D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1

$600.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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5.0 (21)

$600.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $600

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Discover the enchanting allure of the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that bridges the gap between vintage elegance and modern innovation. Inspired by the legacy of renowned luthier John D’Angelico, this guitar is a testament to timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or an adventurous genre-blender, this instrument promises a sonic experience as rich and inviting as its storied heritage.

The Seymour Duncan floating humbucker is the heart of the EXL-1, delivering a warm, articulate tone that captures every nuance of your playing. Its slim C-shape neck offers exceptional comfort, making it perfect for fluid comping, expressive lead lines, and intricate fingerpicking. Designed for the discerning musician, the EXL-1's 17-inch body not only resonates with a full-bodied sound but also stands as a stunning piece of visual artistry.

From the Jescar fretwire that enhances playability to the carefully crafted appointments, every detail of the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 is designed with the modern musician in mind. This guitar's elegant design and superior build quality make it a fitting companion for the stage, studio, or practice space. And with a hardshell case included, your prized instrument is always protected.

Key Features:

Seymour Duncan floating humbucker for versatile tone
Slim C-shape neck for comfortable playability
17-inch body for rich, resonant sound
Jescar fretwire for enhanced performance
Includes a hardshell case for secure transportation

Product specs

Brand	D'Angelico
Model	Deluxe EXL-1 Hollow Body Archtop
Finish	Matte Cherry, Matte Emerald, Matte Midnight, Matte Plum, Matte Powder Blue, Matte Rose Pink
Year	2010s
Categories	Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Red
Finish Style	Satin
Fretboard Material	Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 best suited for?: The D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 is ideal for jazz and blues genres due to its warm, rich tone and hollow body design, which enhances resonance and sustain.
What is the neck profile of the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1?: The D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 features a C standard slim neck profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.
Does the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 come with a case?: Yes, the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 includes a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.
What kind of pickups does the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 have?: The D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 is equipped with a floating Seymour Duncan humbucker, delivering a smooth and balanced tone with excellent clarity.
Is the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 suitable for beginners?: While the D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 offers high-quality craftsmanship and sound, it may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its specific tonal characteristics and price point.

Reviews

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PROS

Attractive natural and matte emerald finishes add visual appeal
Excellent fit and finish with attention to detail
Rich, full tone both plugged and unplugged, surprising for a laminated top
Floating humbucker pickup delivers vintage electric jazz tone
Playable neck with a thin profile for easy handling
Locking tuners and flawless fret binding enhance playability
Classic old-school look with a stylish headstock finial
Great value for money, providing high-quality sound at an affordable price
Well-crafted, sturdy hard-shell case included for protection
Versatile tone control for both mellow jazz and brighter settings

CONS

Frets may require leveling upon purchase
Tone pot may not significantly alter sound
Limited reachability of higher frets
Acoustic resonance, particularly from bass strings, can be underwhelming
Glossy neck might not appeal to all players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1.

Mods and upgrades

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A user enhanced the EXL-1A's sound by adding a floating Kent Armstrong PAF-0 pickup and swapping hardware with Benedetto components.
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Features and functionality

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The original piezo pickup in the EXL-1A was described as thin-sounding, which might not suit jazz enthusiasts seeking a fuller tone.
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The EXL-1's floating pickup enhances body resonance, providing an acoustic-like tone, while the limited control setup includes only volume and tone adjustments.
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Comparisons

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The EXL-1 features a mini-humbucker at the neck, offering a more acoustic tone, while the Kingpin II's dual P90s deliver a more electric sound.
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The D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 was noted to be heavier than other jazzboxes tried by the same user.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners recommend replacing the EXL-1's stock round wound strings with 12 or 13 gauge flatwounds for reduced noise and better resonance.
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The stock setup featured slightly higher action; switching to medium flatwounds is recommended for improved playability.
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Use cases and applications

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The EXL-1 excels in producing dark, woody tonalities suitable for jazz styles akin to Johnny Smith, with body resonance enhancing its acoustic quality.
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User experience

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It's noted that the EXL-1's neck radius and scale length provide a distinct playing feel compared to competitors like the Godin Kingpin.
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Value and pricing

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A user purchased a D'Angelico Premier EXL-1 B-stock for $499, noting minor cosmetic flaws were worth the $400 savings from retail.
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Build quality

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The guitar's minor flaws included sloppy glue/paint at the neck joint and a micro fleck under the clear coat.
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The ovangkol fretboard was described as exceptionally smooth, likened to "butter," enhancing the playing experience.
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The binding and champagne sparkle finish were praised for their high quality, especially given the price point.
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Critic Reviews

Review: D'Angelico Guitars Deluxe Series EXL-1 and SS - D'Angelico Guitars

dangelicoguitars.com

D'Angelico's Deluxe EXL-1 jazz archtop is a luxurious blend of tradition and innovation, boasting superior craftsmanship and aesthetics. Its acoustic qualities are as impressive as its electric tones, offering warm, articulate notes. The versatile SS model excels across genres with its distinctive design and custom Seymour Duncan pickups. However, the EXL-1's niche jazz focus may limit its appeal for some players. Overall, these guitars deliver deluxe quality without an exorbitant price tag, making them a worthwhile investment for discerning musicians.

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Rotem Sivan

Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Rotem Sivan - Stella By Starlight (Live at the D'Angelico Showroom)," Rotem Sivan is using a D'Angelico Deluxe EXL-1 guitar, as documented by D'Angelico Guitars.