D'Aquisto

D'Aquisto

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Also known as: James D'Aquisto, Jimmy D'Aquisto, DAquisto

Unclaimed

D'Aquisto is a maker of hand-built archtop guitars associated with luthier James L. "Jimmy" D'Aquisto (1935–1995). D'Aquisto began as an apprentice to John D'Angelico in 1952 and eventually took over the legendary New York shop, becoming D'Angelico's successor after his mentor's death in 1964. He relocated his workshop to Long Island, operating out of Huntington, Farmingdale, and finally Greenp...

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D'Aquisto is a maker of hand-built archtop guitars associated with luthier James L. "Jimmy" D'Aquisto (1935–1995). D'Aquisto began as an apprentice to John D'Angelico in 1952 and eventually took over the legendary New York shop, becoming D'Angelico's successor after his mentor's death in 1964. He relocated his workshop to Long Island, operating out of Huntington, Farmingdale, and finally Greenport, where he built instruments until his death.

Early D'Aquisto guitars, such as the New Yorker and Excel, continued in the traditional D'Angelico style, but by the second half of the 1980s he introduced a modern archtop aesthetic with simplified, sculpted f-holes, ebony hardware, and minimalist ornamentation. Notable models include the Centura, the Solo, and the flat-top Deluxe. Across his career he built only around 370 instruments, making them among the most coveted archtops in the vintage market.

The D'Aquisto name has also appeared on production guitars licensed through other manufacturers, including Hagstrom's Jimmy D'Aquisto signature model and Fender's Designer Series D'Aquisto Ultra and Deluxe, which were built in the Fender Custom Shop. The brand's reputation rests primarily on jazz and archtop circles, where D'Aquisto's originals are considered benchmark instruments for craftsmanship and tone.

D'Aquisto has 3 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars, Acoustic-Electric Guitars, and Hollowbody Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 5 artists, with the strongest followings in Jazz, Funk / Soul, and Pop. Notable users include George Benson, Jules Crommelin, and Grant Green.

Artists Who Use D'Aquisto

George Benson uses 1 D'Aquisto product

George Benson

Guitarist, Singer · The George Benson Quartet

Jules Crommelin uses 1 D'Aquisto product

Jules Crommelin

Singer, Guitarist · Parcels

Grant Green uses 1 D'Aquisto product

Grant Green

Guitarist

Pino Daniele uses 1 D'Aquisto product

Pino Daniele

Singer, Guitarist · Pino Daniele Project

Dave Lincoln uses 1 D'Aquisto product

Dave Lincoln

Guitarist · James Davis

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