Vintage 1956 Danelectro Hardshell Case – Generously Relic'd by Time, Wildlife, and "KC"

If you have a pristine, mint-condition vintage guitar, please close this tab immediately. This case is not for you. However, if you possess a battle-tested 1956 Danelectro that looks like it survived a rock-and-roll apocalypse, I have found its soulmate. Discovered completely neglected in the back of an abandoned music store, this case has been naturally relicted by seventy years of absolute use and abuse.

Unlike the flimsy cardboard containers of the mid-fifties, Danelectro built these out of actual wood and plywood wrapped in canvas. They were deceptively heavy-duty for their day, which is probably the only reason this one still exists in a single piece. The original handle and hinges gave up the ghost long ago, but they have been replaced with period-correct hardware ( with matching straight base screws) that matches the aesthetic. The rest of the original hardware boasts a heavy, authentic rusted patina that screams "vintage mojo" while miraculously remaining fully functional.

Now for the true character marks. The interior edges feature localized structural modifications in three distinct areas, courtesy of local rodents who apparently found the 1950s canvas and wood construction delicious. Fortunately, they dined exclusively on the edges, this could be repaired, I guess…. if you were a perfectionist..

But the true crowning glory of this piece is its fine-art pedigree. At some point in its journey, a visionary named "KC" owned this case and graced it with his large initials rendered in what can only be described as a custom "Gumby-meets-Smurf" typeface. Adjacent to this typography is a breathtaking custom mural. This masterpiece features a prominent dome complete with flying birds and—naturally—spaghetti, floating above a dramatic seascape. On the reverse side, the exhibition continues with a red Roman numeral “V” accompanied by a backwards red and black ”K”. All these clues lead me to believe this artist was heavily inspired by the finer points of post-modern expressionism. The random wear stains and literal paint drips are included at no extra charge.

Honestly, I really like this case; it’s just so wonderfully funky. That unique charisma is exactly why I'm asking a decent, fair price for it. Part of me hopes I run across a beat-up vintage Danelectro of my own that will fit it before it sells. Speaking of fitment, this will definitely accommodate a vintage U-1, U-2, or U-3 Danelectro, and perhaps even a 6-string bass. The internal dimensions are 39 5/8" in length by 13 7/8" at the lower bout.

The plush black fabric on the interior remains entirely intact, surprisingly clean, and ready to protect your guitar. Please consult the pictures carefully to fully appreciate this beautiful, multimedia disaster. Shipping quickly and securely. Thanks for looking!