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Acoustic Guitars

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ELECTRIC MODELS

Although John D'Angelico prided himself on producing the finest acoustic archtop guitars, many of his customers ultimately outfitted them with DeArmond floating pickups as the guitar's role in modern music changed. Though he did make a few acoustic instruments with built-in pickups, D'Angelico electric guitars - sometimes referred to as the model "G-7" after the numbers stamped inside their bodies - were the luthier's concession to those clients wanting a non-carved, utilitarian guitar with built-in pickups. The plywood, maple cutaway bodies were obtained from either the United or Code companies, both located in New Jersey. To these, he affixed his hand-fashioned maple neck, replete with ebony fingerboard, block inlays, adjustable truss rod, and a distinctive five-point, flared headstock. As was typical of most of his instruments, the pearl D'Angelico script inlay adorned the headstock. Pickups vary from model to model, and they often reflected the requests of a particular customer. It is common to see non-original pickups in these electric guitars, as it reflected the working musician's desire to keep up with the latest electronic technology. Both single and double pickup, blonde, and sunburst models were produced. Body size was typically 16-16.5 in. wide, and body depth varied from 2.25-2.75 in. One seldom sees two identical D'Angelico electric guitars. In addition to all of the above, pickguards, tailpieces, knobs, and decorative headstock inlays changed according to what the luthier seems to have had on hand. Electric guitars are not recorded as part of the serialization in the D'Angelico ledgers. These guitars bring significantly less on the vintage market than comparable acoustic models. The publisher wishes to express his thanks to Mr. Jim Fisch for the above information. D'Angelico electric pricing: Prices for original instruments with no modifications/alterations are currently in the $7,500-$10,000 range, assuming excellent condition. It is highly recommended that several professional appraisals be secured before buying/selling/trading any D'Angelico electric instrument.