Danelectro 66BT Blue Burst

Danelectro 66BT Blue Burst review

The Danelectro 66BT Blue Burst is a baritone electric guitar with a look that nods toward vintage offset designs and a specification set built around lower tunings. Its reversed double-cutaway body has offset horns, a semi-hollow construction, and a center block. Alder forms the body, while a maple neck and 22-fret Pau Ferro fingerboard complete the basic build. The Blue Burst finish changes character with the light, according to players who have spent time with the instrument.

At a listed price of $999, the 66BT puts a long 29.75-inch scale and a Wilkinson tremolo on a guitar that is often bought for extended-range parts, layered recording, or surf-inspired playing. It ships without a case or gig bag. The matching case is sold separately.

Build and playability

Owner reports describe generally strong construction, clean fret alignment, and accurate intonation on arrival. Several players found the instrument resonant even when unplugged, with the semi-hollow body adding a lively response. The neck joint is contoured, which helps access the upper frets, and the neck profile was described as relatively slim. These are user impressions rather than a guarantee that every individual guitar will arrive with identical setup.

The 756 mm scale gives the strings a noticeably longer reach than a standard electric guitar. One owner reported that the supplied medium-gauge strings, including a wound third, felt well suited to the instrument. Another recommended D'Addario EXL 158 strings. String choice and tuning affect both feel and tremolo balance, so changing gauges or raising the tuning may call for spring adjustment and, with lighter strings, a truss rod adjustment. Check the setup after making those changes.

Weight and balance deserve attention before buying. Some players found the guitar light and comfortable, while others reported pronounced neck dive, even with a wide, grippy strap. That difference in experience makes a hands-on balance check worthwhile if you usually play standing. The 66BT may feel more settled seated for players who are sensitive to a neck-heavy guitar.

Pickups and controls

The pickup combination pairs a dual lipstick humbucker at the bridge with a vintage-style P90 at the neck. A three-way toggle selects the available pickup combinations. The master volume and master tone provide straightforward control, and a push-pull function on the tone control splits the bridge pickup. Players describe the range as broad, from bright, twangy sounds to smoother, fuller tones. The neck P90 also drew praise for its sound.

In use, the bridge pickup's split option adds a leaner, more cutting voice, while the full humbucker offers a thicker sound. The neck pickup supplies a contrasting, rounded character. Owners have used the guitar for clean ambient parts, heavier distorted tones, slide, and surf-band arrangements. It is a flexible palette, though the vintage-leaning pickup character remains part of the instrument's identity.

One owner felt the volume and tone controls could offer a better range with different component values. That is a possible modification rather than a necessary fix: the same player said the guitar sounded good as delivered and that the suggested changes would be inexpensive. The control knobs also drew criticism for feeling cheap, and the push-pull knob can be awkward to operate with sweaty hands.

Wilkinson tremolo and tuning

The Wilkinson tremolo is an unusual feature on a baritone and gives the 66BT a more expressive option than a fixed bridge. Several owners reported smooth operation and stable tuning, including one who found it held pitch reliably. Spring tension may need adjustment when changing strings or tuning, because those changes affect the floating system's balance. The tremolo arm can be secured, but follow the locking hardware instructions before tightening or loosening it.

There is a small finish concern noted by one player: the inside edge of the body opening could have been finished more carefully. It did not overshadow that owner's positive assessment of the guitar's appearance and sound, but buyers inspecting one in person may want to look closely at the body detailing.

Verdict

The Danelectro 66BT Blue Burst makes a compelling case for players who want baritone range without giving up a tremolo or a useful mix of pickup voices. Its long scale, semi-hollow construction, splitable bridge pickup, and strong reported intonation support a wide range of parts, from clean textures to thick, low-register sounds. Setup may take some attention when changing strings or tuning, and neck dive is a genuine concern for some players. The case is an additional purchase. If its balance suits you, the 66BT offers a distinctive, characterful baritone at its listed $999 price.