Danelectro DB612-BBS

A double-neck that feels lighter than expected

The Danelectro DB612-BBS combines six- and 12-string necks on one guitar, a format that can look and feel imposing before you even plug in. One owner first encountered it after trying several double-necks and recalled carrying them toward an amplifier, expecting a punishing weight. The Danelectro was a surprise: its light body made it feel much closer to an ordinary guitar than its two necks suggested.

That low weight is a consistent part of the appeal in the owner reports. One player has used the guitar for about four years and still describes its sound and playability as excellent. Another, who has owned one for several years, remains pleased with it, particularly in 12-string mode. These are personal accounts rather than controlled measurements, but they point to a useful distinction: the DB612-BBS has the visual scale of a double-neck, yet owners do not describe it as a heavy instrument.

Two necks, two distinct sounds

The instrument has separate six- and 12-string necks, each with a 648 mm scale, a maple neck, a C-shaped profile, and a pau ferro fingerboard. Both necks have 21 frets. The body uses a poplar frame and center block, with Masonite top and back. The construction details identify the neck as bolt-on. Danelectro equips the guitar with two lipstick single-coil pickups, along with two three-way mini-toggle switches and stacked volume and tone controls.

The six-string side drew particular praise from a player searching for a pronounced, lively "twang." That player found the sound through the lipstick pickups immediately convincing. The 12-string side also made a strong impression, with another owner describing its amplified sound as especially satisfying. One reviewer noted that the guitar sounds impressive even unplugged, although the available feedback does not give a specific acoustic measurement or a detailed comparison with other double-necks.

The pickup system is listed as SS, and the full specification identifies two lipstick single coils. The controls include one stacked volume control and one stacked tone control, plus a mini-toggle for each pickup circuit. Those details give the DB612-BBS a dedicated control layout for its unusual two-neck format. The supplied information does not specify a neck-to-neck switching method, and an owner wished for a way to move between necks without using the selector. Buyers who expect an immediate, separate neck switch should verify how the instrument's switching works before purchase.

Balance and playing comfort

Low overall weight does not eliminate the main ergonomic compromise. One experienced owner reports noticeable headstock dive, an imbalance made understandable by the two necks and light body. A wide strap helps reduce the problem, but it may not remove it entirely. Players who move around while performing, or who are sensitive to neck-heavy instruments, should try the guitar with a strap if possible. The available comments praise the feel and playability, but they do not provide neck measurements beyond the stated profile and scale length.

The hardware includes chrome-plated brass saddles. The guitar is listed without a case or gig bag, so buyers should account for suitable protection separately. The supplied price is 945, with no currency stated in the product information.

Check the finish details before ordering

The finish information is inconsistent. The general color field says gray, while the detailed specification calls the finish Blackburst. That matters for a visually distinctive instrument, so confirm the exact finish with the seller before placing an order. The design is identified as DB612, and the item number is 141056. The listed availability date is January 2000, which is a specification record, not confirmation of current stock.

The body description also varies between the broad specification, which says plywood with a Masonite top, and the more detailed construction description, which specifies a poplar frame and center block with Masonite top and back. The detailed description is more informative, but the supplied data does not explain the difference. Treat the listing as a source to verify rather than assuming every field describes a separate layer of construction.

Verdict

The Danelectro DB612-BBS has a clear reason to exist: it puts six- and 12-string voices in one relatively light instrument, and owners report strong sounds from both sides. Its lipstick pickups deliver the bright, twangy character one player was looking for, while the 12-string neck earns especially warm feedback. The trade-offs are practical. Headstock dive can affect comfort, switching between necks may not work the way every player expects, and the finish and body descriptions need confirmation. For a player who wants a double-neck and can accommodate those details, the DB612-BBS has earned sustained enthusiasm from its owners.