Dan Electro's Guitar: A Look At The Iconic Sound And Houston's Live Music Gem
Have you ever wondered about a guitar that sounds a bit different, perhaps with a truly unique voice, or maybe about a place where music history just breathes? You know, there's something special about certain instruments and the spots that celebrate them. For many, the name "Dan Electro's guitar" brings to mind a very specific kind of instrument, one with a distinct look and sound that has charmed players for decades. This isn't just about a guitar you might pick up; it's also about a place, a live music venue in Houston, that shares a similar spirit and a name that rings familiar.
So, we're going to explore two fascinating aspects tied to that name. One is the actual Danelectro guitar brand, known for its quirky charm and surprisingly rich tones. The other is Dan Electro's Guitar Bar, a beloved spot in Houston, Texas, that has been a home for all sorts of music for a very long time. It's almost like these two things, the guitar and the bar, share a bit of the same soul, you could say, a dedication to sound and good times.
This article will take you through the story of these guitars, from their early days to the models you can find today. We'll also look at the history of the famous Houston bar, a place where many different music styles blend into one intimate soundtrack. We'll touch on what makes these guitars stand out and what makes the bar such a cherished part of the local music scene. You might find yourself wanting to pick up a guitar or perhaps even plan a visit to hear some live tunes.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Danelectro Guitars
- Dan Electro's Guitar Bar: Houston's Music Heartbeat
- Popular Danelectro Models and Their Appeal
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Electro's Guitars and Bar
The Story of Danelectro Guitars
The tale of Danelectro guitars is a rather interesting one, stretching back many years. These instruments, known for their distinct look and sound, came about in a time when music was truly changing. The company, which made these guitars, eventually faded from the main stage of guitar making, you know, with its main source of money gone. Still, the brand kept going for a while, selling some models under a different name, Coral, and even having some extra stock put together by Dan Armstrong, a builder famous for his clear lucite guitars. It's pretty amazing that Danelectro guitars themselves actually lasted longer than the original company did, which says a lot about their appeal.
A Unique Build and Sound
What really set Danelectro guitars apart was their construction. The guitar bodies were often hollow, which was a bit unusual for electric guitars of the time. This design choice, you see, gave them a more acoustic feel and a very vintage tone, which was quite popular during the rock and roll era of the 1950s. That particular sound was very much the flavor of the day back then. They had a certain warmth and chime that players really enjoyed.
The company also made other interesting things. For example, a series of guitar pedals was started in 2005. These included the Fab Distortion, Fab Overdrive, and Fab Metal pedals. These were meant to give guitar players even more ways to shape their sound, offering a range of effects that could change how the guitar felt to play. It's clear that Danelectro wasn't just about the guitars themselves, but also about the whole experience of making music.
The Legacy Lives On
Fast forward to today, and modern Danelectro guitars are still being made. They use different materials now, like maple, poplar, or plywood, which gives them a bit of a fresh take while keeping that classic vibe. Some of the parts for these guitars, like certain components, are even made again under special permission, a license from the U.S. This means that the spirit of the original instruments lives on, even with new versions. You can find a wide range of these guitars, from the Metalflake '59XT to the '66T, and even vintage-style baritones and 12-strings. The Vintage 12 String, for instance, is often called Danelectro's best-sounding 12-string ever, with its hot vintage colors and '56 vintage pickups. The '59M NOS+™ is a classic, updated for its 60th anniversary, with special pickups and adjustable bridges. It's rather cool how they keep these designs current.
If you're looking for one of these unique instruments, you're in luck. Many places offer them, and you can often enjoy the lowest prices and a good selection of Danelectro guitars at big music stores. Most orders, too, are eligible for free shipping, which is a nice bonus when you're looking to add one of these to your collection. You can learn more about classic Danelectro products and their history on dedicated fan sites, which is pretty neat.
Dan Electro's Guitar Bar: Houston's Music Heartbeat
Now, let's talk about the other "Dan Electro's," a place that has become a true landmark in Houston's live music scene. Dan Electro's Guitar Bar, located at 1031 East 24th in Sunset Heights, has been a gathering spot for music lovers for a very long time. It's tucked behind a red door with a fender guitar neck handle, a little detail that tells you right away what kind of place this is. Since 1988, this bar has been blending all sorts of music genres, from Texas country and rock to blues, jazz, indie, rockabilly, yacht rock, R&B, punk, reggae, emo, metal, funk, soul, experimental, folk, alt rock, Americana, and so much more, into one truly intimate soundtrack. It's quite a mix, honestly.
A Long History of Live Music
Dan Electro's was first opened in 1988 by Jim Mendenhall, who also owned Heights Guitar. The bar quickly built a strong reputation for hosting live rock, blues, folk, and country acts. The stage itself has seen so many standout performances over the years, and that history has shaped the room into a place where newcomers and even teen rockers can feel at home. It's a place where the music is the main thing, and everyone just comes together for a good time. The bar has a long established reputation for hosting live rock, blues, folk and country acts, so it's a bit of a fixture in the community.
You know, this place has been an anchor for local music for decades, seemingly having a 70s appearance. When you walk through the door, you'll find the bar on your left, stocked with various beers, many of them local, and some wine. It's a cozy spot, and it's always been about the music first. You can check out the upcoming event and concert calendar for Dan Electro's Guitar Bar to see who's playing, along with details about the artists, tickets, and the venue itself, including photos, videos, and bios. It’s pretty easy to find something you’d like.
The New Chapter
Just recently, Dan Electro's Guitar Bar quietly reopened after some big changes. New owners, Will Thomas, Devid Denenberg, and Alex Jackson, purchased the bar last summer and formed the Dan Electro’s LLC. They've done some major renovations inside and out, but they've been very careful to keep much of the same spirit that people love about the place. This shows a deep love for Houston's bar and live music scene, which is something the new owners, John and April King, Scott Fix, and Jennifer Caldwell, also share. It’s nice to see that commitment to its roots.
The bar is open seven days a week, with live music usually happening on the weekends. It’s a community hub, really, with over 3,651 likes on social media, 279 people talking about it, and 238 who have been there recently. This place isn't just a bar; it's a mission, with a history of hosting iconic Houston music events since 1988. It truly invites you to join its community for live music and good times. You can learn more about Houston's vibrant music scene on our site, and also check out other great live music venues in the area.
A Place for All Sounds
Dan Electro's blends all those genres mentioned earlier, making it a spot where you can hear pretty much anything. From the raw energy of punk to the smooth sounds of jazz, and the storytelling of folk to the heavy riffs of metal, it all finds a home here. The stage has a long history of standout performances, shaping a room where new acts and young rockers can really shine. It’s a place that fosters creativity and welcomes all sorts of musical expression. This commitment to a wide range of music is really what makes it special, and it’s a bit of a rarity these days, too.
Popular Danelectro Models and Their Appeal
When you talk about Danelectro guitars, there are a few models that often come to mind, each with its own special charm. The '59XT guitar, for example, is a modern take on a classic, offering that vintage feel with some updated features. Then there's the '66T guitar and the '66BT Baritone, which give players a deeper, richer sound that's great for different styles of music. The Vintage Baritone and Vintage 12 String are also very popular, especially the 12-string, which many consider Danelectro's best-sounding one ever. It comes in three hot vintage colors, has an "S" sound hole, and those classic '56 vintage pickups that just sing. It’s definitely a must-have for many players, you know.
The '59M NOS+™ is another flagship model, given a nice refresh for its 60th anniversary. It features NOS+ pickups, an adjustable die-cast bridge, and stacked tone and volume controls, which give players a lot of control over their sound. The Convertible™ and Sitar Baby Sitar models are also quite unique, offering sounds that are truly different from your typical guitar. And let's not forget the Resonator and the '59DC™ Long Scale Bass, or the classic Longhorn® Bass and the '67 Dano®. Each of these models has a distinct voice and feel, showing the wide range of instruments Danelectro has offered over the years. It's pretty cool how they keep coming up with these variations, too.
The enduring appeal of these guitars, whether new or old, often comes down to their unique tone and their approachable nature. They often provide a sound that stands out in a mix, and they have a certain vintage cool that many musicians really appreciate. Plus, for many, the price point for these instruments makes them a great option for getting a distinctive sound without spending a fortune. It's like getting a piece of history that still plays beautifully today, which is rather nice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Electro's Guitars and Bar
Here are some common questions people ask about Dan Electro's guitars and the famous bar:
What kind of sound do Danelectro guitars typically make?
Danelectro guitars are known for a very distinct, often vintage sound. Because their early bodies were hollow, they had a more acoustic feel and a chimey, warm tone that was perfect for 1950s rock and roll. Modern versions aim to capture that same unique voice, offering a bright yet full sound that stands out. It's a bit different from many other electric guitars, actually.
What makes Dan Electro's Guitar Bar a special place in Houston?
Dan Electro's Guitar Bar is special because it has been a true anchor for live music in Houston since 1988. It's known for hosting a very wide variety of music genres, from rock and blues to jazz and punk, all in an intimate setting. The bar has a long history of great performances and a community feel, making it a beloved spot for both musicians and music fans. It's more than just a bar; it's a piece of local history, too.
Are new Danelectro guitars similar to the original vintage models?
Yes, new Danelectro guitars aim to capture the spirit and unique sound of the original vintage models. While modern guitars might use different wood types like maple or poplar, some components are even reproduced under license to keep that authentic feel. They often feature updated hardware for better playability, but the core design and tone that made the originals famous are still very much there. So, in some respects, they are quite similar.
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Fateful Night [Lancer and Rin] by Wiz-Dan on DeviantArt
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