I FINALLY Play a Jazz Guitar! - The D'Angelico EXL-1 Throwback!

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

Those cleans are to die for. Damn

[@dk2428]

Oh man, this is one of those guitars that has me staring at my mastercard....the struggle is real.

[@jamesha175]

google it: $2000.00 US some are less

[@RegebroRepairs]

I love the style. But yeah, that quality is a waste on me. :-)

[@manichavok5297]

Go to sweet water right now. They are on sale for $500 go now young one go!

[@eddycerb]

Best Toast Photobooths me don’t think so!

[@fabiopatriarca853]

If you're fond of this guitar take a look at the premier series. It's the economic lineup made in Indonesia with the same specs (some minor differences that made it the "poor" version) the pup is a Seymour Duncan and most of all it has the original headstock design that is a cool thing. I bought it 3 years ago and I was impressed about the quality and the tone. A pro jazz player tried it and confirmed my impression: a solid guitar.

[@borasmussen4794]

Finally someone did a video on the versatility of an archtop!! Rock on Darrell!!!!

[@BigHeinen]

That black stripe on the back of the neck reminds me of the stripe on the back of women's stockings in the 30's and 40's. So stylish and a "throwback" to times past. Awesome guitar!

[@mwpv11]

I own a couple of D'Angelico guitars the one in this review and a thin line hollow body. Both are exquisite. I have played on a 1930's D'Angelico as well and the current ones are very close to the originals. They are so close you almost can't tell the difference. As this guitar ages it gets better and better. It's a joy to play and has great action. I never sent it out for a set up. It came with a great set up and I kept it that way. Two years later it still has held up like the day I bought it. This is a great investment and will give you years of playing fun.

[@dappawap]

That is s great review. Thank you

[@frankybebop2913]

Close to the originals? 😂

[@mwpv11]

@@frankybebop2913 They are very close in sound. Of course the wood from the older box makes a difference but for what they are and at the price point they are hard to beat.

[@thelowmein9143]

I just wish they were solid, not laminates, but not a deal breaker.

[@mwpv11]

The Lowmein The good point is laminated hold up better when you play outdoors and usually generate less feedback.

[@choowie92]

"In our next video, we will be installing active pick-up and a floyd rose on this guitar" would have been a perfect ending.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Yup, not enough dive bombs and harmonic squealies in the jazz world...

[@Monomonmamon]

next video will include how to make floyd rose noise tricks like joe pass

[@sohamsengupta6470]

That would be the biggest range of motion any Floyd has ever seen

[@jonislow]

😁😁😁

[@RC32Smiths01]

That orange finish is without a doubt a beauty! A pleasure to see you take good satisfaction into these kinds of guitars man!

[@robertmoore6700]

Darrell can make any guitar sound wonderful. I love jazz guitars , the sound, the style, the warm soft tones. A jazz trio or quentet can entertain for hours without wearing you out. Darrell is a master and can play any style perfectly. My bet as he ages his appreciation of the jazz style will increase . I hope so.

[@M3RRIH3W13]

This one sounds very fine, round and full. I can't remember hearing a medium overdriven Jazz box, but it sounds unique. It is a tone that sticks in your head musically. And, I'm a big fan of Korean guitars. Cort is a massive factory and you may get a dud, but they are insanely proud of their work. After Japan, Korea is the most expensive guitar (except Cort). I live there for 5 years and marveled at all the great-sounding guitars. Anyhow, Korea is a plus for me. Great video, Darrell! The D'Angelo sounds fat and round and beautiful.

[@carlor.s.4742]

WOW! Incredible sounding guitar & absolutely beautiful too. I listen to a lot of jazz & I wish guitar god Larry Coryell was still around to play that awesome instrument.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I’ve had one of these in black for about 2 years and it’s amazing. I also have the DC “ES-style” also in black, and the D’ano jumbo archtop/arched back, all-flame maple acoustic, and I would be hard pressed to choose any one over the other. All three arrived perfectly set up, too, and I prefer VERY low action. D’Angelico is killing it!

[@stringdoc]

Didn't know you played jazz so well, Darrell! Nice work! Beautiful guitar, too.

[@DavidHBurkart]

That is a nearly flawless guitar. I just purchased a pre-owmed Korean-Made Gretsch 5420T that is amazing. This D'Angelico is a stunner in both sight and sound... plus, you have skills DB.

[@paradiswest4395]

Darrell, your channel just continues to evolve and get better and better. A class act reviewing a classy guitar - well done.

[@craigbirchfield417]

I don't usually get serious gear lust over archtop jazz guitars but this one is so beautiful and great sounding and D'Angelico is such a legendary brand with gorgeous iconic appointments that I just can't help being drawn to it. Darrell is always the king of the guitar review and once again brings out all the delicious details of this great guitar.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Long overdue, but better late than never :) VIDEO SECTIONS: Part 1 - What makes a jazz guitar unique? 0:52 Part 2- What's the construction like? 3:43 Part 3 - What does a jazz guitar sound like? 6:51 Part 4 - Final Thoughts 10:35 Guitar Link: imp.i114863.net/Kbqxz enjoy :)

[@DBSG1976]

Did you say triple binding, Darrell is in love, lol!!

[@jonskaptason8840]

@@faiazhossain7866 I know you want Darrel's answer, but the the short answer is no.

[@faiazhossain7866]

@@jonskaptason8840 thanks man.appreciate it..

[@slnolefan]

I own two D'Angelico guitars..... an Excel and a Style B... I love them both! Outstanding guitars!

[@crisdrewek1859]

Yes! One of my favorite style guitars actually! 😊

[@Baci302]

Wow, love your jazz chops, Darrell. Wish you played more. And that guitar sounds incredible.

[@Robt.Velasquez]

I bought a D’Angelico Excel DC Mini guitar last year and my other guitars are jealous. I just love it. This guitar you are showcasing does not surprise me. It’s so beautiful to look at and that tone….it’s to die for.

[@tim7of717]

Those clean tones OMG! You need to do more.

[@ny7294]

The D'angelico EXLs just can't be beat .. if the neck on yours is the same profile as my 2018 EXL-1, then it is absolutely amazing . Mine feels like it was carved especially for my hand .

[@n9rlo]

Wow!! That's beautiful! Class and tone out the wazoo! Please do more on archtop hollowbodys! Especially Gretsch guitars. They all make great blues guitars. Gretsch Streamliners and Electromatics are affordable and are some of the best built guitars on the market today!

[@armp1287]

This guitar has to be kind of the epitomy of a jazz guitar. Absolutely love it

[@lueysixty-six7300]

That thing is gorgeous!! (Sound and looks). No wonder jazzplayers didn't pick up on Leo's Jazzmaster! Would you?? Go from this, and all your heros playing this kind of beautiful instrument...to some hideous affront (Leo's Jazzmaster) to everything that is sacred and divine in the jazz realm!? (I love the jazzmaster, but not as a jazz guitar. If I played jazz even now, I would want a hollowbody like this!)

[@valbastiancontraio2795]

I don't agree at all, l prefer the sound and the versatility of a Jazzmaster, jazzmen are just too narrowminded and conservative to embrace something new, the jazz guitar sound is so predictible and boring l have an acustic archtop and l like it but when it comes to using pickup nothing beats a real solid body guitar

[@kangaroofoot]

Luey Sixty-six I agree, Jazzmasters are great and versatile, they’re just not for Jazz.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: I really enjoy my Jazzmaster, but seldom use it for Jazz. It is funny, because I have a Telecaster with a fat sounding P-90, that I use for jazz sometimes.

[@jonathankessler4684]

I have a Gretsch archtop, model is G100CE and it’s one of my favorite sounding guitars I’ve ever heard. A lot of my friends are jazz musicians and I invited one of my jazz guitar friends over just to try it out when it first came in and he wants to record his next record on that guitar he liked the sound so much. Plays surprisingly easily for a guitar of its immense girth too and with a matte black finish it just looks so classy, couldn’t be happier with it! Got me completely hooked on archtops and hollow body eléctrica

[@georgearagon2546]

Loved this episode! How about a series on hollow body and semi-hollow body instruments? Gretsch, Gibson, Ibanez, Schecter, Kay, ECT...Thanks!

[@n9rlo]

I agree!!

[@kenderoche2025]

I bought a D'Angelico EXL-1 (Standard, not Throwback model) a few years ago when they first came out, the blue burst model. Other musicians have commented on gigs that they liked it's tone better than my ES-175, so It has become my go to jazz guitar. The construction is excellent, the acoustic tone very lively, and it plays smoothly and cleanly. I did have the Kent Armstrong floating mini-humbucker pickup it came with at that time replaced with a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith mini-humbucker, which D'Angelico now uses. Big improvement in output volume and sound quality. Overall, an outstanding value for the money, if you are looking for a jazz box.

[@JP25199]

Darrell .. well made video, thank you, and it was a helpful piece of advice as I made my purchase decision on the Throwback. I absolutely love the model. As you described it, the workmanship is flawless, and it is absolutely stunning in person and looks great on stage. It is very versatile, of course the jazzier side of things, but it also gives the full warm acoustic guitar sound, and does great for rockabilly, Scotty Moore style, and even into rock n roll .. I haven't had any feedback issues. If anything, you can control a little bit of howl, which is a great place to be, right on the edge. I also have an excel SS which I love. These are some of the best guitars out there. Thanks again for a well made and thoughtful clip.

[@JoshuaC923]

Sounds amazing, thanks for making such videos

[@rayschoch5882]

Cool change of pace, Darrell!! The guitar sounds full and warm - I love hollow bodies, even with their limitations - and it looks spectacular. The woods and inlays are gorgeous, I love the color, and I've always been a sucker for that D'Angelico stairstep trapeze tail. A gorgeous guitar that sounds great.

[@charlie-obrien]

I would stay away from D'Angelico's cheaper offerings, but I can't see a darn thing wrong with this beautiful "Throwback" arch top. Well appointed and sounds like a dream. This is the 2K (US) model and probably worth every cent. they also offer the standard EXL-1 w/ the same P/u's, and design for $1,500, just doesn't have the ebony and the flame maple. I will now have to add this to my "someday guitar" list. Nice review, DBG!

[@cosasDEguitarra]

wow!!! it is spectacularly beautiful!!!!!!!! loved that little autumn leaves moment!

[@trackie1957]

The station I listen to was paying tribute to Wes Montgomery today, so I heard a lot of great music played on a big hollow body. This video was a treat! I’ve always loved the look of the classic jazz guitar, though I’ll never be able to do one justice. I hope you get the chance to review a masterpiece like a Benedetto someday.

[@kentbrauninger47]

At a Kansas City area Guitar Center 2 days ago looking at used amps for a family member. Saw this guitar on the highest boutique row. The GC employee wisely brought it down for me to view; I just wanted to look away the craftsmanship up close. It did not disappoint. The staff could not find the case anywhere but as a result it was discounted by 40%. One of those "now or never" moments occurred and it is now mine. Pinching myself. Thanks for the nice review.

[@Corujadocerrado]

Man, I love jazz guitars like these! It really sounds heavenly!

[@benpowersguitar]

That thing has a great sound. Beautiful too.

[@b.rodclark7349]

I love breaking away from solid bodies for hollow-body tones when it comes to jazz & blues guitar and this guitar really does it without a need for mild overdrive unless the clean channel is naturally driven.

[@marcusvieira96]

I'm in love with this guitar! Amazing. Those clean sounds have a Lee Ritenour vibe.

[@troyoswald5683]

Thanks Darrell! We are so lucky! Spectacular instrument!

[@xguitar123]

Amazing sounding D Angelico Jazz guitar

[@craigclu]

Sweet guitar! Love the tones and it's beautiful, too. More versatile than I would expect and the simplicity can be a virtue.

[@joeschmoe6720]

Alright Ill give credit where credit is due, did not expect you to pull out the jazz. Thats whats up respect just went up a notch in my book real musicianship. Sexy guitar as well nice grab love the finish and the flame maple

[@choreuviz]

Thanks Darrell. Nice guitar, I loved it. Have a great week too.

[@stevenhoman2253]

That is rich, it sounds and looks the part. D'Angelico guitars are the stuff of my dreams.

[@ToddTheJoker]

This was great..thanks for giving us a glance at this guitar and all your others actually..I love seeing and hearing what others have and it is always fun to see and hear new guitars. Cool beans.

[@abrokenlink_]

Thanks for welcoming me back, and I absolutely had a great day. I hope you have a great day too. Oh, the guitar is beautiful when it’s played by you btw

[@harsimarkandhari4045]

I just love the tone of Archtop!! ....and by the way was it Autumn Leaves in the beginning...I love that song!!

[@b2bw1955]

I use to sell D'Angelico guitars in the 70's and you couldn't find a better jazz guitar for the money. Glad to see they are still in biz after all these years!

[@chadchristopher303]

Please....for a disabled old man in America.....review the Orangewood "Duke live" , jumbo A/E guitar. You're the one I go to for reviews. I watch others, but when it comes down to it, i take your word for it. I'm considering purchasing one of these guitars, but ofcourse, I have no way to try it out. Thanks for your time, I love your channel....keep up the great work!

[@TKevinBlanc]

The headstock is a massive improvement. Hints at flash without being gaudy.

[@ianson3]

That is one beautiful guitar, both in looks and in sound. Thanks for posting.

[@georgeservian9383]

Love my Gretsch Streamliner - would like to see a top end Gretsch vs D'Angelico shootout!

[@bills48321]

I like the color. Sounds good, and the fit and finish look immaculate.

[@alex6996]

Just amazing. Lovely 12 bar jazz

[@mikecarbone828]

Thanks Darrell? It was great that you reviewed an arch top jazz guitar, I own an Epiphone Joe Pass Signature Emperor II Pro as part of my collection, I have had it now for about 9 months so far and it is probably the fanciest guitar I have in my collection. I originally played on one back in 1981 after a friend of mine that had bought a Gibson 335 with a tobacco sunburst and was just learning to play. He took me along with him to the Guitar Center in Seattle and was interested at the time in buying an effects pedal, and me took me with him to demonstrate a variety of pedals for him, since he hadn’t learned how to play well at that point in time. The only guitar in the whole store that was remotely like the 335, was the Joe Pass guitar. The salesperson set me up with the Joe Pass Guitar and a nice Fender tune amp, and I test drove a chorus pedal and other pedals as well, but it really sounded great with the chorus pedal, and the salesperson cranked up the amp and everyone in the store could hear it, my friends told me later that heads were turning while I was testing the instrument. I really liked that guitar and hadn’t seen one in years until last year, my friend ended up purchasing the chorus unit. I put money down last year about this time and put the guitar on layaway and picked it up a few months later. Although it was used, it was very much like brand new except that the inspection stickers had been removed, otherwise it has no scratches or dings. I really enjoy having it in my collection and I was thrilled to see this video you posted. A lot of younger players nowadays are not really familiar with arch top jazz guitars, and it was super awesome that you were able to demonstrate some of the finer details of such an instrument, you never did mention what the De’Angelico sells for, but I picked up mine used for about $570 plus taxes and I also purchased a nice hard shell case, which this kind of guitar demands to keep it in good shape. Thank you again Darrell for posting this video! Please have an excellent and awesome day! 🙂

[@dappawap]

I think with the right guitar you could become a good jazz guitar player. You seem to have a good ear for it. Great guitar. Very intetesting history as well.The "light overdrive" reminds me of the Moody Blues tone.

[@mmmcoffee5536]

I've been wanting a D'Angelico for so long. This guitar is so nice!!

[@KevinORourke25]

Darrell, I love the fact that you show the versatility of this guitar. I don't like to pigeon hole any guitar to only one thing. Yes, it's a great Jazz guitar but I also get some awesome blues tones out of mine and some old country Johnny Cash style also sounds great. Thanks for this. Kevin O'ROurke

[@ScottoftheSahara]

I have the regular version on this guitar with laminated top and back and sides. It is a stunning guitar. Thanks for your review.

[@jimmpanik3402]

Aren't you a neighbor to the north? Haven't really seen you do anything comparing the quality and value of Godin vs. Fender / Gibson. I own a number of Godin products and they're incredible instruments.

[@dappawap]

The Godin jazz guitar is awesome

[@ZacCostilla]

Jimm Panik I bought an acoustic 5th Avenue and added a custom Charlie Christian pickup from Vintage Vibe Guitars. Sounds AMAZING!

[@3cardmonty602]

Jimm Panik I live in the U.S.A. and the Seagull guitars - I’ve owned 2 of them - an S6 & a Mini Jumbo, and they’re EXCELLENT guitars. I did trade up for Gibson Acoustics, but I’d buy a Godin or a Seagull in a New York Minute

[@BrysonKeenan]

The Godin 5th Ave is the best value for money jazz box, hands down

[@mwpv11]

3 Card Monty Thanks for the info I always wanted a Godin and a Seagull

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

That medium overdrive tone was killer, it's clean tones it's best feature naturally. Very good price point too.

[@davidcallahan3615]

I’ve been wondering when you would get around to a jazz guitar. An excellent video. You can take any guitar and make it your own. Really well done!

[@EDKguy]

As a teenager wanting to learn how to play Rush, my guitar teacher gave me a Mel Bay book with a picture of a D'Angelico on the cover... I fell in love with an older woman

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

i thought i was the only one to feel that way. i have the same mel bay book and love solo jazz guitar. the neck design on the throwback is a little different than the exel 1 traditional. i believe the mel bay book shows the exel 1 traditional type neck. it is easy to overlook that one feature, both guitars are beautiful.

[@louisstokes1898]

Stunning beauty and super jazzy sound

[@garymcaleer6112]

This is the day I've been waiting for, brother Darrell! Next to the tone of the classical guitar, the sound of a clean distortion-free jazz guitar...bro, I could hear it all day, and with no listening fatigue. (As you know, sawtooth waves wear me down.) Years ago I played a Carlo Robelli jazz guitar (made by Peerless). Sam Ash had four. And I chose the one with consistent tight grain. But that instrument could never compare to what you've got there.

[@peterbland7227]

Wonderful guitar. Pretty sure the woods are laminated, though.

[@williamwoerner9938]

I have an older model I think it was made in the 90's. I have talked with the office in New York. I think it may have been made by the previous D'Angelico owners. I was invited to stop by the offices if I go to New York. I absolutley love the guitar!!!

[@cfibanez]

At last! Now, I would have used flat wound strings for a mellower tone. Thanks.

[@zeusapollo8688]

I can hear the 12s tho

[@rayrifice2595]

I use flat wounds on my Epi Joe Pass and love that smoother sound.

[@johnwelch557]

Now that's a guitar! Keep these jewels coming. Maybe review some really inexpensive brands so us common creatures can at least pretend? Thanks for the breath of fresh air!

Love that sound. She's a beauty.

[@nickhadjirallis4888]

Beautiful guitar and sound! Jazz guitar is heavenly

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Mike Campbell from the Heartbreakers used a hollow body like this on You Got Lucky...the little solo he does...it’s in the music video...gorgeous guitar

[@waynecribb4922]

Just like that he's a jazz player. Very impressive. And the guitar ain't bad ! Impressive.

[@T4Eater]

That's the nicest looking headstock on a guitar I've ever seen, really.

[@johnbaker4666]

I've wanted that since I saw Marcus King play one they gave him to test last fall. What a great guitar.

[@loveone4292]

Excellent review,this is my dream guitar.Maybe one day😭😭😭

[@steveallen525]

Damn you. Now I want one of these too. But seriously, good review, and I appreciate the walk through the build quality. And it sounds choice :)

[@guitarwolf1000]

love your channel and respect your talent and knowledge...please mention laminated woods and pearloid though....i play a Casino, sort of, and have no problems with laminates but its nice to know....this guitar is a beauty!....and thanks for your efforts at this time!...stay safe!

[@mainsblanches8793]

What about instaling a Charlie Christian pickup?...

[@adamkrauss303]

Seems like having volume and tone knobs on pick guard could sometimes get in the way of strumming, but I suppose with jazz playing that is less of an issue.

[@thebooda]

Now that is a beautiful guitar... Put it up against a Gibson... see if they can match the quality... Yeah right... My D'Angelico is flawless also! Beautiful guitars. Great Review as always!! Thanks.

[@lovewalruss]

Nice. Thanks. I’ve got a Godin Manhattan and it’s superb. I struggle to play it but am working on it.

[@rakkerdata3155]

Around two weeks ago, dad and i found an old Framus original 6 opdf. We doesn't know what year it was made but estimate it to be from around late 60s early 70s. The guitar is ''ok''. But playing on the guitar it isn't all that great but not bad either. But the most important thing is that it was a friend of our who owned it. He just could some chords back in the day but after a while he just put in the case and threw it up in the attic and have been there since.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Nice arrangement in the intro. I love a big body arch top. They feel foreign at first but the more time you spend with one, the more it feels connected to the melodies in your head. It looks like d'Angelico has done a great job of revisiting that age of guitars. The price on the old archtops have been driven through the roof by collectors. I hope they sell a bunch of them.

[@GByePorkPieHat]

Would love to see you review the Dangelico EXL-1 Premier, as well

[@williamwoerner9938]

Darrell, I picked up one like this in 2019. I tried to trace the serial number and called D'angelico in New York. They could not help with the serial number. They said that it must have been made by the former owners of D'angelico. I found it displayed with a manikan in a window. I went in and spoke with the store owner who said the guitar was there on consignment and belonged to a guitar collector. I called the guy and bought the guitar. It plays really well and I love it for my collection. The D'angelico home office ask me to bring it to New York to show them if I get up there.

[@rjroth4869]

Very nice change of pace.

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

Love this guitar. Seems perfect to play some Stray Cat Strut. I get an Art Deco impression from it too. Just perfect.

[@donweb9689]

You earned it bud congrats from Edmonton Alberta !

[@larrykehl5300]

My Excel EXL-1 (Blue Burst - no longer offered it seems) is my favorite archtop for jazz. I don't even try to play rock on it - LOL.

[@jacobbockover1628]

If you take apart a classic archtop hollowbody it has two carved sticks (braces) runnin from the neck block to the tail block very minimal

[@edrozenrozen9600]

Oh No! Darrell is turning into a unicorn!

[@linnsterlingcurebeliefinad1725]

Sounds beautiful

[@satyakaamkatznelson8915]

Thanks Darrell.

[@thebigleone1066]

Sweet. The only thing I personally don’t care for is a first fret inlay. Certainly not a deal killer. Beautiful craftsmanship.

[@dlmullins9054]

Great review! I wish you would review the Starshine China copy of the es-175 . From what i hear they are really nice for the green and even for three to four times the money. I know they too are beautiful !

[@vickymay9222]

Happy New Year. Killer JazzBox. Cheers frum SpoCanada

[@bustinclouds2007]

Very nice....Thank you!!..Tim n Tina

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Should check out Eastman with their hand carved archtops not pressed laminate.

[@juandoming6688]

Eastman is a different sound. Its more benedetto than what d'angelico is doing which is more American Gibson and heritage soudns.

[@thedboi1911]

He has one right behind him.