Danelectro Dan O. Cool 12 String Aqua

Danelectro Dan O. Cool 12 String Aqua review

The Danelectro Dan O. Cool 12 String Aqua takes its design cues from the company's 1954 models, then adds a few modern details. Its semi-hollow Dan O body has a center block and double cutaways, with a glossy Aqua finish. The body and top are Masonite, while the bolt-on maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with white dot inlays. The overall design is unmistakably vintage in character, but the pickup switching gives players more options than a simple period-style layout.

The model has been available since June 2026. Its listed price is 694, with no currency specified in the supplied product information. The item number is 638813. There are 21 frets and a 635 mm scale length, equivalent to 25 inches. An aluminum nut, chrome hardware, and a fixed bridge with adjustable saddles complete the main hardware specification. No case or gig bag is included.

Pickups and controls

The pickup combination is a P-90 single-coil in the neck position and a splitable dual Lipstick humbucker at the bridge. A three-way switch selects the pickup positions, while the single volume knob and tone knob keep the control layout straightforward. The tone control has a push-pull function for splitting the bridge humbucker.

That setup gives the player access to the neck pickup, bridge pickup, and a combined position, with the additional option of splitting the bridge humbucker. The available specifications do not describe exact output levels or tonal measurements, so those details are best judged in person. Still, the switching arrangement offers a practical range of pickup configurations without adding a crowded control panel.

The instrument's 12-string designation is central to its identity, but the supplied specifications do not list string spacing, tuning details, or individual string setup measurements. Buyers who need those details for a particular playing style should confirm them with the seller before ordering.

Construction and vintage details

The body shape, center block, and Full-Bell 1954 headstock reference earlier Danelectro designs. The SKATE KEY machine heads are identified with the company's 1958 styling. These period references sit alongside functional details such as the adjustable bridge saddles and push-pull pickup split. The result is a guitar built around a recognizable retro look, with modern switching options incorporated into the existing two-knob format.

The listed materials are specific: Masonite for both the body and top, maple for the neck, and rosewood for the fingerboard. The neck is bolt-on, and the 635 mm scale is shorter than a 25.5-inch scale. That measurement may appeal to players who prefer a slightly shorter reach, though the feel of a 12-string also depends on string setup and personal adjustment. No neck profile is provided in the supplied specifications.

What the owner reports

One owner, writing after several weeks with the guitar, praised its vintage appearance and said it had provided plenty of enjoyment. They had read online complaints about finish quality but found no finish problems on their own example. The same owner reported that the setup was ready to play after about five minutes of tuning. That is one person's experience, not a guarantee that every instrument will arrive with identical setup or finish quality.

The owner also highlighted the range of available sounds and described the guitar as offering good value. That positive impression fits the listed pickup layout, especially the bridge humbucker's split function. However, the review does not provide recording comparisons, measurements, or longer-term reliability findings. Treat it as useful early feedback rather than a comprehensive assessment across multiple examples.

Verdict

The Danelectro Dan O. Cool 12 String Aqua brings together a distinctive Aqua finish, Masonite construction, rosewood fingerboard, and a semi-hollow body with a center block. Its P-90 neck pickup and splitable bridge humbucker add useful switching choices, while the push-pull tone control makes the split function easy to access. The supplied owner feedback is encouraging on finish condition and initial setup, but it reflects a single guitar.

For players drawn to the 1954-inspired Dan O look who also want pickup options beyond a fixed vintage arrangement, this model has a clear appeal. Before buying, confirm the currency behind the listed price, the specific setup, and any 12-string details important to your playing. Also account for the fact that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.