6 Best D’Angelico Guitars

The first D’Angelico guitar I’d like to bring to your attention is the versatile Premier Mini DC XT. This limited-edition semi-hollow body axe features a classic, vintage design that pays homage to the electric guitars that the brand was known for in the mid 20th century. 

Compared to most semi-hollow body guitars, the Premier Mini DC XT is noticeably smaller. Despite the size reduction, I was impressed to find that the playability and dynamic range of the instrument haven’t been compromised at all. 

Moreover, the lightweight design makes this guitar more comfortable, especially when playing for long periods. 

With a pair of high-end Seymour Duncan USA humbuckers, the tone of the Premier Mini DC XT is full of character. It produces a bright, punchy high-end, with an abundance of sustain throughout the fretboard. 

We also found the C-shaped maple neck effortless to play, and ideal for complex chord shapes or technical riffs. 

One of the qualities that separate average guitar brands from great ones, is if they can produce models across all price ranges at a consistently high level. 

With the affordable Premier Fulton LS – Mahogany Satin, which is priced at under $300, D’Angelico has proven that they are up to the task. 

This 12-string acoustic-electric guitar boasts stellar playing comfort and a tone that belies its modest price tag. It is technically a Grand Auditorium guitar, but the manufacturer has reduced the size of its mahogany body to improve playability and mobility. 

One of the things that stood out to me when I analyzed this 12-string guitar was the lack of weak spots in its frequency range. 

Affordable guitars often lack punch in the lower frequencies, but D’Angelico has achieved a wonderful balance, with crisp bass and an articulate high-end. 

D’Angelico’s high-end electric guitars are a joy to behold. This D’Angelico Deluxe Atlantic is composed of a blend of tonewoods that culminate in an irresistible tone that matches its appearance. 

The tonal versatility of this single-cut electric guitar left us awestruck. Fitted with a pair of DA-59 humbuckers made by legendary pickup designers Seymour Duncan, the instrument produces a thick sound with plenty of energy and bite in the midrange.

Additionally, the inclusion of a coil-split feature means that you can also enjoy single-coil tones, which are perfect for gain-heavy solos. 

In terms of its playability, the Deluxe Atlantic doesn’t disappoint. With a thin-body design, the guitar doesn’t cause shoulder fatigue when played for long sessions. It also boasts a slim “C” profile maple neck, which facilitates fast, technical styles of playing. 

At around $1,300, the guitar is one of the most expensive models features in this guide, but once you experience its sound and feel this price is more than justified.

Next up, we have the D’Angelico Excel Gramercy. A stylish acoustic-electric model, this guitar heavily uses the exotic tonewood koa which gives it a unique sound and feel. 

Koa has been used for the whole body of the guitar, which is quite uncommon but yields brilliant results. I’ve played several koa acoustic guitars in the past, but none have come close to this D’Angelico creation. 

Sonically, I found the guitar to be very well balanced, with a sweet, detailed high-end and substantial bass output. It’s worth noting that koa tends to mellow over time, so while this guitar may sound a little too bright initially, this is temporary. 

At under $900, the Excel Gramercy is great value for intermediate and experienced acoustic guitarists. Its classic Grand Auditorium body enhances the clarity of its amplified tone, which is provided by onboard Fishman electronics. 

The D’Angelico Premier Tammany LS is a perfect acoustic-electric guitar for beginners or those with a limited budget. Coming in at under $300, it is made from a surprisingly high-quality tonewood blend, which includes a resonant mahogany body and a smooth satin-finished neck. 

Another thing that impressed me about this guitar was its tuning stability. Many entry-level acoustic guitars struggle to hold tuning, due to the use of cheaper materials and components. 

Furthermore, D’Angelico has installed a reliable tuner on the instrument so that you can quickly rectify any issues in this area. 

Stylistically, the Tammany LS is well suited to fingerpicking techniques because of its OM body type. 

When the guitar is plugged into an amplifier or PA speaker, its sweet, warm tone is translated accurately and feedback issues are kept at bay thanks to the MG-30 preamp system. 

The final D’Angelico guitar on our list is the Vintage Natural edition of the popular Premier Fulton range. This 12-string electro-acoustic represents a step up in quality from entry-level models. 

When this guitar is played unplugged, it produces a wonderful mixture of tight bass frequencies, full-sounding mids, and singing highs. 

The D’Angelico Premier Fulton – Vintage Natural’s Grand Auditorium body has been reduced in size to facilitate longer playing sessions onstage, in the studio, or the practice room. 

With a responsive mahogany neck and ovangkol fingerboard, we were highly impressed by the playability of this 12-string beauty. Costing less than $500, it is well suited to guitarists who want to enjoy rich tonality without having to spend a small fortune. 

This guitar is another example of D’Angelico’s attention to detail. With X-scalloped bracing and a bone nut and saddle made from genuine bone, the sustain, resonance, and overall tone of the instrument are improved further.