Danelectro guitars have been played by Beatle George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, punk pioneer Link Wray, dinky Dave Navarro and the brilliant Rick Miller of Southern Culture On The Skids. Not bad for a guitar that was designed as an entry-level model for kids!

The ’63 model is based on a Silvertone guitar that came with an inbuilt amp in its case. This reissue features the ‘coke bottle’ headstock and classic lipstick singlecoil pickups. There’s even a baritone at £249.

Take it as read that this guitar plays as brilliantly as the other models in the Dano range. It has the slim neck and low action that we’ve come to expect and love. And thanks to the unique Danelectro construction method this guitar is lightweight and perfectly balanced.

The coolest thing about this guitar is its tone. 200 quid guitars don’t usually sound this good. Think of the ’63 as a fat-sounding Strat: the bridge pickup has loads of bite but never sounds harsh; and the neck unit adds warmth but there’s still plenty of clarity. Combine both pickups and you get this fat beefy tone that’s perfect for blues leads and fuzzed-out solos.

Verdict

Like Jimmy, Eric and Elvis, we’re sold on the Dano vibe. Some of the most expensive guitars in the world pass through the office. Not many of them can match the fun we had with the ’63. You can’t get a better recommendation than that.

5 Stars

Pros: Looks, tone, playability, price.
Cons: You must be joking!

Buy: Danelectro '63 is currently available from Thomann

Next: Danelectro Pro