Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG

Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG review

The Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG has a look and sound that stand apart from familiar solid-body designs. Its Seafoam Green finish, double-cutaway outline, and distinctive body construction give it a strong visual identity. More importantly, the construction contributes to a lively feel and a bright, individual voice. This is a guitar for players who want a different color in their collection, rather than a substitute for a Fender or Gibson.

The listed price is 555. The model has been available since November 2015. Its body uses a poplar frame and center block, with Masonite top and back. The maple neck is bolted on, and the Pau Ferro fingerboard carries 21 frets. The scale length is 635 mm. There is no tremolo, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

Construction and playing feel

The body is hollow, with internal plywood reinforcement supporting the structure and neck joint. That approach may look unconventional beside a carved or solid-wood guitar, but it keeps the instrument light and gives it noticeable resonance. Players report feeling the body vibrate against them while playing. Despite having no sound holes, it responds differently from a solid-body guitar, with a lively acoustic quality that remains apparent when amplified.

Fit and finish reports are generally positive. Owners describe careful assembly, clean fretwork, and guitars that arrived with a usable action and accurate intonation. One owner reported a well-finished example made in Korea. The textured white trim around the Seafoam Green body is part of the design, though its adhesion may vary between individual guitars. It is worth inspecting the trim and controls on the specific instrument before purchase.

The slim maple neck is especially approachable for players with smaller hands. The reported setup makes bends and lead playing comfortable without requiring immediate adjustment. A double-action truss rod allows neck relief to be adjusted in either direction. The fixed bridge has individually adjustable saddles, as well as height adjustment, so players can fine-tune string action and intonation.

Pickups and sound

The 59M NOS+ uses two Old Stock-style lipstick single-coil pickups. In this version, the pickups are updated replacements rather than the leftover units associated with the earlier NOS model. Their bright, clear response is a defining feature: clean notes have a glassy, jangling edge, while the neck pickup can sound rounded and slightly gritty. With both pickups selected, the tone becomes fuller and more substantial.

The three-way selector includes a middle position that is particularly useful. According to owner reports, the pickups are wired in series in that position, rather than in parallel. That produces a stronger, thicker sound than many players expect from two single-coil pickups. The result gives the guitar a broad range, from chiming clean parts to bluesy bite and rougher garage-rock textures. Players also report good results with chorus or vibrato, and describe the instrument as a natural fit for surf, blues, rockabilly, funk, jazz, and garage rock.

That range does not erase the guitar's character. The 59M NOS+ has a recognizable Danelectro sound, not a close imitation of another brand's familiar designs. Its clear, airy tones can suit arrangements where a conventional solid-body voice feels too dense. For heavier distortion, other guitars may be a more straightforward choice, but this model can add a leaner, sharper texture to a band or recording.

Controls and practical details

The main ergonomic drawback is the closely spaced volume and tone controls. Owners find them usable, but their placement and feel can make it easy to move both while reaching for one. The plastic knobs may also feel less substantial than the rest of the instrument. This is a minor frustration rather than a barrier to playing, though players who adjust controls frequently should try them in person.

The bridge design makes setup more flexible than the guitar's simple appearance suggests. Individual saddle adjustment helps with intonation, while bridge-height adjustment provides control over the action. Owners have praised the tuning stability and the accuracy of the factory setup, although setup quality can differ from one guitar to another.

Verdict

The Danelectro 59M NOS+ DC SFG offers a light, resonant build, a comfortable slim neck, and a sound with a clear identity. Its unusual materials and hollow construction are central to its appeal, not merely visual details. The series-wired pickup setting adds a fuller voice, while the adjustable fixed bridge supports precise setup. The tightly grouped controls and variable trim fit are worth checking, and buyers should budget for a case or gig bag separately.

At its listed price of 555, this is a compelling choice for players who want an expressive alternative to more conventional electric guitars. It may not be the ideal first guitar for everyone, but it can earn a lasting place in a collection, especially for musicians who value distinctive tone and an instrument that feels alive in the hands.