Danelectro DB604 Copper Burst

Two instruments, one stage-ready design

The Danelectro DB604 Copper Burst pairs a six-string guitar neck with a four-string bass neck on one body. That unusual layout suits players who switch between guitar and bass during a set, or who want both instruments available in a looping setup. The appeal is clear: change necks instead of changing instruments. The tradeoff is a larger, more involved instrument that needs careful setup and a little patience to learn.

The DB604 has a plywood frame and center block, with Masonite top and bottom. Its bolt-on maple necks have C-shaped profiles and Pau Ferro fingerboards. Both necks have 21 frets. The guitar scale measures 622 mm, while the bass uses a long scale. Danelectro lists chrome-plated brass saddles, passive electronics, no tremolo, and no included case or gig bag. The finish is Copper Burst, described in the listing as sunburst.

Setup deserves attention

Owner reports point to setup as the first thing to check after unboxing. One player found the bass neck bowed backward and needed to adjust its truss rod to stop fret buzz. That same instrument had high action. Another owner also lowered the string height manually. These are individual experiences, not proof that every DB604 arrives in poor condition, but they make a proper inspection worthwhile before a performance.

Once adjusted, owners describe both necks as comfortable to play. One reviewer reported clean frets without sharp edges, and said the guitar neck was already in acceptable shape before further action adjustment. If you are unfamiliar with truss rod or bridge adjustments, have a guitar technician inspect both necks. A dual-neck instrument gives you two setups to verify, and a small adjustment on one side will not solve a problem on the other.

Sounds and controls

Each neck has two lipstick-style single-coil pickups. The controls include a stacked volume knob, a stacked tone knob, and two three-way mini-toggle switches. Players who enjoy the familiar Danelectro guitar character are likely to find the guitar side the more immediately satisfying half. One owner described its sound as excellent and praised the feel of the knobs and switches.

The bass side may take more adjustment, both in setup and in expectations. One player found the bridge-position pickup relatively weak, while the middle and neck positions sounded fuller and more present. Another initially found the bass tone unusually bright and raspy, but later grew to like it. That points to a distinctive character rather than a conventional, even bass sound. Your amplifier and playing context will matter, especially if you want a weightier low end.

Build details and stage use

The Copper Burst finish drew positive comments, but one owner reported that the white edging around the body had lifted in several places, particularly around an upper contour. They pressed it back into place, yet felt that this should not happen at the instrument's price. It is a single reported finish issue, but it is worth checking the body binding carefully when the guitar arrives.

The DB604 was described by one owner as surprisingly light for an instrument combining guitar and bass. That makes it appealing for a live set where quick changes between registers are part of the performance. Its unconventional format also makes it a practical choice for some loop-based setups. Still, the size and balance of any dual-neck instrument are personal matters, so try it on a strap if possible before relying on it for a long show.

Value and verdict

The listed price is 1045. At that level, setup consistency and finish quality matter, and the owner reports describe shortcomings in both areas. The instrument is also sold without a case or gig bag. One owner found a compatible gig bag through a separately listed accessory, but the DB604's package itself does not include one.

The strongest reason to consider the Danelectro DB604 Copper Burst is its combination of a playable guitar neck and a playable bass neck in one instrument. Owners praise the guitar sound, and report that both sides work well after adjustment. The bass has a more individual voice, with its bridge pickup drawing a specific concern. Expect to inspect the setup and finish, and budget time for adjustments or professional service. For a player who needs guitar and bass on the same stage, that compromise may be worthwhile. For everyone else, the price and setup demands make it a specialized purchase rather than an easy recommendation.