What is the scale length of the Danelectro Vintage 12-String?

The guitar features a comfortable 25-inch scale length, which is standard for many Danelectro models and aids in playability for 12-string configurations.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

This guitar is loaded with a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups, designed to provide bright highs and focused midrange tones.

Does the bridge allow for individual string intonation?

Yes, it features a fully adjustable 12-string bridge that allows for accurate octave intonation across all twelve strings.

What is the body shape of this guitar?

The guitar uses the classic Danelectro Shorthorn shape, which includes a semi-hollow construction.

What is the purpose of the 'S' sound hole?

The 'S' sound hole provides airy resonance and contributes to the guitar's rich midrange chime and lively acoustic character.

Is this guitar suitable for live performance?

Yes, its semi-hollow design and lipstick pickups are designed to translate its acoustic character beautifully when played through an amplifier.

What kind of sound character does this guitar have?

It produces bright, jangly highs with focused mids and a clear, defined low end, capturing the classic 12-string pop shimmer.

How does the price compare to other 12-strings?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £595, placing it in the mid-range category of 12-string instruments.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model comes in a Red Metallic finish, though a Gloss Black version is also available in the same series.

Can this guitar handle complex chords?

Yes, the combination of the 25-inch scale and the adjustable bridge ensures that complex chords stay tight and in tune across the fretboard.

How does it differ from a Fender CD-140SCE-12?

The Danelectro is a semi-hollow electric-style 12-string with lipstick pickups, whereas the Fender CD-140SCE-12 is a full dreadnought electro-acoustic guitar.

What strings are recommended for 12-string guitars like this?

While not factory-specified, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-string acoustic strings (10-47) are commonly used for 12-string setups.

Gear article

Danelectro Vintage 12-String Guitar Red Metallic

The Danelectro Vintage 12-String Guitar in Red Metallic is a semi-hollow body instrument known for its distinctive 'S' sound hole and classic Shorthorn shape. Designed to provide a resonant, airy acoustic character, it utilizes a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups to deliver the chime and shimmer associated with 12-string pop music history.

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Overview

The Danelectro Vintage 12-String in Red Metallic is a modern iteration of the brand's legendary semi-hollow designs. It features the iconic Shorthorn body silhouette, complemented by a unique 'S' sound hole that contributes to its acoustic resonance. While technically a semi-hollow electric guitar, its construction focuses on delivering a lively acoustic character that remains clear and defined when amplified. The Red Metallic finish provides a bold, retro aesthetic consistent with Danelectro's mid-century design heritage.

Key Features and Components

The instrument is equipped with two '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups, which are a hallmark of the Danelectro sound. These pickups are known for their bright, jangly high frequencies and focused midrange. A critical technical feature of this model is the fully adjustable 12-string bridge. Unlike fixed saddle bridges found on many budget 12-strings, this hardware allows for precise octave intonation, ensuring that complex chords remain in tune across the entire 25" scale length of the fretboard.

Sound and Character

Described as one of Danelectro's best-sounding 12-string voices, this model provides a combination of airy resonance and rich midrange chime. The semi-hollow body construction produces a natural shimmer that translates into a bright, jangly output through an amplifier. The low end is tuned for clarity rather than boominess, preventing the often-muddied sound associated with 12-string guitars during high-gain or dense mix scenarios.

Suitability

This guitar is primarily suited for players seeking the classic 1960s jangle found in pop, folk-rock, and psychedelic music. Its comfortable 25" scale length makes it accessible for guitarists transitioning from standard 6-string electrics. The adjustable bridge also makes it a reliable choice for studio recording, where perfect intonation across all twelve strings is a necessity.

Market Comparisons

Compared to traditional dreadnought 12-string acoustics like the Fender CD-140SCE-12 or the Yamaha FG820II, the Danelectro offers a thinner body profile and a more electric-focused playability. While the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon and Eko Ranger XII VR provide a larger, traditional acoustic volume, the Danelectro Vintage 12-String excels in portability and feedback control when plugged in. For those seeking the same sound in a different aesthetic, Danelectro also offers the model in a Gloss Black finish.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the scale length of the Danelectro Vintage 12-String?: The guitar features a comfortable 25-inch scale length, which is standard for many Danelectro models and aids in playability for 12-string configurations.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: This guitar is loaded with a pair of '56 Vintage Lipstick pickups, designed to provide bright highs and focused midrange tones.
Does the bridge allow for individual string intonation?: Yes, it features a fully adjustable 12-string bridge that allows for accurate octave intonation across all twelve strings.
What is the body shape of this guitar?: The guitar uses the classic Danelectro Shorthorn shape, which includes a semi-hollow construction.
What is the purpose of the 'S' sound hole?: The 'S' sound hole provides airy resonance and contributes to the guitar's rich midrange chime and lively acoustic character.
Is this guitar suitable for live performance?: Yes, its semi-hollow design and lipstick pickups are designed to translate its acoustic character beautifully when played through an amplifier.
What kind of sound character does this guitar have?: It produces bright, jangly highs with focused mids and a clear, defined low end, capturing the classic 12-string pop shimmer.
How does the price compare to other 12-strings?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £595, placing it in the mid-range category of 12-string instruments.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model comes in a Red Metallic finish, though a Gloss Black version is also available in the same series.
Can this guitar handle complex chords?: Yes, the combination of the 25-inch scale and the adjustable bridge ensures that complex chords stay tight and in tune across the fretboard.
How does it differ from a Fender CD-140SCE-12?: The Danelectro is a semi-hollow electric-style 12-string with lipstick pickups, whereas the Fender CD-140SCE-12 is a full dreadnought electro-acoustic guitar.
What strings are recommended for 12-string guitars like this?: While not factory-specified, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-string acoustic strings (10-47) are commonly used for 12-string setups.