What is the body shape of this Danelectro model?

This guitar features the classic Danelectro Shorthorn body shape. It also includes a distinctive 'S' shaped sound hole on the upper bout of the body.

What kind of pickups are used in the Vintage 12-String?

The guitar is loaded with a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups. These are designed to deliver bright, jangly highs and focused midrange frequencies.

How does the bridge handle the tuning of twelve strings?

It features a fully adjustable 12-string bridge. This allows for individual adjustment of each string to ensure accurate octave intonation across the fretboard.

What is the scale length of this instrument?

The Danelectro Vintage 12-String has a comfortable 25-inch scale length. This is a standard length that provides a balance of string tension and playability.

What is the primary tonal characteristic of this guitar?

It is known for an airy resonance and rich midrange chime. The sound is often described as having an 'unmistakable shimmer' suitable for pop and rock.

Does this guitar have a solid or hollow body?

It is a semi-hollow design featuring an 'S' sound hole. This construction contributes to its lively acoustic character and resonance.

What colour is this specific model?

This specific model is finished in Dark Aqua. It is designed to capture a retro aesthetic consistent with Danelectro's historical designs.

What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?

The typical price range for the Danelectro Vintage 12-String in Dark Aqua is approximately £575. This places it in the mid-range category of electric guitars.

Is the intonation adjustable for all strings?

Yes, the fully adjustable bridge is specifically designed to keep complex 12-string chords tight and in tune. Each string can be adjusted for precise intonation.

How does the 'S' sound hole affect the sound?

The 'S' sound hole allows the semi-hollow body to breathe, enhancing the guitar's airy resonance. This contributes to the rich midrange chime that defines the model's voice.

Can this guitar be used for live performances?

Yes, its combination of vintage styling and modern hardware like the adjustable bridge makes it reliable for stage use. The Lipstick pickups are designed to translate its acoustic character well through an amplifier.

Does Danelectro provide strings with this guitar?

While the guitar comes strung from the factory, Danelectro is a separate entity from string manufacturers like D'Addario or Ernie Ball. Users often pair this guitar with high-quality electric 12-string sets for optimal performance.

Gear article

Danelectro Vintage 12 String Guitar Dark Aqua

The Danelectro Vintage 12-String is a semi-hollow electric guitar featuring the iconic Shorthorn body shape and a distinctive 'S' sound hole. It is equipped with dual '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups and a fully adjustable bridge, designed to provide the classic jangly chime associated with 1960s pop and rock music.

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Overview and Design

The Danelectro Vintage 12-String in Dark Aqua is a modern iteration of the classic Shorthorn design that defined the brand's aesthetic during the mid-20th century. The instrument features a semi-hollow construction characterized by a unique 'S' shaped sound hole. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to an airy resonance and a rich midrange chime that differentiates it from solid-body 12-string electrics. The Dark Aqua finish provides a retro visual appeal consistent with the brand's heritage.

Electronics and Hardware

Central to the guitar's sonic profile is a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups. These pickups are renowned for their ability to produce bright, jangly high frequencies while maintaining focused mids and a defined low end. The hardware configuration includes a 25-inch scale length and a fully adjustable 12-string bridge. This bridge design is a significant feature, as it allows for precise octave intonation across all twelve strings, ensuring that complex chords remain in tune throughout the length of the fretboard.

Sound Character

The Vintage 12-String is described by the manufacturer as providing their best-sounding 12-string voice to date. Its character is defined by a lively acoustic resonance that translates into a shimmering, harmonically rich output when amplified. The combination of the semi-hollow body and Lipstick pickups results in the 'unmistakable shimmer' typical of 1960s pop music history, offering a balance of clarity and warmth.

Target Audience and Application

This instrument is primarily suited for guitarists seeking the specific tonal textures of a 12-string electric without the high cost often associated with vintage instruments or premium boutique builds. Its 25-inch scale length offers a familiar feel for most players, while the adjustable bridge makes it a practical choice for recording and live performance where tuning stability and intonation are paramount. It is particularly effective in genres such as jangle pop, folk-rock, and psychedelic rock.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of this Danelectro model?: This guitar features the classic Danelectro Shorthorn body shape. It also includes a distinctive 'S' shaped sound hole on the upper bout of the body.
What kind of pickups are used in the Vintage 12-String?: The guitar is loaded with a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups. These are designed to deliver bright, jangly highs and focused midrange frequencies.
How does the bridge handle the tuning of twelve strings?: It features a fully adjustable 12-string bridge. This allows for individual adjustment of each string to ensure accurate octave intonation across the fretboard.
What is the scale length of this instrument?: The Danelectro Vintage 12-String has a comfortable 25-inch scale length. This is a standard length that provides a balance of string tension and playability.
What is the primary tonal characteristic of this guitar?: It is known for an airy resonance and rich midrange chime. The sound is often described as having an 'unmistakable shimmer' suitable for pop and rock.
Does this guitar have a solid or hollow body?: It is a semi-hollow design featuring an 'S' sound hole. This construction contributes to its lively acoustic character and resonance.
What colour is this specific model?: This specific model is finished in Dark Aqua. It is designed to capture a retro aesthetic consistent with Danelectro's historical designs.
What is the typical price for this guitar in the UK?: The typical price range for the Danelectro Vintage 12-String in Dark Aqua is approximately £575. This places it in the mid-range category of electric guitars.
Is the intonation adjustable for all strings?: Yes, the fully adjustable bridge is specifically designed to keep complex 12-string chords tight and in tune. Each string can be adjusted for precise intonation.
How does the 'S' sound hole affect the sound?: The 'S' sound hole allows the semi-hollow body to breathe, enhancing the guitar's airy resonance. This contributes to the rich midrange chime that defines the model's voice.
Can this guitar be used for live performances?: Yes, its combination of vintage styling and modern hardware like the adjustable bridge makes it reliable for stage use. The Lipstick pickups are designed to translate its acoustic character well through an amplifier.
Does Danelectro provide strings with this guitar?: While the guitar comes strung from the factory, Danelectro is a separate entity from string manufacturers like D'Addario or Ernie Ball. Users often pair this guitar with high-quality electric 12-string sets for optimal performance.