Danelectro DB604 Black Burst

Two instruments, one distinctive design

The Danelectro DB604 Black Burst combines a six-string guitar neck and a four-string bass neck on a single body. It is an unusual, purpose-built instrument for players who want both voices available without changing instruments. Its appeal is easy to understand, but the doubleneck layout brings practical compromises that matter as much as its sound.

The listed price is 1045, and the model has been available since August 2014. Its construction uses a poplar frame and central block, with a Masonite top and back. The body is plywood rather than solid wood. The maple necks are bolted on and fitted with Pau Ferro fingerboards. Both necks have C profiles and 21 frets. The guitar scale measures 622 mm; the bass uses a long scale.

Playability and setup

Player reports consistently describe the necks and fingerboards as comfortable, with one owner comparing the necks to a laser-straight setup. The guitar neck feels familiar, while the bass neck is noticeably narrow compared with a standard four-string bass. That narrower feel may suit some players, but it is worth trying in person if possible.

The two playing surfaces create a learning curve. The long-scale bass and shorter guitar neck can make it easy to misjudge where your hands are when moving between them. One player also found that the guitar tuning machines could get in the way while playing the lower bass frets. The instrument's layout does not suit every playing style, and the neck positions may be more comfortable for some players than others.

Expect to check the setup rather than assume the instrument will arrive ready for a performance. Owners report needing professional adjustment, and one found the necks slightly misaligned. The necks can be repositioned by loosening the strings and neck bolts, but players who are not comfortable making that adjustment should consult a qualified technician. The bass and guitar necks are not reported as interchangeable by design.

Sound and controls

Each neck has two lipstick single-coil pickups. The electronics are passive, with a stacked volume control, a stacked tone control, and two three-way mini-toggle switches. This setup gives players useful switching options, though some owners find the controls more complicated than necessary. The pickups have a distinct character rather than a neutral, broadly adaptable voice. A pedalboard or signal processor can help shape the sound to suit a particular rig.

Reports describe the overall tone as warm and vintage-leaning. The guitar has strong low end and bright, funk-friendly highs, which can make it satisfying for rhythm playing. Some players find its bass response excessive, while others enjoy the fullness. The bass neck has been praised for its tone and playability, including its two-octave range. Muting can help control the bass notes when they ring out more than a part requires.

There are no separate outputs for the guitar and bass. Sending each neck to a different amplifier therefore requires external signal routing, such as a suitable processor. That can make switching between sounds more cumbersome onstage, particularly when using both the instrument's switches and a pedal. Buyers planning a split guitar-and-bass rig should factor in the extra routing equipment and setup.

Construction and ownership concerns

Feedback on build quality is mixed. Some owners are satisfied with the construction and describe the instrument as dependable for its style. Others report rough finishing, questionable drilling, low-quality bridges, or problems with the white binding lifting from the body. One buyer also reported a faulty potentiometer and oxidized guitar strings on arrival. These are individual reports, not proof that every DB604 has the same faults, but they make a careful inspection and setup sensible.

The bridges are a common point of criticism, and replacement options are available, according to one owner. The body is hollow enough that the instrument can produce audible sound without an amplifier, though that is not a substitute for its amplified tone. Despite the double-neck construction, one owner measured the weight at under 10 pounds and found it lighter than expected. Others describe it as heavier than a typical single-neck guitar.

Verdict

The Danelectro DB604 Black Burst earns its place through a combination few instruments offer: a playable guitar and bass in one package, with distinctive lipstick pickups and a warm, recognizable sound. It can work well for rhythm guitar, bass parts, and players who value the convenience and character of a doubleneck. The tradeoffs are real: no separate outputs, an unusual playing layout, potentially uneven factory setup, and reports of inconsistent finishing and hardware.

At 1045, the price is easiest to justify if the two-in-one design is central to your needs. Treat the DB604 as an instrument that may need adjustment, inspect the finish and electronics on arrival, and plan your signal routing before taking it to a gig. For players seeking a conventional guitar and bass experience, two separate instruments will be simpler. For those drawn to this particular format, the DB604 offers a compelling sound and an uncommon tool, provided its quirks fit the way you play.