I saw your query at lunchtime and didn't have time to respond.
But I can confirm various things:
Yep, mine's the '59 re-issue (for the Page/Gallagher look). It hasn't got the stacked pots though (like newer reissues have) - so mine hasn't got individual volume and tone controls for the pups :(. It would be almost imperative if I wanted to use it live. Btw, the pickups seem to be wired in series not parallel in the middle position. I love all three positions, but I'd have to retune the amp for each position :lol:
I think the pickups alone might get you close-ish. But I suspect the hardboard body and pickup positions do indeed add a lot to the mix. I remember when I was using a Variax guitar, I did a lot of experimenting with sticking lipstick pickups on solid bodies. Eg on strat, it did behave differently - more output actually - but not a lot different, and nothing like the masonite bodied model they came from. I'd be doing it more for looks than tone probably.
Other than the Dano itself, the nearest thing I have to a Dano sound is the teles. If I want "60s pop" (that raw wired electric), it's a toss-up between the Dano or the teles for me. Also, I can get Muddy Waters tone out of my Dano more easily than any of my teles! :roll: - it would be a superb guitar to take along for a blues jam. Once you've dialed the amp for the sound you want, you're done, just concentrate on playing the tunes... (it actually seems a lot easier making it sound cute and rocking than most other guitars, but that might be because it's so simple a sound - I suspect the LP Juniors are bit like that, but I don't want to think about it too much in case I start getting GAS! :lol:)
When I bought mine, they seemed very "variable". The neck on mine is very nice to play, lovely fretting job on it, but I had to dick about with the aluminium nut a lot to get it to stay in tune. Basically, I think they all needed a set-up. They do feel a bit cheap, but on the other hand, they are cheap! (or mine was anyway - they've probably gone up now because loads of people seem to want them). They're made in China, I think, and when the Squier CVs first came out and I tried those, their fretwork reminded me of my Dano - a lot better than the Fenders and Gibsons I've bought! :lol:
I must admit, looks-wise, it's only the 59 that grabs me, and I'm not too fond of that :lol:. My niece (early 20s now), on the other hand, thinks it's the coolest looking guitar I own... youngsters, eh?
