Danelectro Longhorn Review

Lightweight and Overpriced for a Reason

The primary reason I bought the Longhorn was its weight. At 5lbs. 13oz., it's the lightest electric bass I could find. When I first saw the Longhorn photos, I thought it was the ugliest bass on the market. But I'm accustomed to its look now and I've come to appreciate its cool factor. Frankly, it sounds fine. The neck is great, well-crafted, and fluid. I was playing a Gretsch Jett… read more II short-scale bass. It's a better-sounding bass than the Longhorn, but it weighs in at over 8lbs. The Longhorn doesn't have the sustain I'd prefer. It's "bassiest" setting (neck pickup at warmest setting) is muddier than the Gretsch, but useable. At $, the Longhorn is overpriced compared to other options. I think Longhorn buyers pay extra for the classic throwback design. I find the stacked volume/tone controls annoying, but I don't change them much after my initial setting. Overall, I'm satisfied with the instrument. But if weight is not an issue, the Gretsch or even the Fender short-scales might be a better and less expensive option.

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Great Bass

This bass has a tone all its own. Comfortable to play despite the unique shape. Every one who has seen it compliments the look. I would give it 5 stars but the lipstick pickups don't hold a thumb well, will be looking for something to attach to it for that. Otherwise I love it.

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Great Sound. Great look. Great history.

I have thought many times about getting a longhorn and finally did. It is everything I hoped it would be. Quirky and fun to play.

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Quality and support problems

This is a very cool bass, and I love it! I believe the pickups are wired in series, which gives a nice boost when both are blended together. However, initial quality was lacking. The A string tuner would barely move, felt like it was going to snap off. Plus, one of the bridge mounting screws had its head stripped out from the original assembly. I contacted Danelectro support through… read more their web site as instructed. Two emails, sent months ago, and NEVER any reply. I ended up replacing the tuners myself with genuine Kluson Supremes, that was a great improvement. Going to Home Depot now for a new bridge screw…

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Not a P bass!

This is a great bass. It is lightweight, short scale, 24 frets, and the lipstick pick ups sound great. It does not sound like a P bass. It has its own sound,much brighter. But on the neck pick up, with the tone turned off, it is dark and rich. Bring in some of the bridge pick up, and turn up the tone a bit, and you have a sound similar to a baritone guitar. I have use this on a… read more few gigs so far, and it is so comfortable and light compared to my other basses. And it really cuts through. Despite the low price and quirky materials, the bass plays well and feels good. I'm still not sure whether I think it is merely unique looking, or just plain ugly, but it is definitely a statement.

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Wrecking Crew Sound

The Dano Longhorn bass has been possibly the best tracking bass for studio use I've ever used. When recording myself, it's size makes maneuvering the studio a lot easier than my P-Basses. PUT FLATS ON IT. I use the rotosound shortscale flats and they sit in the pocket so nicely. It sounds great all around, but I love using a dunlop jazz3 pick and lightly palm muting. It gives… read more you that 60's 70's Carol Kaye sound without needing much processing. Played a live show with it, and the sound guy and several people in the crowd asked about how I got that sound/tone. Love this bass!!!

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A Pleasant surprise

I've been a bass player for a long time. Have had several albums under my belt with major labels and a host of singles deals throughout my career. Done a lot of recording in just about every studio in LA. Retired now, and just writing and releasing video to you tube. What I'm getting at is, I've had a ton of bass guitars in the last 55 years. Had just about all of them at… read more one point or another. So when I decided to try this Danelectro, it was on a lark. To be honest, I just thought it looked cool. I had a Longhorn knockoff years ago (Danelectro went out of production for a few years) and it sounded horrible. So you can imagine my surprise when I plugged this into my board and heard the clear and powerful sound that it produces. I'm shocked and pleased at how great this bass is. It's a 3/4 neck, which for years I thought was "beneath" a legitimate bass player. Big mistake. It has a sound all its own. It may not be the all purpose bass ( ie P-Bass) for example, but if your attracted to it, be assured it is one for the stable. Check out my you tube videos at Frank Demme you tube.

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