Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,639
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Angelico Excel EXL-1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 is a masterclass in blending time-honored tradition with modern innovation. Inspired by John D'Angelico's iconic New Yorker model, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a tribute to the jazz-era archtop guitars that defined a generation of musicians. Crafted with a laminated spruce top and flame maple back and sides, it delivers a resonant and articulate tone that thrives in both rhythm and lead scenarios.
The EXL-1 is distinguished by its Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini humbucker, which offers a focused, woody sound that complements the guitar's natural acoustic qualities. This pickup is suspended above the spruce top, allowing for enhanced resonance and dynamic range, making it ideal for jazz aficionados and experimental players alike.
The redesigned neck features a 3-piece maple/walnut construction that ensures robust playability and comfort, while the ebony fingerboard with Jescar fretwire provides a buttery-smooth playing experience that is both fast and responsive. Whether you're navigating complex chords or soaring through intricate solos, the EXL-1 offers a tactile and satisfying feel.
The guitar's old-school aesthetics are elevated with modern appointments, such as Grover 150 Imperial tuners and the classic D'Angelico stairstep tailpiece, ensuring tuning stability and a distinctive look. This is a guitar that not only looks the part but sounds the part, providing a harmonious balance of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication.
Key Features:
- Hollowbody electric guitar with laminated spruce top and flame maple back and sides
- 3-piece maple/walnut neck with C-shaped profile
- Ebony fingerboard with 22 frets and mother-of-pearl split block inlays
- Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini humbucker pickup
- Master volume and tone controls mounted on pickguard
- Grover 150 Imperial tuners and D'Angelico stairstep tailpiece
- Deluxe hardshell case included
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Hollowbody |
| Body Shape | Excel EXL-1 |
| Body Material | Laminated Flamed Maple |
| Top Material | Laminated Spruce |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Maple/Walnut |
| Neck Shape | C |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother of Pearl Split Block |
| Number of Frets | 22 Jescar 47/104, Nickel-Silver |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech NuBone XL |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Floating Ebony Wood bridge, D'Angelico Stairstep Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Grover 150 Imperial |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Floating Mini Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Strings | D'Angelico Electrozinc Jazz, .012-.052 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
-
What type of music is the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 best suited for?
-
The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 is ideal for jazz and blues due to its warm, rich tones and hollowbody construction, which provides excellent resonance and sustain.
-
What is the neck profile of the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1?
-
The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 features a C-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles, particularly beneficial for intricate jazz chord work.
-
Does the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 come with a case?
-
Yes, the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 comes with a hardshell case, providing protection for the guitar during transport and storage.
-
What kind of pickups does the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 have?
-
The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Floating Mini Humbucker, which delivers clear and articulate tones perfect for jazz and clean styles.
-
Is the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 suitable for beginners?
-
While the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 offers professional-level features and tones, its playability and comfort make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning jazz guitar.
Videos
D'Angelico Guitars
Introducing the Throwback Collection | D'Angelico Guitars
Reviews
PROS
-
Warm, mellow tone both acoustically and amped
-
Attractive vintage aesthetic with meticulous attention to detail
-
Versatile across genres like folk, blues, and jazz
-
Excellent build quality and fit and finish
-
Rich tone with floating humbucker for authentic vintage jazz sound
-
Thin, playable neck with smooth action
-
Great price-to-value ratio for a jazz box
CONS
-
Inconsistent build quality reported; potential fretwork issues
-
Tone pot sometimes ineffective in altering sound
-
Glossy neck may not appeal to all players
-
Limited acoustic resonance, especially from bass strings
-
Plastic components can seem cheap for the price range
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about D'Angelico Excel EXL-1.
Comparisons
-
Owners note that Eastman guitars have a clear, bell-like tone compared to the D'Angelico, which lacks this distinct sound quality when compared side-by-side.
Source -
Laminate wood guitars, like the Excel EXL-1, are defended against the notion that they can't produce quality jazz tones, highlighting legendary jazz boxes made from laminate.
Source -
Some users prefer the D'Angelico C carve neck over the Epi 339's big-shoulder D carve, citing better comfort and playability.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
-
The mini humbucker pickup is described as warm and robust, offering a unique tonal experience compared to other pickups players have used.
Source -
The Excel EXL-1's floating pickup is praised for its acoustic volume when unplugged, making it suitable for acoustic practice.
Source -
The D'Angelico guitars, including the Excel EXL-1, are noted for their modern flat fretboard radius and C-shaped neck, offering excellent upper fret access.
Source
Value and pricing
-
A user found a used Excel EXL-1 in black for $600, describing it as an exceptional bargain for the instrument's quality.
Source
User experience
-
Transitioning to the Excel EXL-1 from a low-quality guitar can significantly enhance playing experience, removing limitations imposed by inferior instruments.
Source -
Guitar Center's consumer-friendly policy allows for trying multiple guitars before purchase, aiding in finding the right fit and sound.
Source -
Despite initial resistance to the ornate headstock design, users report growing accustomed to it over time, focusing more on sound and playability.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Marcus can be seen here playing a vintage burst EXL-1 Standard while performing "Wildflowers & Wine" for World Cafe.
Album Usage
The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use D'Angelico Excel EXL-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More D'Angelico Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
josh_garlandGear IQ 213
-