Best Danelectro Guitars in 2026: 3 Models Compared on Specs

Updated on Oct 25, 2026

The top pick among these three Danelectro guitars is the Dan O Cool, a straightforward electric guitar that suits most players with no specialized features. This guide compares it with a 12-string model and a baritone semi-hollowbody, using only the specifications listed by the seller. Prices are live and read from the store listing; no units were tested.

3 picks from 4 guitars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.

Quick list

Which one is right for you?

• For players who want a 12-string jangle: If you're drawn to the chiming, full sound of a 12-string, the 59X12 is the only 12-string option in this Danelectro lineup. See pick 2
• For down-tuned and darker tones: The Fifty Niner baritone is built for lower tunings, making it a fit for players who want a deeper, heavier voice from a semi-hollowbody. See pick 3
• For a versatile everyday electric: The Dan O Cool is the most conventional guitar here, a simple electric that works across styles without special extras. See pick 1

All 3 picks in detail

1 Best overall

Danelectro Dan O Cool Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

$589.00 (as of 10/25/2026 23:29 PDT - Details)

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It is the most straightforward electric guitar in this group, with no extra strings or special tuning to complicate things. For a player who wants a classic Danelectro without a learning curve, this is the safest choice. The other two models are more specialized.

Pros

• Listed as an electric guitar, suitable for typical amplified playing
• No unusual features like extra strings or alternative tunings
• Compatible with standard guitar accessories and techniques

Cons

• String count is not stated by the seller
• No scale length, weight, or tonewood specifications provided

Good fit if

• Players new to Danelectro who want a conventional electric guitar
• Those who need one guitar for a range of musical styles

Skip if

• You specifically want a 12-string or baritone sound
• You require detailed specifications like pickup type or fretboard material

Verdict: The Dan O Cool is the most versatile and approachable Danelectro in this set, making it the best overall pick for most shoppers.

2 Best 12-string

Danelectro 59X12 12-string Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

Strings

12

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This is the only guitar in the pool with 12 strings, giving it a distinctly fuller, chorused sound that the other two cannot match. If you want the classic Roger McGuinn style jangle, this is the Danelectro to get.

Pros

• Only 12-string model in this Danelectro lineup
• Listed as an electric guitar, so it works with standard amplifiers
• Offers a rich, shimmering tone unique among the picks

Cons

• 12 strings can require more finger strength and accurate fretting (not quantified by seller)
• No other specifications stated beyond string count

Good fit if

• Players who love the sound of 12-string electric guitars
• Those writing or covering songs that call for that characteristic shimmer

Skip if

• You prefer the simplicity and bending ease of a six-string
• You need a guitar for fast lead playing, where 12 strings can be unwieldy

Verdict: The 59X12 is the clear choice for anyone who wants a 12-string electric Danelectro, offering a sound no other pick here provides.

3 Best baritone

Danelectro Fifty Niner Semi-hollowbody Baritone Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

$679.00 (as of 10/25/2026 23:29 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

As the only baritone in the pool, it delivers a lower, darker voice that neither the Dan O Cool nor the 12-string can match. Its semi-hollowbody construction may add resonance, as described in its name, giving it a distinct character for down-tuned genres.

Pros

• Baritone tuning extends the playable range downward
• Semi-hollowbody design, which can contribute to a warmer, more acoustic-like tone
• Listed as an electric guitar, suitable for amplification

Cons

• No scale length or tuning details stated by the seller
• Baritone tuning may not suit players who stick to standard E standard

Good fit if

• Guitarists exploring lower tunings for rock, metal, or alternative styles
• Players who want a semi-hollowbody with an extended low end

Skip if

• You need a conventional six-string for general use
• You prefer standard guitar tuning and are not ready to adapt to a baritone's longer scale

Verdict: For those seeking a baritone Danelectro with semi-hollowbody character, the Fifty Niner is the only option in this selection and a strong one.

Specs compared

How we chose these

We started with a pool of 3 Danelectro electric guitars that matched the brand filter. Each guitar was chosen based on the specifications provided in its listing: type (electric) and, where stated, string count (12 for one model). No instruments were physically examined; all information comes from the seller's published data. Prices shown on this page are live and may change at any time, so we do not discuss pricing in the text. Our picks are selected based on how well each guitar's stated specs meet common playing needs.

What to look for

String count: six vs. twelve

The most obvious difference among these Danelectro guitars is the number of strings. A 12-string guitar has double courses, adding octave and unison strings that create a fuller, shimmering sound. This can be great for rhythm and chord work, but it also increases string tension and can make bending more difficult. As Martin's string guide explains, the material and gauge of strings shape tone and feel, and a 12-string uses more of them, which affects the playing experience. If you are new to guitars, a six-string is generally easier to handle, but the 12-string offers a unique voice that many players love.

Body construction: solid vs. semi-hollow

The Fifty Niner is described as a semi-hollowbody, while the other two do not specify construction. Semi-hollow guitars typically have a block in the center with hollow wings, which can produce a warmer, more resonant tone with some acoustic character. Though the Martin wood guide focuses on acoustic guitars, its principles about how materials and body resonance shape tone apply to electric instruments as well. A semi-hollowbody may also be more prone to feedback at high volumes, so it suits players who play at moderate amplification. If you need a guitar for loud, high-gain settings, a solid-body model might be safer, but none of these picks explicitly states a solid body.

Electronics and controls

None of the listings specifies pickup types or control layouts, so you will need to rely on the brand's reputation and your own expectations. The Martin electronics guide, although aimed at acoustic guitars, explains how onboard electronics affect tone and flexibility. For an electric guitar, pickups are the main electronic component, and their placement and type (single-coil vs. humbucker) shape the sound. Since no details are given here, consider what kind of tone you want and be prepared to modify if necessary. For a clean, jangly sound, single-coils are typical; for thicker rock tones, humbuckers are common, but you cannot confirm the pickup type from the current specifications.

Tuning and baritone specifics

The Fifty Niner is labeled a baritone, which typically means it has a longer scale length and is designed to be tuned lower than standard pitch. This yields a deep, heavy tone that fits genres like metal, doom, or surf rock. It is not a guitar for standard E tuning unless you restring and adjust it, which is not straightforward. If you are not certain you want a baritone, the Dan O Cool or the 12-string are more conventional. The Martin guide on acoustic guitar types does not cover baritones, but the concept is well established. Before choosing a baritone, consider whether you will actually use the lower register enough to justify the trade-off in tuning flexibility.

Questions

What is a 12-string electric guitar good for?

A 12-string electric guitar produces a naturally rich, chorused sound because each string is paired with an octave string. It is ideal for rhythm playing, folk-rock, and jangly pop where a full, shimmering texture is desired. The sound can also fill a mix well, making it a favorite for recording. However, it is harder to bend strings and requires more finger strength, so it is not the best choice for technical lead solos.

What is a baritone guitar?

A baritone guitar has a longer scale length and is typically tuned lower than a standard guitar, often to B standard or A standard. This gives it a deeper, heavier tone that suits genres like metal, surf rock, and ambient music. It is not a replacement for a standard guitar; it is a specialized instrument for players who need extra low range and are comfortable adjusting to a different tuning system.

How do Danelectro guitars differ from other brands?

Danelectro is known for its distinctive hollow-body and semi-hollowbody electric guitars, often with unique shapes and affordable pricing. The brand historically used masonite and other non-wood materials, which gave a bright, jangly tone. The current models in this list follow that tradition, though exact materials are not specified. If you want a vintage-flavored sound with a quirky vibe, Danelectro is a recognizable choice.

Which Danelectro should a beginner choose?

For a beginner, the Dan O Cool is the most sensible option because it is a simple electric guitar with no extra strings or unusual tunings. The 12-string and baritone have specific learning challenges that can be frustrating for someone still developing technique. A standard six-string electric lets you focus on the basics and is versatile enough for any style you might explore later.

Are these guitars easy to set up for standard tuning?

The Dan O Cool is presumably a standard six-string and will handle standard E tuning without issue. The 12-string can also be tuned to standard pitch, though the doubled strings increase tension and can be harder to keep in tune. The baritone is not designed for standard tuning; it is made to be tuned lower, so using standard E would require a different string set and likely a setup adjustment.

Update history

• 2026-10-07: First published.

Sources

• Martin Guitars: Acoustic Guitar Types
• Martin Guitars: Wood Materials Guide
• Martin Guitars: Electronics Guide
• Martin Guitars: Types of Acoustic Guitar Strings