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Draggin' Guitars

1959 Danelectro 3612 Copper Metallic

1959 Danelectro 3612 Copper Metallic

Regular price $1,995.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,995.00 USD
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Here's a real rare one:  Vintage Danelectro 3612 model 6-string Bass / Baritone Guitar.   Known as the "Tic-Tac" bass, this model became heavily used in the studios of Nashville back in the 50's-early 60's.  The favored recording method was using a stand-up bass for the deep low-end and then double-tracking with the 3612 providing a sharper attack.  The combo was very effective and became known as the "Tic Tac" bass sound-synonymous with the Danelectro 3612.

This guitar/bass is similar to a Fender Bass VI in that it is can tuned like a guitar-just one octave lower.  Or you can use it as a bass with a B to B tuning.   That is the current set up on the one.   This Guitar was made in 1959 at the original Danelectro factory in Red Plant, New Jersey U.S.A.  The body is nice and solid with no rattles or repairs.  It is set up and ready to go.

The original Copper metallic finish is in very good shape with minimal wear; mostly along the top edge-see photos.  The side stripe material is solid and in very good condition-especially for these 50's Danelectros.  The backside is very clean with some handling evidence.  The Copper finish looks really beautiful and the metallic makes it shine bright or dark depending on the angle of the lighting.  If you know your vintage Danelectros, you know that they are a solid body look but actually hollow on the inside.  Danelectro used a Poplar wood core with masonite adhered to the outside to construct the bodies.  This yields a very lightweight and comfortable result.  

The neck joint is solid and a great fitment.  The neck itself is a poplar construction and this one is nice and straight with a very smooth feel.  The profile is best described as a shallow C.  It measures .822" at the 1st fret and .877" at the 12th fret.  The nut measures 1.668" wide for an excellent string spacing.   The Copper finish is applied to the back of the neck and there is some nice wear in some of the lower positions-it feels like a nicely comfortable pair of jeans.  The tuners all function as designed.  The front of the headstock was also finished in matching copper metallic at the factory and it retains its color very well.  The headstock and logo both display excellent.   The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is in excellent condition.  The frets are super clean and have been professionally  leveled crowned and polished.  They appear as close to new condition as possible-see photos.   The action is set low for a fast and  easy touch.  The string height is .015" at the 1st fret and .095" at the 12th fret.  The bass plays smoothly up and down the fingerboard with no dead spots.  The Tone resonates throughout the guitar and has a great feel-the hollow body surely contributes to this characteristic.  

The pickup has an excellent signal and the controls function smoothly and quietly.  The bridge plate looks original, but the wood saddle is not-as it has a metal ridge across the top.  It looks pretty close and functions fine-just held in there by friction-like a floating bridge would be.  

This bass is super lightweight and lots of fun to play.  You can forget all about shoulder fatigue with this one, it only weighs 5.89 lbs.  It is so light!

Comes with original hard case.

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