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D Angelico guitars combine vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, offering players a versatile option for both classic and contemporary sounds. Our roundup explores the standout features and playability of their popular models, helping guitar enthusiasts make an informed choice.

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Reviews

D'Angelico Excel Style B Electric Guitar

A beautifully crafted replica of John D'Angelico's classic 1930s archtop guitar, the Style B brings the warmth and character of vintage jazz to life with its rich, mellow tone. The 20-fret neck feels incredibly comfortable, while the DeArmond Rhythm Chief pickup captures the guitar's authentic mid-century sound. From delicate acoustic passages to warm electric tones, this stunning instrument delivers exceptional playing comfort and classic D'AngelicoCharacter.

D'Angelico Premier Bedford Sh with Tremolo Ice Blue Metallic

This semi-hollow basswood body guitar combines modern comfort with classic tone. The neck-through design and 22-fret maple neck create a responsive playing feel, while the dual Duncan pickup system delivers versatile sound from Tele-style clarity to humbucker warmth. Despite minor cosmetic imperfections, players praise its exceptional playability and distinctive appearance.

D Angelico Deluxe DC Electric Guitar

This double-cutaway semi-hollow body electric guitar combines Seymour Duncan pickups with a set-thru neck and 22-fret maple/walnut/maple construction. The Gloss-finished body sports a sapphire exterior with mother-of-pearl and abalone inlays, while the Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece deliver crisp sustain. The 3-way pickup switch and dual volume/tone controls let you dial in everything from vintage warmth to modern humbucker power.

D'Angelico Premier Mini DC

The D Angelico Premier Mini DC packs a big tone into its slightly smaller frame, with a maple body and spruce top giving it a warm, punchy character. The 22-fret ovangkol neck feels incredibly comfortable thanks to its slim C shape, while the vintage-style Grover tuners and classic Art Deco headstock add that special something. Whether you're nailing solos or laying down rhythm, this guitar delivers excellent playability and rich, natural tone that really shines through.

D'Angelico Deluxe Brighton Limited Edition

The D Angelico Deluxe Brighton Limited Edition packs a striking visual punch with its Sage and Sapphire finish or versatile Rust option. Under the hood, you'll find either punchy P90s or creamy Humbuckers with coil-splitting, all controlled by straightforward master volume and tone pots. Whether you're a player who prefers single-coils or likes to blend your tones, this double-cutaway delivers with its smooth C-shape neck, 22 fret mapleboard, and Korea-made reliability.

D'Angelico Deluxe SS Baritone Guitar

The D'Angelico Deluxe SS Baritone blends an unusual semi-hollow body design with powerful P90 pickups, creating a distinctive voice that falls somewhere between a traditional baritone guitar and a full-sized electric. At just over 7 pounds, the fifteen-inch body feels surprisingly nimble for its size, while the 26.75" scale length and 12"-radius fretboard make it surprisingly comfortable to play. The result is a guitar that delivers massive, articulate tone whether you're cranked up or clean, with plenty of character to stand out in any band setup.

D'Angelico Gramercy DAD200VNAT

This D'Angelico combines solid mahogany back and sides with a sitka spruce top for rich tonal character. The walnut-stained finish adds warmth and depth to its appearance. While showing minor cosmetic imperfections, the guitar maintains excellent playability and sound quality.

D'Angelico Limited Edition Sapphire Guitar

This limited edition D'Angelico guitar packs a punch with its Seymour Duncan humbuckers, letting you switch smoothly between full vintage tones and crisp articulation. The slim maple body feels remarkable in your hands, though the laminated construction and plastic nut might disappoint some. Overall, it's a striking instrument with a distinct personality.

D'Angelico Premier Fabrizio Sotti SS Electric Guitar

This isn't just a guitar - it's a collaboration between D'Angelico and jazz legend Fabrizio Sotti that raised the bar for modern hollowbodies. The laminated spruce top sings with crystal-clear tone while the maple construction provides plenty of sustain. Whether you're nailing nuanced jazz lines or cranking up the gain, this guitar delivers exceptional clarity and response.

D'Angelico DADMINIDCSAPSNS

This limited edition D'Angelico packs a lot of character into its fourteen-inch frame. The slim C-shape neck and comfortable double-cutaway body make it surprisingly playable, even for those not used to mini-guitars. The Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbuckers might be a departure from the original Duncan pickups, but they nail that vintage tone with their touch-sensitive response. While the build quality is excellent, the bridge pickup has had some reliability issues in user reports, so potential buyers might want to weigh that against their desire for a D'Angelico with a unique look.

D'Angelico Premier Brighton Sky Blue

The Premier Brighton combines a comfortable set-through neck with versatile Seymour Duncan humbuckers and authentic D'Angelico styling. The 22-fret maple neck rides smoothly over an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl inlays, while the chambered basswood body keeps weight down for all-day playing. Deep double-cutaway wings and a slim satin-finished neck let you reach those higher notes with ease.

D'Angelico Premier DC

This D'Angelico Premier DC has a player-friendly design with a C-shaped neck and dual humbuckers, while the stop-bar tailpiece provides improved sustain. The sky blue finish and mother-of-pearl inlays give it a distinctive look that sets it apart from other semi-hollowbody guitars. The 24.75" scale length and 14" radius make it comfortable to play, whether you're shredding lead lines or strumming chords.

Buyer's Guide

D Angelico guitars, known for their distinctive design and authentic Fender style, offer a blend of classic aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. Understanding the key aspects of these guitars will help you make an informed choice based on your playing style and preferences.

Body Style and Design

The body style of a D Angelico guitar defines its tone and playability. Common styles include the Telecaster, with its bright, articulate sound, and the Stratocaster, known for its versatile tone with single-coil pickups. The body material, typically alder, ash, or maple, affects sustain and resonance.

Neck and Fretboard

The neck profile significantly impacts playability. D Angelico offers both modern and vintage neck profiles. The fretboard material, usually maple, affects feel and sustain. The number of frets (commonly 22) influences playability and access to upper registers.

Electronics and Pickup Configuration

The pickup configuration determines tonal versatility. Traditional setups include single-coil pickups for Telecasters or humbuckers for Stratocasters. Modern configurations may feature a combination of both or alternative pickup designs. The pickup’s wiring and potentiometer configuration also affect tone shaping.

Build Quality and Features

Build quality varies between models, with entry-level instruments offering solid construction at a lower price point. Mid-range and premium models incorporate refined craftsmanship and attention to detail. Consider features like neck binding, pickguard quality, and hardware finish when evaluating build quality.

FAQ

What makes D Angelico guitars special?

D Angelico guitars combine vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. Each instrument features handcrafted Alamo white bodies, signature "frying pan" headstock shape, and premium pickups for distinctive vintage tones.

The guitars' attention to detail includes aged bronzer finishes, period-correct hardware, and custom wiring schemes that replicate classic designs while offering enhanced playability.

What are the key models in the D Angelico lineup?

Notable models include the D-22, a smaller-bodied version of the D-28, and the D-18, featuring a solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides. The D-28 delivers classic dreadnought sound with increased projection and volume.

More specialized models include the D-6, featuring an Olympic white body with red bindings, and the D-16, offering an unconventional 12-fret neck design for intimate fingerstyle playing.

Can you customize D Angelico guitars?

D Angelico offers flexible customization options, allowing customers to choose from various wood species, finish colors, and electronics configurations. The company also provides professional set-up services and customization kits for owned guitars.

Custom builds typically require special ordering through an authorized retailer. The customization process allows you to create a guitar tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

How do D Angelico guitars compare to similar vintage-style guitars?

Compared to other vintage-style guitars, D Angelico instruments often offer improved playability and slightly brighter tone. While maintaining traditional aesthetics, they generally provide better action and neck relief than many vintage reproductions.

The guitars' premium components, such as Schecter-made pickups and premium bracing patterns, deliver improved sustain and clarity without compromising original character.

What's the difference between D Angelico and Martin guitars?

D Angelico guitars share some similarities with Martin in terms of vintage styling and craftsmanship. However, D Angelico typically offers more aggressive bracing patterns and modern electronics for enhanced projection and clarity.

Martin guitars generally feature more traditional bracing designs and organic wood construction, resulting in warmer, more complex tonal characteristics compared to D Angelico's slightly more defined sound.

How durable are D Angelico guitars?

D Angelico guitars are built to last, using premium materials and meticulous construction techniques. The guitars' solid-wood tops and robust bracing patterns provide excellent durability while maintaining traditional acoustic properties.

While designed for vintage-style playability, D Angelico instruments are built to handle regular use and professional performances. Proper maintenance and regular servicing will extend their lifespan and keep them sounding their best.