Danelectro
Since 1947
Danelectro was founded in 1947 by Nathan 'Nat' Daniel in Red Bank, New Jersey. In an industry obsessed with premium tonewoods and traditional construction, Daniel went the opposite direction—building guitars from Masonite hardboard over poplar frames, using lipstick tubes for pickup casings, and replacing truss rods with aluminum tube reinforcement. The result was an entirely unique tonal character: bright, jangly, resonant. Jimmy Page used a Danelectro on 'Kashmir.' The Shorthorn (1959) became the brand's icon. After closing in 1969, Danelectro was revived in the late 1990s and continues producing affordable instruments with that unmistakable vintage charm.
79
Years in Business
2M+
Guitars Sold
$10M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Danelectro Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Danelectro guitars.
Danelectro Price Overview
Danelectro covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$380
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
900
Active listings
Sold This Month
200
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$80-$5,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Danelectro Timeline
Nat Daniel Starts
Nathan 'Nat' Daniel founded Danelectro in Red Bank, New Jersey, initially manufacturing amplifiers.
Guitar Production Begins
Introduced guitars using unconventional construction: Masonite hardboard bodies over poplar frames, aluminum tube neck reinforcement.
Lipstick Pickups
Developed signature pickups housed in surplus lipstick tube casings—a budget innovation that created a unique, beloved tone.
Shorthorn Debuts
Launched the Shorthorn double-cutaway—the defining Danelectro shape. Lightweight, affordable, and sonically distinctive.
Silvertone Partnership
Produced guitars sold under the Silvertone brand through Sears, Roebuck & Co.—bringing electric guitars to millions of American homes.
Coral Sitar Guitar
Introduced the Coral Electric Sitar—a guitar designed to emulate the sitar sound. Used by session musicians worldwide.
Original Company Closes
Danelectro closed its doors, ending the original production run and making all instruments instantly collectible.
Brand Revival
Danelectro brand revived with new production of classic designs, effects pedals, and amplifiers.
59DC NOS Series
Introduced the 59M NOS series featuring New Old Stock lipstick pickups manufactured in 1999—original Danelectro components.
Continuing Production
Ongoing production of classic Danelectro designs alongside effects pedals, maintaining the brand's affordable, quirky identity.
Complete Danelectro Product Lineup
Danelectro: Masonite, lipstick pickups, and pure jangle since 1947
59 Series (Current)
Modern versions of the classic Shorthorn
NOS lipstick pickups at ~$399
Extended range at ~$349
Premium finish at ~$449
Hollow-body variant
Other Current Models
Beyond the Shorthorn design
Classic double-cut at ~$349
Retro single-cut at ~$349
Iconic bass shape at ~$449
Acoustic-electric at ~$299
Vintage Originals (1954-1969)
Original Nat Daniel-era instruments
$500-$3,000
$800-$4,000
$1,000-$5,000+
$300-$2,000
Effects Pedals
Affordable effects pedals
Budget effects at ~$15-$25
Premium effects at ~$29-$49
"Danelectro: Masonite, lipstick pickups, and pure jangle since 1947"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
59 Series Buying Guide
The NOS Advantage
The 59M NOS at $399 features genuine 1999-manufactured lipstick pickups—25+ year old components in a new guitar. No other brand offers anything like this at any price
Unique Tone Only
Danelectro tone is unique—bright, jangly, resonant. It doesn't sound like a Strat, LP, or Tele. Buy because you want THAT sound. It's not a substitute for conventional guitars
Build Quality Reality
Modern Danelectros are budget instruments with budget construction. The Masonite body, simple electronics, and basic hardware are features, not flaws—but set expectations accordingly
Vintage Danelectro Guide
Jimmy Page Factor
Page's use of a Danelectro on 'Kashmir' and other Zeppelin recordings made these instruments culturally significant. Original 1950s-60s models at $500-$5,000 are genuine rock history
Coral Sitar Collectible
The Coral Electric Sitar at $1,000-$5,000+ is one of the most unique vintage instruments. Limited supply, iconic sound, and no modern equivalent drives strong collector demand
Fragile Construction
Original Danelectros are fragile—Masonite bodies crack, aluminum neck reinforcement can fatigue. Careful condition assessment is critical. Perfect examples command large premiums
Used Danelectro Buying Guide
Modern Used Bargains
Used modern Danelectros at $200-$350 are some of the most fun guitars you can own at any price. Not every guitar needs to be serious—Danelectros are pure joy
Pickup Testing
Lipstick pickups can develop microphonic issues. Test both pickups in all switch positions. NOS pickups in 59M models are worth verifying—they're the key differentiator
Lightweight = Portable
Masonite construction makes Danelectros extremely lightweight. Perfect for gigging musicians who carry their own gear. The comfort factor is underrated