Handcrafted guitars with a legacy of innovation and playability.
The Legacy of D’Angelico Guitars
D’Angelico guitars have a rich history that spans over eight decades. The company was founded by John D’Angelico in 1932, and it quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted instruments. The company’s early success was largely due to its innovative approach to guitar design, which emphasized the importance of playability and tone. Key features of D’Angelico guitars include: + Handcrafted construction + High-quality tonewoods + Innovative design elements + Playability-focused design
The Revival of D’Angelico Guitars
After a long hiatus, D’Angelico guitars made a triumphant return to the market in 2011.
However, the D’Angelico EXL-1 is a rare exception to this rule. This iconic model has been a favorite among professional musicians for decades, and its value remains remarkably consistent despite the fluctuations in the market.
The Origins of the D’Angelico EXL-1
The D’Angelico EXL-1 has its roots in the 1930s, when the company was founded by John D’Angelico. The EXL-1 was one of the first guitars produced by the company, and it quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional playability and tone. Over the years, the EXL-1 has undergone several design changes, but its core characteristics have remained the same.
The Design and Features
The D’Angelico EXL-1 is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that features a mahogany neck and body, a set of 22 medium-jumbo frets, and a pair of humbucking pickups. The guitar’s body is made from a single piece of mahogany, which provides a rich, warm tone. The neck is made from mahogany as well, and it features a 24.75-inch scale length. The guitar also features a set of adjustable bridge saddles and a pair of tone controls.
D’Angelico’s early life was marked by a deep passion for music and a strong desire to create instruments that would help musicians express themselves.
The Early Years
John D’Angelico’s journey as a luthier began when he was just a young boy. Growing up in New York City, he was surrounded by the sounds of jazz and blues music. His grand uncle, Raphael Ciani, was a renowned violin and mandolin maker, and John would often spend hours watching him work in his workshop. This exposure sparked John’s interest in instrument making, and he began to learn the trade from a very early age. Key skills John learned from his grand uncle include: + Woodworking and craftsmanship + Instrument design and construction + Sound quality and tone production
The Birth of D’Angelico Guitars
In the 1930s, John D’Angelico began to develop his own unique approach to guitar making. He was influenced by the jazz and blues musicians of the time, who were looking for instruments that could produce a rich, full sound.
D’Angelico Guitars is known for its high-quality, handcrafted instruments that have been favored by many famous musicians.
The Birth of D’Angelico Guitars
In the 1930s, a small workshop in New York City’s Little Italy became the birthplace of D’Angelico Guitars.
However, in 2005, the brand was revived by a new owner, who would go on to restore the company to its former glory.
The Legacy of John D’Angelico
John D’Angelico was a renowned Italian-American luthier who revolutionized the world of guitar-making. His innovative designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and dedication to quality earned him a reputation as one of the greatest guitar makers of all time.
The guitar’s versatility has allowed it to transcend genres and become a staple in various musical styles.
The Birth of the D’Angelico
The D’Angelico guitar was first introduced in the 1930s by the Italian luthier, Alfredo D’Angelico. Born in 1895, D’Angelico was a renowned instrument maker who had previously worked with prominent manufacturers such as Gibson and Epiphone. His innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship quickly gained him a reputation as one of the most skilled luthiers of his time.
Early Models and Innovations
D’Angelico’s early models were characterized by their unique body shapes and innovative designs. One of his most notable creations was the “Gibson ES-150,” which was designed in collaboration with Gibson.
The Excel line is positioned as a step up from the Premier, offering a range of instruments with improved features and craftsmanship. The Deluxe line is the company’s flagship, featuring high-end instruments with premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
The D’Angelico Premier Line
The Premier line is the entry-level range of D’Angelico guitars, offering a variety of models at an affordable price point. These instruments are made in Indonesia and feature a range of tonewoods, including mahogany, alder, and spruce. The Premier line includes solid, semi-hollow, hollow, and acoustic guitars, catering to different playing styles and musical genres. Key features of the Premier line: + Affordable price point + Variety of tonewoods + Range of guitar types (solid, semi-hollow, hollow, acoustic) + Made in Indonesia
The D’Angelico Excel Line
The Excel line is positioned as a step up from the Premier, offering improved features and craftsmanship.
The Deluxe lineup includes the following models:
Models in the Deluxe Lineup
- Deluxe Series: This series features models with custom features, limited edition finishes, and unique pickup configurations. These models are designed to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who want a truly unique experience. Limited Edition: This series includes models with exclusive finishes, such as metallic, wood, or other specialty finishes. These models are highly sought after by collectors and can command a premium price. * Signature Series: This series features models with unique pickup configurations, such as coil-splitting or humbucker configurations. These models are designed to appeal to experienced players who want a distinct sound. ## Key Features of the Deluxe Lineup**
- Custom Features: The Deluxe lineup includes models with custom features, such as unique electronics, custom inlays, or other specialty features. Limited Edition Finishes: The Deluxe lineup includes models with exclusive finishes, such as metallic, wood, or other specialty finishes. * Unique Pickup Configurations: The Deluxe lineup includes models with unique pickup configurations, such as coil-splitting or humbucker configurations.