Danelectro Longhorn Guitar (1/2) ~ Luthiery Laboratories

Danelectro Longhorn Guitar (1/2)

Another early build for me - 2010, a reissue Danelectro neck on a built body. The finish is pearl automotive acrylic lacquer. The pickguard is actually clear with a piece of paper under it.

1 2

6-String Guitars, Body - Built, Body - Hollow, Body - Masonite/Plywood, Body - Tolex Binding, Danelectro, Electronics - Passive, Neck - Bought, Projects,

Danelectro Projects

Danelectro Companion Guitar

Danelectro Longhorn Guitar

Danelectro Pro-1 Guitar

Danelectro Pro-1 Bass

Danelectro Silvertone 1443 Bass

Danelectro Silvertone U-1 Guitar

Danelectro Silvertone 1448 Guitar

Danelectro Silvertone 1457 Rescue Guitar

Danelectro Silvertone 1457 Guitar

Danelectro '63 Guitar

Danelectro "Super-63" Guitar

Danelectro Silvertone 1450 Guitar

Danelectro Silvertone 1472 Amplifier

Danelectro '67 Hornet Guitar

Danelectro Longhorn Bass

Danelectro is my favorite type of guitar, simply for the genius of their unorthodox, inexpensive, yet highly effective designs. I love the tone of old-growth masonite. If you are looking for details, the Pro-1 Bass is the most complete build documentation.

More: Danelectro Projects ...

Masonite

Modern Danelectro construction of a classic design

Masonite is the classic Danelectro body material. Vintage Danelectros are Masonite over a poplar core, modern ones substitute plywood for poplar, which is actually better and cheaper. Masonite is available in 1/8" and 3/16" thicknesses. For luthiery, 1/8" is preferable, but 3/16" can also be used, especially if a slightly thicker and heavier body is desired.

More: Masonite ...

Danelectro Tolex Body Binding

This is what the binding looks like on a vintage Danelectro. I've never been able to find a 'weave' pattern like this. Reissues use a cowhide texture; I also like pebble-grain.

Tolex side binding is something that is particular to Danelectros. I love it. There are many good points to using Tolex side binding:

More: Danelectro Tolex Body Binding ...

Danelectro Bridges

The classic Danelectro bridge is a study in simplicity. A chromed brass plate*, drilled and notched, with a rosewood sliver for a saddle.

More: Danelectro Bridges ...

Series Wiring

When two pickups are wired in series, the output of one is connected to the ground of the other. The outputs are directly additive, there is no loading effect as with parallel wiring. You get noticeably more output, and usually a much fuller sound. Two pickups may be wired in series with a standard [ON-OFF-ON] switch, available at any hardware store.

More: Series Wiring ...