Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC OR

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC OR review

The Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC OR is a double-cut electric guitar built around an immediately recognizable look and a particular kind of bright, open sound. Its orange finish, white pickguard, and lipstick pickups give it a strong vintage character. Players who want another familiar solid-body design may find the styling unconventional. That is part of the point: this guitar offers a different feel and voice from the usual choices.

The listed price is 595. The model has been available since October 2014, and its item number is 351112. Danelectro describes it as an improved remake of a cult guitar. Its frame and center block are made of poplar, with Masonite on the top and back. The neck is maple, the fingerboard is Pau Ferro, and the instrument has 21 frets. Scale length is 628 mm. It has no tremolo and is supplied without a case or gig bag. A suitable case is available separately under article number 177636.

Construction and playing feel

In player reports, light weight is one of the guitar's clearest practical advantages. Owners describe it as comfortable to hold for extended playing, and several praise the neck's feel and the fret finishing. Reports on setup vary. Some players received an instrument ready to play, while others found the action higher than they prefer or needed to address the initial setup. The bridge uses a fixed design with individually adjustable saddles.

One limitation is access to the highest frets. The double-cut body helps, but the neck joint and body shape can still make the upper register less convenient. A player with longer fingers may find it easier to reach those notes without changing hand position. The bridge itself does not seem to obstruct most playing, although it offers less palm support than some players expect from other familiar electric guitars.

There are also a couple of hardware details worth checking. One owner found the bridge saddles sharp where the picking hand rests and recommended correcting the edges if they cause discomfort. Reviews disagree about tuning stability: some report that the guitar goes out of tune quickly, while others say their tuners hold reliably and see no reason to replace them. That difference may reflect setup or variation between individual instruments, so checking tuning stability on the specific guitar is sensible.

Lipstick pickup sound

The two new old-stock lipstick single-coil pickups are the central reason to consider this model. Players describe a crisp, clear top end, with a twangy attack and an airy quality that keeps notes distinct. The bridge pickup can sound especially sharp and direct. Some players love that cutting character; others find it thin or quieter than the neck pickup. The neck pickup is often described as pleasant and clear, though it may lack the warmth players want from a rounder sound.

The combined pickup setting earns mixed but mostly positive reactions. Some owners like its dynamic response and say it adds a useful voice, while others prefer the pickups individually. The guitar's controls have drawn criticism for their layout and feel. Each pickup has its own volume control, with a tone knob arranged on it, and some players find the knobs awkward to use. Others report that the controls work as intended despite feeling inexpensive. The best test is to adjust them while playing, rather than judging the arrangement by appearance alone.

The overall sound has a distinctive vintage edge. Players associate it with recordings from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s, and one owner specifically mentions playing "Kashmir" as a satisfying match. That reference points to the guitar's character, not a promise that it will suit every rig or playing style. Its single-coil clarity and pronounced attack will appeal most to players looking for a voice with more bite and separation than a typical thick, rounded humbucker sound.

Finish, value, and verdict

The orange finish is bold. Owners describe it as vivid and attention-getting, with the white pickguard adding contrast. Reports on finish quality are generally favorable, including praise for the paint and fretboard work. One reviewer did report binding that was coming loose, so a close inspection is worthwhile. The construction also feels different from a conventional solid slab guitar. Players who expect that kind of build may be surprised, while others enjoy its unusual materials and light feel.

At 595, the 59M NOS+ DC OR makes the most sense for a player drawn to its look and lipstick pickup sound. It has useful tonal range, a comfortable lightweight feel, and a character that stands apart from more common electric guitar designs. Potential buyers should check the setup, tuner behavior, bridge saddle edges, and control feel before committing. There is no case or gig bag in the package. If those details suit you, the Danelectro is a distinctive instrument with a bright voice and plenty of visual personality.