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

I've played a few guitars over the years, but somehow had never spent any real time on a jazz guitar. Well, today that changes! This is the D'Angelico Excel EXL-1 Throwback!
EXCEL EXL-1 THROWBACK:
imp.i114863.net/Kbqxz
3 EASY JAZZ SONGS:
www.etsy.com/ca/listing/50734...
T-SHIRT STORE:
teespring.com/stores/darrell-...
TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DarrellB...
DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!
imp.i114863.net/vM09j
MY AMPS:
H&K Grand Meister Deluxe 40 - imp.i114863.net/Na1gV
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier - imp.i114863.net/xdVB1
PATREON:
Become a Patron to be eligible for exclusive Gear Give-Aways and Lesson TABs!
/ darrellbraunguitar
ALBUM:
iTunes:
itunes.apple.com/ca/album/cel...
FAVORITE FRET-END FILE:
www.solomusicgear.com/product...
OTHER FAVOURITE GEAR:
*Obsidian Wire Solderless Kits - obsidianwire.com?aff=5
*Guitar Parts & Build Kits - www.solomusicgear.com?ref=1931
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
SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@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.

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

Those cleans are to die for. Damn

[@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]

😁😁😁

[@borasmussen4794]

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

[@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..

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@RC32Smiths01]

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

[@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.

[@paradiswest4395]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@JoshuaC923]

Sounds amazing, thanks for making such videos

[@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!

[@crisdrewek1859]

Yes! One of my favorite style guitars actually! 😊

[@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.

[@craigclu]

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

[@Baci302]

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

[@stringdoc]

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

[@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.

[@troyoswald5683]

Thanks Darrell! We are so lucky! Spectacular instrument!

[@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.

[@Corujadocerrado]

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

[@ianson3]

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

[@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.

[@syn707]

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.

[@benpowersguitar]

That thing has a great sound. Beautiful too.

[@mmmcoffee5536]

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

[@alex6996]

Just amazing. Lovely 12 bar jazz

[@armp1287]

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

[@slnolefan]

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

[@choreuviz]

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

[@louisstokes1898]

Stunning beauty and super jazzy sound

Love that sound. She's a beauty.

[@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.

[@bills48321]

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

[@tim7of717]

Those clean tones OMG! You need to do more.

[@xguitar123]

Amazing sounding D Angelico Jazz guitar

[@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 .

[@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

[@cosasDEguitarra]

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

[@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

[@TKevinBlanc]

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

[@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.

[@nickhadjirallis4888]

Beautiful guitar and sound! Jazz guitar is heavenly

[@user-di6su3lp3e]

looks amazing!

[@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!

[@satyakaamkatznelson8915]

Thanks Darrell.

[@linnsterlingcurebeliefinad1725]

Sounds beautiful

[@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!

[@stevenhoman2253]

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

[@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.

[@HansenogCarlsen]

Thanks for sharing👍🏻

[@peyotepete4903]

Gorgeous guitar!

[@gurupod]

Dang! Pretty look & sound. Thanks for sharing! 👍😀

[@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

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@harsimarkandhari4045]

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

[@arn999]

Beautiful guitar

[@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 :)

[@loveone4292]

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

[@guitarlab7772]

That is really a great looking and sounding guitar.

[@lovewalruss]

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

[@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

[@rjroth4869]

Very nice change of pace.

[@georgeservian9383]

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

[@bustinclouds2007]

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

[@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!

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

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

[@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

[@donweb9689]

You earned it bud congrats from Edmonton Alberta !

[@johnbaker4666]

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

[@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!!

[@waynecribb4922]

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

[@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.

[@crazyscripter2595]

Perfect

[@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!

[@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! 🙂

[@diegom.1510]

damn hit us with that autumn leaves 🤟

[@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.

[@T4Eater]

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

[@lh3984]

sublime clean tones,, forget the drive,,

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@MHSDankusPotatus]

Always admired dangelico, nice guitars.

[@vickymay9222]

Happy New Year. Killer JazzBox. Cheers frum SpoCanada

[@edrozenrozen9600]

Oh No! Darrell is turning into a unicorn!

[@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!

[@MsDaydream]

yesssss. finally, a jazz box

[@onefatstratcat]

That sounds as good as it looks :)

[@rianspain7101]

awesome so awesome & Sweet If I can I'll be getting one to add to hord of the strings things

[@gusgozar4628]

I wonder how much it is. It’s a dream for me.

[@GByePorkPieHat]

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

[@hidemiwilliges9384]

That archtop is truly a work of art.