5:54 absolute dealbreaker. The fret ends have been straight cut off, no bevel I can see or at least not enough and that scratchy surface is just unacceptable in a modern age of guitar building. There are machines that could polish those scratches out. nut binding... if I wanted to build my own guitar, I'd just buy the parts! thx
The price dropped dramaticalky for this model. I owned about three hundred guitars in the past and this is hands down the best. Build qualtity is top notch. Premium specs like bone nut, ebony fretboard etc. The best part for me are the pickups. This Supro bolt buckers are killer and you can't buy them seperately. I like them more than all the Seymours and Dimarzios i played. So much clarity and warmth paired together. Buy now and you won't regret.
My Guitar Center edition Fiesta Red Bedford SH is my number one. I literally haven't picked up another guitar since getting it months ago and it just feels perfect. The Bedford is truly a gem of a guitar and the shape is just unique enough to be its own thing.
Man, you're the most detailed reviewer on YT. Aside from that, when you demo, you focus on riffs and licks instead of shredding which is nice, which tests the guitar more.
I agree in regards to the time and attention to detail, and I like hearing riffs as well. It's hard to really gain an appreciation of the instruments with shredding
I have a semi hollow body I hadn't cared much for since I got it in high school, but last year I was just messing around and put some heavy gage strings on it and down tuned it, and I think it really helps bring out the "thumpiness" that semi-hollow bodies should have.
Just got this exact model and color last night. Played it for the first time this morning. First semi hollow ever and first D’angelico ever and love it. Thanks for playing and your final review Philllip, it’s a big part of why I decided to go with this semi hollow for my price point I was looking at.
I have had a D'Angelico 12 string (ES 335 model) for a few years now. I bought it on a whim, perhaps the best whim purchase in 45 years of guitar buying. I love this guitar so much, its case kept until time to tune and play, unlike my other "go to" guitars, which hang on a wall. I plan to get a 6 string version, and will bet this will be the one. It WILL BE a D'Angelico for sure !!!
I have the hagstrom viking,,and the hagstrom super viling...i absolutely love them both. I also have the guild starfire 5 which i think is even better quality.
I had to polish and put graphite in the nut. The G string was the worst. Quality control on mine was not good and Sweetwater didn't catch it. But I told them I loved it and will deal with the minor inconsistencies. It's the feel and rich tone that sold me on it. It's for traveling, touring, and outdoor gigs. Finally don't have to bring an L5 to every gig.
I'm sure this is going to make someone cringe but I've used Chapstick as a nut lubricant for decades (guitar nut - haha). I don't remember where I originally heard about it, and I'm sure someone will have a reason why I shouldn't be using it, but it's worked perfectly for me. I own 23 guitars and use it on electrics and acoustics (obviously not guitars with a double-locking trem system).
You can use anything it doesn't really matter as long as it lubricates. I've used graphite lock stuff, pencil, Vaseline, silicon grease and probably other things I can't remember... all have worked, and nothing bad has ever happened as a result.
Great review! I have had my eye on a D'Angelico Blackdog semi hollowbody. This review helped make up my mind. Now, the hard part is convincing the wife how much I really, really need a new guitar. Wish me luck!
I really enjoyed this review that highlighted a wonderful guitar while providing some great tech tips. As Phil pointed out the tone of this guitar is it’s best feature. I have to give kudos to Phil’s playing. Those were some really tasty riffs he laid down. I think he really bonded with that guitar.
Of all the current selection of affordable semi-hollow body guitars, I chose the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AS93FM Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in cherry red. It comes with full block neck inlays, gold hardware, ebony fingerboard, and Super 58 pickups. A beautiful guitar with an insane headstock, that looks awesome, plays great, stays in tune, and sounds incredible. Thanks Phillip for another well-done educational video!
@@MacawAviculture: I do not. A friend has one that I play often. They're a beautiful instrument, no question and a superb value for the $$$. I occasionally look for an ARTCORE bass in (I beleive its called) tobacco.
My family didn't have a lot of dough. So, when I begged for an electric guitar (I was around 10 yrs. old) I ended up with a Greco Hollow Body. I didn't even know there were hollow bodies, so I was somewhat disappointed having seen and played through only solid bodies, though it wasn't a bad looking (walnut top) guitar. Don't misunderstand me, I was the only kid my age with a serviceable electric, so I was still appropriately thrilled. Especially when seeing some examples of hollow bodies on Beatles albums and such. It too had binding everywhere possible to have binding. I remember it playing cowboy chords okay. Though I seem to remember something akin to single-coiled pickups on mine. For me, what makes or breaks the styling of these things are the horn and f-hole shapes. If they are done right, hollow bodies are suitably cool. I won't be buying another one at this late stage of the game, but I thoroughly enjoyed the walk-through and a few unanticipated and long-forgotten memories. Long time subscriber. That won't change. Now, if I could only find the original Kalamazoo (everyone in the know should get the impact) amp it came with and that I foolishly gave away to my mother's boyfriend for his stupid keyboard. On the other hand, over time he changed and ultimately saved my life before he passed on - to his credit, long after the demise of the relationship with my mom. So, there's that. But that amp I certainly would have bought again, even though I'd likely have given up a testicle to have done so. So it goes, and so it went.
I’ve got a DC Excel and love it. Every bit as good as a 335 in my opinion. Mine has Kent Armstrong pickups and I have a floating bridge with the stair step tailpiece. I’m fairly certain they are made in Korea.
Nice video. Always wanted a hollow body and bought a Gretsch streamliner. Absolutely love it. Very versatile. It will let you rock or go mellow equally well. Won't replace my '68 SG for a lot of what I play but a superb next choice.
:) I got one of those last year. It's basically become my go-to for anything that doesn't require a seventh string. Sounds great and feels even better, and it's so light -- I like to play standing so it's much better for my back.
Same here. I recently bought a Gretsch Streamliner with Bigsby. Maybe it's what we do when we get older (LOL). I really like the warm tones and "bluesy" sounds I get out of it. But with the bridge pickup it can rock pretty well too. Very easy playing guitar. I may have to explore some rockabilly now! Auuuughhh!!! I could always grab my Fender strat for noise, or my hummingbird for the campfire, but that Gretsch is something special.
Phil.... I gotta say that if the strap button is getting in the way of playing the upper frets perhaps you could try changing your technique a bit...? This is the perfect place for the strap button on a guitar like this. It balances so much better. Players have often preferred this position. John Abercrombie would add a strap holder there if the original was on the upper horn. Just a friendly suggestion coming from almost 50 years experience playing hollow and semi-hollow guitars. Try keeping your thumb in the center of the back of the neck, or even below that towards the treble strings. For tone on a hollow/semi-hollow I like using a quality piezo w/ a 3 band parametric eq built in if possible. That's what I've been using on my hollowbody Carvin (now Kiesel) and the tone is SO versatile when mixed in slightly with the magnetic p'ups.
I got my D'Angelico Premier DC at the beginning of covid, at a pawn shop for $300, with a fitted case. Gloss black. What a great instrument. Art Deco all over this thing, and it plays and sounds amazing! REALLY bluesy, or you can rock it, since the center block allows you to use plenty of gain. Love this guitar! Thanks for the video, Phil, always enjoy your reviews!
I never liked semi hollow bodies, until I heard one. Then ol Uncle Ted sealed the deal with his magical Byrdland. I play only semi hollow. I never touch my solid body guitars. I have 2. I find the semi hollows to be incredibly tonally dynamic & I find them to be tonally distinctive. I have 4 & each sounds very different from the others. Your De Angelico sounds absolutely amazing !
I found a semi hollow (like a 335) doesn't do it for me, but I did find a great 330-type - which is fully hollow, no center block! - and thát sounds astounding, and did what I actually was hoping for from a semi! Mine is an old gorgeous white Aria Pro-II type TA60, late eighties Korean made, with lovely sounding pickups and triple binding all around... Really recommended :)
I have an Aria TA-100 from 1981. Made in Japan by Matsumoku. Unbelievable guitar - solid carved maple top, sycamore back and sides, ebony fingerboard. Incredible sound.
Ugh... that hurts. I had a gorgeous, clear yellow, Aria Pro-II TA60 that I stumbled on in a small store and bought it immediately. My studio had a break in and the mf-er got that guitar. Yeah. it played and sounded phenom.
If you’re considering buying one of these, take a look at an Ibanez AS73. These are VERY similar in spec and design and I honestly think the Ibanez is more attractive. All for less than 1/3 the price of one of these. I have an AS73 in tobacco burst and I love it.
It seemed be common knowledge among Heritage Guitar fans that the Heritage company manufactured DiAngelico guitars at their Kalamazoo Michigan factory. For those that don’t know, Heritage was founded by former Gibson employees who formed accompany when Gibson moved operations from Kalamazoo Michigan to Nashville Tennessee. For many years, they continued to make guitars, using the same tooling, and craftsmanship that characterized by the classic Gibson electric guitars. More recently, the company was purchased by another company and I am told changes were made. Even so, I would suspect current D’Angelico guitars are still made by the new Heritage Company.
Very cool review Phil. Appreciate you always showing us that guitars don't always arrive 10/10 and showing us how to fix small issues. That would be very helpful for people that buy used. Very good idea to do the body measurements! Keep up the great work!
Lots of helpful and useful information, not many people are willing to offer that up. Not a fan at all of hollow bodied guitars myself, but i think you have made a very nice video for us☺️
About using Loctite ... any colour... To lock any nut against normal vibrations as you would encounter in a guitar or an amp, I simply use a dab of clear nail varnish. Just put a drop or two on the thread and screw the nut back in. It will hold the nut in place very securely, and yet when you need to remove it, it will break very easily. A warning though, nail polish uses acetone as as a thinner, and acetone will ruin the finish of your guitar instantly! Make sure you don't get any on your fingers, wearing gloves here won't help at all! I use this trick everyday with no problems, just be careful! :)
Thank you so much for this super in-depth review and all the detail you provide here. You actually sold me on this guitar and after seeing it I was able to find the model above this one on-line & clearance discounted at over 40%! It was meant to be and I can't wait to get my awesome D' Angelico Excel DC XT! Thanks again, Phillip
Ive watches a load of demo's of this guitar and this chap was the first and only reviewer to comment on the neck shape and feel. Kin well done buddy. At last a decent review by someone who knows their stuff and whet viewers want. Kin youtube is overrun by mainly blokes who can't play and don't have a clue but think they are qualified to give a review. Kin numpties, every last one of you and i shall be pointing this fact out as often as i can.
Lord, that is one SWEET sounding guitar. Of course, no one is surprised. Not from this maker. 👍 But seriously… this is a REALLY good one. They REMAIN at the top of my list for a new Hollow Body to rule over my others! Beautiful instrument in so many ways.
I’m 66, and played a Gretsch Electromatic for the first time last week. First hollow body I’ve played, and I’ve been playing since I was 12. I really, really loved everything about it. It seemed so versatile,
It good to see a review that includes plenty of clean playing so you can really hear the tone. Well done. Far too many reviewers cut straight to overdrive which seems pointless.
Phillip, thank you for another awesome video! This guitar is one I was ignorant of, and now I want to play one! Strange they have no markings where it's made. You simply have the best and most informative guitar channel on RUclips. Thank you!
@@DAngelicoNY : I really look forward to getting one in my hands! The price point is totally fair! But something I'd have to save for a little while. I've been playing 41 years now *gasp* and Guild and Gibsons were the only semi-hollows I've played. Thank you for the info and I'm really looking forward to playing this one!
I rather like that the cheaper semi-hollows have brightness. Makes 'em more versatile for general playing. When I need to play jazz, I just turn that tone control most if not all of the way down.
Love your reviews. I always feel like I am getting an honest bon biased review. I have the D’angelico excel mini DC. It is an excellent guitar in every aspect.
I have a D'Angelico Premiere Atlantic and the neck is maybe the best of all my guitars. If someone have a White Semihollow Mini and want a solid body we can trade.
I wish you had just posted this as a guitar review...I love my semi hollow body and wanted to learn more but I lost faith a few minutes in. I like to find guitar folks on you tube I can trust and support
A mention about the strap position on the heel. I prefer it there because of how I play with a leather strap and high headstock playing position when playing standing up. I mostly play with a thumb at the back of the neck position because it offers more range for my fingers and wouldn't mind touching off the strap lock occasionally if I had to cradle the neck for leverage when bending a high note.
Great looking, great sounding guitar! Excellent review. I just got an Epiphone "Dot" 335 that I just about can't put down, but if I ever go looking for another guitar in this class I will definitely look at the D'Angelico. Thanks for a terrific review.
I bought this guitar because of Mr McKnight's recommendation and I love it to bits. These are being heavily discounted in the UK atm, 60% off. One niggle I have with mine is the narrow nut width. I get buzz when I play a cowboy open C chords caused by my index brushing the high E string.
I've owned several semihollow and full hollow body guitars and it's honestly an irrelevant test. They all sound awful unplugged. Especially semihollows because the string tension is on a solid block instead of a flexible top like an acoustic guitar.
@@aniquinstark4347 I disagree that it's "irrelevant", for me, because most of my casual pickin and grinnin isn't even plugged in. That being said, I agree that they USUALLY DON'T sound great acoustically. I hang out at the local small town guitar shop a lot, so I've tried several, and they don't compare to an actual acoustic guitar. The one exception I've seen however is a Danelectro Convertible, fully hollow which plugged in also sounds amazing with a lipstick pickup mounted in the hole and a piezo mounted within the bridge and a blend knob, but its body is ply material, and it has an aluminum nut, so it's not a typical electric acoustic hybrid either. But that one does sound great unplugged!
@@adamcolbertmusic In my experience they're barely any louder than an unplugged solid body and often sound worse. I actually really like how my basswood strat sounds unplugged. I think because the wood wood is so light it vibrates more than my other electric guitars. I did have a truly semi-acoustic D'Angelico for a while that sounded okay unplugged though. Really if you want an electric that sounds good unplugged you have to get one that's pretty big like a Gretsch White Falcon.
@@adamcolbertmusic It is irrelevant. It’s not an acoustic guitar. Doesn’t really matter if most of your playing isn’t plugged in. It’s an electric guitar. Get it? Or do you want reviews on how Telecasters and Stratocasters sound unplugged as well?
I hope this is exactly the video I need. I have a semi hollow Squier with jazz master pickups and I’ve basically hated it since the day I’ve bought it. It’s so bright and harsh and I’ve tried to sell it a few times but I’ve never had anyone buy it.
5:54 absolute dealbreaker. The fret ends have been straight cut off, no bevel I can see or at least not enough and that scratchy surface is just unacceptable in a modern age of guitar building. There are machines that could polish those scratches out. nut binding... if I wanted to build my own guitar, I'd just buy the parts! thx
Bound f-hole is my new favourite insult
That is priceless my friend. I've spent the last half hour figuring out ways to use that. I owe ya one. Ha!
What a nut slot.
Hahahaha
I work with a few bound f-holes, I just never found the words to convey it properly before now though, thanks man! 🤙🏻😂
Nothing funny about constipation
An alternative to Loctite is clear nailpolish, I've used it for years, it also works on the screws on glasses arms.
The price dropped dramaticalky for this model. I owned about three hundred guitars in the past and this is hands down the best. Build qualtity is top notch. Premium specs like bone nut, ebony fretboard etc.
The best part for me are the pickups. This Supro bolt buckers are killer and you can't buy them seperately. I like them more than all the Seymours and Dimarzios i played. So much clarity and warmth paired together. Buy now and you won't regret.
Bought one for 560€ off Thomann about 6months ago. Seriously good guitar however switch is a bit dodgy. So will need to replace
D’Angelico is really killing it. My 2022 Bedford deluxe p90 is my favorite guitar, even among the USA and Japan made guitars I own.
My Guitar Center edition Fiesta Red Bedford SH is my number one. I literally haven't picked up another guitar since getting it months ago and it just feels perfect. The Bedford is truly a gem of a guitar and the shape is just unique enough to be its own thing.
Man, you're the most detailed reviewer on YT. Aside from that, when you demo, you focus on riffs and licks instead of shredding which is nice, which tests the guitar more.
I agree in regards to the time and attention to detail, and I like hearing riffs as well. It's hard to really gain an appreciation of the instruments with shredding
This is the way. The KYG way. :P
I have a semi hollow body I hadn't cared much for since I got it in high school, but last year I was just messing around and put some heavy gage strings on it and down tuned it, and I think it really helps bring out the "thumpiness" that semi-hollow bodies should have.
So you actually "learned" something. Unlike this commercial.
Just got this exact model and color last night. Played it for the first time this morning. First semi hollow ever and first D’angelico ever and love it.
Thanks for playing and your final review Philllip, it’s a big part of why I decided to go with this semi hollow for my price point I was looking at.
I have had a D'Angelico 12 string (ES 335 model) for a few years now. I bought it on a whim, perhaps the best whim purchase in 45 years of guitar buying. I love this guitar so much, its case kept until time to tune and play, unlike my other "go to" guitars, which hang on a wall. I plan to get a 6 string version, and will bet this will be the one. It WILL BE a D'Angelico for sure !!!
Very helpful and detailed review of a great sounding guitar. Thanks for the long hours making this video, Phil. 😊
I always love your reviews. I closed my eyes and listened for a bit and it had almost a pure acoustic vibe. Nice. Thanks.
I've been playing a Hagstrom Viking for over 12 years. I love it, it's my main gigging guitar, everything about it just nails it.
I have the hagstrom viking,,and the hagstrom super viling...i absolutely love them both. I also have the guild starfire 5 which i think is even better quality.
Good extended format. Good tech tip. Thank you Phill.
D'Angelico just makes killer instruments. Your indepth video just reinforced it. As always, great video!
I had to polish and put graphite in the nut. The G string was the worst. Quality control on mine was not good and Sweetwater didn't catch it. But I told them I loved it and will deal with the minor inconsistencies. It's the feel and rich tone that sold me on it. It's for traveling, touring, and outdoor gigs. Finally don't have to bring an L5 to every gig.
I'm sure this is going to make someone cringe but I've used Chapstick as a nut lubricant for decades (guitar nut - haha). I don't remember where I originally heard about it, and I'm sure someone will have a reason why I shouldn't be using it, but it's worked perfectly for me. I own 23 guitars and use it on electrics and acoustics (obviously not guitars with a double-locking trem system).
You can use anything it doesn't really matter as long as it lubricates. I've used graphite lock stuff, pencil, Vaseline, silicon grease and probably other things I can't remember... all have worked, and nothing bad has ever happened as a result.
@@rocket69218 I agree, I use Big Bends nut sauce, pretty sure it's just petroleum jelly in a plastic syringe.
I really enjoyed listening to your playin, and getting some education at the same time.
Great review Phil! I love how you always try to pit little tips in to try and fix issues people may have
Great review! I have had my eye on a D'Angelico Blackdog semi hollowbody. This review helped make up my mind. Now, the hard part is convincing the wife how much I really, really need a new guitar. Wish me luck!
I really enjoyed this review that highlighted a wonderful guitar while providing some great tech tips. As Phil pointed out the tone of this guitar is it’s best feature. I have to give kudos to Phil’s playing. Those were some really tasty riffs he laid down. I think he really bonded with that guitar.
Of all the current selection of affordable semi-hollow body guitars, I chose the Ibanez Artcore Expressionist AS93FM Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in cherry red. It comes with full block neck inlays, gold hardware, ebony fingerboard, and Super 58 pickups. A beautiful guitar with an insane headstock, that looks awesome, plays great, stays in tune, and sounds incredible. Thanks Phillip for another well-done educational video!
Color notwithstanding, I couldn’t agree more.
@@ooyginyardel4835 do you have one too?
@@MacawAviculture: I do not. A friend has one that I play often. They're a beautiful instrument, no question and a superb value for the $$$. I occasionally look for an ARTCORE bass in (I beleive its called) tobacco.
Definitely going to be nabbing a Ibanez to scratch my semi hollow itch. I’ve been slowly but surely becoming a Ibanez fanatic.
@@talltale9760 welcome to the club brother! Who needs Gibson or Fender when Ibanez blows both of them away!
My family didn't have a lot of dough. So, when I begged for an electric guitar (I was around 10 yrs. old) I ended up with a Greco Hollow Body. I didn't even know there were hollow bodies, so I was somewhat disappointed having seen and played through only solid bodies, though it wasn't a bad looking (walnut top) guitar. Don't misunderstand me, I was the only kid my age with a serviceable electric, so I was still appropriately thrilled. Especially when seeing some examples of hollow bodies on Beatles albums and such. It too had binding everywhere possible to have binding. I remember it playing cowboy chords okay. Though I seem to remember something akin to single-coiled pickups on mine. For me, what makes or breaks the styling of these things are the horn and f-hole shapes. If they are done right, hollow bodies are suitably cool. I won't be buying another one at this late stage of the game, but I thoroughly enjoyed the walk-through and a few unanticipated and long-forgotten memories. Long time subscriber. That won't change. Now, if I could only find the original Kalamazoo (everyone in the know should get the impact) amp it came with and that I foolishly gave away to my mother's boyfriend for his stupid keyboard. On the other hand, over time he changed and ultimately saved my life before he passed on - to his credit, long after the demise of the relationship with my mom. So, there's that. But that amp I certainly would have bought again, even though I'd likely have given up a testicle to have done so. So it goes, and so it went.
Enjoyed your exploration of this guitar Phil, including the tips you shared. And the guitar sounds great to my ears, thank you for this Phil 😎
This video should win some kind of award. Keep up the excellent work my friend!
Pickups sound great, especially the Al2's in the neck. Pretty nice.
Wow! That’s the most comprehensive review of a guitar I’ve ever seen. I learned a ton of things from this video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I’ve got a DC Excel and love it. Every bit as good as a 335 in my opinion. Mine has Kent Armstrong pickups and I have a floating bridge with the stair step tailpiece. I’m fairly certain they are made in Korea.
Nice video. Always wanted a hollow body and bought a Gretsch streamliner. Absolutely love it. Very versatile. It will let you rock or go mellow equally well. Won't replace my '68 SG for a lot of what I play but a superb next choice.
:) I got one of those last year. It's basically become my go-to for anything that doesn't require a seventh string. Sounds great and feels even better, and it's so light -- I like to play standing so it's much better for my back.
Love the streamliner. Great choice Rob. ✌️
Same here. I recently bought a Gretsch Streamliner with Bigsby. Maybe it's what we do when we get older (LOL). I really like the warm tones and "bluesy" sounds I get out of it. But with the bridge pickup it can rock pretty well too. Very easy playing guitar. I may have to explore some rockabilly now! Auuuughhh!!! I could always grab my Fender strat for noise, or my hummingbird for the campfire, but that Gretsch is something special.
Phil.... I gotta say that if the strap button is getting in the way of playing the upper frets perhaps you could try changing your technique a bit...? This is the perfect place for the strap button on a guitar like this. It balances so much better. Players have often preferred this position. John Abercrombie would add a strap holder there if the original was on the upper horn. Just a friendly suggestion coming from almost 50 years experience playing hollow and semi-hollow guitars. Try keeping your thumb in the center of the back of the neck, or even below that towards the treble strings. For tone on a hollow/semi-hollow I like using a quality piezo w/ a 3 band parametric eq built in if possible. That's what I've been using on my hollowbody Carvin (now Kiesel) and the tone is SO versatile when mixed in slightly with the magnetic p'ups.
Wow, that neck tone is seriously juicy. Thanks for a great review.
Great vid Phil!!! That guitar sounds fantastic!!!!
That guitar was a nice surprise. Looked and sounded great.
This channel is by far one of the best for guitar entusiasts
I got my D'Angelico Premier DC at the beginning of covid, at a pawn shop for $300, with a fitted case. Gloss black. What a great instrument. Art Deco all over this thing, and it plays and sounds amazing! REALLY bluesy, or you can rock it, since the center block allows you to use plenty of gain. Love this guitar! Thanks for the video, Phil, always enjoy your reviews!
I never liked semi hollow bodies, until I heard one.
Then ol Uncle Ted sealed the deal with his magical Byrdland.
I play only semi hollow. I never touch my solid body guitars. I have 2.
I find the semi hollows to be incredibly tonally dynamic & I find them to be tonally distinctive.
I have 4 & each sounds very different from the others.
Your De Angelico sounds absolutely amazing !
Great video. GREAT sounding guitar--both clean & overdriven
I found a semi hollow (like a 335) doesn't do it for me, but I did find a great 330-type - which is fully hollow, no center block! - and thát sounds astounding, and did what I actually was hoping for from a semi! Mine is an old gorgeous white Aria Pro-II type TA60, late eighties Korean made, with lovely sounding pickups and triple binding all around... Really recommended :)
I have an Aria TA-100 from 1981. Made in Japan by Matsumoku. Unbelievable guitar - solid carved maple top, sycamore back and sides, ebony fingerboard. Incredible sound.
Ugh... that hurts. I had a gorgeous, clear yellow, Aria Pro-II TA60 that I stumbled on in a small store and bought it immediately. My studio had a break in and the mf-er got that guitar. Yeah. it played and sounded phenom.
Sounds really nice, smooth. I will need to check the neck. I have a few d"Angelico's and they are well built with a glorious presence. Art Deco FTW
We love to hear that!
If you’re considering buying one of these, take a look at an Ibanez AS73. These are VERY similar in spec and design and I honestly think the Ibanez is more attractive. All for less than 1/3 the price of one of these. I have an AS73 in tobacco burst and I love it.
Incredibly beautiful sounding guitar!
Showed me a lot of ways to appreciate and quantify the quality of a guitar thank you
Fantastic job, best any review of anything on RUclips ever.
It seemed be common knowledge among Heritage Guitar fans that the Heritage company manufactured DiAngelico guitars at their Kalamazoo Michigan factory. For those that don’t know, Heritage was founded by former Gibson employees who formed accompany when Gibson moved operations from Kalamazoo Michigan to Nashville Tennessee. For many years, they continued to make guitars, using the same tooling, and craftsmanship that characterized by the classic Gibson electric guitars. More recently, the company was purchased by another company and I am told changes were made. Even so, I would suspect current D’Angelico guitars are still made by the new Heritage Company.
Very cool review Phil. Appreciate you always showing us that guitars don't always arrive 10/10 and showing us how to fix small issues. That would be very helpful for people that buy used. Very good idea to do the body measurements! Keep up the great work!
Looks like they have a new headstock for this series
Flatwounds on a semi or hollowbody are a must imo! Especially if the top, back or sides are maple.
Great video, Phil! Thanks for the review.
Lots of helpful and useful information, not many people are willing to offer that up.
Not a fan at all of hollow bodied guitars myself, but i think you have made a very nice video for us☺️
About using Loctite ... any colour...
To lock any nut against normal vibrations as you would encounter in a guitar or an amp, I simply use a dab of clear nail varnish.
Just put a drop or two on the thread and screw the nut back in.
It will hold the nut in place very securely, and yet when you need to remove it, it will break very easily.
A warning though, nail polish uses acetone as as a thinner, and acetone will ruin the finish of your guitar instantly!
Make sure you don't get any on your fingers, wearing gloves here won't help at all!
I use this trick everyday with no problems, just be careful! :)
Thank you so much for this super in-depth review and all the detail you provide here. You actually sold me on this guitar and after seeing it I was able to find the model above this one on-line & clearance discounted at over 40%! It was meant to be and I can't wait to get my awesome D' Angelico Excel DC XT! Thanks again, Phillip
Ive watches a load of demo's of this guitar and this chap was the first and only reviewer to comment on the neck shape and feel. Kin well done buddy. At last a decent review by someone who knows their stuff and whet viewers want. Kin youtube is overrun by mainly blokes who can't play and don't have a clue but think they are qualified to give a review. Kin numpties, every last one of you and i shall be pointing this fact out as often as i can.
This really sounds great, especially for this type of guitar. Nice thorough review as well.
Wow, nice guitar! The fit and finish look over the top.
Yes what a great tone it has. Loved the sound
Lord, that is one SWEET sounding guitar.
Of course, no one is surprised. Not from this maker. 👍
But seriously… this is a REALLY good one.
They REMAIN at the top of my list for a new Hollow Body to rule over my others!
Beautiful instrument in so many ways.
A very comprehensive test, logically done, good work.
D'Angelico makes some really nice guitars. Even their less expensive models are constructed well and play very nicely.
I’m 66, and played a Gretsch Electromatic for the first time last week. First hollow body I’ve played, and I’ve been playing since I was 12.
I really, really loved everything about it. It seemed so versatile,
It good to see a review that includes plenty of clean playing so you can really hear the tone. Well done. Far too many reviewers cut straight to overdrive which seems pointless.
I love the way it sounds clean on the neck.
Nice review Phillip. Thorough & to the point. Just the right amount of info& playing (nice licks btw). I’ll be back to see what else you got. Thanks
Great job on your Reviews...and this one was no exception. Thank You for what you do Phil!
Another great review… especially like the added Tech-Tips on how to eliminate some of the little quirks.
Nice tone Phillip. Very full bodied sound and great looking too!
Always a great experience watching your videos
Phillip, thank you for another awesome video!
This guitar is one I was ignorant of, and now I want to play one! Strange they have no markings where it's made.
You simply have the best and most informative guitar channel on RUclips. Thank you!
These guitars are really incredible in hand. All of our Excel Tour models were designed in the US, built in Korea!
@@DAngelicoNY : I really look forward to getting one in my hands! The price point is totally fair! But something I'd have to save for a little while. I've been playing 41 years now *gasp* and Guild and Gibsons were the only semi-hollows I've played.
Thank you for the info and I'm really looking forward to playing this one!
I rather like that the cheaper semi-hollows have brightness. Makes 'em more versatile for general playing. When I need to play jazz, I just turn that tone control most if not all of the way down.
Thanks for a very helpful introduction! They’ve been on my radar 😊
Enjoy all your reviews. More intricate information than many. Very nice guitar.
Thanks for the demo and review Phil.
Love your reviews. I always feel like I am getting an honest bon biased review. I have the D’angelico excel mini DC. It is an excellent guitar in every aspect.
I have a D'Angelico Premiere Atlantic and the neck is maybe the best of all my guitars. If someone have a White Semihollow Mini and want a solid body we can trade.
Good Review & Great selection of Music for the Live.
D'Angelicos are excellent.! I had an early one. Upon advice I stuffed foam into the f holes. Made all the difference.
Sounds Amazing. Thank you for this review. Lovely Guitar.
Tip with the sand paper and sting cutoffs is awesome I keep them they are also good for cleaning Carburetor jet's Etc.... Thanks 👍
I wish you had just posted this as a guitar review...I love my semi hollow body and wanted to learn more but I lost faith a few minutes in. I like to find guitar folks on you tube I can trust and support
The tech tips bass riff has become my favorite part of your videos lol
Incredibly informative. You definitely know your stuff !!!!
I had two ‘81 Ibanez AS-200’s, one after the other, patterning myself over Scofield. Great guitars!
I have an Excel Mini Tour DC (339 size) and it looks, feels and sounds great. Very good review.
HI Phil. Really helpful review. GC is doing these for 699 now. Just picked one up. Thanks.
So many little tech tips! Thanks
A mention about the strap position on the heel. I prefer it there because of how I play with a leather strap and high headstock playing position when playing standing up. I mostly play with a thumb at the back of the neck position because it offers more range for my fingers and wouldn't mind touching off the strap lock occasionally if I had to cradle the neck for leverage when bending a high note.
I had a 2000 PRS Hollowbody 1 Spruce Top that was absolutly gorgeous and what a joy to play acousticly or through an aml.
Great tone right out of the box.
Great looking, great sounding guitar! Excellent review. I just got an Epiphone "Dot" 335 that I just about can't put down, but if I ever go looking for another guitar in this class I will definitely look at the D'Angelico. Thanks for a terrific review.
I bought this guitar because of Mr McKnight's recommendation and I love it to bits. These are being heavily discounted in the UK atm, 60% off. One niggle I have with mine is the narrow nut width. I get buzz when I play a cowboy open C chords caused by my index brushing the high E string.
Great review, a beautiful instrument all around.
One thing I would have like included was a review/demonstration of the acoustic/non-amplified sound.
I've owned several semihollow and full hollow body guitars and it's honestly an irrelevant test. They all sound awful unplugged. Especially semihollows because the string tension is on a solid block instead of a flexible top like an acoustic guitar.
@@aniquinstark4347 I disagree that it's "irrelevant", for me, because most of my casual pickin and grinnin isn't even plugged in. That being said, I agree that they USUALLY DON'T sound great acoustically. I hang out at the local small town guitar shop a lot, so I've tried several, and they don't compare to an actual acoustic guitar. The one exception I've seen however is a Danelectro Convertible, fully hollow which plugged in also sounds amazing with a lipstick pickup mounted in the hole and a piezo mounted within the bridge and a blend knob, but its body is ply material, and it has an aluminum nut, so it's not a typical electric acoustic hybrid either. But that one does sound great unplugged!
@@adamcolbertmusic In my experience they're barely any louder than an unplugged solid body and often sound worse. I actually really like how my basswood strat sounds unplugged. I think because the wood wood is so light it vibrates more than my other electric guitars. I did have a truly semi-acoustic D'Angelico for a while that sounded okay unplugged though. Really if you want an electric that sounds good unplugged you have to get one that's pretty big like a Gretsch White Falcon.
@@adamcolbertmusic It is irrelevant. It’s not an acoustic guitar.
Doesn’t really matter if most of your playing isn’t plugged in.
It’s an electric guitar. Get it?
Or do you want reviews on how Telecasters and Stratocasters sound unplugged as well?
Another great video, Phil! Very didatic, thanks and congrats!
The Handshake is the most important thing to me. That is why I only play a Gibson axcess now. I would love to see you review one.
That did sound really nice. Right in the sweet spot.
Bought a Gretsch rat rod (G5410-T) last year. I can't put the thing down. Absolutely love that guitar.
great tips in this! Thanks Phil
Such a great review. So thorough!
Wow, sounds really good! Great job!
Very nice review. Really like the details, such as with the volt meter...cool
Dude for sure exceptional video content
All your videos wonderful info. I have 2 D'Angelico Boardwalk semi Hollow 2 Seymour D HH an 2nd Seymour P90. Both USA pickups stock...excellent
I hope this is exactly the video I need. I have a semi hollow Squier with jazz master pickups and I’ve basically hated it since the day I’ve bought it. It’s so bright and harsh and I’ve tried to sell it a few times but I’ve never had anyone buy it.
GAWD DAMN… sr you do make me get inspired, such details and such explanation, thank you so much ! this is excellent exactly what I needed to see.