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Danelectro '59DC Short Scale Bass Guitar - Black Metalflake

4-string Bass Guitar with Spruce/Plywood Body, Hardboard Top, Maple Neck, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, and 2 Single-coil Pickups - Black Metalflake
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Item ID: 59DCSSBMF
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Danelectro '59DC Short Scale Bass Guitar - Black Metalflake
Price:$629 and 00 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $18/month with 36 month financing*

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Danelectro '59DC Short Scale Bass Guitar - Black Metalflake
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Price:$629 and 00 cents
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Comfortable Short Scale Bass with Serious Grit

Since its introduction in the earliest days of rock 'n' roll, the Danelectro DC Bass has inspired bassists to push their playing limits. And now, the '59DC is available in an ultra-comfortable short-scale format. This bass sports Dano's iconic Shorthorn double-cut body shape and a pair of high-output Lipstick pickups. Plugging in yields a punchy low end with plenty of harmonics. You won't have to worry about playing comfort, either! The 29.75-inch scale length is easy on your hands, making it an excellent option for guitar and bass players alike. Its lightweight hardboard/plywood body is comfortable, whether playing standing or seated, and its fast maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard provide smooth playability. At the same time, a fully adjustable bridge lets you set your intonation to your liking.

The Dano growl you know and love

Thanks to its high-output Lipstick pickups, the sound of the Danelectro '59DC Short Scale Bass is unmistakable. When you plug in and let loose for the first time, the high-output, high-impedance pickups will punch your amp with gritty, rounded tones. The pickups feature Alnico magnets wrapped in tape, which give them a truly vintage tone. Complete with a 3-way pickup selector and volume and tone controls for each pickup, the Danelectro '59DC Short Scale Bass gives you plenty of options for dialing in your tone for any track.

An iconic American brand

Founded in 1947, Danelectro produced guitar amps throughout the 1940s before expanding into guitars in the '50s. With their beloved quirky hollowbody designs, hardboard/plywood construction, and Lipstick pickups, the iconic Danelectro designs are instantly recognizable. Among other innovations, Danelectro introduced the baritone guitar in 1956, and the electric sitar in 1967. From guitar gods Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck to Who bassist John Entwhistle (check out the bass solo on "My Generation") to country superstar Glen Campbell, Tom Petty lead guitarist Mike Campbell, and the ever-eclectic Wilco guitarist and solo artist Nels Cline, Danos have become staples in the guitar and bass arsenals of top artists in all genres. Now Danelectro is back again and better than ever; Sweetwater is proud to offer you this formidable lineup of iconic vintage-inspired instruments.

Danelectro '59DC Short-scale Bass Guitar Features:

  • Classic bass design now available in a short-scale format
  • Spruce/plywood body with hardboard top feels lightweight and comfortable over your shoulder
  • High impedance, high-output Lipstick pickups pump out thick, fat tones
  • Shortened 29.75" scale length softens string feel and reduces overall playing fatigue
  • Maple neck and pau ferro fingerboard offer enhanced response
  • Fully adjustable bridge makes setting intonation easy

Why Buy Your Guitar from Sweetwater?

See how Sweetwater goes to great lengths to give you the very best online guitar buying experience. From our online Guitar Gallery that allows you to see and select the exact instrument you want to our 55-point Inspection process and our in-house guitar techs, we take the guesswork out of buying your next guitar online.

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Strings: 4
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: '59 Doublecut
  • Body Material: Spruce/Plywood (body), Hardboard (top)
  • Color: Black Metalflake
  • Body Finish: Gloss Polyester
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Neck Shape: C
  • Radius: 14"
  • Fingerboard Material: Pau Ferro
  • Fingerboard Inlay: White Dots
  • Number of Frets: 24
  • Scale Length: 29.75"
  • Nut Width: 1.650"
  • Nut Material: Aluminum
  • Bridge/Tailpiece: Adjustable Bridge
  • Tuners: Closed Gear
  • Neck Pickup: High Output Single-coil
  • Bridge Pickup: High Output Single-coil
  • Controls: 2 x stacked volume/tone
  • Strings: D'Addario
  • Case/Gig Bag: Sold Separately
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SW 59SSB BKMF

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Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

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Reviews

Beautiful instrument
I've been researching affordable, lightweight short-scale basses for a while and the 59DC has been at the top of the list throughout. Once I finally settled on it, I couldn't be happier. First of all the black metal flake finish is beautiful to look at - dark and sparkly - I can't wait to get it under stage lights. The lipstick pickups are bright and twangy but there's no loss of low end and when it's dialed in nicely, it growls beautifully through overdrive and fuzz. As always, my Reverb Sales Engineer, Joe Holsclaw, has been super helpful and knowledgeable (to both me and my father - he's like the family doctor!). Thanks, Joe! This instrument is awesome.
Music background: Artist/Producer
Friggin sweet!
Got this bass the other day and it is exactly what I expected. Super smooth action and crazy tone for days. As always Sweetwater shipped quick and made sure it showed up perfect to plug in and play! Thanks Chris Steele for making sure I'm taken care of!
Danelectro Short Scale Bass- I’m impressed!
I ordered the Black Metalflake short scale Danelectro bass as a travel bass. It appeared at my door 2 days ahead of the promised date perfectly set up and only a few cents out of tune. Have only played it a couple hours, but I'm very impressed. As advertised, it's very comfortable sitting and standing. Absolutely no neck dive, so won't need a strap while practicing. No fancy wood, but flawlessly designed and constructed. A distinctively different look than my Fender P and J Basses. And the tone capabilities! Will be exploring the bass's sounds for awhile, but already I know that it can go from mellow to gnarly.
Time will tell, but the Danelectro may become my main bass.
Thanks again to Sam Dowty for his guidance.
Mitch