D'Angelico Excel SS Trans Cherry

A D'Angelico-style semi-hollow designed for the stage

In the Excel series, D'Angelico takes the DNA of New York archtops (refined finish, detailed bindings, elegant aesthetics) and adapts it to current needs. The Excel SS focuses on a compact size and a center block to maintain the semi-hollow character while remaining reliable at rehearsal or concert volume.

Who is it for, and what styles?

This guitar is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking an expressive electric capable of moving from soft playing to more biting tones. It excels in jazz, blues, soul, rock, and indie, notably thanks to the humbucker duo and the highly responsive semi-hollow format.

Sound

The spruce top promotes a quick attack and great dynamics, ideal for complex chords and nuanced playing. The maple back and sides provide projection, brightness, and clear note separation. The center block enhances sustain and limits unwanted feedback, making the instrument more comfortable with moderate overdrive than a traditional semi-acoustic. On the electronics side, the Seymour Duncan 59 (Alnico V) offer a vintage range: round lows, singing mids, clear highs, with a true palette thanks to the 2 volumes, 2 tones, and 3-position selector switch.

Recommended compatible accessories

To stay true to the original setup, you can opt for electric strings gauge 10-46 (equivalent to the supplied set). Since the output is a standard mono jack, a 6.35 mm mono instrument cable will work perfectly.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed
Category	Hollow body	Electronics	Passive
Left handed	No	Electroacoustic	No
Strings	Steel	Color	Red
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Glossy
Nbrs of frets	22	Hardware	Gold

Type	semi-hollow guitar	Frets	22
Center block	yes	Neck thickness	Fret 1: 20 mm / 0.79" - Fret 12: 22 mm / 0.87"
Cutaway	yes	Truss rod	double action
Top	spruce	Bridge	Gold Tune-O-Matic
Back and sides	maple	Tailpiece	D'Angelico staggered
Body thickness	1" / 25.4 mm (2.54 cm)	Tuners	Grover 150 Imperial
Width	15" / 381 mm (38.1 cm)	Pickguard	Scalini Solid Black (5-ply)
Bindings	5-ply binding	Original strings	D'Angelico Electrozinc 10's (10-46)
Profile	C	Neck and bridge pickups	USA Seymour Duncan 59 Humbuckers (Alnico V, 4C)
Construction	3-piece glued neck (maple/walnut/maple)	Controls	2 volumes and 2 tones
Fingerboard	rosewood	Selector	3-position switch
Radius	16" / 406 mm	Output	standard mono jack
Inlays	"small diamonds" (acrylic)	Finish	Solid Black
Nut	Tusq, 43 mm / 1.69"	Case included	Deluxe case (DESSCASE)
Scale length	25" / 635 mm	Weight	11 kg