Best D’Angelico Guitars
Top 10 picks ranked by EJ Score
Our Top Picks
Looking for the d'angelico guitars? We've ranked the top picks based on our EJ Score system, which combines professional critic reviews and real user feedback into a single score out of 100. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this list will help you find the right fit.
D’Angelico has repositioned the Deluxe SS as a modern jazz instrument with zero apologies, and it’s a stunning execution. This isn’t a retro throwback — it’s a contemporary take on the semi-hollow formula. The 15-inch body is perfectly proportioned for…
Pros
- +Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers paired with coil-splittable stacked P90s offer surprising tonal range for a jazz-focused instrument
- +Thin, C-shaped neck with premium ebony fingerboard and Jescar fretwire enables silky playability and singing sustain
- +Lightweight centerblock reduces feedback while preserving the warmth jazz players crave
Cons
- −High-end price ($2,200) limits accessibility compared to entry-level semi-hollows
- −Narrower body width may feel cramped for players with larger hands
The Deluxe SS is D’Angelico’s strongest argument that they belong in the semi-hollow conversation alongside Gibson and Gretsch. That 90 score is earned — this is a gorgeous, well-built guitar with exceptional components. The Seymour Duncan ’59s are perfect for…
Pros
- +Seymour Duncan '59 humbuckers are legendary — warm, balanced, and versatile from jazz to classic rock
- +Laminated maple body with center block balances resonance and feedback control
- +Art-deco D'Angelico appointments (stairstep tailpiece, split-block inlays) are genuinely beautiful
Cons
- −At $2,200, competing with Gibson ES-335s and higher-end Gretsch models
- −Laminated maple body lacks the resonance of carved solid tops
D’Angelico’s D’Angelico Premier SS Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar w/ Stopbar tailpiece Brown Burst represents a commitment to quality that shows in the details. From materials and construction to playability and tone, this is an instrument engineered for professional use. The design…
Pros
- +Build quality and components designed to last.
- +Versatile tone shaping suitable for multiple styles.
- +Authentic, detailed tone that responds to your playing.
Cons
- −Premium pricing puts it out of reach for budget-conscious players.
- −May require professional setup to achieve optimal performance.
D’Angelico proved that you don’t need a $4K vintage Gibson to get archtop tone. The Excel EXL-1 delivers genuine semi-hollow warmth wrapped in a finish that’ll make people ask questions. The Iced Tea Burst is a looker. Tone characterizes this…
Pros
- +Archtop construction delivers warm, woody tone with excellent note definition.
- +Stunning visual finish (Iced Tea Burst) looks expensive and plays better than it costs.
- +Lightweight semi-hollow design eliminates feedback without sacrificing resonance.
Cons
- −Archtop body can feel neck-heavy depending on strap and playing position.
- −Limited tonal range—best suited for jazz, blues, and vintage-minded genres.
Side-by-Side Comparison
 D'Angelico Deluxe Series SS Semi-Hollow Electric... |  D'Angelico Deluxe Series SS Semi-Hollow Electric... |  D'Angelico Premier SS Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar... |  D'Angelico D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Dark Iced... | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EJ Score | 96 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Price | $2,199.99 | $2,199.99 | $999.99 | $1,899.99 |
The Bottom Line
That wraps up our picks for the d'angelico guitars. Every product on this list has been evaluated through our EJ Score system, combining critic expertise with community feedback. Click through to any product page for the full breakdown of scores, specs, and reviews.