Can anyone tell me details on the modern Danelectro baritones?

J

Jim Soloway

Multimeh
There are lots of Danelectro baritones being sold but not a lot of real details.


There seem to be four basic models: the Wild Thing, 56 reissue, Silvertone-style double cut; and Hodad.


Am I correct that the scale length is 28 3/4 on all of them?


What is the weight like?


Do they neck dive?


How noisy are the pickup?


Are the necks the same on all of them?


What is the profile?


Nut width?


Thanks in advance for any answers.
 
Jim,

i have the '63ri baritone, which really isn't a reissue of anything. but it looks cool.

the scale length is 29.5", the same as their short scale bass model. however, danelectro has been known to say the scale length is 30", which is incorrect.

it's very light and it is neck heavy. i think this is due to the long scale. the regular guitar versions have a better sense of balance.

weight is about 5 pounds.

the pickups are fairly quiet though they are also low output. also, the middle position is wired in series so there's a volume boost.

the neck should be the same regardless of model, though the single cutaway models have a bulkier heel. they're all a generic C profile. thicker than an Ibanez Wizard II, but not as thick as an MIM Fender. nut width is 1 5/8".

lastly, and though this wasn't part of your post, if i were looking for a gigging baritone, i'd probably end up with the PRS SE Mike Mushok model and it's 27" scale. or i might put a conversion neck on my telecaster. but as a $250 beater with a distinct tone, i don't think you can do better than the Dano.
 
Thanks. Neck Heavy doesn't work for me. For 27", I'd just use some old left over Swan parts. And after considering a few baritones,I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to do. I was originally leaning towards one of the Hagstrom Viking Bari's but they're in the 9 lb range and I don't think I want to put up with that.
 
Jim Soloway said:
Thanks. Neck Heavy doesn't work for me. For 27", I'd just use some old left over Swan parts. And after considering a few baritones,I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to do. I was originally leaning towards one of the Hagstrom Viking Bari's but they're in the 9 lb range and I don't think I want to put up with that.
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You wouldn't dig my Les Paul then :tongue:
 
Jim Soloway said:
Thanks. Neck Heavy doesn't work for me. For 27", I'd just use some old left over Swan parts. And after considering a few baritones,I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to do. I was originally leaning towards one of the Hagstrom Viking Bari's but they're in the 9 lb range and I don't think I want to put up with that.
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I give the balance issue a pass because its a cheap writing tool. I wouldn't put up with it in a main player situation. Go with the leftover parts scenario.
 
Mark Wein said:
You wouldn't dig my Les Paul then :tongue:
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I play a lot of hours and I'm beyond getting on in age. I set a 7lb limit for myself a long time ago and it's worked out for me pretty well.

And thanks again to Howie. It's always good to hear it from someone who's got one.
 
Jim Soloway said:
I play a lot of hours and I'm beyond getting on in age. I set a 7lb limit for myself a long time ago and it's worked out for me pretty well.

And thanks again to Howie. It's always good to hear it from someone who's got one.
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Yeah...I'm not a fan of the 4 hour gig with that thing anymore myself :)
 
Jim Soloway said:
I assume you're referring to the PRS version. There used to be an Ibanez as well and it got great reviews when it came out. I wonder if anyone's played both of them?
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I've played both. I actually liked the neck and body on the Ibanez a bit better, but hated the pickups. They're also harder to find. A friend of mine has two of the PRS Mushok models and the consistency is quite good. I really like those pickups, although they're pretty damn hot.
 
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