The Complete Danelectro Guitar Price Guide 2026: Masonite, Lipstick Pickups, and Pure Jangle

Last updated: February 2026

In 1947, Nathan "Nat" Daniel started building amplifiers in Red Bank, New Jersey. By 1954, he was building guitars—but not like anyone else. While the industry chased premium tonewoods and traditional construction, Daniel went the opposite direction. Masonite hardboard over poplar frames. Lipstick tubes for pickup casings. Aluminum tube reinforcement instead of truss rods. The result wasn't cheap imitation. It was an entirely new tone: bright, jangly, resonant, unmistakable.

Jimmy Page used a Danelectro on "Kashmir." The Shorthorn double-cutaway, introduced in 1959, became the brand's icon. Sears sold them as Silvertone. Millions of Americans learned to play on Danelectro-built instruments. Then the company closed in 1969. When Danelectro revived in 1998, it brought back something the guitar world had missed: a instrument that didn't try to sound like a Strat or a Les Paul. It sounded like nothing else. Danelectro guitars are an acquired taste—and once acquired, they're irreplaceable.

Danelectro Guitar Market Overview 2026

Danelectro's market spans affordable modern reissues and increasingly collectible vintage originals—each with distinct character and value dynamics.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Danelectro Price: $380 (up 5% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 900 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 200 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $80 (used budget models) to $5,000+ (Coral Sitar, rare vintage)

The modern Danelectro market centers on the 59 series at $299-$449—affordable, distinctive, and fun. Vintage originals from 1954-1969 continue steady appreciation, with the Coral Electric Sitar commanding the highest premiums. The 59M NOS—featuring genuine 1999-manufactured lipstick pickups—offers something no other brand provides at any price.

The Danelectro Story: Innovation Through Constraint

Nat Daniel's Revolution (1947-1969)

Nathan Daniel didn't have the resources to build guitars like Gibson or Fender. So he didn't. He built them like no one else.

Masonite Construction:

• Hardboard (Masonite) bodies over poplar frames
• Lightweight, resonant, and surprisingly durable
• Cost-effective—the opposite of premium tonewoods
• Contributed to the distinctive hollow, airy tone

Lipstick Pickups:

• Surplus lipstick tube casings repurposed as pickup housings
• Single-coil design with unique magnetic character
• Bright, jangly, articulate—unlike any other pickup
• The defining Danelectro element

Aluminum Tube Neck:

• No truss rod—aluminum tube reinforcement instead
• Lighter weight, different feel
• Part of the unconventional construction philosophy

Silvertone Partnership:

• From 1961, Danelectro produced guitars for Sears under the Silvertone brand
• Brought electric guitars to millions of American homes via catalog
• Same guitars, different headstock—Silvertone-branded versions often more affordable on vintage market

The Shorthorn (1959)

The double-cutaway Shorthorn became Danelectro's defining shape. Lightweight. Affordable. Sonically distinctive. The 59DC (1959 Double Cutaway) remains the template for modern reissues.

Closure and Revival (1969-1998-Present)

Danelectro closed in 1969. The brand disappeared for nearly three decades. The 1998 revival brought back classic designs and introduced the effects pedal line that would become iconic in its own right. The 2010 59M NOS series featured New Old Stock lipstick pickups manufactured in 1999—original Danelectro components in new guitars.

Danelectro Price Guide by Series

59 Series (Current Production): $299-$449

Modern versions of the classic Shorthorn—the heart of the Danelectro lineup.

59M NOS (~$399)

Specifications:

• Body: Masonite over poplar frame
• Neck: Maple with aluminum tube reinforcement
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 21 frets
• Pickups: New Old Stock lipstick pickups (manufactured 1999)
• Bridge: Adjustable
• Scale: 25"
• Nut Width: 1.625"
• Finishes: Various vintage colors

Why the NOS Matters: The 59M NOS features genuine 1999-manufactured lipstick pickups—25+ year old components in a new guitar. No other brand offers anything like this at any price. It's the closest to vintage Danelectro tone in current production.

59X (~$349)

Specifications:

• Extended range variant
• Same Masonite construction
• Lipstick pickups

59 Divine (~$449)

Specifications:

• Premium finish options
• Enhanced appointments
• Same core construction

Stock '59 DC (~$349)

Specifications:

• Classic double-cutaway
• Standard lipstick pickups (not NOS)
• Authentic Shorthorn shape

Used 59 Series Values: $200-$350 (excellent condition)

Other Current Models

'56 Single Cutaway (~$349)

Specifications:

• Retro single-cut design
• Lipstick pickups
• Pre-Shorthorn aesthetic

Longhorn Bass (~$449)

Specifications:

• Iconic bass shape
• Lipstick-style pickups
• Lightweight and distinctive

Convertible (~$299)

Specifications:

• Acoustic-electric hybrid
• Danelectro character
• Versatile design

Used Other Models: $180-$400 (excellent condition)

Vintage Danelectro (1954-1969): $500-$5,000+

Original Nat Daniel-era instruments—the real thing.

Original Shorthorn (1959-1969): $500-$3,000

• Condition and originality drive value
• Original lipstick pickups critical
• Jimmy Page association adds cultural significance

Original Longhorn Bass: $800-$4,000

• Iconic shape
• Collectible bass market

Coral Electric Sitar: $1,000-$5,000+

• Most collectible Danelectro variant
• Limited supply, no modern equivalent
• Session musician heritage

Silvertone-Branded Danelectro: $300-$2,000

• Same factory, different headstock
• Often more affordable than Danelectro-branded
• Amp-in-case models (1457) highly collectible

The Danelectro Sound: Understanding the Character

Danelectro tone is unmistakable—and not for everyone. Here's what defines it:

Lipstick Pickup Character:

• Bright, articulate top end
• Hollow midrange—not scooped, but airy
• Quick attack and decay
• Single-coil clarity without Strat quack

Masonite Resonance:

• Lightweight body contributes to overall resonance
• Hollow, boxy quality in the low-mids
• Acoustic-like complexity when played unplugged
• Feedback potential at volume—part of the character

Ideal Applications:

• Indie, alternative, jangle-pop
• Clean and edge-of-breakup tones
• Slide guitar (low action, light strings)
• Recording—unique texture in a mix

Less Ideal For:

• Heavy metal (not enough output or body)
• Traditional blues (different midrange character)
• Players wanting "normal" guitar tone

The Jimmy Page Reference: "Kashmir" captures the Danelectro essence—that ringing, open, slightly exotic quality. It's the tone that made players rediscover these instruments decades after the factory closed.

Where to Buy Danelectro Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $420)

• Best selection of vintage and modern Danelectro
• Knowledgeable vintage community
• 6.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: 59M NOS, vintage Shorthorn, Coral Sitar

eBay (Average Price: $340)

• Good for budget finds and auctions
• 5.0% price trend
• Best for: Used 59 series, Silvertone models

Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $350)

• Physical inspection available
• Lipstick pickup test in-person
• 3.5% appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy on modern models

Local Shops (Average Price: $300)

• May undervalue Danelectro vs. Fender/Gibson
• Negotiation possible
• 3.0% growth
• Best for: Deals on used 59 series

Tips for Buying Used Danelectro

1. Lipstick Pickup Test: Test both pickups in all switch positions. Lipstick pickups can develop microphonic issues over time—listen for squealing at high gain. NOS pickups in 59M models—verify they're present and functional. The 1999 date stamp on NOS pickups is the key differentiator.
2. Masonite Condition: Original Masonite bodies can crack at stress points—around the bridge, neck joint, and control cavities. Inspect carefully. Modern reissues use similar construction—handle with appropriate care. Avoid excessive humidity swings.
3. Lightweight = Portable: Masonite construction makes Danelectros extremely light—often under 6 pounds. Perfect for gigging musicians who carry their own gear. The comfort factor is underrated for long sessions.
4. Silvertone Connection: Don't overpay for "Danelectro" branding when an identical Silvertone version costs less. Same factory, same guitar, different headstock. The Silvertone 1457 with amp-in-case is a separate collectible category.
5. Unique Tone: Danelectro doesn't sound like Strat, Tele, or Les Paul. Buy because you want THAT sound. It's not a substitute for conventional guitars—it's an alternative with its own character.
6. Neck Reinforcement: Original Danelectros use aluminum tube instead of truss rod. No truss rod adjustment possible. Check for neck bow and playability. Modern reissues follow similar construction.

Danelectro vs. Competitors

How Danelectro compares to alternatives in the vintage-inspired and jangly tone space:

Danelectro Advantage: Genuine lipstick pickups (NOS in 59M), Masonite construction, unmistakable tone. No other brand offers this exact character. The 59M NOS with 1999 pickups is genuinely unique.

When Others Win: Eastwood for more conventional construction. Harmony for Gold Foil alternative. Fender for classic twang and versatility.

Famous Danelectro Players

Artists who defined the Danelectro sound:

• Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): Used Danelectro on "Kashmir" and other recordings—the defining endorsement
• Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd): Early Danelectro user
• Beck: Danelectro on multiple recordings
• Jack White (White Stripes): Vintage Danelectro/Silvertone player
• Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): Vintage guitar enthusiast, Danelectro user
• Countless session musicians: The Coral Sitar was a studio staple
• Millions of American beginners: Via Silvertone through Sears catalog

Investment Potential: Which Danelectros Hold Value?

Strong Appreciation

Vintage Originals (1954-1969):

• Finite supply, growing collector interest
• 5-7% annual appreciation typical
• Coral Sitar most valuable
• Original Shorthorn with intact lipstick pickups

59M NOS:

• Unique NOS pickup proposition
• May hold value better than standard 59 series
• No direct equivalent from other brands

Moderate Retention

59 Series (Standard):

• Budget instruments, typical depreciation
• Strong player demand maintains floor
• Used at $200-$350 are compelling values

Lower Retention

• Heavily modified instruments
• Damaged Masonite
• Missing or replaced lipstick pickups on vintage

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Danelectro

For Beginners ($150-$350)

Recommended Models:

• Used 59 DC or Stock '59: $200-$300 used—authentic Danelectro experience
• Used '56 Single Cutaway: $250-$350 used
• Convertible: ~$299 new for acoustic-electric option

What to Prioritize:

• Functional lipstick pickups
• Solid neck and playable frets
• Embrace the unique tone—don't expect Strat/LP sounds

For Intermediate Players ($350-$500)

Recommended Models:

• 59M NOS: ~$399 new—the NOS pickup advantage
• 59 Divine: ~$449 for premium finish
• Used Vintage Shorthorn: $500-$1,000 for original

What to Prioritize:

• NOS pickups in 59M (verify they're present)
• Condition on vintage
• Body style preference (double-cut vs. single-cut)

For Collectors ($500-$5,000+)

Recommended Models:

• Vintage Shorthorn (1959-1969): $500-$3,000
• Coral Electric Sitar: $1,000-$5,000+
• Vintage Longhorn Bass: $800-$4,000

What to Prioritize:

• Originality and condition
• Intact lipstick pickups
• Documentation and provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Danelectro tone unique? A: The combination of Masonite construction (hollow, resonant) and lipstick pickups (bright, jangly, articulate) creates a tone unlike anything else. It's not warm like a Les Paul or twangy like a Tele. It's its own thing—jangly, airy, with a distinctive midrange character. Jimmy Page's "Kashmir" tone is the reference.

Q: What are lipstick pickups? A: Single-coil pickups originally housed in surplus lipstick tube casings. Nat Daniel's budget innovation created a unique magnetic design that produces bright, articulate tone. Modern Danelectros use similar designs. The 59M NOS features pickups actually manufactured in 1999—original Danelectro components.

Q: Is Masonite construction a disadvantage? A: It's different. Masonite is lighter, more resonant, and more susceptible to damage than solid wood. For the Danelectro tone, it's essential—the construction contributes to the sound. Set expectations: these are not heavy-duty workhorse guitars. They're lightweight, characterful instruments.

Q: What's the difference between Danelectro and Silvertone? A: Same factory, same guitars. Sears sold Danelectro-built instruments under the Silvertone brand. Identical construction, different headstock logo. Silvertone versions are often more affordable on the vintage market. The amp-in-case Silvertone 1457 is highly collectible.

Q: Are Danelectros good for beginners? A: Yes, with a caveat. They're affordable, lightweight, and easy to play. But the tone is unique—beginners expecting "normal" guitar sound may be surprised. For those who want something different, or who love jangly indie/alternative tones, they're excellent. For traditional rock/blues, a Strat or Les Paul might be more versatile.

Q: What's the difference between the 59M NOS and standard 59 series? A: The 59M NOS features genuine New Old Stock lipstick pickups manufactured in 1999—original Danelectro components that are 25+ years old. The standard 59 series uses current-production lipstick-style pickups. The NOS version offers the closest approximation to vintage Danelectro tone in a new guitar. At ~$399 vs. ~$349, the NOS commands a modest premium for a significant tonal difference.

Conclusion

Danelectro proves that innovation doesn't require premium materials. Nat Daniel built guitars from Masonite and lipstick tubes when everyone else chased mahogany and ebony. The result was a tone the world didn't know it needed—until Jimmy Page played it on "Kashmir," and millions of players discovered the joy of jangle.

Today, the 59M NOS at $399 offers something no other brand provides: genuine 1999-manufactured lipstick pickups in a new guitar. It's the closest to vintage Danelectro tone in current production. Used 59 series at $200-$350 are among the most fun guitars you can own at any price. And vintage originals from 1954-1969 continue their steady climb—finite supply, undeniable character, the real thing.

Danelectro isn't for everyone. It's for players who want something different. Something light. Something that jangles. Something that sounds like nothing else. Masonite, lipstick pickups, and pure joy.

For the most current pricing and availability, check authorized Danelectro dealers. Vintage model prices vary significantly by condition, model, and pickup originality.

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