Press Release
Source: D’Angelico Guitars
D’Angelico Guitars announced the D’Angelico Standard Series, the company has expanded the product line with the introduction of the EX-59 and EX-175 models.
D’Angelico Guitars also welcomes the Style B model to its “stunningly crafted” [Guitar Aficionado] USA Master-Builder Series.
Originally built in 1959 by legendary guitar maker John D’Angelico, the reproduced D’Angelico EX-59 showcases every bit of craftsmanship and attention to detail featured in the original model. This magnificent hollow body archtop guitar with P-90 pickups, features vintage gold hardware set against a rich sunburst finish of laminated flame maple.
Another new addition to the D’Angelico Standard Series, the EX-175, features dual Kent Armstrong humbuckers and Bigsby vibrato. This retro-styled guitar features a laminated spruce top and laminated flamet maple back with chrome hardware and is available in black, cherry, or natural.
Introduced last year, D’Angelico’s premier bass model, the EX-Bass, is now available in a cherry finish and the EX-SS, D’Angelico’s most versatile model, is now available in black and vintage sunburst finishes.
The D’Angelico Style B and Excel models, part the USA Master-Builder Series, are the result of extensive historic research and MRI scans of the original instruments and offer players the opportunity to own some of D’Angelico’s most historically sought-after instruments.
After testing the Master-Builder Excel, guitar legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Eric Clapton worked with D’Angelico to design the new Style B model to fit his own specifications perfectly. He then graciously signed that Master-Builder Excel to be auctioned off at the upcoming John Varvatos 11th Annual Stuart House Benefit, of which D’Angelico is a Patron Supporter. These limited run models are being built by acclaimed boutique luthier Gene Baker.
Although the D’Angelico archtop was originally considered a jazz guitar, the brand has attracted a wide following of devoted players beyond jazz musicians including the aforementioned Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins, John Mayer, Nile Rogers, Pete Townshend and Susan Tedeschi to name a few.
“Our team at D’Angelico promises to build instruments that respect and honor John D’Angelico’s legacy of excellence and carry on the tradition of one of the world’s finest guitar brands,” said CEO Brenden Cohen. “Our 2014 models are replicas of John D’Angelico’s legendary aesthetic, attention to detail and the level of excellence established long ago by this master luthier.”
About D’Angelico Guitars
Founded in 1932 in Little Italy, Manhattan, John D’Angelico’s handmade guitars quickly attracted the attention of the New York music crowd. NYC gave him access to numerous professional guitarists who appreciated not only D’Angelico’s high level of craftsmanship, but also the opportunity to work directly with a maker who built guitars with custom specifications. During peak production in the late 1930s, approximately 35 guitars were made per year – establishing D’Angelico as a master maker of quality and coveted instruments. In 2011, with a new management team in place, the D’Angelico brand was revitalized with a new, state of the art manufacturing, warehousing and distribution infrastructure. The desire to continue the legacy of making premium guitars provided the backbone for successful relaunch of the brand. The new models were enthusiastically embraced by a growing number of serious players and professionals. Today, D’Angelico guitars are embraced by an increasing number of professional guitarists and serious enthusiasts. For more information on D’Angelico and its rich history, visit www.dangelicoguitars.com.
