D'Angelico
Since 1932
D'Angelico was founded in 1932 by master luthier John D'Angelico in Manhattan's Little Italy, at 40 Kenmare Street. Apprenticed to his grand uncle (a violin and mandolin maker) at age nine, D'Angelico applied those principles to create the finest archtop guitars of the pre-war era. At peak production, he built only 35 instruments per year with two workers, completing just 1,164 guitars before his death in 1964 at age 59. Those original instruments are now worth $15,000-$100,000+. The brand was revived in 2011, and modern D'Angelico guitars honor the founder's New York archtop heritage with three tiers—Premier, Excel, and Deluxe—spanning solidbody, semi-hollow, and full hollow designs from $249 to $1,999.
94
Years in Business
300K+
Guitars Sold
$15M+
Annual Revenue
Complete D'Angelico Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about D'Angelico guitars.
D'Angelico Price Overview
D'Angelico covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$680
+4% vs last year
eBay Listings
900
Active listings
Sold This Month
210
+5% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$100,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
D'Angelico Timeline
40 Kenmare Street
John D'Angelico opened his workshop in Manhattan's Little Italy, crafting archtop guitars using violin-making principles learned from his grand uncle.
Excel & New Yorker
Introduced the Excel and New Yorker archtop models—names that defined the brand's legacy for nearly a century.
James D'Aquisto Apprentices
James D'Aquisto began apprenticing with D'Angelico, later becoming a legendary luthier in his own right.
John D'Angelico Passes
The master luthier died at age 59, having built only 1,164 instruments. Each became an irreplaceable collector's item.
Japanese Production
Small quantities of D'Angelico guitars produced in Japan from 1988-2004, maintaining the brand name during dormancy.
Brand Revival
D'Angelico Guitars officially relaunched under Brenden Cohen, Steve Pisani, and John Ferolito Jr. Honored at the Met's Guitar Heroes exhibition.
Global Distribution
Expanded to 125 US partnerships and 200 international dealers, establishing the revived brand's worldwide presence.
Three-Tier System
Refined the lineup into Premier (entry), Excel (mid-range), and Deluxe (premium) tiers, covering $249-$1,999.
Solidbody Expansion
Expanded beyond archtops into solidbody designs while maintaining the Art Deco New York aesthetic DNA.
Heritage Collections
Introduced limited Heritage Collection models honoring specific eras of John D'Angelico's original workshop production.
Complete D'Angelico Product Lineup
D'Angelico: from 40 Kenmare Street to the world—New York archtop heritage since 1932
Premier Series
Entry-level instruments with D'Angelico DNA
Single-cut at ~$249-$449
Double-cut at ~$349-$549
Full hollowbody at ~$999-$1,199
Acoustic at ~$299-$499
Excel Series
Mid-range professional instruments
Premium single-cut at ~$699-$999
Premium double-cut at ~$799-$1,199
Professional hollowbody at ~$1,499-$1,999
Compact semi-hollow at ~$799
Deluxe Series
Top-tier modern production
Premium solidbody at ~$1,499-$1,699
Premium semi-hollow at ~$1,699
Full-size archtop at ~$1,999
Vintage Originals (1932-1964)
Master-built instruments by John D'Angelico
Flagship—$25,000-$100,000+
Professional—$15,000-$60,000
Entry models—$10,000-$30,000
"D'Angelico: from 40 Kenmare Street to the world—New York archtop heritage since 1932"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Modern D'Angelico Guide
Art Deco Aesthetic
Every modern D'Angelico carries the Art Deco DNA—stairstep tailpiece, skyscraper headstock, and New York aesthetic. No other brand at $249-$1,999 offers this level of visual distinction
Premier Sweet Spot
The Premier series ($249-$1,199) delivers remarkable value. The Premier DC semi-hollow at $349-$549 is one of the best semi-hollow guitars under $600—period
Excel for Professionals
Excel series ($699-$1,999) targets working musicians. The EXL-1 hollowbody at $1,499-$1,999 competes with Gretsch and Epiphone Sheraton models costing similar or more
Vintage D'Angelico Guide
Investment-Grade Instruments
Original D'Angelico guitars (1932-1964) are museum pieces. Only 1,164 were built. The New Yorker at $25,000-$100,000+ is one of the most collectible guitars on earth
Authentication Critical
At these prices, authentication is essential. Original D'Angelicos have specific construction details, labels, and serial numbers. Consult experts and request documentation
Condition Sensitivity
Vintage D'Angelicos are 60-90+ years old. Cracks, refinishes, and replaced parts dramatically affect value. An all-original New Yorker is worth 3-5x a restored example
Used D'Angelico Buying Guide
Modern Used Value
Used modern D'Angelicos at $200-$800 are exceptional value. The brand's lower mainstream recognition means less used-market inflation compared to Gibson or Gretsch
Electronics Check
Semi-hollow and hollowbody D'Angelicos have complex wiring. Test all pickup positions, tone controls, and any coil-splitting functions. Feedback potential varies by model
Cosmetic Uniqueness
D'Angelico's distinctive finishes (Matte Walnut, Wine, White) and Art Deco hardware make these guitars visually distinctive on stage. Check that cosmetic elements are intact