1958 Danelectro U2 (Modded) Electric Guitar

Around here, it's really common for two of the same thing to appear at random around the same time. I don't know why but the universe aligns that way up here more often than it should. I'm referring to the fact that I just sold a '58 Silvertone-branded version of this same guitar just last week!

This one arrived in the same format, too -- it's normal twin-lipstick-pickup configuration (though, let's admit it -- with a destroyed/replaced wiring harness). I "soul-searched" the owner before cutting it up and modding it to his specs, however, and after a long discussion with the Trinity, he decided to still go ahead with it.

Said modding included a new compensated (Bigsby-style aluminum) saddle on adjustable mounts, an '80s humbucker installed at the bridge, new wiring harness, fretwork, and yadda-yadda. One neat detail is that I fit a "keeper bolt" to the rear of the pickup mount for the original lipstick pickup that remains and that allowed me to shove it up closer to the strings than on a stock Danelectro. The result is a most-delicious sound that I've only achieved with transplanted Dano pickups before.

Strangely-enough, the '80s humbucker is actually a nice counter to the clean, jangly, garage-rocky, slightly-sweet neck pickup. Its mids-pumped, snarly, tight voice works really well as a completely different story on the same guitar.

Repairs included: fret level/dress, bridge modifications, replacement saddle, swapped bridge pickup, new wiring harness, cleaning, setup...

Body wood: pine and poplar blocking with masonite top/back

Bridge: original plate, new Bigsby-style saddle (3-wound, 3-plain)

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: poplar

Pickups: 1x original lipstick single coil, 1x '80s humbucker

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast!)
String gauges: 46w-10 lights

Neck shape: medium C

Board radius: flattish, ~16" or so

Truss rod: non-adjustable, two steel bars

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-wide/lower

Scale length: 25"

Nut width: 1 5/8"

Body width: 13 1/8"

Body depth: 1 5/8"

Condition notes: modded bridge, replacement bridge pickup, knobs spray-painted silver, replacement wiring harness, altered/moved strap buttons (to shoulder), modified back panel (electronics hatch) mounting, plenty of light to medium wear and tear and scratching throughout the body. Serial number 428 suggests 1958 manufacture date.