At its price, the Danelectro 59X12 Vintage Cream strikes a balance between iconic twelve-string sounds and real-world playability. Quality checks sometimes allow setup quirks past inspection, but patient adjustment pays off. Build materials serve the design's lightweight, balanced intent without feeling cheap. Danelectro's pickup pairing greatly broadens the tonal map, and stability exceeds most expectations for the class. The 59X12 is a genuine bargain for those after jangly, expressive electric twelve-string textures.