Danelectro Guitar Serial Number Lookup: Complete Dating & Identification Guide

Last Updated: May 2026

Danelectro Guitars produced some of the most distinctive electric instruments in American guitar history under founder Nathan "Nat" Daniel in Red Bank and Neptune, New Jersey from 1947 through 1969. With construction featuring Masonite hardboard bodies, lipstick-tube pickup covers sourced from actual lipstick manufacturers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, aluminum nuts, vinyl tape binding, and concentric stacked control knobs, original Danelectros are unlike any other vintage American guitar. The brand also produced the Silvertone-branded instruments sold through Sears, Roebuck catalogs, including the famous amp-in-case models, and produced the Coral Sitar that defined the sound of countless 1960s and 1970s recordings.

This guide is provided as a free resource for Danelectro owners and collectors researching their instruments. It explains why original Danelectros are typically dated by pot codes rather than serial numbers, the brand's distinctive construction features, the Silvertone connection, the Coral Sitar legacy, and which Danelectro models carry the strongest sustained collector interest.

Quick Answer: How to Date a Danelectro Guitar

For original-era Danelectros (1954–1969), the most reliable dating method is the potentiometer (pot) date code stamped on the back of the volume and tone potentiometers — not the serial number, which many Danelectros did not consistently carry.

Pot code format: Six-digit codes such as 137-XX-YY, where:

• 137 = CTS manufacturer (134 = Centralab, 304 = Stackpole)

• XX = Year (e.g., 65 = 1965)

• YY = Week of the year (1-52)

A pot dated 137-65-24 indicates a CTS potentiometer manufactured the 24th week of 1965, meaning the guitar containing it was built no earlier than mid-1965.

For modern Danelectro instruments (1996–present, under Evets Corporation ownership), serial number systems were introduced for the various Korean and Chinese production runs, with conventions varying by model line and era.

About Danelectro: A Brief History

Danelectro's story includes one of the most innovative approaches to American guitar manufacturing — and one of the most distinctive aesthetic legacies of any vintage brand.

The Founding and Amplifier Era (1947–1954)

Danelectro was founded in 1947 by Nathan "Nat" Daniel in Red Bank, New Jersey. The company initially produced amplifiers, including amplifiers for Sears, Roebuck and Company under the Silvertone brand. Nat Daniel was an engineer and inventor who approached guitar manufacturing with unconventional thinking that would shape every aspect of Danelectro's identity.

The Guitar Production Era (1954–1969)

Danelectro began producing electric guitars in 1954, with production moving to a larger facility in Neptune, New Jersey. From the start, Daniel's designs broke convention:

• Masonite hardboard tops and backs instead of solid wood — light, resonant, and significantly less expensive than traditional construction

• Lipstick-tube pickup covers literally sourced from a lipstick tube manufacturer in Bridgeport, Connecticut (Pace Industries or similar lipstick tube suppliers). These became Danelectro's most iconic visual element.

• Aluminum nuts rather than bone or plastic

• Vinyl tape binding around body edges

• Concentric stacked control knobs combining volume and tone for each pickup in single knob assemblies

• Distinctive headstock shapes including the famous "Coke bottle" and later "dolphin-nose" designs

Throughout this era, Danelectro produced guitars under the Danelectro brand and as the primary supplier of Silvertone-branded guitars for Sears, Roebuck. The same instrument might appear with a Danelectro headstock decal or a Silvertone headstock decal depending on which retailer was selling it.

The Sears Silvertone Era

Danelectro's relationship with Sears defined a significant portion of the company's output. Silvertone guitars made by Danelectro included:

• The amp-in-case guitars (Silvertone 1448, 1449, 1457, 1487 and similar models) — guitars with built-in tube amplifiers in the carrying case, introducing thousands of beginners to electric guitar

• Various solid-body and semi-hollow electric models sold through Sears catalogs and stores

• Bass guitars and student-grade instruments

Silvertone was also supplied by other manufacturers (Harmony, Kay, and others), so verifying that a specific Silvertone instrument is Danelectro-made requires examination of construction features.

The MCA / Coral Era (1967–1969)

In 1967, MCA Records purchased Danelectro and launched a premium product line under the Coral brand. The most famous Coral instrument is the Coral Electric Sitar — a guitar designed to produce sitar-like tones through a special bridge mechanism, which became one of the most recorded electric instruments of the late 1960s and 1970s.

The Coral Electric Sitar appears on countless recordings including The Box Tops' "Cry Like a Baby," Joe South's "Games People Play," B.J. Thomas's "Hooked on a Feeling," and many Steely Dan, soul, R&B, and pop recordings of the era.

Closure and Dormancy (1969–1996)

MCA closed Danelectro operations in 1969, ending original Danelectro production. The brand remained essentially dormant for more than 25 years.

The Evets Corporation Revival (1996–Present)

In 1996, Evets Corporation revived the Danelectro brand, beginning production of reissue models and new designs. Modern Danelectro instruments are produced primarily in Korean and Chinese factories, with various reissue series including the '56 Pro, '59 series, '63 series, U-2 reissues, Convertible reissues, and various effect pedals (a parallel modern Danelectro product category).

Modern Danelectro production has been sporadic with various distribution arrangements over the years, but the brand has maintained presence in the market and continues releasing new instruments and pedal products.

Why Danelectro Serial Numbers Are Different from Other Brands

Three factors make Danelectro identification fundamentally different from most American guitar brands:

• Many original Danelectros did not consistently carry serial numbers. Unlike Fender, Gibson, or Martin, Danelectro's production scale (selling primarily as affordable instruments through department stores and catalogs) did not include systematic serial number tracking on many models.

• Pot codes are the primary dating tool. The standardized date codes on Stackpole, CTS, and Centralab potentiometers provide more reliable dating than any Danelectro-applied numbering system.

• The same instrument may carry different brand names. Danelectro and Silvertone (and occasionally other store brands) instruments are often identical except for the headstock decal, requiring examination of construction features to identify the actual manufacturer.

The Pot Code Dating Method

For dating original-era Danelectros, the pot code method is the gold standard. The process:

1. Access the potentiometers by removing the pickguard or back access plate on the guitar

2. Locate the date code stamped on the back of the volume and tone potentiometers — typically a six-digit code

3. Decode the manufacturer code (first three digits):

   • 137 = CTS (Chicago Telephone Supply)

   • 134 = Centralab

   • 304 = Stackpole

4. Decode the year (next two digits): 65 = 1965, 67 = 1967, etc.

5. Decode the week (last two digits): 24 = 24th week of the year (mid-June)

Important caveat: Pot codes indicate when the potentiometer was manufactured, not when the guitar was assembled. Guitars were typically built within weeks to a few months of the pot manufacture date, but pots could sit in inventory longer. Multiple pot dates within the same guitar typically cluster within a few weeks of each other; significant variation suggests later replacement.

Cross-reference pot codes with construction features for the most accurate dating: headstock shape evolution, pickup specifications, body finish characteristics, and hardware all changed over Danelectro's production run.

Danelectro Era-Specific Dating Features

1954–1957: Early Danelectro Era

• U-1 and U-2 single-pickup and double-pickup solid-body models introduced

• "Coke bottle" headstock shape standard

• Single-coil lipstick pickups with characteristic specs of the era

• Concentric volume/tone knobs introduced

1958–1962: Classic Era

• Various solid-body designs in full production including Standard, Pro, and Convertible models

• Refinements to lipstick pickup design

• Expanded color options including various sparkle finishes, bronze, and copper colors

• Long Horn and Short Horn bass designs introduced

1963–1966: Peak Production Era

• Dolphin-nose headstock shape introduced on some models, alongside continued Coke bottle production

• Hawk and Hornet models introduced

• Bellzouki 12-string with bouzouki-influenced body design

• Continued Silvertone production for Sears at peak volumes

1967–1969: MCA / Coral Era

• Coral brand launched for premium-tier instruments

• Coral Electric Sitar introduced; becomes one of the most influential electric instruments of the era

• Coral hollow-body electrics introduced including the Firefly and Bellzouki under the Coral name

• Quality variations as MCA's ownership transitioned the company toward closure

Where to Find Identification Markings on a Danelectro

Identification on Danelectros depends on the specific model:

Solid-Body Models (U-1, U-2, U-3, Standard, Pro, Hawk, Hornet, etc.)

• Pot codes inside the body (most reliable dating)

• Sometimes model stamps inside the body cavity

• Pickup back specifications can help identify era

Hollow-Body and Semi-Hollow Models (Convertible, Bellzouki)

• Pot codes accessible through the f-hole or access cavity

• Internal stamps on some examples

• Construction features specific to the model line

Silvertone-Branded Danelectro-Made Instruments

• Pot codes apply equally to Silvertone versions

• Silvertone-specific serial numbers sometimes appear that don't correspond to standard Danelectro conventions

• Sears model numbers identify which specific Silvertone instrument you have (1448, 1449, 1457, etc.)

Coral-Branded Instruments

• Coral models carried more consistent serial conventions than standard Danelectros

• Date stamps and pot codes support the more systematic Coral-era identification

Distinctive Danelectro Construction Features

Understanding what makes a Danelectro a Danelectro is essential for identification and authentication:

The Masonite construction: Danelectro bodies and tops were built using Masonite (a wood-fiber hardboard typically used in construction and furniture). This unusual material choice produced lightweight instruments with distinctive acoustic properties — clear, articulate, and somewhat hollow-sounding even on solid-body models. The Masonite is sometimes painted, sometimes covered with vinyl, depending on the finish style.

The lipstick-tube pickup covers: Danelectro's most iconic visual element. Nat Daniel sourced actual lipstick tubes from a Bridgeport, Connecticut lipstick manufacturer and used them as pickup covers — an inspired low-cost solution that became the brand's signature aesthetic. The single-coil pickups inside produce a distinctive bright, clear tone that has become genuinely sought-after.

Aluminum nuts: Most original Danelectros use aluminum (or pot metal) nuts rather than bone, ivory, or plastic. This contributes to the brand's bright tonal character.

Vinyl tape binding: Body edges are typically bound with vinyl tape rather than traditional plastic or wood binding. The vinyl edges can deteriorate over decades, requiring replacement on vintage examples.

Concentric stacked control knobs: Volume and tone for each pickup combined into single knob assemblies — Nat Daniel's space-saving design innovation.

Most Collected Danelectro and Silvertone Models

These Danelectro-produced models carry the strongest current collector interest:

Solid-body electrics:

• U-2 (and U-1, U-3 variations): Original Danelectro double-pickup solid bodies. Sustained collector demand for clean examples.

• Standard 3021 / 3022: Single-cutaway double-pickup electric, used by Jimmy Page for slide work on Led Zeppelin recordings including "Kashmir." Strong sustained collector interest driven by the Page association.

• Pro Solid-Body: Premium-tier Danelectro electric.

• Long Horn 6-string and bass: Distinctive elongated horn body design; the Long Horn bass particularly has strong collector following.

• Short Horn 6-string and bass: Compact variants of the Long Horn design.

• Hawk and Hornet: Mid-1960s solid-body designs with growing collector recognition.

Hollow-body and semi-hollow electrics:

• Convertible: Acoustic-electric hollow body

• Bellzouki 12-string: Distinctive bouzouki-bodied 12-string electric

Silvertone amp-in-case models (Danelectro-made):

• Silvertone 1448 (one-pickup amp-in-case)

• Silvertone 1449 (two-pickup amp-in-case)

• Silvertone 1457 (deluxe amp-in-case with vibrato)

• Silvertone 1487 and related variants

Coral-branded instruments:

• Coral Electric Sitar: The most culturally significant Danelectro-produced instrument. Used on countless 1960s and 1970s recordings. Strong sustained collector demand.

• Coral Firefly: Hollow-body electric with distinctive aesthetic

• Coral Bellzouki: Coral-era version of the Bellzouki design

Modern Danelectro reissues (selected):

• '56 Pro: Reissue of the classic single-cutaway solid-body

• '59 series: Reissue of the dolphin-nose Standard

• '63 series: Mid-1960s era reissues

• Modern Long Horn bass reissues

Famous Danelectro Players

The Danelectro association with specific artists drives sustained collector demand:

• Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): Used a Danelectro 3021 for slide guitar work, most famously on "Kashmir" but also on "In My Time of Dying" and various Led Zeppelin live performances

• Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers): Extensive Danelectro use throughout his career; advocate for the brand

• Beck: Associated with Danelectro in his career

• Pete Townshend (The Who): Used a Coral Electric Sitar on Who recordings

• Steve Hackett (Genesis): Used the Coral Sitar on Genesis recordings

• The Hellecasters (John Jorgenson, Will Ray, Jerry Donahue): Extensively used Danelectros, particularly Will Ray's distinctive Danelectro work

• Various blues, surf, indie, and alternative players drawn to Danelectro's distinctive sound and aesthetic

• Countless session players of the 1960s who used Coral Sitars on innumerable recordings

Red Flags: Authentication and Identification Issues

Common issues to watch for when researching a Danelectro:

• Replaced pickups. Original lipstick pickups are essential to Danelectro identity and value. Replacements with modern lipstick reissues are common; verify originality through inspection of pickup construction and date codes (when accessible).

• Vinyl binding replacement. Original vinyl tape binding deteriorates over decades. Replaced binding affects originality but is often necessary for playability. Documentation of professional binding work supports value.

• Refinishes. Aged finishes on vintage Danelectros should show natural wear and finish character consistent with the build period. Many original Danelectros had painted finishes over the Masonite that can show wear differently than traditional lacquer finishes. Faded, naturally aged finishes are correct and desirable.

• Replaced potentiometers. The pot codes are the dating tool — if pots have been replaced, dating becomes much more difficult. Original pots should match each other in date within a few weeks.

• Tuner replacements. Original Klusons and similar period tuners contribute to collector value.

• Misrepresented brand origin. Some sellers misrepresent Kay-made or Harmony-made Silvertones as Danelectro-made (or vice versa). Verify construction features to identify the actual manufacturer.

• Modern reissue confusion. Evets Corporation-era reissues (1996-present) are distinct from original Danelectros and command different collector valuations. Verify production era through construction details, country-of-origin markings, and serial number conventions.

What Affects a Danelectro's Collector Value

Era: Original Danelectro Company production (1954–1969) sits at the top tier of Danelectro collector valuations. Modern Evets Corporation reissues occupy a separate market tier as quality budget instruments.

Model significance: Coral Electric Sitars, Long Horn basses, and Jimmy Page-associated Standard 3021/3022 examples command the strongest collector demand within the Danelectro catalog. Other models occupy mid-collector tiers.

Originality: All-original examples with original lipstick pickups, original potentiometers, original tuners, original binding, original aluminum nut, and original finish command meaningful premiums over modified examples.

Silvertone amp-in-case models: The amp-in-case Silvertone instruments have built strong sustained collector demand based on their unique concept and cultural significance.

Player association: Jimmy Page's Standard 3021 association drives demand for that model specifically. Coral Sitars benefit from the cultural weight of the countless recordings they appear on.

Condition: Crack-free Masonite (Masonite can be vulnerable to humidity damage and impact), intact original binding, functional original electronics, clean fingerboards, and original cases all contribute to upper-tier valuations.

Further Research Resources

For deeper Danelectro research, the following community resources are valuable:

• Danelectro's modern official website documents current reissue production and provides limited historical context.

• The Silvertone World website maintains the most comprehensive online documentation of Silvertone instruments, including detailed identification of which Silvertones were Danelectro-made versus produced by other manufacturers.

• Vintage guitar publications including Vintage Guitar magazine have published features on Nat Daniel's innovations, the Coral Sitar's recording legacy, and specific Danelectro model histories.

• Various Facebook groups and Reddit communities dedicated to vintage Danelectro and Silvertone instruments maintain catalog archives and member-contributed identification resources.

• The book "Danelectro Guitars" by Doyle Dykes and related published references provide model-specific documentation and historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions About Danelectro Serial Numbers

How do I tell what year my Danelectro guitar was made? For original-era Danelectros (1954–1969), the most reliable dating method is the potentiometer date code, not the serial number — many Danelectros did not consistently carry serial numbers. Pot codes follow the format manufacturer-year-week (such as 137-65-24 indicating CTS, 1965, week 24). Pot codes indicate the earliest the guitar could have been built; cross-reference with construction features for confirmation. Modern Danelectro instruments (1996-present) use various serial conventions by production line and era.

Are Danelectro guitars valuable? Original Danelectro Company production (1954–1969) carries sustained collector interest, particularly the Coral Electric Sitar, Long Horn basses, the Standard 3021/3022 (Jimmy Page association), and the Silvertone amp-in-case models. Modern Evets Corporation reissue Danelectros occupy a separate market tier as quality budget instruments.

What are lipstick pickups? Lipstick pickups are Danelectro's distinctive single-coil pickup design where the pickup is housed inside a metal tube literally sourced from actual lipstick tube manufacturers in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Nat Daniel's inspired low-cost solution became one of the most iconic visual elements in vintage American guitar design. Lipstick pickups produce a distinctive bright, articulate tone that has become genuinely sought-after by players.

What is the difference between Danelectro and Silvertone? Danelectro was a guitar manufacturer based in New Jersey from 1947–1969. Silvertone was the brand name Sears, Roebuck used for musical instruments. Danelectro was the primary manufacturer of Silvertone-branded electric guitars throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but Silvertone also sourced from Harmony, Kay, and other manufacturers. A Silvertone may or may not be a Danelectro-made instrument depending on the specific model — identification requires examining construction features for Danelectro's distinctive Masonite construction, lipstick pickups, aluminum nut, and vinyl binding.

What is a Coral Sitar? The Coral Electric Sitar is a guitar produced by Danelectro under the Coral brand (1967–1969) designed to produce sitar-like tones through a special bridge mechanism with a buzz bridge and sympathetic strings. The Coral Sitar became one of the most-recorded electric instruments of the late 1960s and 1970s, appearing on countless pop, R&B, soul, and rock recordings. Recordings featuring the Coral Sitar include "Cry Like a Baby" by The Box Tops, "Games People Play" by Joe South, "Hooked on a Feeling" by B.J. Thomas, and numerous Steely Dan recordings.

Where is the serial number on a Danelectro guitar? Many original Danelectros did not consistently carry serial numbers. When present, serial numbers may appear stamped inside the body cavity, on the neck heel, or on the back of the headstock depending on the model and era. For reliable dating, the potentiometer date codes inside the body are more useful than serial numbers. Modern Danelectro instruments (1996-present) use serial number conventions on the back of the headstock or neck plate.

Related Resources

This Danelectro Guitar serial number guide is part of Edgewater Guitars' collection of vintage guitar identification resources:

• Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool — edgewaterguitars.com/guitar-serial-number-lookup/gibson

• Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool — edgewaterguitars.com/guitar-serial-number-lookup/fender

• Gretsch Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Rickenbacker Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Yamaha Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Aria Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Guild Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Ibanez Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Takamine Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Schecter Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Squier Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Dean Guitar Serial Number Lookup Guide

• Harmony Guitar Serial Number Lookup Guide

Edgewater Guitars publishes free identification resources for guitar owners and collectors. This Danelectro guide is provided as a research reference. Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage American-made guitars throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia — including Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, and Epiphone instruments.