Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$1,899.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$1,899.99
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$1,899.99 New
$1,559.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (40)
$1,200.56 New
$859.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (51)
$1,899.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,548.00 $1,539.00 $9.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,600

Standard/Professional

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "D'Angelico EXL-1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern precision, paying homage to John D'Angelico's original designs. This full-sized hollowbody electric guitar is crafted with a laminated spruce top and maple back and sides, delivering a resonant, articulate tone that captures the essence of classic jazzbox sound. With its elegant art deco styling, the EXL-1 is as much a visual masterpiece as it is an auditory one.

The heart of the EXL-1's rich tonal palette is a Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker, known for its warm, smooth voice and remarkable versatility. Whether you're exploring jazz, blues, or rock, this pickup ensures your sound is both dynamic and expressive. The guitar's floating ebony bridge and stairstep tailpiece enhance its aesthetic while ensuring precise intonation and sustain.

Comfort and playability are at the forefront with a redesigned "C"-shaped neck profile, constructed from a three-piece maple and walnut combination. This neck provides a stable, comfortable feel, allowing for effortless playing across its 22 frets. The 12-inch radius ebony fingerboard offers ample space for technical maneuvers and expressive bends.

With its vintage appointments, including Grover tuners and pearloid inlays, the D'Angelico EXL-1 stands as a testament to quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar brings a touch of elegance and a wealth of sonic possibilities to your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Laminated spruce top with maple back and sides
  • Seymour Duncan 59 humbucker for versatile tones
  • Floating ebony bridge and stairstep tailpiece
  • "C"-shaped 3-piece maple/walnut neck
  • 12-inch radius ebony fingerboard with 22 frets
  • Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Art deco design with pearloid inlays

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 59 Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Strings D'Angelico Electrozinc Jazz, .012-.052
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of music is the D'Angelico EXL-1 best suited for?

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is ideal for jazz and blues, offering a warm, resonant tone characteristic of hollowbody guitars. Its Seymour Duncan 59 Humbucker pickup provides smooth, vintage-style sounds perfect for these genres.

How does the neck profile of the D'Angelico EXL-1 affect playability?

The D'Angelico EXL-1 features a C-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for most hand sizes, making it suitable for both chord work and intricate soloing.

What materials are used in the construction of the D'Angelico EXL-1?

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is crafted with a laminated flamed maple body, laminated spruce top, and a 3-piece maple/walnut neck. This combination offers durability and a distinctive tonal quality.

Does the D'Angelico EXL-1 come with a case?

Yes, the D'Angelico EXL-1 comes with a hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the guitar during transport and storage.

What are the tuning stability features of the D'Angelico EXL-1?

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is equipped with Grover 150 Imperial tuners, which are known for their reliability and precision, ensuring stable tuning for extended playing sessions.

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

I FINALLY Play a Jazz Guitar! - The D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback!

Video thumbnail for I FINALLY Play a Jazz Guitar! - The D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback! by Darrell Braun Guitar

I FINALLY Play a Jazz Guitar! - The D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for D’Angelico Excel EXL-1 Review - Design Updated!! | D’Angelico Guitars by Rich Severson

D’Angelico Excel EXL-1 Review - Design Updated!! | D’Angelico Guitars

Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Video thumbnail for D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Review | D'Angelico Archtop Review by Rich Severson

D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Review | D'Angelico Archtop Review

Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality and classic jazz guitar aesthetics

  • Rich, full tone both acoustically and when plugged in

  • Comfortable neck with thin, playable design

  • Floating humbucker offers a true vintage electric jazz tone

  • Versatile sound suitable for various jazz styles and effects

  • Attractive natural finish and woods

  • Good price-to-value ratio for a jazz archtop

  • Relatively high sustain for a fully hollow archtop

CONS

  • Guitar feels heavy due to laminated top

  • Fretwork may require leveling and setup adjustments

  • Tone pot has limited effect on sound adjustments

  • Glossy neck might hinder some players' preference

  • Limited acoustic resonance, especially in bass strings

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The D'Angelico EXL-1 is compared to the Godin 5th Avenues, Eastman 371s, Ibanez George Benson models, and Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor for jazz tone and build quality.

    Source
  • Some users consider D'Angelico guitars to have the best-looking headstocks on the market, though opinions vary depending on the guitar style.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EXL-1's floating pickup is highlighted for contributing to its acoustic volume, making it suitable for unplugged practice.

    Source
  • D'Angelico necks are described as thin, with specific measurements on some models showing a 16" radius and 20mm neck depth at the 1st fret.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the pickup with a Kent Armstrong 12 pole is recommended for enhanced performance, suggesting compatibility and improvement over stock pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar pairs well with a Deluxe Reverb amp for achieving a classic jazz sound, aligning with its design for fat-bodied jazz tones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users have found the Premier EXL-1 at Guitar Center for around $680, indicating a potential price advantage over competitors.

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  • The poor resale value allows buyers to find used models at around 60% of the retail price, presenting significant savings for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the "phat and blingy" aesthetics, which contribute to the guitar's appeal as a visually striking jazz instrument.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using flatwound strings like Thomastik Jazz Bebop 12s enhances the jazz tone, suggesting string choice is crucial for optimal sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Excel line is noted for its flawless build quality, comparable to high-end models like the Custom Shop ES335.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: The D’Angelico EXL-1 is an Affordable Workhorse of an Archtop | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The D'Angelico EXL-1 impresses with its vintage styling and solid craftsmanship at an affordable price. It delivers clear electric jazz tones, making it a reliable choice for professional settings. While it lacks the acoustic resonance of high-end carved-top guitars, it excels with its rich tone and playability. Perfect for musicians seeking a classic jazz sound without breaking the bank.

positive

D'Angelico EXL-1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The D'Angelico EXL-1 is a throwback to the classic jazz era, offering bell-like tones and genuine character. It's well-crafted with a neck that feels authentically vintage, although it doesn't provide a wide tonal palette. The Kent Armstrong pickup adds to its jazz credibility, but string adjustments may be necessary for optimal performance. While it lacks the versatility of modern guitars, its charm and historical homage make it a standout choice for jazz enthusiasts. A great buy for those seeking a slice of jazz history without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
littlesadguy

Good quality and great sound

The guitar has a mini hum bucket and gives great sound. You might get feedback on your amp because it's a hollow body but it's still great. Can be used as a acoustic.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robby Krieger uses D'Angelico EXL-1

Robby Krieger

Guitarist, Singer

The Doors

...
Verified via YouTube

Robby Krieger’s EXL-1 guitar can be seen in his home studio at 0:16 in this video.

See how George Benson uses D'Angelico EXL-1

George Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The George Benson Quartet

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1990s

This D'Angelico EXL-1 is owned by George Benson

See how Bruno Major uses D'Angelico EXL-1

Bruno Major

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

He tagged this model in this post.

See how Russell Malone uses D'Angelico EXL-1

Russell Malone

Guitarist

Gerald Wilson Orchestra

...
Verified

Russell Malone is noted by D'Angelico Guitars for using their EXL-1 semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

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 EXL-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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