D’Angelico guitars are more than just instruments—they’re works of art that offer exceptional sound, incredible style, and versatility for players across various genres.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 best D’Angelico guitars that deserve a spot in your collection. Trust me, I’ve spent enough time with these beauties to know which ones truly stand out!
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- Top Pick: D’Angelico Excel SS Tour Collection SW – A semi-hollow axe with incredible tone and effortless playability.
- Best Solid-Body: D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic Solid Black – A versatile beast with Seth Lover humbuckers for a range of tones.
- Most Versatile: D’Angelico Premier Bedford Bob Weir Sig – With a unique pickup setup, this guitar can do it all.
Got a minute? Stick around to find out what makes each of these guitars worth playing—and worth showing off. 🙂
5 Best D’Angelico Guitars – Detailed Overview
1. D’Angelico Excel SS Tour Collection SW
- Style: Semi-hollow body with a center block
- Top, Back, and Sides: Laminated maple
- Neck: Maple/walnut/maple, glued-in
- Fingerboard: Ebony with small diamond inlays
- Pickups: 2 Supro Bolt Bucker humbuckers
- Hardware: Satin nickel
My Experience
The Excel SS Tour Collection SW is a semi-hollow dream. I’ve played it in jazz gigs and even took it to a rock rehearsal, and let me tell you—it delivers every time. The Supro Bolt Bucker humbuckers give you punchy, clear tones that still have plenty of warmth. I know what you’re thinking: Is this guitar too classy for rock? Nah, this guitar handles it all without a fuss.
The C-shaped neck feels like it was made just for me, and the ebony fretboard is smooth, making it easy to play fast runs and jazzy chords. And come on, that Solid Wine color? It’s like the guitar equivalent of a fine bottle of wine that actually plays music. 🙂
Worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s versatile, elegant, and delivers top-tier tone. If you’re looking for a guitar that can handle multiple genres and still look killer on stage, this one’s for you.
2. D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic Solid Black
- Style: Solid-body
- Top, Back, and Sides: Alder
- Neck: Maple/walnut/maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Abalone split block inlays
- Pickups: 2 Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers
- Hardware: Gold-plated
My Experience
I’ll be real—when I first picked up the Deluxe Atlantic, I didn’t expect it to blow me away, but it did. Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers give this guitar a rich, warm tone that’s perfect for everything from blues to hard rock.
And the coil-split function? Yeah, it’s a game changer. You can go from fat humbucker sounds to sparkling single-coil tones with just a flick. Need a guitar that can do it all? You’re looking at it.
Now, can we talk about the narrow C-shaped neck? I’ve played sets with this guitar where my hand didn’t cramp once—yes, that’s a win in my book. Plus, the gold hardware and 7-fold body binding make this guitar feel like a luxury piece you actually get to play.
Would I take this to a gig? Absolutely. In fact, I did, and the crowd noticed. It’s one of those guitars that looks great, sounds great, and doesn’t make you regret spending the money.
Looking for metal guitars? Check out this list of 10 Best Schecter Guitars.
3. D’Angelico Excel Mini DC Cherry
- Style: Semi-hollow body with a center block
- Top: Laminated spruce
- Back and Sides: Laminated flamed maple
- Neck: 3-piece maple/walnut/maple
- Pickups: 2 Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers with gold cover
- Hardware: Gold-plated
My Experience
The Excel Mini DC is like a compact semi-hollow that still brings big sound. It’s lighter, sure, but don’t think for a second that it skimps on tone. The Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers are warm, with a bit of that vintage bite when you need it.
This is one of those guitars where every strum just feels good. You ever pick up a guitar and feel like it was custom-built for your hands? Yeah, this is one of those.
With the coil-split function, this guitar turns into a Swiss Army knife of tones. Whether I’m playing clean, jazzier stuff or pushing it through a fuzz pedal for some grit, it keeps up. The C-shaped neck is narrow, making it perfect for fast play, but honestly, the thing that gets me every time is that Cherry finish. If looks could kill…
If you’re a fan of semi-hollows but want something a little more compact (without sacrificing sound), this is a solid choice.
4. D’Angelico Premier Bedford Bob Weir Signature
- Style: Solid-body
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple with satin finish
- Pickups: 2 Seymour Duncan Designed Stacked P90s (neck and bridge), SC-101 single coil (middle)
- Hardware: Matte stone finish
My Experience
Here’s where things get interesting: the Bob Weir Signature model is a bit of a tonal chameleon. With P90s in the neck and bridge, and a single coil in the middle, you can really dial in a variety of tones. Need some bluesy warmth? Check. Want some bright, biting single-coil snap? Got that too.
I love the pickup blender—it gives you some fun tonal combinations you won’t find on most guitars. It’s got this unique character that feels very Grateful Dead, but it’s more versatile than you’d expect. And with the 6-point tremolo, you can get some tasty vibrato action going. (Though, let’s be real, I’m not exactly a tremolo junkie, but when I used it, I was impressed.)
If you like experimenting with tone but don’t want to fiddle with five pedals to get it, this guitar will make you happy.
5. D’Angelico Excel SS Black Dog
- Style: Semi-hollow body with a center block
- Top, Back, and Sides: Laminated mahogany
- Neck: 3-piece maple/walnut/maple
- Pickups: 2 Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers
- Hardware: Gold-plated
My Experience
The Excel SS Black Dog is a semi-hollow guitar that I didn’t want to put down. The Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers give it that classic, warm humbucker tone we all crave, and they’re perfect for just about any style of music. I’ve used it for blues gigs and even tested it with some rock riffs, and it handled both like a champ. The B-7 tremolo tailpiece adds a layer of expressive play, and the action is smooth as butter.
And honestly, it’s got that Black Dog finish, which looks like something you’d expect to see on the cover of a guitar magazine. The semi-hollow body provides resonance without going full hollow, so you get the warmth of a hollow body without the feedback issues.
Ever wonder what it feels like to play a guitar that looks as cool as it sounds? This is that guitar. 🙂
Comparison Table
| Guitar | Style | Pickups | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excel SS Tour Collection SW | Semi-hollow | 2 Supro Bolt Bucker humbuckers | Jazz, Blues, Rock | 9/10 |
| Deluxe Atlantic Solid Black | Solid-body | 2 Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers | Rock, Blues, Jazz | 9.5/10 |
| Excel Mini DC Cherry | Semi-hollow | 2 Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers | Jazz, Blues | 9/10 |
| Premier Bedford Bob Weir | Solid-body | 2 Stacked P90s, 1 SC-101 single-coil | Rock, Funk | 8.5/10 |
| Excel SS Black Dog | Semi-hollow | 2 Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers | Jazz, Blues, Rock | 9/10 |
Why I Love D’Angelico Guitars
D’Angelico guitars are special, plain and simple. Whether it’s their vintage aesthetics, the modern features, or that classic tone, these guitars stand out from the crowd. And let’s not forget how comfortable they are to play—the neck profiles feel just right, no matter your style or skill level. Each D’Angelico guitar feels like a statement piece, not just a tool. You don’t just play a D’Angelico, you experience it.
For me, they strike the perfect balance between playability, tone, and looks, which is rare. Plus, every time I gig with one, people ask about it—there’s something about D’Angelico guitars that grabs attention (in the best way).
FAQs
Are D’Angelico guitars good for beginners?
Absolutely! While many models are premium, D’Angelico has several guitars (like the Premier series) that offer excellent playability for beginners without sacrificing quality. They’re comfortable, sound great, and give you a high-end feel even at a more affordable price.
What genres are D’Angelico guitars best suited for?
D’Angelico guitars are versatile and can be used for jazz, blues, rock, and even funk. Their semi-hollow and hollow body models shine in genres that require warmth and resonance, but their solid-body guitars can handle rock and alternative styles with ease.
Do D’Angelico guitars hold their value?
Yes, D’Angelico guitars tend to hold their value well because of their build quality and reputation. They’re considered more of an investment than a fleeting trend, and collectors tend to keep an eye on these models.
What makes D’Angelico guitars different from other brands?
It’s a mix of style, craftsmanship, and history. D’Angelico guitars have a rich history in the world of jazz and blues, but they’ve modernized their features to suit today’s musicians. Whether it’s the unique finishes, vintage-inspired designs, or versatile pickups, they offer something truly unique.
Final Thoughts
D’Angelico guitars have a special place in my heart—and my guitar rack. Whether you’re into semi-hollow warmth or prefer the power of a solid-body, these guitars offer a bit of everything. They’re more than just instruments; they’re statement pieces.
If you’re serious about finding a guitar that feels great, looks incredible, and performs even better, I highly recommend giving one of these models a try.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see these guitars in action or dive deeper into their tones, make sure to check out my YouTube channels—Best Guitars Now and Strefa Gitar—where I break down the sound and feel of these beauties.
