GEAR REVIEW
DAN O. COOL ELECTRIC GUITAR GETS HOT ON A BUDGET! | Eric Dahl
• Vintage 1950’ s shaped body
• Semi hollow body with center block
• Full Bell 1954 Headstock
• Canadian Maple neck
• Bolt-on neck
• Aluminum nut
• Rosewood fretboard
• Skate Key Tuners( 1958 Style)
• Lipstick pickups( higher output)
• U3 Plastic textured pickguard( 1955 style)
• 21 frets
• Rosewood bridge saddle
• 3-way pickup selector
• Master Volume & Tone controls
• Vintage radio style knobs
• 25” scale length
• 1.64” nut width
KEY FEATURES
The team at Danelectro is known for keeping the look and vibe of these vintage instruments alive, while also bringing their playability and sound up to modern player standards. For review WM received the new Dan O. Cool electric guitar in 1950’ s Agua finish. The Dan O. is also available in Maroon, Blue, Black and Green. The Dan O. Cool differs from past Danelectro models in that different parts of the body and features are an amalgamation of different 1950’ s specific features. The Full Bell headstock is taken from a 1954 model, Skate tuner keys are from 1958, and the pickguard is from the rare U3 1955 model.
The finish on the both sides of the body, neck and headstock is standard gloss. And then the tape around the side of the body that we are familiar with on most Danelectro guitars. The bridge is the traditional chrome base with three screws for adjustment and a wood saddle. The nut at the top of the headstock is the
Danelectro aluminum for added 50’ s twang. I like the new larger radio style control knobs for the volume and tone control, plus a three-way blade pickup selector.
The biggest upgrade on the Dan O. Cool guitar is what looks like standard models the two lipstick pickups. Danelectro decided to up the beef on these lipstick pickups giving the bridge pickup a 30 % increase in output and the neck a 20 % increase. When I first viewed and played these at the January NAMM show I was impressed that Danelectro had changed up the recipe. Some online reviews were not kind to the Dano on the headstock, the altered headstock shape or the edgy pickguard. I disagree. Danelectro is not attempting to make historic replicas of the original Danelectro instruments. In fact, the intention was not to release new guitars at all when the name was relaunched. The original goal, per the owner, was to only make pedals. But then everyone wanted new Danelectro guitars also. I own a vintage Danelectro and also a newer model. The new Danelectro is played much more frequently because it isn’ t as temperamental and it stays in tune better.
Plugged into an amplifier, the Dan O. Cool guitar was much hotter in the bridge and neck positions without added noise. Past Danelectro models required a boost from the amplifier or pedals to bring the level up. This new model will not require that, which is also nice if you switch out guitars on stage like I do.
Priced at only $ 599 the Dan O. Cool model packs a lot of 50’ s fun at a budget price. The neck joint is tight and spotless, and the neck profile is a bit flatter and plays like silk. The back cavity control panel matches the front pickguard too for aesthetics.
Of all the colors personally, I prefer the Aqua as tested. The Dan O. Cool does not include a gig bag, so I would suggest you purchase one to protect your instrument. If you’ re looking for that lipstick twang but still demand playability and pitch correct tuning, the Dan O. Cool will fit nicely in your arsenal. Like most Danelectro guitar offerings this instrument plays and punches above its price which is always a win for me! Who doesn’ t enjoy a guitar under $ 600 that will make you leave your $ 2k guitars at home! Be prepared, the new lipstick pickups are not like your grandpa’ s Danelectro, they are noticeably louder!
under $ 600 www. danelectro. com
34 June 2026 Subscribe for Free...