Danelectro ’ 59M Spruce – Unique Style And Classic Tone

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Since 1947, Danelectro have been producing budget-conscious electric guitars of all shapes and sizes, and are well known for models that boast true retro style and tone. One of their newest semi-hollow bodied guitars, the ‘59M Spruce, is another that follows suit, although comes with a higher price tag than you may be used to with this brand. Danelectro describe it as ‘iconic, quirky, and fun’ – but is it worth the cash?

Body And Neck

This ‘59M Spruce is instantly recognizable as a Danelectro and just oozes late fifties charm. We meet a body featuring the curvaceous double-cutaway ‘59 DC Shorthorn shape – famously used by Jimmy Page, among others. It’s made from a solid spruce top and frame, with an offset sound hole, and comes in six eye-catching colors: Black Pearl, Buttercup, Chianti, and White Pearl, with either red, black, or blue highlights. Emerging from the 25” scale length body is a bolt-on C-shaped maple neck, sporting a rosewood fingerboard and 21 frets. Thanks to its body construction, the ‘59M is light to hold while the slim neck is fast and comfortable to play.

Hardware

Even though ‘59M isn’t swimming in premium hardware, it comes fitted with components appropriate for the style and make this a reliable performance guitar. Instead of the traditional rosewood saddles sported on Danelectros of yesteryear, the ‘59M has a modern adjustable wraparound bridge and tailpiece, that feels substantial and reliable, and – thanks to the recessing – allows for full control over intonation and string height. The familiar ‘Coke bottle’ headstock sports six Kluson-style tuning machines, while the aluminum nut is a nice addition – durable and adds to the vintage feel, although you’ll want to ensure to lubricate it frequently to avoid excess noise and tuning issues.

Electronics

Vintage looks and solid hardware aplenty, we move on to the electronics of this guitar, which also impress. The ‘59M is voiced by two spring-mounted ‘56 Lipstick single-coil pickups at the bridge and neck position, which are wired in series, which is relatively rare on new models these days. This means playing the two pickups together will increase the output level, and give a well-rounded tone that’s very welcome. To control your sound you get two stacked control knobs for volume and tone, as well as a three-way pickup selector switch.

Sound

So what does it sound like? Pretty great! Individually, the two pickups are sufficient for excellent retro tones; the bridge perfect for bright lead playing, with the neck single-coil – which is actually more of a middle/neck pickup – sounding a little more mellow in tone, and naturally well-suited for vintage rhythm. Played together in series is where the pickups on this ‘59M truly shine, with increased output and a thick tone, making light work of classic rock. Played clean, it’s warm and jangly, but with some overdrive it really sings, with a dirty retro growl. Perfect for vintage enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The price may be a little steep for some when compared to others from Danelectro, although for a semi-hollow body with such a bright, well-rounded vintage tone – not to mention the head-turning retro looks and solid, reliable hardware – the ‘59M Spruce still offers great value for money, and is another winner from the American brand.

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