Tell me about Danelectros

[madison]

I don't know much about Danos.....but somehow I like them.
I seriously have my eye on a used Danelectro Hodad (w/the Bigsby) right now.
Just looking for some input/opinions on these guitars.
Thanks

[tubenit]

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/dano.html

[1911A1]

Madison:

Over the years I've had a few Danos, and all have been butt kickers. Their necks are weird at first, then grow on you. Mine (U-series Danos and Dano Silvertones) were/are shorter scale than Fenders and Gibsons and are awesome for blues. All mine had big frets. The lipsticks are unreal pickups. You can't really over gain them with a high gain amp and take away their voicing, clear and bright, but not trebly. They are kind of blocky feeling and don't feel as refined as a Fender, but they are definitely cool guitars. I've never played a Hodad, but if it's a real Dano, and has the original lipsticks, it'll probably be a ball to play.

Good Luck, Pike.

[madison]

Thanks for the info guys.
I couldn't resist.
Way to fun.
$240 out the door with a case.
I haven't done anything to it yet besides tune it up.
It's almost flawless.
Has push/pull tone knobs to do that single/humbucker thing.
All kinds of tones, actually more than my strats but in a different way.
Played it for a couple of hours last night and it actually kept tune really well even using the whammy.
Somebody put 9s on it, that will get changed.
The only thing, and I think this isn't a biggy, the neck is just a tad "too straight" for my taste.(needs more bow)
I will adjust the truss rod but not sure what the method is with these type necks where the adjustment is at the heel of the neck and require removal.

[1911A1]

I'm not sure about that model, but all the Danos I've played had non-adjustable necks. There were two steel bars imbedded in the wood, one on each side of the neck. These kept the neck straight. Steve Soest, an Orange, CA Dano guy from way back, once said that he'd never seen a warped Dano neck, and I'd believe him. Mine are from the early 60's and are probably just like they were when they rolled off the line. You tend to get use to the Dano necks with their easy playing, then get spoiled by them.

Kudos on a nice guitbox, Pike.

[madison]

I remember reading somewhere........ this Hodad could be adjusted.
I will certainly find out tomorrow when I take off the neck if there is an adjuster.
If not, does the string gauge make a difference in the bow?
It actually plays fine the way it is and I do like the neck!
I just have to get used to this type of fat whammy bar.
Thanks

[jjasilli]

Nice ax!  My re-issue Dano D-2 has truss rod adjust at the heel - so you have to remove the neck.

[Geo]

If not, does the string gauge make a difference in the bow?
It actually plays fine the way it is and I do like the neck!
I just have to get used to this type of fat whammy bar.
Thanks

Higher gauge strings will bend the neck and raise the action. Could be a good thing for you if you want a little neck bow, and heavier strings always sound better to me. If it's a shorter scale, you might even try 12's on there????