Yes, I have heard that Duane Eddy used a Dano 6-string bass on some of those early 'twang' recordings, but at the time in the 60s, we would have been ignorant of such a thing, & certainly of the Dano brand. To us, Duane was the Gretsch guy. I too was surprised when I learned that Dano bodies were made of 'Hardboard'. When I think about it now, they were a typical budget guitar for young Americans that were sold from catalogues & chain stores at very basic prices. There is a guy who comes to my music club, plays a modern Dano U2 style 12-string, very well &, it sounds great.
Yes, the nightclub I refer to was indeed the Cedar Club in B'ham town centre, located in the basement of a Drum store. Ace's Fender slab-bodied P. Bass was White with a Black scratchplate. Our band had been playing until about 10.00 pm at a pub in Quinton called the Hollybush when the Cedar Club manager phoned the venue & asked us to get down there ASAP to deputise for the Move, who were delayed on the M1. If you are aware of the nature of nightclub managers in those days, you didn't refuse, if you know what I mean.
I'm sure that you will remember the 'Stones' record of the 60s, Paint it Black. That had a Sitar riff, & I am wondering if that was a Dano instrument used at the time. I can't remember what we saw on Top of the Pops at the time, but wouldn't have known about Danos anyway in those days.
Tony.