1959 Silvertone/Danelectro U-2 (1303)

In the early '50s, Nathan Daniel began experimenting with Danelectro electric guitar designs, and his intention was mainly to secure the contract to provide electrics for the Sears catalog. By saving costs and increasing production speed, the goal was to produce no-frills instruments with good tone at affordable prices. But perhaps unintentionally—with their masonite hollow-body construction and lipstick pickups—the Danelectro guitars bring something entirely new to the table. With their retro stylings, vintage Danelectros capture a tone and feel entirely their own.  This late-'50s Silverstone-branded 1303 is a great example of the 1958-spec Danelectro U-2. Its pots date to the 45th week of '58, so we believe this one didn't roll off the line until 1959 (even though it's got all the '58 specs). Classic Masonite hollow body, coke-bottle headstock, two lipstick pickups, and the look, sound, and feel only a Danelectro can provide.  This circa-1959 U-2 features the classic single-cutaway 1