The Danelectro Commando refers primarily to a series of short‑scale electric bass guitars produced by the American musical‑instrument manufacturer Danelectro during the early 1970s. The model is recognized for its economical construction, distinctive body shape, and characteristic Danelectro “lipstick” pickup design.
Overview
- Manufacturer: Danelectro (originally founded in 1947 by Nathan Daniel, William H. Jennings, and Seymour W. Rubin)
- Instrument type: Electric bass guitar (short‑scale)
- Production period: Early 1970s (approximately 1970–1974)
- Target market: Budget‑oriented players and entry‑level musicians
History and Production
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Danelectro expanded its product line beyond the well‑known “single‑cut” guitars and “shorthorn” basses to include a series marketed as the Commando. These instruments were manufactured primarily in the United States, employing Danelectro’s trademark cost‑saving techniques, such as the use of Masonite (hardboard) bodies covered with vinyl or plastic finish, and inexpensive hardware.
The Commando basses were part of Danelectro’s attempt to capture the emerging demand for affordable, lightweight bass guitars suitable for practice, classroom settings, and for musicians requiring a portable instrument.
Design and Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scale length | Approximately 30 inches (short‑scale), facilitating easier playability for younger or smaller‑handed musicians. |
| Body | Masonite core with a thin veneer or vinyl coating; the shape is a rounded slab with a modest bout, lacking the pronounced cutaways of higher‑priced designs. |
| Neck | Bolt‑on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard; typically 20 frets. |
| Pickup | Single “lipstick” humbucking pickup mounted in the body, a hallmark of Danelectro instrumentation, delivering a warm, mid‑range‑focused tone. |
| Controls | Simple layout: volume and tone knobs, with a pickup selector switch on some later variants. |
| Hardware | Chrome bridge and tuners; lightweight metal bridge plate. |
| Finishes | Available in a limited palette of colors, often with a glossy or satin vinyl finish. |
The combination of a short scale, lightweight construction, and a single pickup contributed to a distinctive tonal character described by players as warm, slightly crunchy, and well‑suited to pop, surf, and lo‑fi styles.
Reception and Legacy
The Danelectro Commando was marketed as an affordable alternative to more expensive basses from major manufacturers. While it never attained the same commercial prominence as Danelectro’s “Silvertone” line, the Commando has maintained a modest cult following among collectors and indie musicians who value its retro aesthetic and distinctive sound.
In the 2000s, renewed interest in vintage low‑cost instruments led to occasional reissues and boutique reproductions that emulate the original Commando’s construction and tonal qualities. However, these reissues are typically marketed under the broader “Danelectro” brand rather than as a specific “Commando” model.
References
- Danelectro company catalogues (early 1970s).
- Vintage instrument appraisal guides documenting short‑scale bass models.
- Interviews and articles in music‑trade publications (e.g., Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar) referencing Danelectro’s budget‑line instruments.
Note: While the Danelectro Commando is documented in multiple instrument catalogues and collector resources, detailed production numbers and specific year‑by‑year variations are not comprehensively recorded in publicly available sources.