Comprehensive Guide to D'Angelico Guitar Prices in 2025
The Complete D'Angelico Guitar Price Guide 2026: From Kenmare Street to the World
Last updated: February 2026
In 1932, on a narrow street in Manhattan's Little Italy, a man who had apprenticed to his grand uncle—a violin and mandolin maker—at age nine opened a workshop. His name was John D'Angelico. His address: 40 Kenmare Street. Over the next 32 years, working with never more than two assistants, he built 1,164 guitars. That's it. Thirty-five instruments per year at peak production. Each one a masterpiece of archtop lutherie. Each one now worth $15,000 to $100,000 or more.
When John D'Angelico died in 1964 at 59, the brand went dormant. The original instruments became museum pieces. Then, in 2011, something remarkable happened: D'Angelico was reborn. The revived brand honored the founder's New York archtop heritage while building guitars for the 21st century—from $249 Premier series solidbodies to $1,999 Deluxe hollowbodies, all carrying the Art Deco DNA that made 40 Kenmare Street legendary. D'Angelico is no longer just a collector's dream. It's a player's reality.
D'Angelico Guitar Market Overview 2026
D'Angelico's market spans two distinct worlds: museum-grade vintage originals and accessible modern production spanning solidbody, semi-hollow, and full hollow designs.
Key Market Statistics:
- Average Used D'Angelico Price: $680 (up 4% from 2025)
- Active Listings: Approximately 900 guitars currently for sale
- Monthly Sales Volume: Around 210 guitars sold per month
- Price Range: $200 (used Premier) to $100,000+ (original New Yorker)
The modern D'Angelico market is growing. Premier series guitars at $249-$1,199 offer exceptional value—the brand's lower mainstream recognition means used prices often run 20-30% below comparable Gretsch or Epiphone models. Original John D'Angelico instruments (1932-1964) operate in a separate market entirely, with vintage dealers and auction houses handling the rarest examples.
The D'Angelico Legacy: Kenmare Street to Global Revival
John D'Angelico (1932-1964)
John D'Angelico learned violin-making principles from his grand uncle and applied them to the archtop guitar. His workshop at 40 Kenmare Street produced instruments for the finest jazz and session musicians of the pre-war and post-war eras. The Excel and New Yorker models—introduced in 1936—defined the brand's identity for nearly a century.
What Made Original D'Angelicos Special:
- Hand-carved tops and backs
- Violin-style construction principles
- Inlaid headstocks and Art Deco appointments
- Stairstep tailpieces and distinctive body shapes
- James D'Aquisto apprenticed under D'Angelico (1952), later becoming a legendary luthier himself
The Numbers: 1,164 guitars in 32 years. Each one individually crafted. No two exactly alike. Today, an original New Yorker in excellent condition: $25,000-$100,000+. An original Excel: $15,000-$60,000.
The Revival (2011-Present)
Brenden Cohen, Steve Pisani, and John Ferolito Jr. relaunched D'Angelico in 2011. The brand was honored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "Guitar Heroes" exhibition. By 2018, a clear three-tier system emerged: Premier (entry), Excel (mid-range), and Deluxe (premium). The 2022 expansion into solidbody designs maintained the Art Deco aesthetic—skyscraper headstocks, stairstep tailpieces, New York DNA in every instrument.
D'Angelico Price Guide by Series
Premier Series: $249-$1,199
Entry-level instruments with authentic D'Angelico DNA—the best value proposition in the lineup.
Premier SS (Solidbody) (~$249-$449)
Specifications:
- Body: Solid mahogany or similar
- Neck: Mahogany, set-neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 frets
- Pickups: D'Angelico humbuckers
- Bridge: TOM with stopbar
- Scale: 24.75"
- Art Deco headstock and appointments
Premier DC (Semi-Hollow) (~$349-$549)
Specifications:
- Body: Semi-hollow with F-holes
- Maple laminate construction
- Same Art Deco appointments as SS
- One of the best semi-hollow values under $600
Premier EXL-1 (Hollow) (~$999-$1,199)
Specifications:
- Full hollowbody archtop
- Laminated maple
- Floating or mounted pickup options
- Entry to the D'Angelico hollowbody experience
Premier Bowery (Acoustic) (~$299-$499)
Specifications:
- Acoustic guitar with D'Angelico styling
- Solid top options
- Art Deco aesthetic
Used Premier Values: $200-$800 (excellent condition)
Excel Series: $699-$1,999
Mid-range professional instruments—the sweet spot for working musicians.
Excel SS (Solidbody) (~$699-$999)
Specifications:
- Premium solidbody construction
- Upgraded pickups and hardware
- Professional-grade fit and finish
- Art Deco appointments throughout
Excel DC (Semi-Hollow) (~$799-$1,199)
Specifications:
- Premium semi-hollow construction
- Enhanced electronics
- Competes with Gretsch and Epiphone Sheraton
Excel EXL-1 (Hollow) (~$1,499-$1,999)
Specifications:
- Professional hollowbody archtop
- Laminated or solid wood options
- Premium hardware and pickups
- Full-size body
Excel Mini DC (~$799)
Specifications:
- Compact semi-hollow
- Travel-friendly dimensions
- Full D'Angelico character
Used Excel Values: $500-$1,400 (excellent condition)
Deluxe Series: ~$1,499-$1,999
Top-tier modern production—premium materials and craftsmanship.
Deluxe SS (~$1,499-$1,699)
Specifications:
- Premium solidbody
- Highest-grade materials
- Custom Shop-level attention
Deluxe DC (~$1,699)
Specifications:
- Premium semi-hollow
- Deluxe appointments
- Professional electronics
Deluxe 175 (Hollow) (~$1,999)
Specifications:
- Full-size archtop
- Premium hollowbody
- Flagship modern production
Used Deluxe Values: $1,000-$1,500 (excellent condition)
Vintage Originals (1932-1964): $15,000-$100,000+
Master-built instruments by John D'Angelico—investment-grade collectibles.
Original New Yorker: $25,000-$100,000+ Original Excel: $15,000-$60,000 Original Style A/B: $10,000-$30,000
Authentication Critical: At these prices, expert verification is essential. Labels, serial numbers, construction details, and provenance documentation matter enormously.
The D'Angelico Aesthetic: Art Deco DNA
Every modern D'Angelico carries design elements that trace to 40 Kenmare Street:
Stairstep Tailpiece:
- Distinctive multi-level design
- Visual signature across all models
- Functional and decorative
Skyscraper Headstock:
- Inlaid headstock design
- New York architectural inspiration
- Immediately recognizable
F-Hole Design:
- On semi-hollow and hollow models
- Traditional archtop heritage
- Contributes to acoustic resonance
Finish Options:
- Matte Walnut, Wine, White, Natural
- Distinctive from Gibson/Gretsch palette
- Stage presence and visual identity
Why It Matters: No other brand at $249-$1,999 offers this level of cohesive design identity. A D'Angelico on stage is unmistakable—whether Premier or Deluxe.
Where to Buy D'Angelico Guitars: Platform Comparison
Online Marketplace Analysis
Reverb (Average Price: $750)
- Best selection of modern and vintage D'Angelico
- Knowledgeable hollowbody community
- 5.0% price appreciation year-over-year
- Best for: Premier, Excel, used Deluxe, occasional vintage
eBay (Average Price: $600)
- Good for Premier and Excel finds
- Auction format for vintage
- 3.5% price trend
- Best for: Budget Premier, used Excel
Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $650)
- Physical inspection available
- Semi-hollow feedback test in-person
- 4.0% appreciation
- Best for: Try-before-buy on modern models
Vintage Dealers (Average Price: $25,000+)
- Original John D'Angelico instruments
- Expert authentication
- 6.0% appreciation for vintage
- Best for: Investment-grade originals
Tips for Buying Used D'Angelico
- Modern vs. Vintage: Completely different markets. Modern ($200-$1,500 used) vs. original ($15,000+)—know which you're shopping.
- Electronics Check: Semi-hollow and hollowbody models have complex wiring. Test all pickup positions, tone controls, coil-splitting.
- Feedback Potential: Hollowbodies feedback at stage volume. Test at your typical playing level if possible.
- Art Deco Authenticity: Verify stairstep tailpiece, headstock inlay, and finish quality. Cosmetic elements define the brand.
- Authentication for Vintage: Never buy an "original" D'Angelico without expert verification. The market has replicas and misattributions.
D'Angelico vs. Competitors
How D'Angelico compares to alternatives in the semi-hollow and hollowbody space:
| Factor | D'Angelico Premier DC (~$449) | Gretsch Streamliner (~$450) | Gibson ES-335 (~$3,500) | Epiphone Sheraton (~$699) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Semi-hollow | Semi-hollow | Semi-hollow | Semi-hollow |
| Pickups | D'Angelico HB | Broad'Tron | 57 Classic | Epiphone HB |
| Aesthetic | Art Deco, NY | Gretsch sparkle | Gibson classic | Vintage |
| Origin | Import | Import | USA | Import |
| Character | Articulate, warm | Jangly, bright | Classic warmth | Balanced |
| Used Value | $300-$500 | $350-$500 | $2,500-$3,500 | $500-$600 |
D'Angelico Advantage: Unique Art Deco aesthetic, exceptional value at Premier tier, distinctive visual identity. No other brand at $249-$1,999 offers this level of design distinction.
When Others Win: Gretsch for Filter'Tron jangle. Gibson for classic ES-335 tone and brand prestige. Epiphone for Gibson-style at budget.
Famous D'Angelico Players
Artists who shaped D'Angelico's legacy:
- Pete Townshend (The Who): Original D'Angelico user
- Eric Clapton: Original D'Angelico in collection
- Chet Atkins: Original D'Angelico association
- John Pizzarelli: Jazz guitarist, D'Angelico advocate
- George Benson: Hollowbody master, D'Angelico heritage
- Countless jazz and session musicians: The original 1,164 instruments served the finest players of the mid-20th century
Investment Potential: Which D'Angelicos Hold Value?
Strong Appreciation
Original John D'Angelico (1932-1964):
- Museum-grade collectibles
- Finite supply—1,164 total ever built
- 5-8% annual appreciation typical
- New Yorker and Excel most valuable
Deluxe Series:
- Premium construction
- Lower production volume
- Strong retention potential
Moderate Retention
Excel Series:
- Professional quality
- 65-75% retention over 5 years
- Growing brand recognition supports values
Premier Series:
- Entry-level depreciation typical
- Exceptional value for players
- Used market strong due to affordability
Lower Retention
- Heavily modified instruments
- Damaged or refinished vintage
- Entry acoustic models
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right D'Angelico
For Beginners ($200-$500)
Recommended Models:
- Premier DC Semi-Hollow: ~$349-$549 new—best semi-hollow under $600
- Used Premier SS: $200-$350 used
- Premier Bowery Acoustic: ~$299-$499 if acoustic preferred
What to Prioritize:
- Art Deco aesthetic appeal
- Comfortable neck and body
- Functional electronics
For Intermediate Players ($500-$1,200)
Recommended Models:
- Excel DC Semi-Hollow: ~$799-$1,199 new
- Used Excel EXL-1: $900-$1,400 used for hollowbody
- Premier EXL-1 Hollow: ~$999-$1,199 new for full hollowbody entry
What to Prioritize:
- Semi-hollow vs. hollowbody (feedback considerations)
- Pickup quality and versatility
- Build quality and finish
For Serious Players and Collectors ($1,200-$100,000+)
Recommended Models:
- Deluxe DC or 175: $1,499-$1,999 new
- Excel EXL-1: Premium hollowbody at $1,499-$1,999
- Original John D'Angelico: $15,000+ for investment-grade
What to Prioritize:
- Construction quality
- Authentication for vintage
- Condition and originality
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are modern D'Angelico guitars related to the originals? A: They share the brand name, design heritage, and Art Deco aesthetic. They are not built by John D'Angelico (who died in 1964) or in his workshop. The revival honors his legacy while producing accessible instruments. Think of it as heritage-inspired, not continuation of original production.
Q: What makes D'Angelico's Art Deco design unique? A: The stairstep tailpiece, skyscraper headstock inlay, and New York aesthetic DNA. No other major brand at this price point offers this level of distinctive visual identity. It's immediately recognizable on stage.
Q: Is the Premier DC really one of the best semi-hollows under $600? A: Many reviewers and players agree. At $349-$549, you get authentic semi-hollow construction, D'Angelico styling, and playable quality. The used market at $300-$500 makes it even more compelling. It competes favorably with Epiphone Dot, Gretsch Streamliner, and Ibanez Artcore.
Q: How do I authenticate an original D'Angelico? A: Consult experts. Original D'Angelicos have specific construction details, labels, serial numbers, and provenance. Reputable vintage dealers and auction houses provide authentication. Never rely on seller claims alone for five-figure purchases.
Q: Do D'Angelico hollowbodies feedback easily? A: All hollowbodies can feedback at high volume. D'Angelico semi-hollows (DC models) are more manageable than full hollowbodies (EXL-1, Deluxe 175). For stage use with gain, semi-hollow is the practical choice. Full hollowbodies excel in jazz and lower-volume contexts.
Q: How does D'Angelico compare to Eastman for archtop guitars? A: Eastman offers exceptional value in archtop construction with more traditional jazz-oriented designs. D'Angelico brings the Art Deco New York aesthetic and distinctive visual identity. Both are strong values. D'Angelico excels at semi-hollow and distinctive styling; Eastman excels at traditional archtop craftsmanship. Choose by aesthetic preference and playing context.
Conclusion
D'Angelico's story spans two centuries and two worlds. From 40 Kenmare Street—where John D'Angelico built 1,164 masterpieces by hand—to the global revival that brings Art Deco elegance to players at every budget. The original instruments are irreplaceable. The modern lineup makes the heritage accessible.
The Premier DC at $349-$549 is one of the best values in semi-hollow guitars. The Excel series delivers professional quality that competes with Gretsch and Epiphone. The Deluxe tier approaches Custom Shop refinement. And for those with the means, an original New Yorker remains one of the most collectible guitars ever built.
From Kenmare Street to the world. From 1,164 instruments to hundreds of thousands. D'Angelico is back—and it's building guitars that honor the past while serving the present.
For the most current pricing and availability, check dangelicoguitars.com or authorized dealers. Vintage original prices vary significantly by condition, model, and provenance.
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This guide provides comprehensive information about D'Angelico guitars, including pricing trends, model comparisons, and buying advice.
Information is regularly updated to reflect current market conditions and pricing.