Danocaster Club

Just received this white guard relic from Dan and it is a keeper.

6.2lbs with Ellis Broadcaster p/ups.

After foolishly having sold two previous Danocasters, I am fortunate to have had Dan build me this one.

So post 'em if you got 'em...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/My%20Guitars%20-%20On%20Bed/10DanocasterTStyleWhiteGuardRelic.jpg

My bound Ice Blue Metallic Dano. The Lollar/Dano pickups are great. Just the right blend of twang and growl.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk229/MBT74/IBMBoundTele1-small.jpg

That white guard is expertly done--a ringer for Luther Perkins' white guards--and the lovely bound Ice Blue reminds me a lot of one of my own teles (which also has a Charlie Christian in the neck.)

Judging from a couple hundred pics, Dan does truly masterful work. While I admire his "lottery" system, it effectively puts me (and others) out of the running for one of his guitars. So I shall admire from afar.

My Surf Green Dano with a Lollar 50's wind P90 in the neck. LOVE this guitar!

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q196/Noitpure/Picture604.jpg

Surely there has to be more than three on this forum.

I can't post pictures from this device, but I got my first Danocaster Tele this week. It's Miss June in Dan's calendar. It lives up to Dan's great reputation and then some.

Just got this a few weeks ago... Danocaster Robben Ford tribute tele. Love it.


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/BRITtwin/DSC05197.jpg

I just ordered a Robben Ford model too, it looks awesome.

I know almost everyone here has seen this before.
It's been posted many times.
I've had it since July of 2008 and am amazed every time I play it still.
The sound and response is awesome and I sure dig the GVGC AlNiCo III pickups in it.

IIRC this one is the first one Dan did in this finish.
and it's perfect. 6lbs. 12oz..
Only my 335 Historics come close to the satisfaction I get from it and that's a different animal.
I can honestly say it's the Tele I judge all others by;


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/bluesjuke/Dano55WHiteguarde.jpg?t=1296861009

My Surf Green Dano with a Lollar 50's wind P90 in the neck. LOVE this guitar!

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q196/Noitpure/Picture604.jpg

i'm digging that look...

Just got this a few weeks ago... Danocaster Robben Ford tribute tele. Love it.


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/BRITtwin/DSC05197.jpg

That's a beauty!

Never seen one I didn't like.
These are all great!

Not to be rude, but roughly how much are these? Theyre all gorgeous...

My '55 Whiteguard w/ Ellis pups!

http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx46/chadadiah/Guitars/Danocaster.jpg

I don't know what a Danocaster is, can someone explain?

an awesome boutique builder of guitars, examples above.

Not to be rude, but roughly how much are these? Theyre all gorgeous...

Danocasters are relic'd replicas built by a guy named Dan Strain who's out of Nashville, IIRC.

As you can see, he does beautiful finish and relic work, and spends time and effort matching bodies, necks, pickups and vintage small parts. They're also beautifully photographed and described in the spirit of Jonathan Wilson's GVCG guitars.

He builds what he wants (mostly Teles with a few Strats and Offsets) and posts them in the classifieds at The Gear Page. They generally sell within five minutes, and I don't think that one has ever lasted a half hour.

He was taking orders for a little while, but seems to have abandoned that in favor of these "mini-auctions."

His prices are in the $1,500 to $2,000 range, with most around $1800 IIRC.
That price is either a) really high for a parts guitar b) pretty competitive with guys like Nash. c) dirt cheap compared to a Masterbuilt relic from the Fender Custom Shop. d) all of the above.

The reality is that Dan sells them quickly and owners who want to sell their guitars can sell them for pretty close to the original price.

All that said, I've never played one or seen one in person.

Just received this white guard relic from Dan and it is a keeper.

6.2lbs with Ellis Broadcaster p/ups.

After foolishly having sold two previous Danocasters, I am fortunate to have had Dan build me this one.

So post 'em if you got 'em...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/My%20Guitars%20-%20On%20Bed/10DanocasterTStyleWhiteGuardRelic.jpg

WOW. :shock: Beautiful.

as a guide $2000 ish but it depends on what you spec. Dan doesn't make many, drop him a line he is very nice. If you happen to want what he is making you might not have to wait too long.

FYI, he made this one too...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/Artists/KeithUrbanDanocaster.jpg

These are from the day he handed it over to KU (KU later called Dan and told him he wanted it more beat up. Hence the difference between the top pic and these two)...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/Artists/KUandDanocaster.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Csapo/Artists/KUandDanocaster2.jpg

WOW. :shock: Beautiful.

Thanks!!!! I love it!!!

I don't know what a Danocaster is, can someone explain?


I can tell you this in all of the time I've had mine it has been "right" every time I pick it up.

That's to say that I don't start to play it and then think/feel, "I think I'll play another one instead right now."

Once I pull it out it stays in my hands for all of the playing I do after wards.
Always sounds and feels right with the tone controls working like nothing else I've ever had.
Many, many, many, flavors in there more than most Teles.

Many, many, many, flavors in there, more than most Teles.

bluesjuke, has nailed it. This statement says it all.

I don't know what a Danocaster is, can someone explain?

I've said it in other threads, but my danocaster is simply the best guitar I have ever played.

And here I thought these were gonna be Danelectro shaped teles. Silly goose.

And here I thought these were gonna be Danelectro shaped teles. Silly goose.

Dude, I thought the same thing... These are seriously nice guitars though...

3/10/11 sent by Dan, more pics when i get
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5515088133_3955e628bd_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulvcarter/5515088133/)
Telecaster - 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulvcarter/5515088133/) by Paul V. Carter (http://www.flickr.com/people/paulvcarter/), on Flickr

I was primarily a Les Paul player until I got my Danocaster... nothing I've played beats it for versatility, with a Beano Boost and an AC15 this thing is just amazing :cool:

http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae181/Red_Baron_Guitars/Guitars/Dano_01.jpg

http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae181/Red_Baron_Guitars/Guitars/Dano_04.jpg

Paul & Red Baron, Both sweet (of course, it's a Danocaster)!


I have to add that mine has taken an enormous amount of time away from My Start and LPs.

Even my Nocaster sits and rests a lot.
There's something in it that satisfies, almost as if you combined all of the best out of the rest.

Only my 335s really compete with it at all for my time.

My first Dano. Just got thus email from Dan this morning. * Total Weight : 6 Lbs 9 oz
* 2 pc ultralight swamp ash
* double white body binding ( hand aged to "vintage custard" )
* Uber-thin Aged Ice Blue Metallic all nitro finish
* Chunky C ( .86 -.94 ) maple neck w/ a dark rosewood slab and callaham aged clay markers
* 1.65 nut width , 6125 frets , 9.5" radius , heavy rolled edges
* 5/16" cold rolled steel saddles - compensated
* all cloth wire / CTS pots / Switchcraft 3 way
* pickups are custom Voodoo "Grey Bottom Danos" *( same set as Keith Urban )

wow! lucky man... welcome to the happy club!

Welcome! I was recording with mine this weekend, I may post the track later

Here's mine:

Teal Green Metallic.


https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=72f5cf6e72&view=att&th=12f023470ef91c22&attid=0.1&disp=emb&zw
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=72f5cf6e72&view=att&th=12f023470ef91c22&attid=0.2&disp=emb&zw

Lucky enough to be dual danocaster owner now! :lol:

Ironically, while I have a CIJ '72 Thinline in the mail, this little beauty came up and I couldn't resist. It will be a quick turnaround and sell for that CIJ. Here are the specs and a couple pics, can't wait to get it in hand.

* Total Weight = 6 lbs 12 oz
* ultralight swamp ash body w/ a thin blonde nitro finish
* 2 pc maple cap neck - 9.5" radius / 6125 frets / chunky C profile ( .86-.94 )
* Lollar Regal pickups w/ aged chrome covers on an aged white 3ply guard
* 500K pots w/ a custom treble circuit

All the things we love about the original except the skinny necks, 3 bolt neck plates, and thick poly finish !


http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx46/chadadiah/Guitars/fullfront.jpg

http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx46/chadadiah/Guitars/closefront4.jpg

Congrats on your new Danos.

They all look amazing and Dan is a true artist!!!!

I hope to add another someday soon...

F'N ImPRESSED DAN STRAIN.

:mrgreen:I have to have one!!!!

My first Dano. Just got thus email from Dan this morning. * Total Weight : 6 Lbs 9 oz
* 2 pc ultralight swamp ash
* double white body binding ( hand aged to "vintage custard" )
* Uber-thin Aged Ice Blue Metallic all nitro finish
* Chunky C ( .86 -.94 ) maple neck w/ a dark rosewood slab and callaham aged clay markers
* 1.65 nut width , 6125 frets , 9.5" radius , heavy rolled edges
* 5/16" cold rolled steel saddles - compensated
* all cloth wire / CTS pots / Switchcraft 3 way
* pickups are custom Voodoo "Grey Bottom Danos" *( same set as Keith Urban )

Hey! We've got matching Danos. Except I've got Lollars in mine. (See post #2). Dan's bound Teles are great and the aged IBM looks fantastic.

My Inca Silver '64 Dano is my favorite guitar....

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/tommc49/Mel%20Glam/top1.jpg

Another great job!

I love the work Dan has done with this color choice.

PSA - for those on the hunt for a Dano, there is a nice sonic blue with Ron Ellis pickups in the emporuim on TGP 5/2 (not my sale, just sayin' )

I just sent Dan an email asking about getting started on a guitar for me. Do any of you proud Danocaster owners know if he is currently taking orders? Much obliged!

I just sent Dan an email asking about getting started on a guitar for me. Do any of you proud Danocaster owners know if he is currently taking orders? Much obliged!

I'm pretty sure he stopped taking orders a couple years ago. He builds what he feels like and posts them for sale in the emporium on The Gear Page when they are ready. You pretty much have to check there every day and hope you catch one when it's posted. They usually sell within 30 minutes, often less. Oddly, I've never been able to figure this out, when people post them from resale on TGP, they often sit for days, or weeks. I can't figure it; they are just as good as when first posted. In fact, there is one there now that's been up for a week.

If I had the money it would be gone.
I like that one a lot.

Everybody needs two right?

Thanks for the tip, looks like a beautiful guitar. I just can't bring myself to spend that much on a used guitar I can't try out (too scared of warped necks etc.).

I just sent Dan an email asking about getting started on a guitar for me. Do any of you proud Danocaster owners know if he is currently taking orders? Much obliged!

Thanks for the tip, looks like a beautiful guitar. I just can't bring myself to spend that much on a used guitar I can't try out (too scared of warped necks etc.).

Dan stands by all of his work. Plus if he does build you one, it will be to your specs. Warped necks? NEVER heard that one about a Dano. If you don't bond with the guitar, the resale value will cover your investment.

He has built two for me (one I had to sell) and my current Danocaster is my "go to" guitar.

I've had a number of conversations with him and he is great to work with. He is also a terrific Telecaster historian. I recently reached out to him about another build and he declined, for now. He is too busy producing bands and building Danocasters.

If anyone does want one, there is a gorgeous white guard for sale over on the Gear Page. I don't know the seller, just that it is still listed.

Bottom line is you can come up with all kinds of excuses not to purchase one. And if that is your M.O., just know you are missing out on a GREAT guitar. Your loss...

Dan stands by all of his work. Plus if he does build you one, it will be to your specs. Warped necks? NEVER heard that one about a Dano.


Hey csapo, I was talking about purchasing the instrument used from someone who may have abused the fine instrument (maybe leaving the guitar in a trunk on a summer afternoon, you know?). Anyway, I have been in communication with Dan and it looks like I will be a proud danocaster owner in the near future (I have first refusal on one he's currently building)!

I have 2 of Dan's guitars, they are very nice and a joy to play. He also did a neck for me so I can do my own build. Great guy, busy guy. If you don't have one you should get one. Worth the effort

Hey csapo, I was talking about purchasing the instrument used from someone who may have abused the fine instrument (maybe leaving the guitar in a trunk on a summer afternoon, you know?). Anyway, I have been in communication with Dan and it looks like I will be a proud danocaster owner in the near future (I have first refusal on one he's currently building)!

Abusing a Danocaster...that is criminal!!! That makes more sense, as I've never heard of neck issues from Danocaster owners.

Glad you have been in touch with Dan and very happy for you. We need more Danocaster owners in San Francisco. Congrats.

Post up pics when it arrives....

I will be sure to post pics once I am in the Danocaster club!

So Dan just finished my guitar over the weekend and if all goes to plan I should be mailing him a check tomorrow! Actually... maybe I can post the pics Dan sent me...

Alright- I am officially in the Danocaster club and also very distracted at work!!!

Does anyone know how to post pics from your hard drive? I want to show this bad boy off!!!

Alright- I am officially in the Danocaster club and also very distracted at work!!!

Does anyone know how to post pics from your hard drive? I want to show this bad boy off!!!

You have to load your pics to someplace online. I use photobucket.com myself, but there are many other places. Then you will have a way to copy the direct link to the picture. Then, when your posting on the forum, you click that little yellow square icon (Insert Image) and paste the link you copied into the popup box.

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo75/seanmcglamery/Danocaster2.jpg
Thanks Tommc!
Here's mine

Very nice. Congrats!!!!

Nice one McGlamRock; I'd like to land one with a hummer in the neck someday.
Did that one come up on TGP? Looks like it has the newer headstock and logo.

Kool & sweet McGlamRock. congrats!

Didn't take long for you to get it posted.

How are you liking it?

The guitar sounds and plays awesome. I did a small gig with it saturday and then spent most of sunday and monday playing it at home. In that time I've been ignoring calls from my girlfriend, parents, relatives, friends, etc... getting some quality time with my new favorite axe

So I changed the bridge on my Danocaster for an Armadillo - it has improved the action down the neck and I love it ! Don't get me wrong it was awesome before Dan makes amazing guitars. My Luthier said how nicely built it was too.

The brass will age and color soon and fit in, it's. now a unique guitar

Don't hate me ;-)

My first TDPRI post, my first Danocaster. Picked it up specifically to fill a 9 month electric void and had planned from the outset to sell it. From a financial perspective I hope I can keep myself to the plan, from a playing perspective, not sure I'll be able to. The one thing I've got going for me is I don't have an amp to play it through right now, just recording with apogee jam and mac. But I bet it sounds great cranked through a Fender or Vox.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q89/moredirt/Danocaster%2066%20T/tealfull.jpg

Sweet, .....but of course!
What's the neck like on it?

Sweet, .....but of course!
What's the neck like on it?

It's Dan's latest neck finish and it's amazing. Finish wise, it reminds me of the neck on a friend's pre-war Martin D-28 which has the best worn in neck I've experienced other than this guitar. Size wise, I'm not a big neck guy (don't mind 'em, but don't need 'em), so the .84 at #1 is great for me, pretty standard tele size and shape as far as my experience goes.

* Total Weight 6 lbs 10 oz
* 2 pc swamp ash body w/ uber thin Teal Green Metallic finish
* 2 pc neck ( .84 at fret 1 ) - dark RW board w/ real clay dots
* 9.5 radius w/ Jescar 6125 frets - 1.65 nut width
* 5/16" compensated steel saddles on a Pat Pending bridge plate
* Lollar / Danocaster staggered 60s pickups

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q89/moredirt/Danocaster%2066%20T/tealfullback.jpg

Sounds & looks like the neck dimensions on my Danocaster.

That finish on it sure does look nice also.

I returned my Danocaster to stock, it's fantastic and I love these voodoo pick ups. I tried 10's on it but they were too heavy and bowed the neck a fraction, it works better with 9's.

Looks like someone's selling their Dano on the classifieds here! Maybe I should hoc some of my roommates gear and get a second, after all he's only a drummer!

http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=30091

http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/data/9/dano-whiteguard.jpg

Guy says it's the Keith Urban model. Looks hot!

I'll be in the club this week!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/7393510940_ef029928a9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudwizardry/7393510940/)
Danocaster DoubleCut (http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudwizardry/7393510940/) by Zounds Perspex (http://www.flickr.com/people/loudwizardry/), on Flickr

if its ok to dig up this old thread, i want to hear more about these teles, ive been drooling over the pics, here and on facebook,do they stack up with some of the best youve played ? iam thinking i know where my next income tax check may be going !! :)

You won't regret it if you pull the trigger on one. I'm still amazed that a guitar can sound so good. The first thing I noticed on my mine was significantly better sustain and intonation than my old partscaster. Clearly a superior instrument built by someone who knows what he's doing! I highly suggest investing in one.

I don't know what a Danocaster is, can someone explain?

an awesome boutique builder of guitars, examples above.

With a name like that I would have assumed a cross between a Danelectro and a Telecaster...

...like this thing I built.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m408/apolloguitars/Guitars%20I%20Have%20Built/dcf06.jpg

My Inca Silver Dano, seen in post #37 of this thread, currently (8/31/12) for sale in classified.

As for the name, the guitars are made my Dan Strain of Nashville in both T-caster, S-caster and J-caster styles. originally, the were called Freakin' Danocaster and the "F' was styled after the F of a larger company. After being contacted by lawyers of said larger company, Dan revised his head stock shapes and reduced the name to Danocaster..

BTW, mine has the aforementioned 'Freakin' logo but Dan prefers they not be posted.

Just got mine, couldn't be happier. Dan is a dream to work with. Pull the trigger -- you won't regret it.

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt286/sgtsteiner/Dano%20Metallic%20Teal/test303.jpg

I'd love to own one of these someday.....