Hi everyone,
Does anyone know where I can get plans for a Danelectro U2 (or the '56 reissue from the 90's, or the current '57 reissue - all the same guitar pretty much)?
I've had a look in the Plans forum but so far haven't found anything. I did find one reference through Google, but the link was dead when I checked yesterday.
(If this post should be in the Plans forum, please let me know and I am happy to move it. I posted here because the Plans forum appears to be more a collection of links rather than discussion).
And while I'm asking, does anyone know if any Australian (or NZ, given the context here) pickup makers offer a good vintage low-output lipstick pickup?
Thanks!
Bern
Danelectro U2 plans?
Re: Danelectro U2 plans?
I built a DC dano copy, no idea on the U2
Recommend NOT using Neptone pickups.
Recommend NOT using Neptone pickups.
Re: Danelectro U2 plans?
I've found some building info on other Dano guitars. Since it's just a laminated body, I'm going to use techniques from Dano in general, but copy the U2 shape. Should be easy enough by enlarging a pic big enough since I know the scale length. It doesn't need to be perfect anyway, because I'm aiming to do this "cheaply" (not budget though), almost as a prototype. If I'm happy with the result, I'll try another that's a little more upscale, i.e. basically a U2 but with modern refinements and higher quality timbers, etc.
Anyway, if anyone does happen to know of any U2 plans, I'm still interested. But I have a way forward now nonetheless. Thanks!
Anyway, if anyone does happen to know of any U2 plans, I'm still interested. But I have a way forward now nonetheless. Thanks!
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- Blackwood
- Posts: 776
- Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:36 pm
- Location: North East Victoria
Re: Danelectro U2 plans?
[/quote]
Keep Googling, I found heaps of references.
Have you thought about going to a second hand music shop, crapping on about how good you are as a luthier, then asking if you could could trace the outline of a guitar of interest in order to make your own template as a plan? For future reference, of course...
Personally, I don't see the logic in making a guitar out of masonite and cheap pine...at least use treated pine for the neck so that it will last in the ground if you need to use it at the front gate so visitors can find your house!
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
"Everything I say on the topic is based solely upon inexperience and assumption!"
Re: Danelectro U2 plans?
I used wood instead of Masonite for mine, and made a few mods to the original design like an adjustable truss rod, a shorter neck pocket and master vol and tone instead of concentric pots. But I used original style lipsicks and original (but steel not aluminium) bridge.
I don't think of it in terms of good or bad for tone or sustain, its just a different sound, yes the pickups are lower output, but the series position is useful.
The nep- tone pickups were a problem for me because I wanted that RWRW polarity series position but they were supplied with a hardwired groundshield and single conductor which would have had the casing live in series position. The supplier was quite dismissive of my concerns and then the mounting bracket broke. I bought an alternative replacement which was cheaper and had 2 conductor wiring.
I don't think of it in terms of good or bad for tone or sustain, its just a different sound, yes the pickups are lower output, but the series position is useful.
The nep- tone pickups were a problem for me because I wanted that RWRW polarity series position but they were supplied with a hardwired groundshield and single conductor which would have had the casing live in series position. The supplier was quite dismissive of my concerns and then the mounting bracket broke. I bought an alternative replacement which was cheaper and had 2 conductor wiring.
Re: Danelectro U2 plans?
Yes, I’m planning on the same - ‘proper’ timbers instead of Masonite, neck with truss rod, master volume and tone, the adjustable Dano bridge rather than the one with a timber saddle. I may even depart even further and put in some Filtertrons instead of lipsticks, or one of each. I’m also considering a Filtertron in the neck and something like a Cream T Banger & Mash in the bridge.
In the end I want something quality but not over the top, looking like a U2 with some slight mods, and keeping with the laminate design for the body. I was also just at the Maton exhibit at the Powerhouse museum here in Sydney, and some of their retro designs have sparked some ideas too.
In the end I want something quality but not over the top, looking like a U2 with some slight mods, and keeping with the laminate design for the body. I was also just at the Maton exhibit at the Powerhouse museum here in Sydney, and some of their retro designs have sparked some ideas too.
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