MGR/DanoFan « Danelectro Hodad »
Published on 11/24/03 at 15:00Bought used but in nearly new condition on ebay for $190 including shipping.
When I opened the box, I was stunned at the aesthetics of this guitar. The pictures didn't do it justice. Mine is very pretty with a slightly sparkling white finish and a dark band around the body, with a light maple neck and rosewood fretboard. Beyond the looks, the guitar is very light and comfortable to play--its sort of reverse strat body shape makes it easy to play sitting down or standing. Plus, the electronics and hardware on this Dano are top-notch. The lipstick pickups sound great, the tuners (Gotohs) keep it in tune very well; adjustable bridge. There's some interesting options with the tone--the knobs "pop up" and function as coil taps, I think. I haven't figured it all out quite yet, since I'm something of a beginner, but it's fun playing around with the sounds it creates. In short, a lot of guitar for the money!
The one reservation I have about the guitar is its sturdiness. I wouldn't feel comfortable banging this guitar around, mainly because it has a bolt-on/screwed in neck and the body is made of some sort of reinforced composite (it's actually hollow) and I fear it might be somewhat brittle (so don't drop a dano, I guess!).
It seems very well put together. No problems with any of the (very nice) electronics or hardware. The finish is perfect, the neck thin and strong. Despite the bolt-on neck, mine stays in tune very well. Again, the only reservation I have is its possible fragility.
I love my guitar--it looks sweet, plays great, sounds awesome and uniquely Danelectro. The tones I get from this guitar are really neat. The bonus is that even when it's not plugged in it's pretty resonant for an electric. I'd recommend it over a similarly priced strat (aka Squier or similar).
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
When I opened the box, I was stunned at the aesthetics of this guitar. The pictures didn't do it justice. Mine is very pretty with a slightly sparkling white finish and a dark band around the body, with a light maple neck and rosewood fretboard. Beyond the looks, the guitar is very light and comfortable to play--its sort of reverse strat body shape makes it easy to play sitting down or standing. Plus, the electronics and hardware on this Dano are top-notch. The lipstick pickups sound great, the tuners (Gotohs) keep it in tune very well; adjustable bridge. There's some interesting options with the tone--the knobs "pop up" and function as coil taps, I think. I haven't figured it all out quite yet, since I'm something of a beginner, but it's fun playing around with the sounds it creates. In short, a lot of guitar for the money!
The one reservation I have about the guitar is its sturdiness. I wouldn't feel comfortable banging this guitar around, mainly because it has a bolt-on/screwed in neck and the body is made of some sort of reinforced composite (it's actually hollow) and I fear it might be somewhat brittle (so don't drop a dano, I guess!).
It seems very well put together. No problems with any of the (very nice) electronics or hardware. The finish is perfect, the neck thin and strong. Despite the bolt-on neck, mine stays in tune very well. Again, the only reservation I have is its possible fragility.
I love my guitar--it looks sweet, plays great, sounds awesome and uniquely Danelectro. The tones I get from this guitar are really neat. The bonus is that even when it's not plugged in it's pretty resonant for an electric. I'd recommend it over a similarly priced strat (aka Squier or similar).
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com