Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS

Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS: A Unique Take on Electric Sitar

The Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS stands apart in the crowded landscape of electric guitars by imitating the characteristic, buzzing resonance of a traditional sitar. Introduced in December 2014, this hollowbody instrument is Danelectro's answer for guitarists seeking classic psychedelic flavors without the learning curve or setup challenges of an authentic Indian sitar. Here's a concrete breakdown of its construction, sound, and day-to-day usability based on specifications and real-world musician reports.

Construction and Hardware

• Body: Medium-density fiberboard composite with a maple top, designed in a compact, lightweight hollowbody shape.
• Neck: Solid maple bolt-on neck, capped with a pau ferro fingerboard and fitted with 21 frets.
• Scale Length: 628 mm (equivalent to a Gibson-style short scale for reference).
• Finish: Vintage sunburst, with classic chrome hardware.
• Electronics: Single lipstick-style single-coil pickup, one volume, one tone control. No tremolo option.
• Strings: Strung with standard light-gauge electric guitar strings (.009,.042).

The Baby Sitar's body, constructed from painted composite wood and topped with maple, is notably light and comfortable for long studio sessions or stage use. Some players have noted that the round shape and compact design can cause it to slide off the leg when seated, suggesting that standing with a strap or even adopting a traditional cross-legged posture can help stability. Hardware is basic but functional, with chrome tuning machines that hold their pitch respectably, although some users mention a slightly imprecise feel. The fingerboard's medium-jumbo frets and the neck's moderate profile offer familiar territory for most guitarists.

Tone and Playability

The main draw of the DBS68 is its sitar-like sound, created by the design of the bridge. Danelectro uses a special flat, black plastic plate just behind the pickup; the strings lightly contact this, creating the signature "buzz bridge" effect. This produces a surprisingly authentic sitar-like resonance and exaggerates overtone-rich, percussive attacks reminiscent of 1960s psychedelia. The single lipstick pickup remains remarkably quiet, free from hum and electromagnetic noise, aligning with the brand's reputation for effective shielding.

Compared to a real sitar, players describe the sound as credibly close, enough for stage or recording use in rock, world, or fusion settings. The Baby Sitar responds better to melodic playing on single strings, with drones or open tunings (such as DADGAD) enhancing the illusion. Chords and power riffs are less convincing, sometimes sounding harsh or indistinct. A recurring comment: the bridge and neck setup are extremely sensitive. Minute adjustments to the bridge can shift the instrument's character rapidly, from sitar impersonation to a standard electric guitar, or even to a clattering, unplayable sound. Fine-tuning is essential, though the bridge and truss rod are both accessible for those willing to experiment.

Intonation, Comfort, and Practical Concerns

• Intonation: Several owners report limitations on accurate intonation, especially past the twelfth fret. While this rarely matters for sitar-style playing, where high-register work sounds less authentic, it becomes apparent if you're aiming to use the Baby Sitar as a regular guitar substitute.
• Playability: The neck is praised for accessibility and a good feel. There's clear access for truss rod tweaks which helps keep the action comfortable. The instrument can be a bit awkward to play while seated, but adopting a cross-legged "sitar" stance or simply playing standing remedies this for most users.
• Durability: Finish and build quality are described as solid for the price, but with minor reservations. A few mention that the bridge is screwed directly into the wood and that the finish, while retro and attractive, shows that it's a niche, specialty instrument rather than a premium high-gloss guitar.

Who Is It For?

The Danelectro Baby Sitar isn't intended to be a main guitar or a perfect sitar replica. It's best for adding authentic psychedelic or world-music textures to recordings and live sets. For fans of 1960s rock, this instrument nearly instantly evokes songs like "Paint It Black" and "Heart Full of Soul," satisfying players who remember the unmistakable ring of those classic tracks. It adapts to various tunings and rewards players who approach it with melodic, creative ideas instead of trying to force typical rock guitar technique onto it.

Most users are happy with the purchase, finding the price reasonable for a true specialty instrument. Some wish for included accessories, no case or gig bag ships with the unit, so you'll want to budget for protection. The approachability for guitarists means there's no steep learning curve, and you can be experimenting with sitar-inspired riffs within minutes of plugging in.

Conclusion

At $682, the Danelectro DBS68 Reissue Baby Sitar VS delivers exactly what it promises: real sitar character in a compact, lightweight, guitar-based format. While its setup requires a touch of patience to dial in the optimum sound, and intonation past the twelfth fret can disappoint, the signature percussive shimmer and feedback-resistant electronics make it an excellent creative tool. For studio producers, live performers seeking "that" sound, and anyone interested in spicing up their sonic palette, the Baby Sitar is a specialized but inspiring choice in the Danelectro lineup.

• Strengths: Authentic sitar vibe, simple controls, light weight, solid price-to-sound ratio, easy neck adjustments.
• Quirks: Sensitive bridge setup, some intonation limitations, not suited for all playing styles, and awkward while sitting.

Consider it a strong tool for inspiration and creative sessions, the Baby Sitar does one thing exceptionally well, and that can be enough to justify its place in a guitarist's arsenal.