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Average Price: $1,250

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$500

$1201+

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Description

The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, capturing the essence of John D'Angelico's classic 1930s archtop design. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is not just a nod to the past but a testament to enduring craftsmanship. Its floating Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini-humbucker delivers a rich, old-school jazz tone that resonates with clarity and depth, allowing you to transition effortlessly from smooth jazz comping to lively rockabilly riffs.

The EXL-1 Throwback's aesthetic allure is undeniable. With its iconic Scroll headstock, bound body and F-holes, and a luxurious ebony fingerboard adorned with full-fret mother-of-pearl inlays, it stands out in any setting. The guitar's laminated spruce top paired with a flame maple body ensures a superb acoustic response, while the 3-piece maple/walnut neck provides a comfortable "C" profile for smooth playability. The meticulous attention to detail extends to its appointments, including the elegant ebony pickguard and the Grover Super Rotomatic tuners, which guarantee solid tuning stability.

This instrument is not just about looks and heritage; it's crafted to meet the demands of today's musicians, offering a versatile tonal palette and exceptional playability. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a rock enthusiast, the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback invites you to explore its rich sonic landscape.

Key Features:

  • Honors John D'Angelico's 1930s archtop design
  • Floating Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Mini-Humbucker
  • Laminated spruce top with flame maple body
  • 22-fret, 16”-radius ebony fingerboard with full-fret MOP inlays
  • Scroll headstock and bound body, fingerboard, and F-holes
  • Grover Super Rotomatic tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Comfortable 3-piece maple/walnut neck with "C" profile
  • Includes hardshell case

Product specs

Brand D'Angelico
Model Excel EXL-1 Throwback
Finish Vintage Natural, Viola
Year 2020
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Natural, Orange, Red
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback best suited for?

The D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback is ideal for jazz and blues, thanks to its hollow body design and Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith floating mini-humbucker, which delivers warm, articulate tones perfect for these genres.

What is the neck profile of the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback?

The Excel EXL-1 Throwback features a 3-piece maple/walnut neck with a comfortable set-neck construction, providing smooth playability and easy access to the upper frets.

Is the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Excel EXL-1 Throwback is well-suited for live performances, offering a classic hollow body tone and reliable tuning stability with its Grover Rotomatic stairstep tuners.

How does the floating mini-humbucker affect the sound of the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback?

The Seymour Duncan USA Johnny Smith floating mini-humbucker provides a clear and balanced sound, capturing the acoustic qualities of the guitar while minimizing feedback, making it perfect for amplified performances.

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

The Excel EXL-1 Throwback features a laminated spruce top, laminated maple back and sides, and a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, combining to deliver a resonant and rich tonal quality.

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 Excel EXL-1 Throwback Demo with Rodney Jones | D'Angelico Guitars by D'Angelico Guitars

Excel EXL-1 Throwback Demo with Rodney Jones | D'Angelico Guitars

D'Angelico Guitars

D'Angelico Guitars

Video thumbnail for Marcus King x Excel EXL-1 Throwback | Artist Sessions | D'Angelico Guitars by D'Angelico Guitars

Marcus King x Excel EXL-1 Throwback | Artist Sessions | D'Angelico Guitars

D'Angelico Guitars

D'Angelico Guitars

Video thumbnail for D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback / "My favorite things" by Music Box Beograd Prodavnica Muzickih Instrumenata

D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback / "My favorite things"

Music Box Beograd Prodavnica Muzickih Instrumenata

Music Box Beograd Prodavnica Muzickih Instrumenata

Reviews

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 Throwback.

Features and functionality

  • The Excel version can be enhanced with a Kent Armstrong 12-pole pickup, offering a distinct tonal improvement over stock options.

    Source
  • The headstock design is a standout for many, with some considering it the best looking, although opinions on its aesthetic can vary significantly between models.

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  • The headstock of the EXL-1 is notably thick, a design feature that stands out visually and can be polarizing among owners.

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User experience

  • One owner noted the guitar is quite loud when played acoustically, allowing for effective unplugged practice.

    Source
  • An owner expressed a willingness to share recordings both acoustically and amplified, suggesting confidence in the instrument's versatile sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • Despite being laminate, the Excel EXL-1 is compared favorably to classic archtops for jazz, challenging the belief that only solid woods produce good jazz tones.

    Source
  • An owner with experience in Custom Shop ES335s describes the build quality of the Excel DC as flawless, suggesting it competes well with high-end models.

    Source
  • Some users compare the aesthetic and functionality of D'Angelico headstocks unfavorably on Les Paul style guitars, indicating a preference for their use on jazz models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Flatwound strings, such as Thomastik Jazz Bebop 12s, are recommended for achieving a classic jazz sound, similar to what Jonathan Stout might produce.

    Source

Build quality

  • The necks on D'Angelico guitars, including the Excel EXL-1, are typically thin, with neck depth measurements around 20mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 12th fret.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • D'Angelico guitars, including the Excel line, often have poor resale value, allowing buyers to purchase them used for approximately 60% of retail price.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The black resin Kent Armstrong PAF 0 pickup is favored for its thick humbucker tone over the thin-sounding Johnny Smith type floating pickups.

    Source
  • Ebony Benedetto hardware is used as a replacement for the D'Angelico tortoise shell pickguard and gold tailpiece, often stained with black ink for aesthetic consistency.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Marcus King uses D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback

Marcus King

Guitarist

The Marcus King Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Marcus can be seen here using an EXL-1 Throwback – distinguishable from the EXL-1 Standard by it's headstock – performing "Wildflowers & Wine" for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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