Coral Sitar Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, made by Danelectro (1968), made in Neptune, NJ, serial # 820035, crystaline paint finish, masonite and pine body, poplar neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
One of the coolest and most interesting oddball instruments of the 1960's, the Coral Electric Sitar has gone beyond novelty status and proved to be a practical and timeless creation. The most elaborate of the many designs east coast session guitarist Vinnie Bell created for Nathan Daniel's Danelectro organization, the electric Sitar has added its totally distinctive tone to many famous recordings. Wanting to use the sitar sound on sessions but not grapple with the complex instrument itself, Bell created by the graduated "Sitarmatic" bridge that combines the Indian instrument's traditional buzzing, twangy tonality with the playability of an electric guitar. Besides the six standard 'play' strings the Coral sitar offers an array of 'drone' strings along the upper bout which are designed to vibrate sympathetically with the notes being sounded, or be used for special effects. Three pickups with individual tone and volume controls allow all the sounds to be easily blended. This instrument was only in production for a year or so before the demise of Danelectro, and so is fairly rare today despite being very popular when new. While widely imitated over the years, the original Electric Sitar is an off-the-wall classic yet to be bettered!
Overall length is 39 3/8 in. (100 cm.), 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 in. (635 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). All original and unaltered; indeed appears very little played. There are some small chips and dings to the body edges, the protruding horn and the back of the neck but virtually no other wear. Includes a very clean OHSC. Excellent + Condition.
