Build and features

No we haven’t gone mad, for although the Dano has the visual presentation of a solid body, it’s actually constructed of a top and back fitted to a skeletal frame. This way you get the lighter weight of a semi-hollow design and good sustain, in a compact instrument.

The name, if not the model, has been around since the early days of rock’n’roll, so is rightfully well-established and respected. In reality we could have chosen any model from Dano’s bass catalogue, as they all adopt the same construction, but we decided on the ’63 as it’s still relatively new and this model never made it to Britain when it was first introduced.

As always, the hardware looks inadequate, with a simple bridge, high ratio guitar-sized tuners and radio-style knobs. But put it all together and you have an iconic design that immediately throws you back in time. Amazingly comfortable to play and with a very well presented neck profile, this ’63 is a positive steal at under £300.

Next: Danelectro ’63 Long Scale Bass sounds, pros and cons