What Is The Lipstick Pickup Sound?

The Danelectro Lipstick pickup is one of the more quirky guitar pickups out there, but has a unique sound and story that inspired many of the great guitarists of the 60s and 70s. What is the lipstick pickup sound?

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[Mike-eqky]

Rhett... OMFG... I'm laughing here because I'm having flashbacks. My grandfather was Tony Manfredi, who worked for Danelctro in the late 60's designing necks and ultimately the famed Toilet Seat Danelectro guitars. All with lipstick pickups... I have fond memories of those masonite bodies and bolt-on necks with their whacky lipstick pickups, with three toilet seat guitars on the wall not far from the oscilloscope and Peterson strobe tuner. Thanks for bringing back those memories! Think I may have to throw a lipstick into one of my guitars... or recreate the toilet seat guitar for myself! Great job, as always!!

[dukedurham]

Not a player, just an audiophile. Really just enjoy soaking up the knowledge here. Thanks Rhett.

[Podcastage]

I was just wondering. When you’re hired for a studio session, how do you know what to bring? So they tell you the sound they want, or do you bring 4 guitars and a massive pedal board and a few amps so they can decide? What’s the process like in choosing the gear when going to a studio session?

[balke]

Mark Hart from Crowded House turned me on to Dano’s… man he played some beautiful guitar on that 12 string.

[Charis-ulxh]

Requesting "What is the Goldfoil Sound?" next please Rhett. I'm aware there are a number of different varieties of foil pickups, with different sounds, but to me that just sounds like a prime excuse to add a few more guitars to your beautiful collection. Keep the great content coming, I'm a huge fan!

[benjaminkrutledge]

I love the jam at the beginning of this video

[zackhillman]

Love this whole series, Rhett! Any plans to do a Jazzmaster or Rickenbacker episode?

[TheChadPad]

Lipsticks are some of my favorite pickups. I'm glad you mentioned they have a "hifi" sound, cause that's the way I always thought of them. Full-range, not mid-hyped

[thomkopal]

"inspires you to play a little differently"

Isn't that the driver for all our gear explorations? Thanks for extending the journey, Rhett!


I've used lipstick tube pickups in Danelectro U52 & 12-string, Telecaster neck position, and in Charvel Surfcaster guitars. Low-output and well-defined, they stay crunchy, even in milk.

Shout out to Syd Barrett and Rick Miller (Southern Culture On The Skids) as a couple of my favorite players who've used them.

[janlis]

I got my Danelectro 59x12 yesterday and I'm blown away by this guitar!!! So well crafted and it sounds and plays beautifully for a 12-string guitar!!! The next one will be a Danelectro 6-string with two Lipstick pickups!!!

[davidkieltyka]

One note about the old lipstick magnets: they’re cylindrical, like a Tele or Strat magnet/polepiece but longer.

The magnets had to be wound just right ‘cuz the whole assembly is a real tight fit into the lipstick tubes. Danos were “cheap” guitars in many ways but the handwork put into making ‘em was high quality.

[CthulianDreams]

I just recently got my Danelectro baritone, and it's stunning. As a lefty, I'm used to having not a lot of options, so the fact that I could get my hands on something so different is great. And it's such a different sound from anything else I own; I sometimes struggle with what to do with it, but it always sounds better than I expect.

[chrisandersen]

Twenty years ago my home was broken into, and my two Danos were stolen: a baritone and a Hodad electric with humbucker lipsticks and a Bigsby tremolo. Talk about bummed out. This is making me want to buy another Dano now. Love them.

[AAWSAPRocky]

Production on the intro track is rad af man great work

[lukecyrus]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a vintage Danelectro a while back, you're absolutely right about its uniqueness. It is definitely one of my best recording guitars, and hands down my favourite for any open tuning. Also the build quality really doesn't feel cheap in any way, it's dead straight and functioning perfectly after being around for almost 65 years.

[dkerwood]

The first Dano I ever played was a 12 string. That jangle is so good- nice and full without ever getting muddy. If you don't already have a 12 string electric in your arsenal, you should check one out.

[pedrocampos]

I’ve always loved the lipstick and fuzz sound and never knew that 😍😂 thanks for opening up my ears, Rhet!

[williamgreer]

I’ve got an old Silvertone with a single lipstick pickup. It sounds great.

[Peron-MC]

i love the fact that it was litterally incased in a lipstic tube. such a funny and cool backstory :) they also look really cool :)

[xealzy]

When I think of lipstick pickups I always think Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Charlie guitar. My favourite of his, even over his Number One. I just love the white simplistic look with the lipstick pickups in them and the hula girl on the back