Danelectro DE56 Baritone Guitar BK

Danelectro DE56 Baritone Guitar BK review

The Danelectro DE56 Baritone Guitar BK is built around a 756 mm scale, 24 frets, and two lipstick single-coil pickups. Its long neck is central to the instrument's appeal: owners report tuning well below standard guitar pitch while retaining a clear, substantial sound. The black finish, transparent pickguard, small bell-shaped headstock, and 3+3 Kluson-style tuning machines complete a design that stays close to Danelectro's familiar look.

At a listed price of 599, the DE56 makes a specific case for itself. It brings baritone range and a distinctive pickup character at a price that reviewers describe as fair. The tradeoff is that setup and hardware quality may need attention. Reports vary, but the recurring message is that this guitar can sound excellent while showing some cost-conscious choices in its smaller components.

Low tuning and pickup character

Owners praise the two lipstick pickups for a clear, forceful sound, particularly in lower registers. One player uses the guitar for progressive metal and reports successful tuning down to F0 and E0. That is a personal account, not a factory tuning specification, but it illustrates the range the long scale can support. The instrument is also described as capable of producing strong, singing blues tones, with the familiar character of blues played in a lower register.

With heavier distortion, one reviewer encountered noticeable background noise. That is worth considering if the guitar will spend most of its time under high gain. Another owner particularly liked the lipstick pickups, while noting that build quality did not feel especially refined. Taken together, these reports point to a baritone with a distinct tonal identity, rather than a quiet, polished platform for every high-gain setup.

The pickup configuration is listed as SS, with two lipstick single coils. The factory control electronics were reported to work, although one owner found the volume and tone controls insufficiently gradual. That player rewired the guitar to give each pickup independent volume and tone controls. This is a modification, not a listed factory feature, and most players will not need to make it before trying the instrument.

Playability and setup

The 756 mm scale is long enough to feel unfamiliar at first. A reviewer specifically found the neck very long and needed time to adjust. Another owner improved playability by working on the nut and adjusting the neck. These experiences suggest that the DE56 may reward a careful setup, especially for players accustomed to shorter-scale guitars. They do not establish that every example will need the same work.

The neck is maple, the fingerboard is pau ferro, and the guitar has 24 frets. No tremolo is fitted. A case and gig bag are not included, so buyers should account for that when planning transport and storage. The long scale also means checking compatible strings and choosing gauges appropriate to the intended tuning.

Hardware and construction

Feedback on the hardware is mixed. One owner found that the tuning machines held tuning adequately, despite looking inexpensive. The same review raised concerns about a loose-feeling pickup switch and movement at the output jack. Another owner reported a faulty switch that returned toward its center position, along with a loose cable fit at the jack. These are individual reports, but they make a close inspection of the switch and jack sensible when trying the guitar.

A separate reviewer described a rattling rear cover and scratchy noise from the highest string, which they attributed to excessive movement at the bridge saddle. They also noted that the pickup switch's switching arrangement differed from the standard three-way pattern they expected, making replacement less straightforward. This does not mean every DE56 has those faults. It does mean that buyers should test each switch position, check the output connection, and listen for unwanted string noise before settling on an example.

Verdict

The Danelectro DE56 Baritone Guitar BK suits players who want a long-scale instrument with a clear, assertive voice and room to explore very low tunings. Its lipstick pickups have drawn strong praise, and owners have used the guitar for both heavy music and lower-register blues. The main reservations concern setup, control feel, and variable hardware details, rather than a lack of character in the sound.

At 599, the reported value is compelling for players comfortable checking a guitar carefully and making basic setup adjustments. The DE56 is less appealing if you expect flawless hardware straight from the box or need a case included. Try the controls and jack, inspect the bridge, and spend time with the long scale before buying. If those checks go well, this Danelectro offers a distinctive baritone sound at a reasonable price.