What I LOVE and What I HATE: D'angelico Mini DC 1 Year Later

[@samraffertymusic]

It was this channel that introduced me to D'angelico and I'm so happy I decided to get one. Thanks Sean! They sound so good, very smooth and comfortable to play, they're versatile and they look so classy! Love playing my mini DC and can't see myself ever getting rid of it either. Imo if you're considering buying one just go for it!

[@trentc7329]

Sweetwater is the best. I ordered a $38 noise gate pedal that was on back order this summer. They called me the next morning to discuss the back order and make sure I was okay with it. Then they called me two weeks later to see if I was doing okay and make sure I didn’t want to change my order. They called me when they got it in and to tell me they were shipping it that day. Then they called me a week later to see if I liked it. It was a noise gate, not a Custom Shop Les Paul.

[@seandaniel23]

Best in the bizzz

[@隠れた]

That’s annoying as hell tbh

[@Watermelon_Man]

@@隠れた Two calls two weeks apart, an unspecified length of time, and another two calls a week apart is annoying? You must be young and not have to talk on the phone a lot. What’s annoying is getting robocalls every damn day.

[@隠れた]

@@Watermelon_Man yea 5-6 calls over a pedal is annoying. Any call from my Sweetwater rep or musicians friend annoy me.. like I buy what I want when I want I don’t need you guys calling me trying to push more gear on me when I already spend multiple thousand a month

[@gangnamchild6310]

@@隠れた you are not this edgy irl, anime pfp. You might be autistic or just 10 y/o, which devalues your opinion on what is annoying in regards to communication.

[@MrSDFD18]

The sweetwater exclusive Mini DC is an incredible guitar

[@HardinCreativeMedia]

Great sounding guitar! Wonder how it compares to the Ibanez Artstar AM153QA?

[@howardthrust]

When I ordered the Mini DC from Sweetwater for my bud, I had a feeling the "neck dive" phenomenon might be an issue...so I ordered the heaviest one they had in stock (just @ 8 lbs.). Guess what? NO NECK DIVE! And that was while playing with a buffed leather strap, no less! Gotta love S/W for providing such information! Beyond that, we both agree with you that the Mini DC is MAJOR bang-for-the-buck. Indonesian gits are GREAT across the board!

[@bootzilla]

I got the mini dc xt from Sweetwater and love it. The playability is second to none.

[@seandaniel23]

great guitar!

[@KevinIlsen]

One of my guitars has some pretty bad neck dive. I solved it by using a leather strap with suede on the back; it doesn’t slip. And speaking of straps: with a guitar that has the strap button on the back rather than the edge of the upper horn, if you attach the strap from the other direction (from the front of the strap instead of the back of the strap), the strap will lie flat on your body, rather than twisting as it gets close to the guitar. (Just a tip that any #handsomegentleman would want to know.)

[@seandaniel23]

#protip Thanks!

[@DrOcelot667]

Ordered mine in August from Sweetwater, initial thoughts were that it sounded incredible but I had trouble with the heavy neck. But after stepping away from it for awhile and returning this is my new favorite guitar. I love it…I got used to the feel and cannot put this down since putting a new set of strings on it. Amazing value

[@mburtondavis]

I love that lo-fi sound especially mixed with the jazzy sound of the D’angelico. I’m also anti pick guard.

[@Frenchmelodymaker]

Me too, it was hard for me to find a fender Strat without this big and ugly pickguard but I finally found the showmaster serie and bought a 2004 showmaster with bubinga top, gorgeous guitar

[@expatcanuck2087]

Thanks so much! Far more helpful than D'Angelico's Mini DC XT video -- letting the guitar ring out is what I needed to hear. (And it rings out *pretty*.)

[@ratwynd]

I own 3 D'Angelico now and agree with your assessment Sean, they are as good as anything made by others. Presently 2 Premier DC (one with P90s and the other a 12 string with 'buckers) and a Premier SD chambered solid body with coil splits. All are far better than I have any right to expect for the price paid. All are keepers. The first one I bought as an impulse purchase on heavy markdown at GC. That was the Premier DC12 string, which they have unfortunately discontinued. The others were very intentional. They all play and sound as good as the 335 on the wall with them. I actually play them more than the 335.

[@greghee2109]

Thanks for the video! I've been curious about their guitars. On the subject of neck-dive (to anyone that hasn't considered it), using a leather or faux leather strap largely solves the problem. I use leather straps with my acoustics because of the friction keeps it in place. And then use the straps that are a bit more slick with my better balanced electrics (Tele's, Strats, and LPs).

[@MyongGong]

The most comfortable guitar I have ever tried, I ended up buying one on the spot while looking for something else and getting a hard case for $100 on Sweetwater. I had my local guitar shop set it up so waiting for what its like with a pro setup, I cant wait to pick it up! I saw this review afterwards nice to see it held up for you, I hope to get over the hump in my guitar practice with this one!

[@lonnieezell]

I've got a D'Angelico Brighton that I love. I'm really jonesing for a Mini DC, but I haven't convinced myself the tone gives enough difference just justify another guitar, though. I'm sure one of these months the GAS will win over the logic. :)

[@stratolestele7611]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I'm over 30 guitars, but somehow find myself craving a DC Mini as well.

[@CatharticGuitar]

Sweetwater lists the Premier mini DC as having Duncan Designed humbuckers. I think they are G and B Pickups, made in Korea. They also make pups for Paul Reed Smith SE guitars.

[@beatmasterbossy]

I don't really think I can take it seriously when you have your strap like that Both twisted an unnecessary 180° and backwards. The D'Angelico guitars are pretty sweet though.

[@howardthrust]

Noticed that, too (how could one miss it?). Maybe it's intended to minimize that dreaded "neck dive"??

[@ItzRoger]

When you took the pick guard off did you fill the screw hole somehow or just leave it empty?

[@stratolestele7611]

I had an Epi 339 - inferior instrument, despite getting the pro treatment from my tech. And the shoulders on the neck made it too large and uncomfortable for me. But hey, mine was a blem and I got it new for under $400. Unrelated - I got a Brighton Deluxe. Absolutely love it! Seth Lovers, amazing. Later got the Sweetwater limited edition - which is the only one to get IMO. For the same price as the others, they add locking tuners and the Seymour Duncan hot rodded humbucker set - that I use in two other guitars. Great! Neck dive? Unavoidable when you have so much neck sticking out - but unmatched for upper fret access. Same with my SGs. 1. Your attach your strap correctly so it's not twisted. 2. You use a strap that has resistance at least on inside. Suede works, a nice woven strap works well too.

[@taloujazz9504]

Amazing guitar, I have bought it today. Everything is fine, there is nothing wrong on it. For the price it's amazing.Standing you need a wide garment leather Guitar Strap and it's fine. I love the slim tapper neck. I was thinking about getting a Gibson es 339 but this one is perfect for me and not expensive

[@paulburton5150]

I treated myself to a mini dc deluxe earlier this year and absolutely love it. It's the most expensive guitar I own, but worth it in my opinion

[@seandaniel23]

Such a great guitar.

[@Guitar6ty]

If you paint some silicone clear bath sealer on the inside of your strap that will stop the neck dive. You could also try velcro but it does not stick so well.

[@seandaniel23]

smart!

[@onefm1]

I just got the black dog mini DC, and I love it! I had the issue with the neck dive, and thought it was going to be a struggle trying to play it standing up with my fret hand having to hold it up and fret at the same time. I just got an Ernie Stretch Comfort Strap, and it basically solved the whole problem!

[@Klaxet]

Beautiful guitar I just wish they would go with 12" radius instead of the 14".... I tried it in local GC, the neck seem to be a little flat for me also big square inlays kind of destructive D'angelico please make it with simple dot inlays like a classic ES 335. Thank you for the great review!

[@garyshaw1002]

They should do it in British racing green, now that would be 👌 no point in doing the same shade green..but definitely green, looks stunning!

[@seandaniel23]

Yes!

[@garyshaw1002]

Asked them if they do custom so I could order 1, but they don't do custom 😫 gutted!

[@kirkwilliams2127]

ooohhhhh… that would be super cool. Sign me up.

[@zenbuilder8801]

Sean, 1st, I like your videos. Great personality . I sold my Scofield 100 ( to heavy) not playing my AF-195 as much (still big), so now looking at the DC mini's. I recently saw your video on the DC mini tour, and my question is, " with the new head stock, does it remove the neck dive) ? Thank you again. jeff

[@johnconoscenti102]

I had a Fender Telecaster JA90 that had a terrible headstock dive. Am getting the D'Angelico Premier Mini DC from Sweetwater

[@seandaniel23]

You're gonna love it!

[@teknomanning]

I hear ya brother. I snagged an excel dc in killer old school flame and burst with tailpiece for a grand .Smoking,gonna try finger style.Thanks!😊👍🏿✌🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿🕺🏿

[@melvinbrown4139]

Do you have a video which show how to play the groove that you are playing?

[@ManuandFuci]

concerning the neck dive, I stumble don the Jaykco guitar straps with suede and they have some good grip compensating for the neck dive and use them on all my guitars. Last but not least, they are just in awesome colors

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Good tones out of both of those guitars. Lots of options with the Emyryld Ryders version. I like the bigger bodied semi-hollow guitars, myself. Always good to take a look back and see how gear is holding up, and making a use assessment. Thanks, man!

[@danielhartman5086]

Sean you have 2 beautiful looking and sounding guitars my friend. I just love them. Gonna to half to try out a DC mini. Thank you for the video.

[@thomasbombadil8190]

I was fortunate enough to win the blue D’Angelico in a raffle from a rooftop concert at my Downtown Brooklyn building a couple of months ago. It agree that it is a very nice guitar - and I would highly recommend it - especially at its price point. I will have to try taking the pick guard off and see if I like it. The folks at D’Angelico are very kind to give away such a nice guitar and I am duly impressed with the product. It is one of my frequent players since I brought it home.

[@seandaniel23]

So cool to hear! Congrats on the guitar!

[@Vivi_9]

This rooftop raffle concert guitar giveaway event sounds amazing, is this something you regularly do in your neighborhood? Where I live no such thing exists and it sucks.

[@thomasbombadil8190]

I have never seen this before and aside from a couple of bucks on lottery tickets I have never won anything in my life before this guitar.

[@zeevogel]

That dive is a thing... Really good to know, now I lean more toward a 'normal' DC. Thanks.

[@justaguy2365]

I was an Art deco fan for a while, when I first saw D'angelico guitars, I was like "I have to have one!!!" One day I was perusing a local guitar shop and there was an almost new Premier Atlantic for $400. I talked them down to 300 and it's currently my favorite guitar. I usually choose it over my Les Paul

[@drewdietz2115]

These electric guitars look nice, they sound nice as well, I really love that Green one you have. Peace

[@seandaniel23]

Thanks Drew! It rydes!

[@davidthomas5035]

Are you familiar with the Ibanez AR520? That and the Mini DC are in the running for my next guitar. Have not been able to find a Mini to put my hands on before buying.

[@fretted]

I got that emerald green SS on Amazon for a ridiculous price of $600. I love it! Thinking of getting the excel mini dc.

[@seandaniel23]

No way! That's legit the deal of a lifetime. I LOVE that guitar

[@JasperJames0912]

I need the link! Lol

[@hankhill7494]

Are you sure it wasn't the "premier" line? Those are the budget version & go for around that price. Still a great guitar!

[@fretted]

@@hankhill7494 Nope, Deluxe SS for sure!

[@johnjozefowicz2022]

I have heard there are weighted straps for neck dive guitars, some diy people use wheel weights

[@tenantrep]

Really nice guitar and great review. How would you compare this to the Epi 339?

[@PastelitoPapi]

Have you spent a lot of time with their solid body range? If so, how do you think they stack up vs other guitars?

[@EastmanD]

Hey Sean was needing some experienced knowledge if you don't mind. I bought, 2-3 yrs ago, a D'Angelico DLX-SS from a popular Web site for 60% off. At the time I didn't have a "Jazz" guitar (only a solid body) and wanted one but didn't want to spend a lot. I'm taking Jazz guitar lessons, which I do like, but am in NO way an accomplished jazz guitar player. I knew D'Angelico made incredible guitars, 60% off kept it around the > $600 area and I thought hey that's a no-brainer and bought it on a whim. I can't find reviews on the DLX-SS (could it be the same one here?) and was wondering, was this a decent purchase ? I know one complaint was it's "loud" shiny gold pickups, bridge, tuners etc. from a blog. The color doesn't bother me at all since I wouldn't dare attempt to play in public. I know well known/established guitar manufacturers have, throughout the years, come out with inferior products cashing in on their name...is this one of those instances ? Don't spare feelings I just need an honest opinion. It would be MOST appreciated.

[@seandaniel23]

Ok so the one in this vid is a great guitar but not the one you gave. I actually have a deluxe SS too that I reviewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/janIoaOEgpd-i7s Amazing guitar and I’ve seen them go for like $2k

[@CheddarKungPao]

D'angelico guitars are well made and come in cool colors. But their main selling point is nobody else delivers more headstock for your money.

[@seandaniel23]

Pound for pound best headstock in the game

[@marccarter1350]

How many times were you paid to mention Sweetwater?

[@seandaniel23]

Paid per syllable

[@Matt_bechillin]

I thought I was the only one that thought the pick guard on that model looked like an after thought. Mine is off aswell ! 😂. I have the same exact color with no pick guard. Im going to make a new pick guard from maple since the guitar is made of maple

[@seandaniel23]

You have excellent taste

[@jcburger733]

Thanks for your honest in-depth review and your thoughts on the D'angelico Mini DC guitar. Really appreciated!!!

[@scottenglert4083]

Got that same guitar in same color based solely on seeing it for the first time in your video. It is a thing of beauty and is lovely to play. I live near NYC and really dig the art deco look of the Chrysler Building and most anything else from that time period - the inspiration for design of the D'As...

[@profbongo1]

Sean, I love your videos. What doe you think of the Ibanez am93.

[@seandaniel23]

I've never actually played one. The artcores would really great for the money 10 years ago when i worked at GC. So i assume they're still pretty great.

[@profbongo1]

Thanks, Sean.

[@francilliamoise3340]

what is your opinion of firefly guitars

[@wormcultist6637]

Where are they built can someone @me please thanks in advance

[@konradhof7318]

The neck dive would be a deal breaker for me. The big body version also has neck dive. But maybe my right arm resting on it while standing would compensate sufficiently. But I’d rather have a guitar that balances so I can just focus on playing and not holding the neck up.

[@konradhof7318]

That said, a big leather guitar strap with suede back helps prevent neck dive somewhat.

[@bsfd510]

To get rid of the neck dive just shoelace the strap around the headstock

[@mikestrowbridge]

all semi hollows seem to be laminate top back and sides

[@bungalowbluesman]

I left the pickguard on mine. New trend 😉

[@dangarlockmusic5817]

You're a true ambassador of D'Angelico, I wouldn't know anything about them or have any interest if it wasn't for you. It's not a deluxe or a premier mini DC, but I loved everything about the Excel SS I played at my local guitar store - the one I mentioned on the discord. With the price being so comparatively low to a brand new model considering its in excellent condition I'll probably have to grab it either tomorrow or Thursday if its still there. Thanks Sean!

[@mkhud50n]

I tried that same guitar in a store about a year ago and when I was driving home I kept thinking about it. A year later and I’m still wishing I bought that guitar. This video makes me want to find one and buy it.

[@seandaniel23]

The time is NOW!

[@khman44]

Nice to see Sweetwater sponsoring your videos. My hometown music store. If you ever get a chance to visit the new music store, do it.

[@seandaniel23]

Yes! I hope to soon!

[@thefilmandmusic]

They should put a smaller lighter headstock on this model ..

[@davestrong8889]

I am very happy with my black dog Excel Mini DC. D’Angelico makes some great guitars for those of us who play blues.

[@seandaniel23]

Yes! Such a great guitar!

[@kirkwilliams2127]

Wish they still made this color. Oh, wait, this is the cheap version. Not the one I’d be interested in. But cool video.

[@gtr1952]

I started, and spent many years with Gibson. My 335 is my gold standard. I also have a LesPaul, PRS, a bunch of Fenders and some others. But my 335 is the go to, and that is what I get my favorite tones from. JMHO... 8) --gary

[@rabrown22000]

With the sound bar and subwoofer on my television, I wouldn't have realized you were playing a different guitar if I wasn't watching you switch between the Mini and the SS

[@KennedyIvy]

Wouldnt this just be a paid advertisement?

[@andrewhoult4630]

why don't you just put in some sort of weight at the bottom of the body of the guitar inside with some sort of double-sided tape so you can remove it whenever you want from guitar to balance it out remove the pickup put some sort of White at the bottom and then put the pick up back in maybe

[@AndreaSilvestro]

y hello Julianna guitar

[@seandaniel23]

an icon

[@toblue7451]

SEAN ? iM HAVING mY Gibson Blue Burst ES 137 "hollowed out" or "Chambered" ! Because its to Heavy for Me now ! """"WHAT do U Know / Think"""?? ABout "Hollowed Out Guitar Bodies????? THANKs ! Ol West

[@seandaniel23]

oooo, that'll be interesting. You need to let me know how that goes!

[@toblue7451]

@@seandaniel23 HAY Sean ! I Asked U First ! ANY Thing U Know about "CHAMBERing" a Guitar ! Please Share ! Ol west

[@stratolestele7611]

What in the heck are you doing with the crazy caps, "" "" and whatnot? Weird

[@calvinevans6347]

I bought one about 6 or 7 months ago (Sunburst). Buyers' Remorse? ABSOLUTELY!!! In my experience, if it's not the DELUXE models of D' Angelico or EXCEL models, don't buy it. I have a DELUXE Bedford that plays and sounds fantastic, but my PREMIER Mini DC sucks!!! It's made well, but I don't like the less than stellar sound it produces. Rather than buy this guitar, I suggest the IBANEZ Artstar AM153QA instead. It sounds great and is made very well and is far, far more versatile than most guitars of this style. I'm beginning to question the integrity of these KZbin guitar guys. They know damned well that the more costly models are more satisfying guitars in their collections. You get what you pay for. It's true.

[@seandaniel23]

Man sorry to hear about yours but that absolutely has not been the case with this one. I actually have 2 deluxe SS models and one of them (the green one i play on the channel a lot) is my absolute fave, but I actually prefer the mini in this video to the blue deluxe i have. That could be the issue with the less expensive ones that quality control between models doesn’t stack up, but I love this one!

[@gearViewmirror]

Hi Sean🤘🎸🤘

[@seandaniel23]

Hey hey

[@DreOnTheTrack]

Man a tremolo on this guitar would be amazing, still hoping to get one soon

[@30smsuperstrat]

After trying one out today, I am disappointed in the weight for a $2k semi-hollow guitar. The fact that it's still a Pac Asian import at that price is still pretty spendy. The Ibanez AS-153, JSM10, and JSM20, all have as good if not better fret treatment and are half the price, still with ebony fretboards. Even if you don't like the super 58 import pickups, a set of gold seth lovers will set you back $250 which is still less and they are lighter guitars to boot. Admittedly my disappointment was because the D'Angelico guitars look soooo good, and have a unique bright tone that is awsome for modern jazz, r&b, and low fi.

[@malcolmdonovan1725]

You get what you pay for, endless open box returns on these, buyer beware.

[@anthonynicholson5523]

Really! What are the complaints?

[@stratolestele7611]

Hmmm..."endless"? Do you work at Sweetwater or another big-box company?

[@davidfaustino4476]

Yeah these are just poorly designed. That headstock is absurd. The eastman T484 is only a couple hundred more and is an infinitely better 339 style guitar

[@toblue7451]

MAN, , , Sean ? Its Just a 335 with a Ugly Headstock ! Ol West

[@ashtonrouse5638]

Fix the fucking strap!

[@TheStrataminor]

Fix your language and comments first..

[@kenzeo]

Bunch of meandering and repetitious gibberish. Could have been reduced to 3 minutes.