When it comes to iconic and elegant guitars, D’Angelico stands tall among the finest instrument manufacturers. Founded by John D’Angelico in the early 20th century, the brand has earned a legendary status in the guitar world for its meticulous craftsmanship, superior tonal quality, and timeless designs. Let’s explore the rich history, craftsmanship, and offerings of D’Angelico guitars that continue to captivate musicians worldwide.
Guitar Models
- D’Angelico Premier Series EXL-1: The D’Angelico Premier Series EXL-1 is a classic jazz archtop guitar that pays homage to the company’s heritage. It features a single-cutaway hollow body design with a laminated spruce top and laminated flamed maple back and sides. The floating humbucker pickup delivers warm, rich tones perfect for traditional jazz styles. The EXL-1 also boasts elegant f-holes, gold hardware, and a Stairstep tailpiece, giving it a timeless and sophisticated appearance.
- D’Angelico Premier Series SS: The D’Angelico Premier Series SS is a sleek and versatile semi-hollow guitar. Its center block design reduces feedback while providing a warm and resonant tone. The dual humbuckers offer a range of tones from smooth jazz to bluesy rock. The slim C-shape neck with a 24.75″ scale length ensures comfortable playability. The SS comes with a stop-bar tailpiece and a Tune-o-matic bridge for reliable tuning stability.
- D’Angelico Premier Series Atlantic: The D’Angelico Premier Series Atlantic is a modern solid-body guitar designed for players seeking contemporary tones and playability. It features a sleek double-cutaway body made of solid alder, delivering a balanced and well-defined sound. Equipped with dual D’Angelico humbuckers, the Atlantic can handle various musical genres from clean jazz to high-gain rock. The slim-C neck profile and jumbo frets ensure effortless playability.
- D’Angelico Premier Series Bedford: The D’Angelico Premier Series Bedford is a versatile solid-body guitar that combines vintage and modern elements. It features a single-cutaway body made of solid basswood, offering a lightweight and resonant instrument. Equipped with two P-90 pickups, the Bedford delivers vintage-inspired tones with a bit of bite and growl. The slim-C neck and 22 medium jumbo frets make it comfortable for both chord strumming and lead playing.
- D’Angelico Premier Series DC: The D’Angelico Premier Series DC is a double-cutaway semi-hollow guitar with a timeless design. The laminated maple top and back, combined with a center block, create a warm and full-bodied tone with excellent sustain. The DC comes with two D’Angelico humbuckers, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various styles. With its 24.75″ scale length and slim-C neck profile, the DC offers a comfortable playing experience for hours of enjoyment.
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More D’Angelico Guitars
- D’Angelico Excel Series EXL-1: The D’Angelico Excel Series EXL-1 is a premium jazz archtop guitar that represents the pinnacle of D’Angelico craftsmanship. This handcrafted guitar features a single-cutaway design with a laminated spruce top and laminated flamed maple back and sides. The floating mini-humbucker pickup provides a vintage jazz tone with exceptional clarity and warmth. The Stairstep tailpiece and ornate headstock add a touch of elegance to its classic appearance.
- D’Angelico Premier Series Tammany: The D’Angelico Premier Series Tammany is a stylish semi-hollow guitar designed for modern players seeking a versatile instrument. It features a sleek single-cutaway body with a laminated maple top and mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced and resonant tone. Equipped with two Seymour Duncan Designed humbuckers, the Tammany offers a wide range of tones from warm jazz to gritty rock. The slim-C neck profile ensures comfortable playability.
- D’Angelico Deluxe Series Bedford SH: The D’Angelico Deluxe Series Bedford SH is a high-end solid-body guitar with a contemporary design. It features a sleek double-cutaway body made of solid alder, delivering a well-defined and balanced sound. The two Seymour Duncan DA-59 humbuckers provide a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres. The Deluxe Bedford SH comes with a coil-splitting option, offering single-coil-like sounds for added versatility.
- D’Angelico Deluxe Series Atlantic: The D’Angelico Deluxe Series Atlantic is a premium solid-body guitar crafted for discerning players who seek top-tier performance and aesthetics. It features a double-cutaway body made of solid alder, providing excellent resonance and sustain. Equipped with two Seymour Duncan DA-59 humbuckers, the Atlantic offers rich and dynamic tones that can be tailored using its coil-splitting feature. The comfortable C-shape neck and 22 medium jumbo frets ensure effortless playability.
- D’Angelico Premier Series Bowery: The D’Angelico Premier Series Bowery is a versatile solid-body guitar designed for players who crave tonal flexibility. It features a single-cutaway body made of solid basswood, offering a lightweight and resonant instrument. The Bowery comes with two Seymour Duncan Designed humbuckers, delivering a wide array of tones suitable for various musical genres. The sleek design, combined with its slim-C neck profile, makes it a comfortable and enjoyable guitar to play.
More Models of D’Angelico Guitars
- D’Angelico Excel Series EXL-1 Throwback: The D’Angelico Excel Series EXL-1 Throwback pays homage to the classic archtop jazz guitars of the past. It features a vintage-inspired single-cutaway design with a laminated spruce top and laminated flame maple back and sides. The Kent Armstrong floating mini-humbucker provides a warm and articulate jazz tone with exceptional clarity. The Stairstep tailpiece and elegant headstock inlay enhance its vintage charm.
- D’Angelico Premier Series SS: The D’Angelico Premier Series SS is a sleek semi-hollow guitar designed for versatility and comfort. It features a double-cutaway body with a center block, providing excellent sustain and feedback resistance. The laminated maple top and back, paired with a mahogany center block, offer a balanced and resonant tone. Equipped with two Seymour Duncan Designed humbuckers, the Premier SS delivers a wide range of tones suitable for various genres.
- D’Angelico Deluxe Series Bedford: The D’Angelico Deluxe Series Bedford is a modern solid-body guitar built for players seeking superior craftsmanship and tonal options. It features a double-cutaway body made of solid alder, offering excellent resonance and sustain. Equipped with two Seymour Duncan pickups – a mini-humbucker at the neck and a single-coil Lipstick at the bridge – the Bedford provides a diverse range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and twangy.
- D’Angelico Premier Series EXL-1: The D’Angelico Premier Series EXL-1 is an affordable version of the classic Excel Series EXL-1 archtop guitar. It features a single-cutaway design with a laminated spruce top and laminated flame maple back and sides, delivering a warm and resonant jazz tone. The Kent Armstrong floating mini-humbucker captures the essence of traditional jazz guitar sound. The Stairstep tailpiece and elegant headstock inlay add to its sophisticated appearance.
- D’Angelico Premier Series Bedford SH Natural: The D’Angelico Premier Series Bedford SH Natural is a versatile solid-body guitar designed for modern players. It features a sleek double-cutaway body made of solid alder, offering a balanced and resonant tone. The two Seymour Duncan Designed humbuckers deliver a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for a wide range of musical styles. The coil-splitting option allows players to access single-coil tones for added sonic flexibility.
The Legacy of John D’Angelico:
John D’Angelico, an Italian-American luthier born in 1905, began his career as an apprentice under his uncle, who was a renowned guitar maker. In the early 1930s, John established his workshop in New York City, where he meticulously handcrafted guitars with exceptional skill and artistry. His instruments soon gained the admiration of musicians and collectors, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest archtop guitar builders of his time.
Craftsmanship:
D’Angelico guitars are revered for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each instrument is meticulously crafted by skilled luthiers who carry forward John D’Angelico’s legacy of excellence. From selecting the finest tonewoods to precision carving and shaping, every step in the production process is undertaken with the utmost care to ensure the highest quality instruments.
Timeless Designs:
One of the most striking aspects of D’Angelico guitars is their timeless designs. The brand is known for its classic archtop guitars, which feature elegant curves, f-holes, and meticulously crafted binding and inlays. These designs draw inspiration from the golden age of jazz, embodying the essence of both musical and visual artistry.
Innovations and Modernization:
While D’Angelico embraces its rich heritage, the brand also embraces innovation and modernization. Over the years, D’Angelico has expanded its offerings to include a range of electric and acoustic guitars, catering to a wide variety of musical styles. The brand’s dedication to continuous improvement ensures that each new model combines classic aesthetics with contemporary playability and performance.
Signature Series:
D’Angelico has collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists to create signature models that capture their unique playing styles and tonal preferences. These signature guitars pay homage to the musicians who have contributed to the legacy of D’Angelico and provide players with an opportunity to connect with their favorite artists on a deeper level.
Diverse Range of Models:
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, a blues purist, or a modern rock player, D’Angelico has a guitar to suit your musical needs. From the iconic archtops to semi-hollow and solid-body electric guitars, as well as acoustic-electric models, the brand’s diverse range ensures that every guitarist can find an instrument that resonates with their musical identity.
The Experience of Playing a D’Angelico:
The experience of playing a D’Angelico guitar is something that every guitarist should cherish. The instruments boast a rich, warm tonal character, exquisite resonance, and impressive sustain. They offer exceptional playability and responsiveness, allowing musicians to effortlessly express their musicality with every note.
Embracing the Spirit of Music:
D’Angelico guitars not only produce beautiful sounds but also inspire musicians to embrace the spirit of music and artistic expression. Owning a D’Angelico is like owning a piece of history, connecting you to the golden era of jazz while also providing a platform to explore contemporary musical landscapes.