D’Angelico Guitars is making a big splash with the reintroduction of two of its best-selling archtop guitars, the Excel EXL-1 and Excel Style B. The updated models are now loaded with vintage-inspired pickups and a range of new features, all while paying homage to the brand’s storied 100-year legacy. These stunning guitars will be on display at NAMM 2024, so be sure to check them out!
The new Excel EXL-1 models are available in two gorgeous colorways: a stunning amber with a tortoise pickguard, and a sleek dark iced tea burst with a black pickguard. These 17″ wide archtop guitars draw inspiration from John D’Angelico’s iconic single-cutaway design, first introduced in 1947 and favored by numerous jazz legends.
The neck shape has been redesigned to strike the ideal balance between comfort and heft, and each colorway offers its own unique tonal output. The dark iced tea finish comes equipped with a full-sized Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker, delivering a rich and deep George Benson-esque tone. Rolling the tone knob yields a thinner, funkier sound, providing players with a wide sonic palette to explore.
Jazz guitar maestro Rodney Jones is thoroughly impressed by these guitars, stating, “When I first picked up these guitars, immediately I was impressed by the feel and finishes before I played a note. They have a beautiful sound, but they have the range that allows me to find my sound. A guitar can sound good, but if it doesn’t let me find my sound, I can’t use it. It gives wings to my heart song, not make me play their heart song.”
The Style B, on the other hand, seeks to faithfully replicate John D’Angelico’s rhythm-focused archtop that was a standout model in the ‘30s. An old-school non-cutaway archtop with a 24.75” scale length and 20 frets, it boasts a rich, mellow tone. With a new neck shape for improved playability and sustain, it’s a true delight for discerning players.
The Style B comes with the esteemed DeArmond Rhythm Chief pickup – a staple in the D’Angelico builds of the ‘30s and ‘40s. Originally crafted for acoustic play, this floating single coil pickup faithfully amplifies the guitar while preserving its natural, warm, and woody tones.
Vinny Raniolo shares his thoughts on the classic Style B, stating, “I’ve always been drawn to this older style of music, it was so classic and classy and they had such beautiful instruments that did justice to the music. What I love about these guitars is that they respect the tradition of the music, but also shows you what potential this musical style still has. It offers a rich and articulate old-school tone that embodies the sound of mid-century New York”
Both archtop models feature Grover imperial tuners and hardware, an ebony fretboard, and Jescar fretwire. The Excel EXL-1 is priced at $1,899, while the Excel Style B comes in at a slightly more affordable $1,699.