The brand’s latest revival has brought about a fresh wave of guitar enthusiasts and collectors who are eager to experience the rich sonic qualities of these iconic instruments. The resurgence of the brand has also inspired a new generation of musicians to explore the unique sonic possibilities of D’Angelico guitars. With their rich, warm tones, and elegant designs, these instruments are perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and blues to rock and pop. D’Angelico guitars have become synonymous with the smooth, velvety sounds of classic jazz and blues, but their versatility makes them a favorite among musicians who want to push the boundaries of their music. The company’s innovative approach to design and manufacturing has resulted in a range of models that cater to different tastes and playing styles. From the elegant, hand-crafted designs of the classic D’Angelico model to the bold, modern shapes of the latest Korean-made models, there’s a D’Angelico guitar to suit every musician’s needs. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of guitar playing, a D’Angelico guitar is the perfect instrument to take your music to the next level. The company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that every guitar that leaves the factory is a masterpiece of instrument-making. With a range of models available, including the iconic D-400, the elegant D-120, and the bold D-410, there’s a D’Angelico guitar to suit every style and preference. Many musicians have discovered that the rich, warm tones of a D’Angelico guitar can add depth and complexity to their music, making them perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
However, the iconic brand has managed to maintain its value and reputation over the years, even with the rise of more affordable alternatives. Here’s why D’Angelico guitars remain a sought-after choice among musicians and collectors alike.
The Legacy of D’Angelico Guitars
D’Angelico guitars have been a staple in the music industry for over 90 years, with a rich history that spans multiple generations of musicians. The brand was founded by Antonio D’Angelico in 1916, and since then, it has been passed down through his family, with each new generation contributing to the brand’s success. The D’Angelico family has always been committed to creating high-quality instruments that meet the needs of professional musicians.
He began his career as a violin maker in the 1920s, but soon shifted his focus to guitar making in the 1930s.
The Early Years of John D’Angelico
John D’Angelico’s journey as a luthier began in the 1920s, when he started his career as a violin maker under the guidance of his grand uncle, Raphael Ciani. Ciani, an accomplished violin and mandolin luthier, had a profound impact on D’Angelico’s early work. The young apprentice learned the intricacies of violin making, including the art of selecting and shaping high-quality woods, crafting intricate bridges, and carefully tuning the instruments. Key skills learned from Raphael Ciani: + Selecting and shaping high-quality woods + Crafting intricate bridges + Carefully tuning instruments As D’Angelico honed his skills, he began to develop his own unique approach to violin making. His attention to detail and commitment to quality soon earned him a reputation as a skilled luthier.
The brand’s success can be attributed to the innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship that defined the D’Angelico Guitars brand.
The Birth of D’Angelico Guitars
In the 1930s, New York City’s Little Italy was a hub of creativity and innovation. It was here that D’Angelico Guitars was born, founded by the visionary and skilled luthier, Santo D’Angelico.
The D’Angelico brand was looking to appeal to a new generation of musicians.
A New Era for D’Angelico
In the early 2000s, the D’Angelico brand was struggling to stay afloat. The company had been around since 1928, but it had failed to adapt to the changing music landscape. The guitars were seen as old-fashioned and out of touch with the needs of modern musicians. The brand was on the verge of disappearing from the market.
A Bold New Direction
In 2011, the company’s new owners, the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), decided to take drastic measures to revamp the brand. They hired a team of young and innovative designers to create a new line of guitars that would appeal to a new generation of musicians. The goal was to create guitars that were both authentic to the brand’s heritage and modern, versatile, and appealing to a new audience.
Key Features of the New D’Angelico
A New Era for D’Angelico: The Legacy Lives On
The new D’Angelico guitars were a huge success, and the brand began to gain a new following among young musicians. The company’s bold new direction had paid off, and the D’Angelico brand was once again thriving.
D’Angelico guitars have been a staple in the music industry for decades, and their influence can be seen in many different genres of music.
The Legacy of D’Angelico Guitars
D’Angelico guitars have been a part of the music industry for over 80 years, with a legacy that spans multiple genres and generations of musicians. From the early days of jazz and blues to the modern era of rock and pop, D’Angelico guitars have been a staple in the hands of some of the most iconic musicians of all time.
The Golden Age of Jazz
During the 1930s and 1940s, D’Angelico guitars were a favorite among jazz musicians. The company’s instruments were known for their warm, rich tone and exceptional playability. Many of the greatest jazz musicians of the time, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, were known to play D’Angelico guitars. Some notable jazz musicians who played D’Angelico guitars include:
The Rise of Rock and Pop
In the 1950s and 1960s, D’Angelico guitars began to gain popularity among rock and pop musicians. The company’s instruments were known for their versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tonal colors. Many of the greatest rock and pop musicians of the time, including Eric Clapton and Bob Weir, were known to play D’Angelico guitars.
The Excel line is positioned as a step up from the Premier line, offering higher-quality materials and craftsmanship. The Deluxe line is the company’s flagship, featuring the finest materials and expert craftsmanship.
The D’Angelico Premier Line
The Premier line is the entry-level range of D’Angelico guitars, offering a range of models that cater to different playing styles and preferences.
The Deluxe lineup is comprised of the following models:
- The Deluxe Series: This series includes models with custom features, limited edition finishes, and unique pickup configurations. The Limited Edition Series: This series includes models that are only available in limited quantities, with unique features and finishes.