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Gear Discussion Forums => Other Bass Brands => Topic started by: Bernardduur on December 30, 2010, 03:58:41 AM

Title: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on December 30, 2010, 03:58:41 AM
Hey all!

I am looking for the correct way a Danelectro Longhorn bass was wired up from the factory. As I understand it was wired as a humbucker (both coils in series) when both were on......

Right now I tried several things but I can't cope or find anything on this....... anyone here has an idea?
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chris P. on December 30, 2010, 05:15:03 AM
I have this big Danelectro book. Dunno if it has any wiring diagrams but I'll dive into it.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on December 30, 2010, 05:17:38 AM
Tnx!

I think I finally figured it out from staring at some gut shots! It works like a charm....... been tinkering over it for a couple of days.

(http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/306/danelectro.jpg)
By bernardduur (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/bernardduur) at 2010-12-30

Any comment on it?

It works like it should. When both volumes are max the unit is in series. When one of the volumes are dimed the coils turn single :). Tone works for seperate coils. Volume is 100k, tone is 1M. Caps are 100n
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Dave W on January 02, 2011, 08:25:06 AM
I have never owned one so I can't comment on that, but it does confirm to me that it's not a pure series circuit.

Every time someone says they have a Dano with two pickups in series but the volumes are separately controlled, I tell them that can't be a straight series circuit. Now this makes sense.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on January 02, 2011, 08:36:34 AM
I have never owned one so I can't comment on that, but it does confirm to me that it's not a pure series circuit.

Every time someone says they have a Dano with two pickups in series but the volumes are separately controlled, I tell them that can't be a straight series circuit. Now this makes sense.

+1! It is not a 100% pure series set but it works kinda like it. And the sound you get from it is awesome :D

One of the nice things you can do with this circuit is turn down the tone on the bridge pickup and make the signal slightly bassy but not that much....... A really nice touch! And very workable!
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Dave W on January 02, 2011, 08:51:17 AM
Though inexpensive instruments, they did put some thought into the circuit.

I recall reading that Nat Daniel was originally a radio man who designed amps. He knew what he wanted this circuit to do.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chaser001 on January 02, 2011, 10:13:52 AM
I've been curious about the new Dano Longhorn and how it might compare to the original ones and the ones made in the 90s.  I have a neck injury and have been thinking about getting one just because they are so light.  I did play one briefly for the first time at a music store in the Netherlands over the summer and have been thinking about them ever since.  I was in too much of a hurry to really examine it thoroughly.  I read some reviews about the new Longhorn at MusiciansFriend, but those reviews left me more confused than enlightened. 
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on January 02, 2011, 10:19:32 AM
I've been curious about the new Dano Longhorn and how it might compare to the original ones and the ones made in the 90s.  I have a neck injury and have been thinking about getting one just because they are so light.  I did play one briefly for the first time at a music store in the Netherlands over the summer and have been thinking about them ever since.  I was in too much of a hurry to really examine it thoroughly.  I read some reviews about the new Longhorn at MusiciansFriend, but those reviews left me more confused than enlightened. 

Can't really say how they compare to the older ones as I only have a (really) old one but I must say that they are super ligth and sound absolutely marvelous!
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chaser001 on January 02, 2011, 10:42:11 AM
Can't really say how they compare to the older ones as I only have a (really) old one but I must say that they are super ligth and sound absolutely marvelous!

I have a feeling I'll probably get one within the year. 
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Denis on January 02, 2011, 03:17:35 PM
I think my Jerry Jones Longhorn is set up the same way. Lots of flexibility with that setup!
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: jumbodbassman on January 03, 2011, 10:29:05 AM
 have 2 90's longhorns and they are  pretty good.  I personally like the other dano models better and IMHO they sound better.  I have only played a jerry jones once but i thought it was  a better constructed instrument but the price point is also better for him...
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Denis on January 03, 2011, 11:42:48 AM
have 2 90's longhorns and they are  pretty good.  I personally like the other dano models better and IMHO they sound better.  I have only played a jerry jones once but i thought it was  a better constructed instrument but the price point is also better for him...

The '90s Danos were all Korean-built, correct? The Jerry Jones is really nicely built and probably is a lot stronger since it's not 40 years old like the original Longhorns. Still, the name "Danelectro" is one of the all time coolest for any instrument builder.

I recall reading that Nat Daniel was originally a radio man who designed amps. He knew what he wanted this circuit to do.

I read that as well, Dave. He apparently was in the army when he was on a team which developed radio shielding for ignition systems for army vehicles. If that's the case, then one of the motorcycles I'm working on should have that system he and his team desgined.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on January 03, 2011, 12:40:04 PM
He apparently was in the army when he was on a team which developed radio shielding for ignition systems for army vehicles.

carbon sparkplug cables: metal conductors produce RF
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: jumbodbassman on January 03, 2011, 01:06:17 PM
The '90s Danos were all Korean-built, correct?

YES...
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Dave W on January 03, 2011, 04:55:00 PM
Nathan I. Daniel (http://www.pen4rent.com/pen4rent/tribute.aspx) background, by his son.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: exiledarchangel on January 03, 2011, 05:01:48 PM
Very interesting wiring diagram, thanx for posting that! ;)
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chris P. on January 04, 2011, 03:44:43 AM
Are you Dutch, Chaser? I have the Dead On. You're welcome to give it a try.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chaser001 on January 04, 2011, 04:06:10 AM
Are you Dutch, Chaser? I have the Dead On. You're welcome to give it a try.

Thanks, but I was just visiting.  I doubt if I will be back for a while, although anything is possible.   I was glad to be in a store that had a wide selection of basses.  Where I live, the stores only sell Ibanez and Fender/Squier basses. 
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on January 07, 2011, 03:12:39 AM
Nathan I. Daniel (http://www.pen4rent.com/pen4rent/tribute.aspx) background, by his son.

Good read!

Can anyone comment on how the newer Danelectro's are wired up? Are they the same or are they wired up like the Seymour Duncan page shows, both in parallel?

Finally scored some knobs for mu Dan. Finally!
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: dadagoboi on January 07, 2011, 06:23:17 AM
Thanks, Dave.  Great story!
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Dave W on January 07, 2011, 08:13:27 AM
I haven't checked out the wiring on the latest ones. Two or three years ago I played a 63 Dano Bass in a store but I don't recall even investigating the circuit.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chris P. on January 07, 2011, 09:32:46 AM
I can make a pic of the inserts of the Dead On '58 Longhorn?
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on January 07, 2011, 09:37:55 AM
Please :D
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Chris P. on January 08, 2011, 09:29:06 AM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrispdekker/5336311170/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrispdekker/5335695957/in/photostream/

Can't imagine it helps. To me it looks like a bunch of wires:D
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Pilgrim on January 08, 2011, 10:09:14 AM
Dang, computers are getting smart.  On the side of Chris' photos it says "This photo was taken 49 minutes ago using a Samsung GT-S8000."  You never know what kind of data is being passed from one device to another.
Title: Re: Danelectro Longhorn wiring
Post by: Bernardduur on January 09, 2011, 04:21:08 AM
Tnx!

It sure looks like a bunch of wires......... Ah well, too bad!

Could you describe the sound like a humbucker? Like in the setting with both coils on, does the volume and mids raise or go down when compared to when one of the coils is turned down?