Danelectro '58 Longhorn Short Scale Bass

58 Danelectro Longhorn Bass
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[@BigWhiteGuitar]

Fun Fact: Session musician Carol Kaye, who played bass on literally thousands of songs and dozens of hits in the 1960's with the "Wrecking Crew", used the Danelectro extensively because it was so versatile and portable. There are interviews and clips on KZbin and elsewhere where she talks about the Danelectro specifically. It sounds good because we've been hearing it for years in some of our favorite songs, and we never realized it.

[@applescruff1969]

John Entwistle also used a Danelectro in the early days.

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

No way! Not terribly surprised since it’s one of the best basses I ever heard, I absolutely loved my late 90s Longhorn reissue. It’s so absurdly light and got that semi hollow body. Please please please bring back the burgundy model, it looks crazy good, Dano folks!!!

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

@@applescruff1969 I Can’t Explain is the jammmmmmmmmm.

[@thesimulations8900]

I've seen a bunch of pictures with her playing her P Bass?🤔

[@glennbrien4072]

@@thesimulations8900 she used that too. The post says she used a Danelectro extensively, not exclusively. I read an interview where she commented that the Dano was inexpensive and comparably compact, both of which were appealing to a working musician who often had to bring several instruments to a recording session.

[@pbasswil]

Never thought of it before, but it just hit me: the body contour mimics a lyre, the way they looked in Classical Greece & Rome!

[@dalepal]

The Longhorn basses looked unique and nostalgic with a cool vibe.

[@BrianPremo]

I absolutely adore all things Danelectro, especially this bass.

[@Damaged262]

This is funny, 60 Cycle Hum just reviewed that model in black today. I love them both, I'll have to check one out. Thanks for the review Phil.

[@VincentVader]

As a guitar player I love short scale basses. The late great Allen Woody's Epiphone Rumblekat was a 30' scale. He also played a Gibson EB2 a lot. There is something about that punch.

[@barrykearney3162]

I've been playing bass about half a century. I find that short scale basses, everything else being equal, have more bottom end, less mids and mellower highs. Mainly because the strings are looser when tuned to the same scale as 34" basses. A short-scale EB-3 has a booming, sustaining bass tone. An open E will sustain forever. Problem is too many short-scale basses are beginners models, and have weaker electronics, etc. I play both, and like both scales, though. 34" with tighter strings will sound tighter and funker. I also put very heavy strings on short-scales, to get rid of some of the sloppiness.

[@ferox965]

I had a Gibson sg bass. Was insanely comfortable.. but if they moved that mudbucker to the middle instead of at the neck, it'd be perfect.

[@tarZenization]

Stronger fundamental tone, less overtones is derived from the shorter length of vibrating strings, not because the are looser.

[@valadez191]

That thumbnail is perfect, looks like you got the long horns.

[@gscgold]

Ha...I had to look at comments before I said anything.

[@MrTaojonz]

Damn - I wanted to comment that first .well done

[@tonepilot]

I don’t play bass but came in to say the same thing. Man that’s an ugly guitar.

[@johndelgadillo2815]

TonePilot so ugly but it plays great

[@tonepilot]

@@johndelgadillo2815 It had better, there's not much else to redeem it :)

[@RonDicken1971]

I love it! It's so mid-century modern retro looking, I'm tempted to buy one just to hang on my wall.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ahh again, really one of the most unique basses I have ever seen! Great showcase here!

[@jeffb5798]

Phil, there's a way to fix the stacking knobs so that turning one doesn't turn the other. Take a small screwdriver and unscrew the screw in the top knob (just a little - only unscrew it enough so that the knob is loose). Next raise the knob up the shaft by a small amount (like 1/16", or use a business card as a spacer). Now tighten the screw back. I have a Danelectro and had the same problem. Moving the upper knob up the shaft just a fraction keeps the upper knob from dragging on the lower knob (and visa-versa) as I turn them.

[@ken46120]

Love my short scale. It really digs in and growls. Danelectro is cool. Grrr.

[@senacht]

The Longhorn is one of those iconic basses both in terms of look and sound. Not every short scale bass is as mid forward in tonal character as that bass. The guitar pickups give it some of that almost Rickenbacker vibe with the tone all the way up. But Ric pickups are more in keeping with guitar pickups than bass pickups anyway. And many if not most short scale basses are far bassier than the Longhorn. Either way it’s a cool bass with a unique sound. And affordable enough to land it within many a player’s gear budget. Thx for the review!

[@PhilMoseleyMusic]

Cool bass Phil! Danelectro really are the kings of that "something a bit different". You went through some real nice and usable tones there! Cheers Phil!

[@darrellmcdonald7883]

They used to make a longhorn guitar. It had 27 frets on it. I seen only one in person back in a pawn shop in the late 1980s. It was pretty old then.

[@TheRafael123456]

They're doing it again, check out! I saw one at sweetwater

[@bbeneb]

I got one about 1969 for $35, sold it a year later for $50. Been kicking my tail for the last 50 years for not keeping it. Played Jazz bass for 30 + years, back to short scale, and they do anything I need. Great little bass!

[@Lowtech14]

Great demo of variety of sounds that can be had from this bad boy. At the end of the day this bass sounds and plays great.

[@bobpickwoad8968]

Longhorn is great! Exactly as Phil described it. I'm not a bass player but I have several and this one looks great next to the others (62 Fender Jazz, , 65 Burns Baby Bass, Dean Euro Custom shop Edge, MIJ Fender VI) . :-)

[@ryanmadden8778]

Thanks for this honest review of the Dano Longhorn. Like any review, the pros outweighed the cons. I loved the slap bass and muted section. Having a unique bass for the right situation is key.

[@blkjakk]

Hey Phillip! I am not in love with the shape but you make it sound damn good 😁👍🏻

[@DMSProduktions]

Dano Longhorn basses always sounded good! 1 of my faves! Good to play!

[@jono4708]

First guy I saw who played one of these was Jesse Colin Young with the youngbloods in maybe 65. He was originally primarily a guitarist. I think he stayed with this guitar throughout the life of that band. Kind of a signature item. I dug it.

[@MikeFromNashville]

That Danelectro Long Horn Bass looks pretty sweet.

[@Terrible_Peril]

I adore these basses. They’ve done a few reissues of varying quality, with the one seen here being (in my opinion) the best. Kinda makes you wanna build something weird once you’ve seen how simple the construction is, eh?

[@melanyonichankawaii7780]

ES EL BAJO DE VICTORIA DE ANGELISSSS

[@Mistertbones]

I love the look of Danelectros, and this is no exception.

[@rickhill6277]

Nice Vid Phil! I have a Dani ‘58 Reissue from the ‘90s and I just Love it! I play Classic Rock and Blues and it firs those styles perfectly! I run it through an old Hartke HA 7000 Head and 4x10 SWR Goliath III Cab. Makes a BIG Sound!! I’m 66 and remember a LOT of songs recorded using this Bass! Ah..... those were the days! LOL! Please keep up the Good Work!! Cheers!

[@Darm0k]

I really want one of these, but they're really hard to find used. The best live bass tone I ever heard was an outdoor show with one of these..

[@aarondavis4341]

Some Danelectro trivia,the lipstick pickups came about when the founder of the company got a deal on lipstick cases meant for female soldiers during ww2,so he designed his pup around them now we got the infamous LIPSTICK PICKUP

[@bluesrocker91]

Maybe not the best choice if bass is your main instrument, but for a guitarist looking to play bass on some bedroom recordings these short-scale basses are ideal for sitting at a desk with.

[@nolanburchett7972]

I just fell in love. This is my next purchase.

[@edharmicar6227]

Bass used to record Radar Love by Golden Earring

[@rwl0323]

Rinus Gerritsen is one of most underrated bassist out there. He is a monster on bass!

[@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc]

hell yeah love playing those scales on my Longhorn. Liquid goodness

[@gabrielnolasco9732]

NOFX’s bassist uses a shorthorn regular scale but it sounds much the same. Always loved the sound

[@INDYOSKARS]

"Longhorns" meaning Lyra, the body looks like a Lyra when the horns are up.

[@helengreen8894]

I think about 🌷 tulip 😍 😎

[@INDYOSKARS]

@Revolting Peasant Lyra, Lyre same thing, it´s like git and get.

[@hobbyknight9962]

I remember encountering one of these basses in the mid 80's in a pale blue finish similar to this one. I liked it as a funky weird "other bass". If you haven't tried a long horn bass try it, you may like it.

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

sounds better than i thought it would, not to shabby at all!

[@ericbgordon1575]

This is a great demo, Mr. McKnight. It's interesting to know that is that a short scale electric bass with with semi hollow cavities is still usable for slapping. Not used to hearing them played that way myself.

[@Breuschling11]

Pegboard and vinyl construction and an ultra hideous design. I’m surprised I don’t see more of these. 😳

[@skybluemarshall]

Now we know why this model is famous for appearing on classic studio recordings, rather than being seen in famous live recordings. I'm surprised that this bass isn't remembered more for being modified into "short horn" versions, after one or both of the horns broke off. I can only imagine how many times, guys had convinced themselves that this bass was cool because John Entwistle had one. Later on, they had to decide wether to cut and sand down the broken horns and then make a new vinyl strip or just toss it in the trash. Looking down at the exposed particle board and the cheap piece dangling vinyl stripping and thinking about how it would no longer have even it's usual iconic ugly charm, was probably the decision maker.

[@kitano0]

I'm pretty sure Gary Tallent played one of those on Born to Run!

[@bobpickwoad8968]

Further proof that Strange Minds Think Alike :-) Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow! BobinAZ

[@ErickC]

The thing about those super low boomy frequencies you're not getting on the E string is that they're going to get bandpassed in the mix anyway, otherwise the bass and drums will just end up fighting each other. So it really doesn't matter unless the bass is completely solo.

[@jerrodknisley973]

It's always reminded me of a horseshoe crab. I played one at guitar store one through an orange crush 50 bass amp. It's fun but I think the mustang is a better vintage short scale

[@RastaSaiyaman]

Look up a live video by the Dutch band The Golden Earring with a song called "Leather" to hear just how hard a Dano Bass can rock.

[@jasonvendor5022]

Ohh, Tom Petty with the Wilburys

[@ColinStuart]

The Longhorns, be they baritone, or bass, are always standouts, always have been!

[@kirabarsmith9353]

I thought they were ugly long ago too, and now I dig the design. Thanks for the review!

[@helengreen8894]

I see it as 🌷 tulip-form 😍

[@baileywatts1304]

i remember back in the day when I wanted to collect vintage gear but couldn't afford vintage fenders I went nuts getting all the danelectro I could. And I regretted it. The electronics in them were always ace but I could never get them to play like I wanted. It looks neat but I don't want to go down that road again

[@Tanglangfa]

Man your reviews are so thorough, but will you please show the hangle? That’s the angle it hangs from a strap when standing. It’s so important to me. Neck dive is a dealbreaker for me. It’s one reason I won’t buy without holding the instrument in person.

[@PDXguitarfreak]

Would really like to see one with painted flames LOL

[@zaz4667]

SWEET! Excellent video! Thanks Phil!

[@fladification]

I love short scale basses. But you definitely have to develop a a softer touch than what you're used to on a long scale. To say the strings are "more bendy" is a bit of an under statement. They're much easier to bend, thus the need for a softer fretting hand. But the bendy part is a feature not a bug. Take a song like "Fast As You" by Dwight Yoakam, there's an ascending line that bends every note up as you walk it down, try playing this line on a long scale and you'll struggle to make the bends sound right, do it on a Shorty and it's easy....I'd say it's the only way (for me at least) to make it sound right.

[@spacep0d]

Your bass signal is extremely low but it sounds pretty decent...though I'm struggling to hear it.

[@garycoates4987]

these are really the best I play a reissue dano bari/6 string bass I owned a longhorn years ago and love the danos Garry Talent from the e street band played one for years John entwhistle played one jack bruce played one the short scale is not any less of a bass

[@thecolourrose9022]

Entwistle loved this bass so thats good enough reason for me to get one

[@burgerr.5599]

I had one same color change string to flat wound good sound very light good for your shoulder too.

[@paulwilliams1045]

I have been rocking a “commie red” longhorn since 1997 and still love it. Put some flat wounds on it. It sounds great!

[@kaitlyn__L]

Wait, that's four knobs, not two? D: I thought it looked great when I thought it was just two with a big grip and pointer to make it easy to twirl. Now I don't want to even touch them!

[@PoopyFrikoli]

Nah concentric knobs are great

[@kernalsanders6538]

Excellent overview ! Thanks !

[@bonsummers2657]

Zombierella brought me here.

[@LarryDaGamerGuy]

Ahh, the full video

[@INDYOSKARS]

I wonder if they used this bass on the recording of "Rawhide" (1959) to get into the right feeling, the groovy vib.

[@tobuslieven]

Cool instrument I'd never heard of. Great review, cheers!

[@devilsdoorbell]

I'm intrigued by short scale bases, but to be honest, I don't think I'll ever be able to embrace the longhorn body shape. An exception would be if it was antigua finished, so it would sort of escalate the absurdity of it all and by then it would be fascinating.

[@ZacCostilla]

You ought to review the Kala Ubass sometime

[@MariUSukulele]

very cool instrument

[@peterschdt5671]

I'm not a great fan af the Daneloctros, I have build 6 myself, some solid and some semisolid to get a deeper bass. And mine are 32½" scale, also to get more low end. I've them on stage during the last 12 years, because I am a short guy, so a Fender is too much for fast numbers.

[@vanshankguitars]

Love that bass.

[@anaiya.bassist.hamilton4439]

is it good for metal / punk rock bassist

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Would not be my first choice. I guess you could I wouldn't

[@anaiya.bassist.hamilton4439]

@@PhillipMcKnight thank you,

[@anaiya.bassist.hamilton4439]

@WannaBeatlethnks could i play like my chem,greenday or slipknot (just for example)

[@LilSirAxolotl]

Check out Fat Mike's (NoFX) Dano bass. Longer scale though. I have a Jerry Jones Shorthorn (Neptune) Dano remake which is short scale. But it was $1k and you'd have a hard time finding one for sale anywhere anymore because he's retired now. I like it for punk rock and I believe Danelectro should start making them. These Long Horn models are atrocious!

[@ronpopeil7]

It is the chosen weapon for Fat Mike from NOFX. So it does punk pretty well I think. Not sure about metal, though.

[@tannerhasler4278]

When you get the chance you should check out Wes Jeans if you haven’t before he’s definitely one of the closest to Jimi Hendrix

[@SeanZetterlund]

it looks derpy, but my type of derp. awesome bass!

[@steveoverdrive55]

Im not a bass Player..but check out Rinus Gerritsen Golden Earring..used to play a Double Neck Longhorn

[@offbeatbassgear]

Always intrigued by these but find them pretty unplayable. I always feel like I’m going to break a string I don’t know if that’s going to be resolved on this model with the longer scale..

[@TheBaconWizard]

LOL you ain't gonna break a bass string, especially one under less tension like this.

[@MrWuggles]

The best thing you can do for this bass when you get it is to have someone redo the electronics. Those stack-pots are pretty low quality and are pretty much spent after just a few months.

[@marks9197]

Sooo..... where's that Ibanez Mezzo bass review you promised well over a month ago? I don't even see it on your wall anymore. Thank you for another great video. I miss my Danelectro 30" DC baritone.

[@peterwelsh1932]

Famous Longhorns: if you KZbin the song Rumble by Link Wray - he's holding the Longhorn on the Album cover there. And then Metallica whips it out for (see the video of )The Black Album's "Sad But True". So there it is. The Longhorn at the amazing beginning, and the bitter Freaking end, of Rock And Roll. (Actually, Black album was Death of Metallica but that jam was O.K.)

[@rustyshackleford6811]

Thinking about doing this one good vid.🙏

[@jsneidhart]

I have two Jerry Jones versions of the Dano Longhorn from the 80s and they are my most "go-to" basses after my Fenders. I bring one to every show. Muddy PA? No problem - just plug in the Longhorn and problem solved. I wouldn't use these in a modern (slap/funk) setting; they excel for country, 60s rock, folk/Americana, especially when strung with flatwounds.

[@embarkingolive]

Danelectro was that kid in high school that tried to hard to be different.

[@RichBriere]

@danelectroguitars Own the Tone. Bassilicious 🤎🧡

[@thatfastboy4440]

Hi Philip

[@oldskoolfool141]

A lot of people in the comments calling this guitar 'sweet' which is funny cos I most associate this guitar with Steve Priest (bassist from the Sweet)

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Someone was drinking wine one day, snapped the stem off the glass and thought “that’s the perfect shape for a bass!”

[@helengreen8894]

Or seeing tulip 🌷 in the garden 💓

[@skipperson4077]

could you get the low E (mentioned as in issue with short-scale basses) by getting a 5-string and tuning the low string to E an octave lower? I like the cheap Ibanez Mikro shortscale basses and note that a 5-string is $20 more than the 4 string and the same weight....

[@ProbyWaN1337]

i like the micro basses

[@thegoatriderfromthesands2646]

Vic!

[@hallamhal]

Not gonna play anything technical on it, unless you're John Entwistle!

[@bigsteve9291]

That's how interior doors we call it hard board with blocks and cardboard inside not really very strong

[@danielguitar5150]

What happened to your Ibanez mezzo Bass review??

[@vocalion9519]

How appropriate that in a review of a Longhorn bass, you look like you have horns in the thumbnail!

[@kongandbasses8732]

Stop introducing guitarists to play the bass! One day we will have millions of bass players, and no guitar players any more! They are taking our jobs! Just kidding.... I like those Longhorn basses. Had one for a long time besides my 1968 Fender Mustang and a "Master" LesPaul bass (thinking Hoshino Gakki made) for vintage tones. As the jobs for vintage style tones disappered, l decided to sell the Longhorn. Today producers see a Precision Bass with a piece of foam under the strings as the only legit "vintage tone. Didn't play the Master LP or the Mustang for years on a production. This is a shame, because especially the LesPaul bass had a unique tone. The Longhorn was a quite versatile Instrument that also was able to produce a nice modern, Jazz Bass like tone.

[@brucebaldy]

funk machine

[@acvisanu]

For a bass player, you review a lot of guitars and not enough bass. Please review more bass:)

[@avielp]

How did you adjust bridge height

[@driesrooryck7166]

1?

[@bflo1000]

It's not loud enough. Also, it doesn't have much depth at all...probably due to those lipstick style guitar pups. The Rascal Bass had the same lousy pups.

[@caerparavel]

why would you need any other bass.

[@robust_orange1804]

what amp is this?

[@sean_shimmer]

Does any one know how to overcome the overtones of this bass which become a nuisance in recording

[@peacefulruler1]

sean paul lampon foam mute near the bridge

[@dontderockmeriz4546]

👍🏻👍🏻