D'Angelico Excel 1961

Stunningly crafted D’Angelico Excel from 1961: ‘Stair-step’ gold plated brass tailpiece, celluloid pickguard with a stair-step shape, Mother of Pearl block inlays on the ebony fingerboard, Grover ‘Imperial’ tuners and Chrysler Building art deco headstock decoration and truss rod cover.

D’Angelico Guitars was founded in 1932 by Master Luthier John D’Angelico who came to be considered the finest independent guitar maker of the 20th century. He crafted beautiful instruments until his untimely death in 1964. He is mainly known for building his New Yorker and Excel guitars.

Our D’Angelico Excel was made in 1961 and bears the serial number 2130. According to the D’Angelico ledger this guitar was originally sold to someone by the name of ‘Anderson’. No further information was recorded.

It has a ‘stair-step’ gold plated, brass tailpiece, a celluloid pickguard with a stair-step shape, Mother of Pearl block inlays on the ebony fingerboard, Grover ‘Imperial’ tuners and It has the so called Chrysler Building art deco headstock decoration and truss rod cover. It also features the centre dip at the middle of the top of the headstock and uses the famous pineapple and pediment design. It has multiple thin layers of alternating black and white celluloid binding around the body.

The guitar plays like a dream with a long piano like sustain, even response, gorgeous low end and sweet highs. Playing it is a truly memorable experience.

Famous D’angelico players include Jazz guitarists George Benson, Johnny Smith, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell as well as players like Eric Clapton and Pete Townsend from the rock field.